Thanks to the new Google's "feature" preventing me from adding to the original thread (no "reply" allowed after 30 days) I'll have to start a new one.
Around May 19, I posted the above request for subs for outputs for the Pioneer VSX-454 surround receiver. Jurb gave a technique for replacing the outputs with 220 ohm resistors across the B-E pads to check the drivers without blowing up more output transistors. I tried his technique, and it worked. No DC on output, tried headphone jack. I have an old pair of 600 ohm Sennheisers, so no problem driving them. I was surprised how alike the two channels sounded, considering one channel was missing its output stage.
Anyway, I ordered the new transistors from B&D. They had Toshiba
2SC3281s but a sub for the 2SA1302. The hardest part was then getting the 2 flameproof resistors & fuse I needed, as B&D didn't sell them and I no longer had enough to meet MCM's minimum order. I needed an 8 amp 5x20 mm fuse, the biggest I could find was 6.3 amp at Radio Shack, and I got the resistors at an electronic/industrial surplus store. All the 150 ohm flameproofs they had were 1 watts, luckily enough room on the board to fit them - originals were 1/4 W. After seeing them light up orange when the amp first blew, I wasn't going to use regular carbons in there.
The receiver's been working now for about 3 weeks - I just wanted to make sure the repair held up before posting this follow up.
Mike WB2M