Russian Tubes or Old "American" Tubes (built where ever)?

Based upon my personal experience with my Premier 16, you should either consider the Telefunken 7DJ8 (they are the 7 volt version of the 6DJ8), or other NOS 7DJ8's.  Check Upscale Audio.  None of the Russian tubes IMO even come close.

So you have a 'backup set of Russian EH tubes' and want to know how they compare to your legacy Amperex tubes . 

Yes and no. The Amperex have worn out and I wanted opinions on the Russian tubes (especially if someone has experience with the CJ pre). I've heard good things about various tubes (recently, Russian tubes). In the name of saving money and time, I wanted to tap into the collective wisdom of the Audiogon community and see what you guys would recommend testing with this pre-amp. NOS tubes can wind up being a fortune (this CJ takes 4). I'm still open to suggestions and even suggestions on how you guys may systematize the process. 

Should have said that the 7dj8 can sound just as good their 6 volt counterpart and they can be had for 1/2 the cost.  They worked particuarily well in my P16 and will work in your 17 as well.  Never had a russian tube in my unit that even came close. For an additional investment of $30-$40 a tube (x4 tubes) over new russian tubes you'll be very happy.

A quality matched new old stock will for sure outlast a Russian tube by years

Andyat vintage tube services is by a country mile the most knowledgeable
he test tubes in over 8 catagories read his web pages I have bought from him since the 80s. The only down side sometimes a pain too contact Lio mailbox
on phone and email  may take 30 days to answer. You choose how critical the grading  by price  the close the tube yo perfect the higher the cost 
and his prices are fair. Nos tubes were all night and day better built in many ways 
they inspected internal parts every  50- 100 pieces in many cases.
today by the 10000s  the metal formulas used to be better ,the vacuum much better . Please remember there was no solid state ,these were critical in your tv,
or military if you see a W,wa, Jan more critically inspected ,in some PQ,SQ quality. For examples.40s - mid 70s end of an era.
today emmision labs aren’t very good for direct heated triode power tubes.