Not every stage in a preamp or amp needs NOS tubes. There are phase splitters and cathode-followers which have less sonic affect on the circuit. New production tubes are cheap and also sound good as power tubes. There are some really good quality Russian tubes now, and I believe they will continue to get better sonically.
Some of the high quality Chinese tubes cost as much as some NOS. If given the choice, I would buy NOS from a trusted dealer.
Some of the high quality Chinese tubes cost as much as some NOS. If given the choice, I would buy NOS from a trusted dealer.