Does a tube need the break-in hours?

I have hundreds of tubes from the 50's and 60's.  No problems.  Much better than most current production.

niodari,  unless your old tubes were exposed to extreme conditions like very hot and cold temperatures, they should be OK.  Fifteen years is not much to a tube.  Tubes from the 40s still work fine.  You may need to have your Stingray checked out.  It may be the problem.

I’m having trouble understanding your question . If you have multiple failures with new Tubes that have been stored , it sounds like your amp needs service . Some of the newer  Manley’s have changed Tube values due to Tube availability . While power tubes take 100-200 hours to break in , input/driver Tubes also require some time.  Usually less . If your tube pins ( legs ) are oxidized , clean them with De-oxit and a Q-tip . Also contact Manley directly and you will get a more knowledgeable response . Also IMHO NOS Telefunkens are some of the best Tubes on the planet . Unfortunately, their price reflects this .  But I would definitely contact Miss Eva at Manley . Happy Listening , Mike. 

Thanks guys, Mike and tomcy6 !! The tubes were kept properly, of course. And I bough them directly at Manley in Chinos, CA, about 15 years ago (they were not expensive at all). It did not clean the pins (legs), I though, since the problem is not permanent, this may not help. More importantly, i did not think that tubes may also fail because of some problem in the amp. I think now I have enough info to ask to Miss Eva Anna at Manley. Thanks again!
nodari

I just retubed.... and actually changed variety.    That said I think sometimes your brain, ears, and expectations can sometimes play tricks on you.  I had an older quad of Gold Lion KT 66 , with brand new speakers so it was a poor frame of reference to begin with.

I installed a quad of Mullard EL 34 and after letting it settle and checking the bias again I wasnt overwhelmed,   So i let it play and came back a little later and it sounds fantastic....  I think after an hour or so a tube amp is "ready" so to speak