Vintage tube suggestions

It is late 50s to 60s NOS Tele is what I am talking about. Mullard is also great as well. Mullard is little bit richer in the mid then telefunken. In my system, Tele has a better and bigger soundstage then mullard but less creamy.  Only new production 12ax7 I like is Generex gold lion brand.

What preamp do you own? Also what is your amp? The type of circuit and design is important in tube rolling. If you want detail, good imaging, transparency, then Telefunken or Siemens. Want warmer, liquid mids, then Mullard. RCA BlackPlates are great for slightly warm sonics with great soundstaging. These are all NOS recommendations.

I think it will be difficult to find Tele’s for $100 each. Plus each manufacturer made 12ax tubes with different internal structures.
If I was to choose one tube it would be the Mullard CV4004 (12AX7). Brimar is another good tube, similar to Mullard but more extended. Both made in the UK.

I see someone selling both the ribbed plates and the smooth plates at 
the same price. Is either a better deal at the same money?

I second the NOS Mullard CV4004.  An excellent rich sounding tube.

markj, The smoothplate  Telefunkens usually sell for more, but many people think they sound the same.

It would help a lot if you told us what preamp you have and what kind of sound you're looking for.