Question for tube aficionados

Cheap present day 12a*7 types will never equal the sound quality and lifespan of vintage types!

I have always gotten solid advice and feedback from Brent Jesse, Andy at Vintage Tube Services, and Upscale Audio. I’ve purchased from all three over the past 20 years, and have not gotten a bad tube from any of the three. 

I would start by replacing the two 12AU7s in the line stage with a very high quality matched pair, as all sources will run through that preamp stage. Replace each additional tube type in phono section in stages to evaluate what each is doing to your sound for your future reference. You may notice some tube positions make larger differences than others.  Have fun!

I've had three different CJ tube preamps over the years.  I found that European as well as some Japanese NOS tubes made a significant difference/improvement.  Be careful to get low noise tubes, particularly in the phono section.

Having tube rolled integrated amps, phono stages, and amplifiers, I can say that tubes can make all the difference in terms of gain, clarity and other aspects. The tubes in your CJ pre will make the most difference. I replaced the stock 12ax7 tubes in my pre with GE 5751 tubes and it made an incredible difference in terms of clarity, gain, presence, and soundstage. Those tubes were $60 each, but it was an immeasurable investment.

But I also did my research in terms of what tubes were the most complementary to my unit beforehand.

 

@hedgehog gives good advice above about how and when to replace tubes: line stage first, then phono section, and make mental notes of the sound changes as you progress.

1. Line stage: 2 x 12AU7: I’m assuming
2. Phono: 1 x 5751 and 3 x 12AX7
https://conradjohnson.com/owners-manuals/pv11man.pdf

12AU7s: Lots of good opportunities here.
The NOS Mullards are end stage tubes for many, meaning once you hear it, you never let go of the tubes. I bought 4 matched of these tubes for about $125 each after shipping, taxes, matching, etc. from Upscale last year to try in my PrimaLuna tube integrated. I also needed a softer top end b/c I have ribbon tweeters in my speakers, which can burn your ears with more aggressive tube profiles.

The Mullards (specifically the M8136 model from Upscale) are expensive, yes, but everything they said was true: softened but very beautiful top end slightly rolled off. The soundstage is to do for, it puts the band in the room with you. Not many cons to this tube other than a slightly rolled off bottom end. RV, I think this would be an obvious choice for you.

The NOS Brimars are excellent too at $80 each, I have a pair, BUT it does not offer the softened top end you are looking for.

The RADIOTECHNIQUE 12AU7s: for $95 each, have not tried, but probably excellent+.

there are other NOS tubes out there. I recommend going to Upscale website, and watching the videos on each tube that they sell.