Question for tube aficionados

lowtubes,

It certainly is true that the phono stage of the PV11 is wonderful.
 I’ve placed a bid for a pair of Amperex 7316 tubes on eBay.
Meanwhile, I’m sampling NOS Telefunken AU7 tubes.
Amazingly, these tubes have brought the sound of the line stage very close to the phono stage. If I win the bid for the Amperex, I’ll compare them to the Telefunken.

Rvpiano,
I’m not surprised that you notice such a significant improvement in the sound quality. The point numerous posters have made on this thread is true, better quality tubes are unquestionably impactful. Congratulations. I didn’t understand the comments of some who suggest that there wouldn’t be much of a difference. Average quality tubes will only restrict/limit the true potential of your preamplifier. The basic design and circuit of the PV 11 is good, but held back by mediocre tubes in the line section. 
Charles

Thank you, Charles.

CJ’s answer to the question of the effect of the line stage tubes on the phono section of the PV11:

“If you are connecting the PV-11 MAIN OUTPUT to your power amp, then the
12AU7 in the line stage would affect the sound quality. If you are only
using the record output then the 12AU7 are not in the audio circuit.”

Well, I got the Amperex 7316 tubes today.  Excellent tubes.
In preliminary testing, comparing them to the Telefunken 12AU7’s, I found the Amperex to have stronger bass and a bigger and more forward presentation than the Telefunken, but the Telefunken has a more refined and perhaps, clearer sonic picture.
Both are excellent tubes at almost the same exact price. My dilemma is, I can return the Telefunken, the Amperex, I cannot.
I don’t know if it’s practical to keep both.