Tube info

The question is what type of sonics are you looking for from your amp?

I was very pleased with the Brimar CV4003/12AU7 from Upscale... provided warmth with extension. When I changed my power tubes, I went with NOS Tung Sol 12AU7’s which provided transparency and realism. Fantastic tubes and affordable.
Have also tried RCA 5814, but they were better suited for an input gain stage due to their wonderful timbre.

Here is another link with some great info on the different 12au7 tube types and manufacturers, and on how each brand sounds.
http://www.audiotubes.com/12au7.htm

Japanese NOS like NEC are very good.....basically no noise that i can discern, and cheap.  Of course NOS RCA 5814A as well.

Jump on Amperex NOS asap they are the best by far.

But none of the European brands are cheap...