There is a WWII era military RCA, I think that a lot of folks like and it isn’t crazy money. I’ll see if I can find it for you and post here. I have used old Mullard fat base 1st series, which was OK, not as good as metal base Mullard which is now very expensive too. I do think that Dubstep Girl write up is pretty informative, not that i’d go throw hundreds of dollars at an unknown tube, but at least you have an interesting list of things to consider. More later....
OK, it is a WW2 Double Bottom getter RCA JAN CRC 5R4GY. If you look up Allnic, rectifiers and Rockitman (who does post here occasionally), he thinks these are the next best alternative to the WE, which are tres expensive. The RCA is not stupid money and is probably worth a try. I gather that the WWII era ones are better than the later ones, but take a look at some of the anecdotals. It may also be covered in the Dubstep list too.
good luck and good listening- enjoy your phono stage!