IMO with my ears, no.
I bought new Chinese EL34s from a local tube matcher in Cleveland and they sound wonderfull in my RAM-9mkii. I would just start with matched new production Chinese EL34's and see how they sound. About 160 to 200 for the octet. I can give you the contact info on my guy in Cleveland if you want.
I bought new Chinese EL34s from a local tube matcher in Cleveland and they sound wonderfull in my RAM-9mkii. I would just start with matched new production Chinese EL34's and see how they sound. About 160 to 200 for the octet. I can give you the contact info on my guy in Cleveland if you want.