What are we going to do about Tele 12AU7 prices

Have you tried the Sophia Electric 12AU7? I hear got things

Try the GE 12au7’s sold by Kevin at Upscale Audio.
https://upscaleaudio.com/products/ge-12au7-6189w

I use one in my Tavish Design classic phono amp. Sounds good to me and it is very quiet. 

Mozartfan call Brent Jesse and ask about Mazda tubes. Made for the French Military. The 12AU7 silver plate is similar to Tekefunkens extended top end. The 6189 is similar but a little on the warmer side.

Just a guess but I think you would like the Silver plate if you favor the Telefunken sound.

Please explain this to me. In a hobby where interconnect cables and speaker cables cost thousands of dollars someone is complaining about tubes that cost $120?

Try Psvane from vivatubes.

I had Psvane 12AX7's. = trash next to a  Tele