Recommend new EL84 tubes

Firstly, thanks to all who have responded.

The originals were certainly reliable and have lasted well and the sensible thing would be to use them again but my mate is asking for something that sounds better. My last experience in a DIY amp of mine was with JJ EL84 which I thought were just OK but not great. Difficult making decisions for a friend especially in a different country where he will be ripped off.

Brent Jesse let me return tubes I did not like the sound of, after he told me to play them for 60 hours to see if their sound changed to my liking.

I chose less costly alternates, he gave me a refund for the difference in cost, happy I am.

https://www.audiotubes.com/

It's not just the power tubes that effect the sound.

It's not just the power tubes that effect the sound.

Sure, that's why I posted : "He also needs a pair of 12AT7's. Best quality needed for this position"

Your link to audiotubes is great.  I have just been reading the ECC81/12AT7 page. I did not realise there were that many alternatives.

+1 Gold Lion N709/EL84

Jim McShane Tubes

+2 on the Gold Lion N709/EL84 and on buying them from Jim McShane. Great sounding, reliable tubes and an exceptionally knowledgeable and honorable dealer.