Tube rolling newbie- how to choose NOS tubes

+ whatever on Brent Jessee.

@kennyc  here is the link to his website, if you click on the specific tube type you are interested in a page will come up with impressions on different brands and equivalent tube models

I haven't used Vintage Tube Services , but as noted by another member he gets good reviews. Another option is TubeDepot

+1 brent jesse

he had me break a set in (simply leave unit on for 60 hrs, no music playing needed), then let me return them.

I tried a different pair, loved them, and they were half the price, full refund for the difference in price.

To void risk of being skimmed, buy current tubes.

+6 on Brent Jesse.

But first start with reading user experiences here. Go through a ton of them so that you have a fairly good idea on the "flavor" for each brand of NOS.

Then reach out to Brent Jesse and don't ask him about the NOS tubes you shortlisted. Just tell him YOUR preference - what you like your music to sound like or what you would not like. TBH, in my mind (reading experiences here), I would have thought about Amperex Bugle Boys. Based on my needs he advised  on Mazda Grey plates 1960s tubes. All I can say is I am super thrilled with these tubes. One thing about NOS is - they are so good that I did not feel the need to break them in. Of course, they will get better with time. But starting with hour 1 itself was a revelation.

The thing I do not like about NOS is - they are like drugs - you can check them out, but you cannot get off 🤨

"To void risk of being skimmed, buy current tubes."

Buy from credible vendors and you don't have to worry about it