Signal tube versus power tube, sound impact?

We have one answer that says power tube> signal tubes and another that says signal tubes>output tubes.  Hmmm.

@hilde45  , I am only relating to OP what I was told by Andy of Vintage Tubes many moons ago, and what my own experience was with replacing Svetlanta 6550s with NOS Tunsol 6550s.  I do not claim that either Andy's advice or my own experience is gospel that will apply to everyone. 

We have one answer that says power tube> signal tubes and another that says signal tubes>output tubes.  Hmmm.

. . . and actually, it looks as if it was two answers for outputs>signals versus one answer for signals>outputs. . . .

Start with the small tubes/preamp tubes. If you go with power tubes first, you will correctly wonder if you are hearing them for what they are...and the answer is no. Marginal signal tubes fed to exceptional power tubes stands a better chance of remaining marginal. An exceptional signal tube sent to marginal power tubes stands a better chance of improving things. If you feed your amplifier the best signal possible, then you will be hearing them at their optimal. My 2 cents and most likely...you will change both, otherwise, it will feel like a Larry David skit.

I have noticed more difference changing the output tubes.

@ellajeanelle This has been my experience too. Especially recently, swapping from KT88 to KT120 (in amps that support this) effects a huge difference. Swapping between different brands of KT88 also makes a large difference, though not quite as much.

That said, yes small signal tubes can make a significant difference as well. Especially whatever tubes are tasked with driving multiple KT tubes.

Many folks claim small signal swaps are more cost effective since NOS / vintage types are still reasonably available, and these tubes can last several times longer than their power counterparts. And certainly, amps that use an octet (of more) or KT88 (or whatever) really rack up the tube bill! I just swapped an octet of Tung-Sol KT120 in place of Gold Lion KT88 for a VAC statement 450S. Made a HUGE difference. I also swapped its sextet of 6SN7’s (mix of NOS and new). That made a smaller (but still large) difference - and yes I tried many various combinations! In other amps I have preferred Gold Lion KT88 over KT120. And EH KT88 also sound different from GL KT88, despite being made in the same factory - just a matter or personal preference (GL are voiced more "audiophile").

The KT88 and KT120 are close enough to be reasonably compatible (bias, loading etc), but different enough to sound quite different. It’s a fun swap :)
Just clear it with your amp maker first. Anything running a KT120 near its limits would fry a KT88, and KT120 draw a bit more heater current from the power transformer.

As for JJ - I had a run of bad JJ encounters in the past (~15 years ago) and never gave them another chance since then. My rule for the longest time has been to bin JJs immediately, whenever a component arrives with them inside.