04-04-15: CtsoonerIMHO, DEAD wrong!
I have been a tube owner for years and years and have gone with tubes from the manufacturer every time. They match them and know what sounds best. Often they will have a signature line (Jim White knows what tubes he feels are best and puts them in his sig series). I've heard people put different tubes in my gear or other gear and it may change the sound a bit, but a few times I felt it hurt the sound. If you decide to tube roll, I wish you luck as it will cost you a lot and you may or may not even like what it does. JMHO and there will be at least ten others who will say I am wrong,
Companies realize 99.99999...% of customers will roll so they don't bother using rare NOS for stock. Plus they probably don't have enough inventory to support a product line. Of course there are exceptions such as Shindo ...
I agree rolling tubes can get expensive this is a hobby and for me, it's part of the enjoyment.