TUBE NOOB: WHAT BRAND

Johnbrown: I don't expect ass kissing, but a degree of respect towards people taking their time to help seems like a fair trade.

>> Yes, the operative phrase being "taking their time to HELP". Unfortunately that condition was hardly by the initial posters who decided to handwave at the question.

You're a piece of work-good luck with that. Bye.

Dfelkai - "Will someone please do my research for me and tell me what to do?"

Audiogoners- "You really need to do your own research for yourself because we do not have your gear, your music, your ears, or your perceptions."

Defelkai - "You guys are not helpful and mean, too"

It is hard to get a specific answer to general questions.

With regard to your questions:

1) I know some brands will be junk, a warning would be nice.
One man's junk is another's prize possession.

2) Do you have to match these tubes the way you do power tubes?
Not neccessarily but it could help marginally or a great deal depending.

3) What specification will illustrate how a tube handles microphonics?
Microphonics are a mechanical abberation that will not be revealed by the specs

4) How can I test them electronically to make sure I am getting what I pay for?
Buy a tube tester & shop for price being sure to compare tubes that are equal in manufacture, that is one was not made in the USA in 1954 and the other in China in 1998 though they say they are the same brand and type.

Does that help any or will I be added to the "no-nothings" that have already tried?

Dfelkai-

Like my replies or not, but it seems that some of the other members are pretty much saying the same thing that I am...

Dfelkai - "Will someone please do my research for me and tell me what to do?"

Which is what I said in the beginning, didnt I ? But I am the bad person for saying it according to you. Why have the internet if you arent going to use it for what it was intended for ????

Seems that you still have a lot to learn in this hobby, and maybe someday you will have a better understanding of things.

Dfelkai,may I ask what was wrong with my post.I made a statement and a suggestion.Neither was made to belittle you or marginalize your question.I believe I made valid points on both statements.In case you misunderstood my intensions I will try again.First,the term you used "I want the best one possible" is wide open to debate from everyone who uses those tubes,each person will think their favorite is "the best one possible".Second,you listed some brands and I sugguested you try some out to see if you like them or not.If this is "handwaving" I guess I'm guilty.