12ax7's to roll

I second the Ei 12AX7 suggestion. The older Ei's, with the white lettering are the ticket. FWIW, I am currently using a pair with a CAL Alpha, and I prefer them to NOS GE 5751 that cost a lot more $$. I may be mistaken, but I think Ei is still in business. I have a pair of (I believe) current production Ei 12X7 Gold Pin Elites, but they don't sound as good as the older ones.

Amperex or Mullards. 5751 has a rated gain of 70, while a 12AX7 is rated at 100. You may not want to reduce the gain.

The "Best" all depends on the circuit it is being used in. I like the Amperex "60's" version best, but also like Telefunkens, but some are a bit bright, the Mullards are very warm, but good for many circuits. Those are the big 3 at the top of the food chain IMHO. Next come the Sylvanias, GE's, and Ei white lettering, and falling in line after that is the other EH, Sovtek's, and some of the Chinese 12AX7's are a surprise. Unfortunately, you may need 10 to get a good one. You really need a few of all of them to play. If you are really wanting the good ones, get the Bugle Boys of the 50's. Just be ready to part with a few big coins. 150-300ea. depending on the vintage and supply which is getting smaller. jallen

Some 12AX7 and 12AU7s can last up to 10,000 hours. As has been said, Telefunkens are known for long life. Some tubes were advertised as 10,000 hour tubes such as the Mullard 10M line. I think that 3-5,000 hours is more realistic.

Small signal tubes, like any tube, can conk out at any time. Most won't though. They more often become noisy or microphonic. That's part of the crapshoot. It's always a good idea to have a spare set of tubes in case this happens. A good dealer can advise you on this topic as well.

As other's have posted here, and I'm appreciative of their comments, each tube make and vintage will usually supply a different flavor.

As for hours? outside of the Amperex & tungsol tubes rolling in new ones every other year of usage is a very nice thing. Not necessarily a needed thing, just a nice thing. Fresh tubes from a great vendor whose abilities to test thoroughly each tube sold is imperitive. i'm not keen on Audio tubes, formerly Brent Jessie tubes... BTW, Why the name change?

FYI ... His return policy bares greater investigation.

Andy Bowman of VINTAGE TUBES isn't the cheapest place to buy tubes, but I've never had to return any to him either. that's very important. Very. I'm sure too, if one did fail outright soon after receipt Andy would take care of it. Great guy, and excellent products.