Buying Tubes Again; Maddening

Well, as they say, YMMV... I would think that the whole mix can interact in sometimes unpredictable and funny ways, particularly in regard to things like an "organic" character. I never heard anything about unusual noise levels with the JJ's in circuit; I can't at this point speak directly on the matter -- haven't heard it yet. Good luck, and let us know what worked if you find the key.

I used the Genelex reissue 12ax7 in a preamp and phono preamp, and they worked fine. Good enough. Still better than SS. No, not quite the equal of fine NOS, but better than Sovtek/EI, which sounds strident in my gear. I got tired of obsessing about and paying for NOS tubes. This way, I can also use tube amplification for the tv, with no worries - which sounds great.

Contact member Trelja for Psvane and Shuguang tubes.

I find the 12AX7 to be a terrific value in the context of NOS pricing.

IMO

I would try a different phono stage. If tubes are properly respected by the designer they should last a long time.

Sounds_real_audio, Can you please explain how a tube is properly respected by a designer?