Replasment for Mullard Long Plates?

Current Tung Sol sound fine in my rig (compared to some JJs and old Mesas I had hanging around)...seems like a goldless Gold Lion, but if the Gold Lions are truly better I need to know why and how and I will then get them and stick the bastards right in there.

If you like the Mullard sound go with CV4004.

Stevecham...are the Gold Lion's innards (technical term) the same as the modern Tung Sols? They look very similar.

There are still a few NOS 12AX7s available. If I were you I would pursue a search. I saw some Sylvanias as a group of 5 NOS NIB for a fair price. There are still Mullards but like you said striaght labeled newish looking ones are almost non existant. I use 5751s for most 12AX7 duties but these too are scarce and not always the best tube for your application. These Noval double triodes do seem to last a long long time, it may be justifiable to invest in a good pair.

RCA Black-plate D getter version from the late 50's era will get you very close to the long-plate Mullard at half the price. Albeit with a touch more warmth.