Tubes ECC88/6DJ8? Need all the help I can get

Yep, I think we're on the same page too Detlof! Thanks for the clarification and no need to apologize...no offense was taken in the first place.

Cheers!

Thanks Jax2, Newbee, Detlof... Impressive amount of information on tubes! Tubes were totally unknown for me. But I have learned a lot for the last two days (I think I have, that is...). 1. NOS are USUALLY better than current production tubes; 2. NOS are many times fake BUT there are some dealers we can trust (like Jon) 3. Power tubes need to be matched. Preamp tubes also but it seems to be not as important as for power tubes. The same for NOS 4. There is no such thing (as there isn't for all audio matters) like the best tube. It will depend on the system and, of course, on personal taste. Nevertheless, within the ECC82 family, models like Amperex 7316, Tesla ECC802S, Sylvania GB-5814A or Siemens ECC82 seem to be worth a listen. So, I have one more question: according to your personal taste, and considering the tubes listed above or other, which ones do you like the best? And still one other remark: I do apologise for my English... Thanks!

TGM, in Jadis gear I have had the best results with:
1. Telefunken ECC803s and 802s. They must have the typical Telefunken diamond imprinted as part of the glass bottom of the tube.(not silkscreened but in the glass tubebody itself!)
2."Normal" Tele 83 or 82s with the diamond.
3. Mullards as a close second, or even a first with rather coolish equipment.
4.French Mazdas ECC83/82 are highly musical as well and a sleeper!
5. Amperex bugle boys if you want slam and dynamics and don't care so much for a warm midrange.
6. The Sylvania you mention
7. Personally found the Siemens 82 a bit "whitish" and grainy, did not like them.
All this is purely subjective anyway. Cheers,

AH! Now I think I get it...you are living IN Portugal!?? If so, what a beautiful country you live in! I enjoyed visiting there back in 1999. I'm sorry that I did not realize that (if it is true) in answering your questions about buying tubes from abroad (so obviously your English is excellent and there is no need for apologies). There are many reputible dealers in Europe that have all kind of wonderful tubes available, and because you are over there (at least I think you might be) you should probably seek them out. Germany and Switzerland both have some reputable dealers and are not far from you. Anyway, glad to help you in whatever small way I could, but as I mentioned I cannot comment on the tubes you are interested in and will leave that to those with more direct experience with that tube type.

Good luck!!

Yes, Jax2, I do live Portugal. So where have you been in Portugal (please, do not say Algarve only...)? About REPUTIBLE dealers in Europe, are you aware of their links (if there are any)? And your help was not small at all. On the contrary, it was quite usefull for me to get into this tubes' business. Thanks for all, Jax2!