Jsman, I think the Amperex 6BQ5's that I've tried are right there with the Mullards. The reason I mentioned the Mullards by name as a favorite is because I just happened to be listening to to my Heathkit UA-2's with the Mullards installed when I responded above. These particular ones measure at about the minimum threshold for use and they still really sing.
Amperex made some wonderful tubes of all ilks. My favorite family of tubes. I really like their A-frame 6DJ8. It suits my ear better than the more popular Bugle Boy or even the PQ 6922 or 7308.
As a matter of fact, I'm hard pressed to name a "bad" sounding OS 6BQ5. To my ear, they all have their different charms. The GE seems to me to have a more complete presentation of balance, weight, air, extension, control, staging and tonal accuracy.
Every once in awhile, I'll drop in some RCA oval plates for their sheer speed and muscular athleticism. Like a middleweight champion. I even like the (Soviet)Russian 6Pi14Pi - a bargain offset to those who need the tougher 7189 type.
Best of luck to you.
Amperex made some wonderful tubes of all ilks. My favorite family of tubes. I really like their A-frame 6DJ8. It suits my ear better than the more popular Bugle Boy or even the PQ 6922 or 7308.
As a matter of fact, I'm hard pressed to name a "bad" sounding OS 6BQ5. To my ear, they all have their different charms. The GE seems to me to have a more complete presentation of balance, weight, air, extension, control, staging and tonal accuracy.
Every once in awhile, I'll drop in some RCA oval plates for their sheer speed and muscular athleticism. Like a middleweight champion. I even like the (Soviet)Russian 6Pi14Pi - a bargain offset to those who need the tougher 7189 type.
Best of luck to you.