How are Mullards supposed to sound?

Original Mullards are hard to find, some dealers are selling old and used 4004s with labels and Nos saying that are new. Better get them from someone you trust.

Tom, absolutely! While I don't actually dedicate all my professional time to earn a living selling audio gear, I just fill out the forms, cut and mail in my checks to buy my ad space, list all the details, take photos, etc., in effort to sell my stuff. After all that effort I can't be bothered wasting any more time on people that just kick my proverbial tires only to end up spending much more money on a brand new item, complete with box, manual, accessories, and warranty at some Brick & Mortar salon. I'd much rather just take my chances just holding on to stuff longer and pay for more/longer ad space with the hope that my right kind of buyer might eventually come along. Without fail anybody that has ever purchased audio gear at a B&M, never, ever actually buys stuff on Audiogon. Every single last one of them is just the same, a contemptible lot that should be shunned at first chance. In this economy I can't be bothered wasting time for money.

Before buying tubes from Kevin, he asked me what equipment I was using, not where I bought it. With that information, he told me which tubes would be best for my gear and I followed his advice. Since I didn't buy my equipment from Kevin, I didn't get the 50% price reduction that Layman would get. I have read both negative and positive remarks directed towards Kevin, but he was great with me and I am glad I bought the tubes from him.

Layman, yes tube rolling is a roll of the dice, especially if you are buying tubes say on Ebay. Those tubes that look like they just came off the production line may be all used up.

It takes a lot of study, purchasing a tube tester (another adventure)and quite a few bad purchases to become knowledgeable about tubes as you have found out buying new production Mullards that you thought were the same as new old stock Mullards.

I think the best way to go for people new to tubes is to find a reputable dealer and take his advice.