12ax7 tube recommendations for Croft Phono Integrated

I just installed 3 Amperex (mini watt) from Brent Jesse.I'm enjoying them quite a bit. A bit more natural (less grainy) sounding than the stock JJ's. Nicely balanced tube, that seems to get out of the way with no deficiencies that I can detect. They cost around $200 for the trio, including the matching of the 2 phono stage tubes. 

I really like the SVETLANA 12AX7 in my phono stage. Better than the NOS tubes I’ve tried from Brent Jessee, who is really great.

I posted further up but want to reiterate to help you guys out. I have been a Croft aficionado since the 80s. I have tried almost everything in these amps over the years. I strongly recommend new Shuguang Black 12AX7LPS from Grant Fidelity. They need 20 hours burn in. Detailed without glare, open, sweet as a nut, transparent, with excellent stage and bass. If you don't dig them, I will buy them from you (for a discount!)

I used 5751 in the phono stage - lower gain level but absolute velvet. Changed stock JJ with NOS Siemens really opened up mid range.
 Electro harmonix not as good, not tried NOS mullards but heard they are fab too ..... 

I second the recommendation for Brett Jessee. He is a real straight shooter. Also, when it comes to NOS tubes, spend a little get a little, spend a lot get a lot. Buy one set of great tubes, don’t buy an assortment of mediocre tubes otherwise you will just end up with tubes you want to sell later.   And do ask about depth.  I have found the most detailed sound can be ruined by lack of openness and depth. 

I’m a huge fan of the Genelex Gold Lion for input tubes. I use them on my tubed DAC (12ax7) and on an Audio Research VT60 (6922) with great effect.

They are current production and readily available which is something that your component manufacturer will design around. They won't design for out of production tubes in mind. Also, if you like them you can get them again when/if they go bad.

You can also try GE triple mica black plates 5751 for a very detailed sweet sound and lower gain. Not great depth but a lovely black background.

Vintage Mullards if you like warm rolled-off sound.
Vintage Telefunkens if you want a clean, detailed, airy, neutral sound.
New Shuguang LS Black from Grant Fidelity for Telefunken-like sound with even lower noise floor and more detail.

I upgraded the pair of 12ax7s that came with the 7R amp with NOS Mullards and the improvement was very dramatic. 

Check on Matsushita 12ax7 from VTS.  I just got them from Andy for my Conrad Johnson Phono.  Wonderful tubes.  Japanese Mullards at a fraction the cost.

Thanks for the recommendation on VTS.  His website is very informative- will give him a call.

Best, Scott

I agree with jperry. Call Andy at VTS and discuss your options.

Call Andy at Vintage Tube Services. He will help you make a good decision.

Can't really recommend anything without knowing what type sound you really want. What tubes are in the Croft now? What's wrong with them? Anyhow here is a link to Brett Jessee's web site where he compares sonic signatures. But remember the topology of the amp can make a huge difference in the sound signature.
http://www.audiotubes.com/12ax7.htm