Just give it a shot and see how it sounds. Personally I'd try GE 5 star. Maybe 20 bucks. You can find 5687's all over that stinking e**y cheap. Just let them run in for a while to give them a fair chance.
I have also tried the GE five stars 5687 but haven't burned them in for a long time yet. They also sound pretty good in the Steelhead, I am a fan of the five stars in general. So far, though, I like the Tung Sol 5687 D getter (flat side) a little better. The Tung Sol's have better slam and energy, the five stars are smoother but a little less drive. It would be a matter of taste between the two.
Cjfrbw - you are correct. The 5687 is a substitute for the 7044. I tried the TungSol 5687. It is punchier, more forward, yet not as smooth and warm as the 7044, IMHO. I will try some NOS 7044 tubes in place of the stock tubes to see how they sound.
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