Svetlana 6N13S glow
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Just took delivery of a super rare pair of NOS Philips Hamburg ECC81 Coinbase D Getters from early 50’s. These are some “Holy Grail” level tubes, and I had been looking for a pair for a good while, and scored these for a killer price. These tubes are actually made in the famous Hamburg, Germany factory, per the codes on the bottom of the tube.
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Where do you make most of your purchases?
I have several Ebay sellers that I trust, and have used for years. Also, every now and then I buy them from Tube World Express and I have a couple dealers I trust on Etsy as well. Honestly, most of my tubes have come from Ebay, and I have had very few issues. First and foremost, I will not buy a tube without a return policy. After that, I like to go with dealers that have actually listened to the tubes in an amp and checked for noise and microphonics.
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My favorite 12AU7 of all time, and the absolute best in my opinion, has arrived! 
Funny thing about these, is that I sold them a while back, as I sold the amp that I was using them with. Then, recently I bought another amp, that uses the same tube, and I was so sad I sold my beloved 7730’s prior, and knew they would be amazing in the new amp. So, I took a chance and messaged the person I sold them to, and ask if he would sell them back to me, as they were my favorite tubes. Luckily, he was not using them, and we ended up doing a tube trade. I traded some Mazda 6189 triple mica silver plates straight up, and could not be happier. I think we both came out winners (Both tubes are TOTL 12AU7’s), and my beloved 7730’s are back. Long story short, I will never sell my favorite tubes again.
The best 12AU7 hands down, the Raytheon 7730 Long Plate D Getter from the late 50’s. These are as rare as hens teeth, but those who have heard them agree they are one of the best.
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Another killer “Holy Grail” tube arrived yesterday!
This is a rebranded (RSD) 57’ Hamburg, Germany 6201 Pinched Waist, Triple Mica, D Getter with red print bottom date code. Yep, that’s right I said " Pinched Waist & D Getter", and talk about rare. 
The red print bottom code indicates a special grade tube (same as the blue logo Valvo 6201), so this one is even more rare and sought after. This tube is as rare and sought after as they come, and is considered by many who have heard it, to be the King of the 12AT7/ECC81 family. I can’t wait to hear what this tube can do in the Pendant SE!
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Wow! That might be the most blue glow in a tube pic, I have ever seen. That looks really cool!
Tungsram OG’s in the house!
These are the earliest version with welded plates, and foil dish getters. Tungsram flies under the radar quite often, but these early versions can hang with the big boy brands. They are some of the best built and toughest tubes out there. Just looking at the tubes internals closely, you can tell they took extra attention to detail and used top notch parts and materials in the construction. Even the pins are plated for corrosion resistance. It seems Tungsram really spared no expense when constructing their tubes, and those who use them have nothing but great things to say.
I just took delivery of these three. 
ECC82 - Tungsram branded on the left, and a rebrand of same construction and date on the right.
ECC83
Happy Rolling!
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How’s it compare to the PSVane I sold you?
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I just got it in the other day so haven’t spent much time with it but initial impressions I really really like it… I’ve spending a lot of time with vintage old stock tubes though so I’ve been used to the laid back sound of those as of late.
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@Shizzy that’s a great looking tube. I really recommending getting a socket saver, which will raise the tube above the Lyr3 and will show off the tube’s looks, and also help you put it in and (more importantly) get it out of the Lyr 3. They’re especially useful for large tubes like the Sophia and Psvane.
The socket saver I use is out of stock, but I’ll provide a link anyway so you know what one looks like, in case you haven’t used one before and want to get one on ebay.
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I actually do have one thanks to @jthvac I did use it for a bit but I actually quite like the look without using one. I know its supposed to help reduce wear on the socket in the lyr but I found that the saver itself was coming out anyways so I was still putting wear on the amp. Thanks for looking out tho
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My top 3 tubes, from the ECC82 family.
These are legendary “Holy Grail” level NOS tubes.
Left to right - 7316 Long Plate Foil D Getter from Holland 58’, Valvo Long Plate Foil D Getter from Hamburg 55’, Raytheon 7730 Long Plate Square Getter from USA 58’.
With this Trio, I can get the sound dialed in to perfection.
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@hottyson and anyone else with thoughts on this:
what is the safest way to clean the pins of a tube?
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First, find out if you want to clean them. I clean mine, but there are many that would say that you should not clean tube pins with chemicals. I think that the majority of tube rollers choose to not clean them. They believe that the friction from moving the pins from normal usage in and out of the socket cleans the pins well enough and is much safer for the tube.
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As for chemicals, some also believe that the CAIG DeoxIT product that I am using is not proper for tube pins since it evaporates. There are other products out there that are made specifically to resist evaporation from hot temperatures. I do not have experience with those since I am stuck in my old ways and use what I have for decades.
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If you do decide to use chemicals, it is recommended to have ample ventilation and eye protection. For scrubbing, any old cotton ear-swab will work. I like to use a toothbrush, but I don’t see too many others using one. After wiping them with antioxidation chemicals, let them dry for a few hours or if you want to be extra safe, a full 24 hours. Then, you should be good to go.
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How are you liking this? Is it fast?
The 5998? I would not consider it a fast tube as say the 7236 may be perceived as being fast. The best way to describe this power tube is it has the tone of the 6080 with more gain and a hint of clarity provided by a 7236.
Hope that helps, also to give you a sense of the driver tubes being used are 6922 Amperex PQ (Holland).