the TF ecc802s is probably not the holy grail, but its expensive. if you want to spend money theres a blackglass TF 12AU7 variant. theres also the 7316 by philips holland, of which there are several versions. lng plate d-foil getter is the top tier. somme people swear by the siemens nickel plate ecc82, and theres the siemens 5814 triple mica as well.
12au7 tube?
Looking for a good 12au7 (JJ ecc802s currently). I know the Telefunken ECC802s is the holy grail, but it comes at a price that is just too steep for me to justify. Many will recommend Mullard, but I always find them a bit too "wooly", lacking in definition. They're going in a Mastersound 845 Compact.
What tubes would you recommend that fits between the clarity of the Telefunken (without the price...) and the Mullard? I don't mind spending a bit of money on a pair (let's say max $500 for the pair, prefer to be lower if at all possible).