Friend
The simple explanation is that it sounds like you plugged a tube in that was not compatible. Now for a technical explanation. If I had to call it from where I sit - I would say that the incompatible tubes that you inserted either did not match the pinout of the original tubes, or had totally different operating parameters.
An example of latter would be an amplifier built specifically for the 6L6GC. Well, the 6L6GC can operate at higher voltages than the 6L6. Therefore, inserting a 6L6 could result in blushing tubes that will eventually self-destruct. This is a mild exmple. In more severe cases the NOS tube is hit with so much voltage that it simply blows upon turn-on of the unit taking a resistor with it - which would cause smoke.
When you spoke of smoke, that immediately lead me to think that you have blown a resistor of some type. Maybe bias. It will be interesting to find out if that is actually what happened.
Now, if you have the budget and time - please find a dealer that sells tube gear and listen to a 45, 2A3, and 300B. Between these tube types - I am sure that you could be very happy. Just keep in mind that as refinement goes up - you get less power. I currently use a homebrew SET that keeps me involved with the performance.
About Asian amplifiers. ASL, and www.diyhifisupply.com are among the best. Japan has some very well built amplifiers also, but they can be expensive. Anyway, I hope this helps.
Studio1
The simple explanation is that it sounds like you plugged a tube in that was not compatible. Now for a technical explanation. If I had to call it from where I sit - I would say that the incompatible tubes that you inserted either did not match the pinout of the original tubes, or had totally different operating parameters.
An example of latter would be an amplifier built specifically for the 6L6GC. Well, the 6L6GC can operate at higher voltages than the 6L6. Therefore, inserting a 6L6 could result in blushing tubes that will eventually self-destruct. This is a mild exmple. In more severe cases the NOS tube is hit with so much voltage that it simply blows upon turn-on of the unit taking a resistor with it - which would cause smoke.
When you spoke of smoke, that immediately lead me to think that you have blown a resistor of some type. Maybe bias. It will be interesting to find out if that is actually what happened.
Now, if you have the budget and time - please find a dealer that sells tube gear and listen to a 45, 2A3, and 300B. Between these tube types - I am sure that you could be very happy. Just keep in mind that as refinement goes up - you get less power. I currently use a homebrew SET that keeps me involved with the performance.
About Asian amplifiers. ASL, and www.diyhifisupply.com are among the best. Japan has some very well built amplifiers also, but they can be expensive. Anyway, I hope this helps.
Studio1