Question for tube aficionados

I agree with previous comments to first replace the 12AU7’s. But, substituting Gold Lion 12AU7’s will be a horizontal move; there will not be a dramatic improvement. To really open up your preamp you need to go with NOS tubes. There is so much good info on the sonic signature of NOS tubes at Joe’s Tube Lore... https://www.audioasylum.com/scripts/d.pl?audio/faq/joes-tubes.html
and Brent Jessee’s site...
http://www.audiotubes.com/12ax7.htm

And almarg has stated an important point about the use of the 5751 variant in your CJ preamp...
Please note: The indiscriminate substitution of type 12AX7 tubes for the 5751 will seriously degrade the sonic performance of the unit.

The 5751 has lower gain, so it's recommended to stay with a 12AX7.

@rvpiano, the RCA BLACKPLATES are very good tubes for a decent price. Known for their dynamic open sonics and classic tube sound. Make sure the pair are matched and tested for noise.

I like the 5814a variant of the RCA Blackplate. It is more dynamic than the 12au7. The Cleartops are good if you like extended highs.

Re... the Blackplate 12AU7, the older the better. Early 1950s, low noise is best for the classic tube sound.

I would imagine RCA Cleartops would work well in a CJ due to their airy high-end.

It sounds like these are new production tubes. To go in this direction would get u right back where you started.
The only upgrade path is to try NOS. 

@newbee , you may be right. I traced the PV11 preamp back to at least 1992, so the Ei and Mullard could have been NOS. But CJ is now re-tubing the unit, and $310 is a very low price to include 2 NOS Mullards.

I’ve owned the PV-11 for over 20yrs now. It was my main preamp for 10yrs but I have moved onto a AR SP-11 Mk 2. I still have the PV-11 in my collection of preamps. The tubes that sounded the best to me in the PV-11’s linestage is the Amperex 7316. I think other Bugle Boy 12AU7’s may sound good also but the 7316’s were the most musical and revealing tube for me.

I tried a lot of tubes in the PV-11 line stage and the 7316 will be the tube that will give you most satisfaction. It’s because it is very revealing but smooth and musical too. If you desire a more analytical sound, RCA clear top.   Mullard Old Logo 1960’s 12au7’s are my 2nd favorite along with the French made Cifte 12au7’s.

@rvpiano, a couple of questions;
Have you given the Amperex enough time to burn-in? Run them for 40 or 50 hours and then evaluate them.
Do you know if these are 1950s issue and what is branded on the label?
   The 7316's should present a 3D image with a sweet midrange. I agree with you that "Telefunken has a more refined and perhaps, clearer sonic picture."
But, as others have stated above, I find the premium, low-noise Amperex more musical. I'm not discounting your findings in any way, but I wonder if they need more run-in time.

Telefunkens and Amperex are no better than new tubes like the psvanes... has anyone compared all three side by side?

I haven't tried the Psvane, but according to forum members it is a premium quality new production tube at a premium price. 
A 6SN7 costs as much as a high quality NOS tube.

Looking forward to the answers to your question.

So you like the Tele's, they're excellent tubes. You gave the Amperex a chance, as long as you burned them in for 60 hours and then did some critical listening.