Recommend new EL84 tubes

Sure, if the tubes are overdriven they won't last. Perhaps Kevin doesn't sell the Gold Lions. 🙄   In his video he's talking about putting an EL34 into an amp that is biased to run KT88s and so driving the plates beyond their rated max. dissipation.

I am considering the Gold Lion EL 84 because the Manley has provision to set the bias individually via trim pots. Have you heard these tubes? I am, of course interested in how they stack up to the originals

Glad you mentioned PSVANE. Some friends I have now lost contact with either loved or hated them. The ones who hated them stems more from reliability than their sound. Do you think PSVANE EL84 are any good?

Firstly, thanks to all who have responded.

The originals were certainly reliable and have lasted well and the sensible thing would be to use them again but my mate is asking for something that sounds better. My last experience in a DIY amp of mine was with JJ EL84 which I thought were just OK but not great. Difficult making decisions for a friend especially in a different country where he will be ripped off.

It's not just the power tubes that effect the sound.

Sure, that's why I posted : "He also needs a pair of 12AT7's. Best quality needed for this position"

Your link to audiotubes is great.  I have just been reading the ECC81/12AT7 page. I did not realise there were that many alternatives.

Never heard of NessTone. The price seems very fair, perhaps too fair. Are they rebranded Chinese?

@dekay, That's is a little disconcerting. Perhaps because they have been used in guitar amps which usually overdrive them. Some audio amps also drove them hard when they should have been using 7189's. I suppose back in the day the manufacturers were chasing performance rather than longevity.

I have tracked down some Brimar/Marconi black plate 1950s 12AT7 but have not yet decided on el84s

OK, interesting you mentioned the EL83. Is there a strong reason for considering these especially when there is the extra expense of adapters and doubling up of pin connections. It's certainly doable if the sound quality is worth it. I just have never heard them.

Regarding the sound, what's your opinion on them vs EL84?