TUBE NOOB: WHAT BRAND

Riley804; Thanks again, you have really outdone yourself LOL. Yet, another unhelpful post. Why do you try so hard? I get it you don't want to help and you would like it if people didn't post in the forum and just bought all the equipment in the world and experimented without consulting anyone for advice and help.

To everyone else, thanks a million. Your advice is greatly appreciated. Please keep posting!

Johnbrown: I don't expect ass kissing, but a degree of respect towards people taking their time to help seems like a fair trade.

>> Yes, the operative phrase being "taking their time to HELP". Unfortunately that condition was hardly by the initial posters who decided to handwave at the question.

You're a piece of work-good luck with that. Bye.

Dfelkai - "Will someone please do my research for me and tell me what to do?"

Audiogoners- "You really need to do your own research for yourself because we do not have your gear, your music, your ears, or your perceptions."

Defelkai - "You guys are not helpful and mean, too"

It is hard to get a specific answer to general questions.

With regard to your questions:

1) I know some brands will be junk, a warning would be nice.
One man's junk is another's prize possession.

2) Do you have to match these tubes the way you do power tubes?
Not neccessarily but it could help marginally or a great deal depending.

3) What specification will illustrate how a tube handles microphonics?
Microphonics are a mechanical abberation that will not be revealed by the specs

4) How can I test them electronically to make sure I am getting what I pay for?
Buy a tube tester & shop for price being sure to compare tubes that are equal in manufacture, that is one was not made in the USA in 1954 and the other in China in 1998 though they say they are the same brand and type.

Does that help any or will I be added to the "no-nothings" that have already tried?