I really like the Telefunkens. They are bulletproof. I'm not a fan of shields but do have the rubber rings on my amp gain tubes. They reduce some of the noise from room acoustics.
Cayin CD-50T: Your favorite 12AU7 tube
Just purchased a Cayin CD-50T from a fellow Audiogoner. So far I've tried a RCA 12AU7 clear-top, Mullard 12AU7 long plate, and a RCA 5814 command series black plate. I like the clear-top for it's brighter presentation, as I'm using it with a Cayin HA-1A tube headphone amp. Any additional tube suggestions? Also, I use the metal shield provided with the Cayin for the tube to secure it to the socket. Anyone know if that causes overheating of the tube? Thanks!