Tubes can make a very major difference in the sound of your equipment. The price of the NOS power tubes, at least KT88, that have a limited and finite life seem too expensive to justify adopting as a regular in the lineup. There are many very highly performing reissues and new production tubes that are much more cost effective. Although we all want to fall in love with the romantic idea of a NOS tube, tucked away in some drawer for 50 years, it doesn't mean that it will be any good.
How do you test different tubes?
I hear people recommending different brand of tubes for amps, preamps, etc. My question is how are people doing this? Are there dealers who loan tubes like other gear? I would hate to have to purchase different sets of tubes, try them, find the one I like best, and then trying to sell the set I don't like.