tube suggestions/ brand new to tubes

In my world, it isn’t just the tube or brand, its particular vintage during a long run of production, factory code, or just the circuit, but the voicing of the entire system, which may or may not be made of other tubed components. Juggling that balance involves controlling other variables. I think checking with the manufacturer isn’t just a good idea to be safe, but to get real world equivalents- for example I have an amp that uses the same rectifier but won’t allow a substitution, whereas in my phono stage power supply, I have long used GEC U-52 variants (cup base). That tube sounds better to my ears in my system that an even more rarified GZ34 metal base (Philips-Miniwatt), which has phenomenal bass output but sounds wooly and dead on top. Perhaps, in a different system with different overall needs/voicing, the metal base might be the right choice. For me it is not. There’s also a lot of lore to learn, and though I’ve been messing with all tubes since the mid-’70s, I’m still no guru. 

Other owners, manufacturers are worth tapping for knowledge and experience. Be aware that a lot of "NOS" tubes are pulls- they are graded NOS by measurement, but they have been used in some gear at some point. And, it may be worth exploring both old and new production, since in some cases, the older tubes can get scarce. Thus, my love/hate relationship with the 6h30-

good luck, have fun. 

audiotubes.com previously owned by the great Brent Jesse has a great list and selection, and hopefully the new owner carries on his passion and legacy.

Go to https://www.audiotubes.com/12ax7.htm and review Brent’s commentary on various tubes and sonic characteristics.

You’ll pay a premium for Mullard (worth it IMO), but not the most expensive. RCA triple mica 5751’s are fantastic too. Amperex and Brimar are great. 

Implementation in the gear matters, so the rules are fluid. 

Note that some NOS tubes are not branded or labeled as expected, for example I just sold a pair of Mullard’s, one is branded "Heath", and the other is Mullard, but they are both the exact same tube made in the exact same factory.

Personally, I never bought into the idea that there are different levels of new production tubes ranked like American Express cards. 

So the key is a trusted source. If I was still using any tube gear I’d give the new owner a shot. Brent used to have a solid return policy, not sure if that remains but if it does you have nothing to lose.

I've asked Brent Jesse for recommendations when he was up and running for a couple of those tubes for pre sections on an integrated.  Most expensive Brimars (of course) made amazing differences and other Anerican NOS tubes with "scientific or medical grade" uses.  YMMV.  Also tried one Ray tube in another amps pre section and it was v good but yes, expensive.   I didnt hear upgraded sound until I was into about $90 - $150 per tube.  Have fun.  As noted earlier,  you're prob still in the break in period.  Enjoy.  

Great tube resource suggestions above...

My suggestion - do NOTHING until your new Preamp, and its tubes are 100 hours old.  During the first 20 hours, much will change, but many tube components continue to audibly change for hundreds of hours...  

After that, feel roll tubes as you see fit.

P.S.  Is Aric really shipping NOS Tung-Sol tubes with preamps?

Just keep in mind tubes are not cables...the best they will ever sound is an hour or two after they are first heated up.