[Hammarlund] Retubing an HQ-180

[Mike McCoy]

I just had to replace the 12AU7 BFO-meter tube in my active 180 (which I
stole from from an older retubed 180). Because I needed to replace a tube
(and not having a tube tester to check the rest) makes me think I might
want/need to completely retube it in the not too distant future.

Of course it's likely the original RCA tube was marginal to begin with but
swapping that one tube with a Phillips JAN really seemed to make it even
'hotter' than before. This brings me to my question:

Assuming I stay with the NOS variety, while it might be 'any ol tube will
do' does anyone have any advice/recommendation as to particular
manufacturers of tubes for particular sections? For example, is there a
particular 'brand' or variety that others have found better for certain
applications... e.g. Phillips JAN vs 'generic Sylvanias' in the RF/IF,
Telefunken (Mullard, etc.) in the audio, etc.?

Thanks,
Mike