Tubes for Tea1 S3

[pfmmx]

I have a CJ Tea 1 S3. I have 2 medium output cartridges(VDH Crimson Stradivarius -0.9 mV output & Grado Statement 3 -1.0mV output.
-Because of the output, my Tea1 S3 does not have the step-up. It is 54db output.
-Very happy with the sound.
-VDH Crimson Stradivarius is more dynamic and extended then the Grado. The VDH is a little more neutral. For most recordings, it is my preferred cartridge. 75% to 80% play time.
-Grado is slightly warmer in the mid-bass & mid-range. It is a nice cartridge and is more forgiving for recordings that are a little tilted up in the upper frequencies or have surface flaws.

The CJ Tea1 S3 utilizes three 12Ax7 tubes in a V1, V2 and V3 configuration.
-I currently run the Russian Made Mullards that CJ recommends. They are pretty good, inexpensive and neutral.
-I also have a replacement set of the Russian made Mullards from CJ.

The question of the day. With the V1, V2 and V3 for 12Ax7's, are all 3 tubes balanced?
-or is V1 the input tube and V2 and V3 the driver tubes?
-I have a pair of Mullard CV4004(military spec 12AX7's) in a matched pair-need to find a third.
-I can find some Telefunkin 12Ax7's smooth plates for not a crazy price. Maybe too neutral for the VDH -Great for Grado
-I can find some NOS Amperex 12AX7's for a not crazy price. Might be a good compromise between the Mullard & the Telefunkin.

I am very happy with the sound of the stock tubes and the Tea1 S3.
Looking for a little more dimensionality and possibly a little more midrange warmth with-out giving up dynamics.

Due to taxes and some unexpected auto expenses, cash is in short supply. ART 88 upgrade from CJ Gat S1 is a pipe dream at this point-ha-ha.
-Tube upgrade is in my audio budget.

[pfmmx]

Cartridge output is 0.9 mV for VDH & 1.0 mV for Grado above. In the post above, the - is a dash. (Not a minus sign)

[awise1961]

I'm using Telefunken smooth plate 12AX7's in all three locations for my TEA1 S3. I also like vintage Bugle Boys but finding ones which don't cause microphonics in a phono stage can be problematic to me. It's my opinion that the new Russian small signal tubes fall flat compared to good vintage tubes.

[pfmmx]

Thanks Awise1961. I appreciate the advice. Its great coming from someone with the same phono stage! I have been working with Brent Jessee for tubes. I will give him a call. Microphonics' are never good(Especially in a phono stage) NOS Mullard 12AX7's are pretty rare. It looks like Telefunken's in my future.

[awise1961]

You're very welcome.
I have relied on Brent Jesse for advice multiple times over the years.
I don't know of anyone with greater expertise and integrity than him in the used NOS tube market.