Sorry, I got in before you pulled the trigger. I have a scratch built DGSE-1. After finishing the amp, I bought NOS 6P14P-EV based on reviews (EV or EB does indicate longer life, 3000-5000 hr, I think EV is the same as EB. It's Cyrillic text)
.
I found the 6P14P to be a little 2-dimensional after listening to the amp for a month or two. They are probably more reliable, but I'm just not that impressed. For a time, I thought it was the amp. I almost considered selling it.
I tried some EL84EH that I had from a PP amp and they were a
noticeable improvement. More detailed, better sound stage (seemed taller).
Finally, just a couple of days ago, I plugged in some old RCA 6BQ5s that I figured were past their usable life. They are wonderful, immediate, seemed like I could hear everything going on in the recording studio. Spooky sound, like my brain was telling me
"there is an actual musician inside that speaker cabinet". The pets we have get a little un-nerved when they are listening with me. Cats will perk up and dogs almost want to start barking at the speakers or leave the room to find the "person".
Kind of ironic, because I didn't think much of the RCA 6BQ5 clear tops that I had in my old RCA RS-177 PP amp. They are supposed to be the cat's meow too.
I will try the 6P14P once more just to compare against what I heard. Driver is an RCA 12AX7A, speakers are Pi 3's. I am very very satisfied with this
amazing little $200 amp.