I wonder why I got those instead.  They worked in my Mini but I haven't been able to compare them yet, so I'm hoping the Brimars will make a positive contribution.

I understand you prefer the EZ80 rectifiers instead of the stock EZ81.    Should I try the Brimars with those first? Maybe the combination of those Brimars and the EZ80's have a more sinergistic relationship?

I hope my tubes come before Christmas.  I'd hate to spend it without my music.  I haven't even got word from the 'rushed' EZ81 rectifiers either ... I feel like living in a forgotten island in the middle of the Pacific.

The thing with tubes intended for computer applications, like the 5963, is these are not required to pass any 'noise' tests when designed/manufactured.  Some of them are well made and thus also suitable for HiFi audio, but some are noisy through microphonics.

The issue is knowing which one is which. I assume Steve & Co. tested these before putting them in my Mini (I still don't understand why I did not get the typical 12AU7), so there shouldn't be any additional noise with these.

Knowing this now, I expect a larger sonic difference between the stock 5963 and a 12AT7 like the Brimar.  Hopefully this difference will be a pleasant one.  We'll see.

It's good to know, RR.  I'm sure that is the case.  Actually, I've never experienced any noises or hums with this amp, which presents a very black background as is typical of Minis.

Sorry the situation continues. Here's hoping something comes through SOON.

Seven weeks?  Good god, man.  I go through music withdrawal just going to work for a 12 hour shift.  I feel for you.  Shit, you could have rowed a boat to Miami and back in the amount of time it's taken.

Ok, the second Tubemonger package, with the pair of replacement RFT EZ81 rectifiers, is in.  Tubes currently 'cooking' without music until at least midnight.  Tomorrow, I'll turn the amp on again, no music, while I go swimming (my usual fitness/conditioning drill), and when I get back it would be the 'let the games roll' music marathon (wife's on vacation, so she'll supervise the amp while I'm gone).

I'll probably won't really enjoy the sound quality until Sunday, but that's ok.  At least, I'll be listening to a stereo rig after 7 weeks +1 day of deprivation.  

Thanks, Lon.  You were right, I couldn't resist and played music right after about 6 hours cooking time (went to bed at 4:00 am!), and the sound was great.

Next day (yesterday), I continued this music marathon, and now I feel I can summarize the slight differences in sound from what I remember of the original JJ EZ81's:

The RFT EZ81 rectifiers are slightly more laid back (slower-reacting), lacking some of the JJ's attack, but confering more body, with a more 3-dimensional sound projection.  A more palpable presentation with same detailing, but with more 'oomph.'

Overall, I prefer the RFT's in the Mini.  In some selections the speed of the JJ's is missing, not for much, but I feel the sinergy of the RFT's with the stock tube complement is right on, more fulfilling.  

I also detect a slightly more defined soundstage with the RFT's.  Of course, this may be the result of that left channel's JJ starting to fail (recent memory is mostly from that final time period).

I assume the RFT's are not quite fully burned-in yet, so I may get even better results soon.  But so far, I'm enjoying the sound very much. The caveat to all this, is now I'm really interested in that tube-rolling experiment that went astray with the 'elusive' tube stash from Les.

I can envision some important tube-rolling improvement potential based on this single experience with NOS rectifiers.  I can now imagine less than subtle changes rolling drivers and output tubes.  I'm impressed!

Thanks, Lon.  Actually, I think you're right when using the 'laid back' term in the sense you're alluding too.  But, I was referring more to the timing of playback, and so I may have used the wrong term in this case.  

The JJ's seem to be faster in projecting the rhythm changes, making these more evidently exposed.  The RFT's are more subtle and slower in doing that.  Usually, this is a good thing for me.  But, for example, when the passages are slow, a faster reaction time to welcome tempo changes may keep musicality more alive.  

Of course, this is all very subjective and system dependent, but most of the time I prefer a more palpable (meaty) and extended transition, like with the RFT's.  This provides a fuller presentation, allowing for more time exposure to those rhythm transitions.

In any event, I'm really liking these new rectifiers in the Mini.  I can't wait to experiment some more, with drivers and output tubes. I'm really having fun again!