NOS RCA 5u4GB's from Lord Valve/NBS Electronics, on S. Broadway in Denver, for about 1/3 the cost (or less) of other retailers. Dude's kind of a wingnut, but a great source of tubes.  I got a pair for $35.  They appear brand new, and he tested them on the spot.  He had a crate or two of them.  They are '70's era black plates.  I like 'em the best of the ones I've tried, for my SE84's.

Tube Depot sells the same ones for $100 apiece.

Can't comment on the other tubes you mention.

No, zul, I'm kind of a noob, haven't tried too many rectifiers.  The 5U4GB's seem to make the power tranny run hotter than the 5AR4 types (I hope I'm not putting too much stress on various bits with the sudden power rush and slightly different ratings of the 5U4G/GB vs the 5AR4...considering Steve has the 5U4G on the schematic, I doubt it).  I could be completely mistaken, but they seemed to sound better, too.  I haven't had the pleasure of RCA 5U4G big bottles.  That tube is favored by many Decware users.  I do have a chinese 5U4G, which I also prefer to the Sovtek 5AR4.  

Sorry, not much help am I?  I told you I'm a noob!  Hey, I'm cheap, and at least I've found a tube dealer that doesn't ask for your first born.  That merchant I mentioned before probably has whatever tube you wish to try in stock.  You've got me curious, I may call myself and see if he has any RCA non 'B' 5U4G's and for how much.  If I do, I'll post what I find out.

Personally, I've found the opposite true for me in my Select amp (when I had it) and my Integrated and Toriis: I find the smaller tubes sound better to me than the coke bottle type. But again, it's all a subjective, preference thing.  I agree that, in my experience, US rectifiers are da bomb.

I've used Herbie Audio Labs tube dampers for years and really enjoy them. I did have one microphonic tube years ago that was fairly well reigned in by the damper installed. Even installed on non-microphonic tubes they make a difference in focus and dynamics in my opinion.

Recently I moved my previous Herbie dampers to my second system and bought his newest models for my main system. And they're better.

http://herbiesaudiolab.net/tube.htm

Herbie is a manufacturer and merchant like Steve who has innovative products of great value and who is available to customers and enthusiasts.

Drummerboy, that was the information I was looking for.  Having compared 6N1P-EVs to 6922s (and even 6N23P-EVs) I much prefer the former.  Fearing I had ordered some turkey rectifiers I was seriously considering paying the extortion fees for RCA NOS.  I think I'll just wait and see how the Soviets do when they arrive.  Thanks.

Never even HEARD of Bendix tubes.  Okay, I'm game...I'll look.  

Always devoted to that extra tweak...

-Z

C. Bill & Co.: I am intrigued by the mods you have suggested, although the thought of me wielding a soldering tool is tantamount to mixing gasoline and red fuming nitric acid in the same container.

I will patiently wait for the '90's vintage rectifiers and hope for the best.

Cheers!

-Z

Second the GZ32's though a bit pricey they have lasted a long time in my Selects.