Center driver position tube. GAME OVER!

Just wanted to jump in and recommend Dutch Amperex 7316 from the late '50's, early '60's. I have a pre-wired VTA ST70 and had rolled many types of tubes in that slot and had been settled on an RCA clear top. I could hear small changes with NOS Mullards, RCA 12BH7's, etc. but the 7316 was not not a subtle upgrade.

I've been waiting to post this info until I socked in a lifetime supply ;-)

interesting and good to know. A quick search and I find those running anywhere from $60 each to $300 each ( IF they are in stock).
Probably a good reference for the majority is a real Mullard CV4003 for $100, fairly wide availability.

Foil getter on that 7316?

I think the one in my VTA ST-70 is a halo getter (probably 1963). The back ups I just bought are the "more desirable" 1959 D getters.

I can' really look too closely at the one in the ST-70 as I have cage on it which is a PITA to remove because of my set up (no room on one side and I have to use a fiddly one inch long slot head screw driver).

My advice is to do your research on the 7316. Look for late '50's early '60's Amperex Holland. I think all 7316's were made by Amperex Holland (internet tube dealer info) but I've seen some 7316's from RCA, etc. I'm assuming they're re-labled Amperex (even the ones that say "Made In The USA").

These were non-commercial tubes made for computers and medical equipment.