"Starter" Tubes for SSE?

[ChetJettison]

Seeking recommendations on a complete set of tubes for my SSE build. I'm a noob here, so I'm not sure what to pick. Also haven't picked my OTs yet, if that's an issue.
I read that it makes sense to use "Starter" tubes when building the amp, so if anything goes wrong you haven't sacrificed an expensive tube.
Any suggestions?

 

[rongon]

The Simple SE uses a 12AT7 for the input stage, correct? In that case, those tubes are inexpensive. You could use any 6L6GC or Russian 6P3S as the output tube (basically the Russian version of the American 6L6GA). If you can find a pair of EL34 for a reasonable price, those could be good too. Both those types are compatible with the SSE board.

The output transformer is the critical part. George has lots of good recommendations on his website: Tubes and Applications | Tubelab

 

[ChetJettison]

The Simple SE uses a 12AT7 for the input stage, correct? In that case, those tubes are inexpensive. You could use a Russian 6P3S as the output tube (basically their version of the American 6L6GA).

A new-in-box 12AT7 should cost no more than $10 to $15, shipped. You can even get reasonably decent Chinese-made 12AT7 tubes at your local Guitar Center (musical instrument chain store).

The 6P3S is often sold as a lower power 6L6GB tube or a higher power 6V6GT tube (even though there is a Russian 6V6 equivalent 6P6S). These should also be available from Guitar Center stores, in matched pairs even.

The output transformer is the critical part. George has lots of good recommendations on his website: Tubes and Applications | Tubelab

I'll check those out, thanks.
I'm still trying to figure out what output transformers to get. I see most of them have either 4 or 8 ohms secondary impedance, not both. I was hoping for one with both, because I don't know what speakers I'll be pairing this amp with.