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Most folks agree that the NOS US/EURO tubes will outlast most modern production tubes. If that's your primary concern, then a good set will probably last 3-ish times longer than new tubes, and as such are pretty similar cost-wise with New Production.
If tone is your primary concern, most of the mojo goodness is smothered in the context of a modern band...I've heard stories of guys that record a fair bit having really high-grade NOS tubes in the recording studio, but gigging with a couple sets of JJs or EHs (or whatever).
The tricky bit is that no matter how thoroughly tested by the best, most reputable dealers out there, no one can predict when a tube is going to give up the ghost for no apparent reason--so, yeah, a brand-new-old-stock-still-in-original-box $150 pair of Unobtainium tubes can have one blow up three hours after installation and the other will burn for decades. It's still a bit of a crap-shoot, but good dealers are usually a better choice, and will provide better service.
Good luck!
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