Thanks for the reply, David. I've been using the 1578s in my Atma-sphere S-30 ever since
@thomask recommended them (very early in this thread).
Currently, only one pair tests as GOOD, the other is Weak. I'd like to purchase another pair and I know Thomas tried both MELZ types.
Both types are for sale on Ebay but this raises another issue. My 1578s with the plate holes have rectangular micas, the current tubes for sale have oval micas. The Melz without the holes are from a Ukrainian vendor who I ordered from and never received.
Posts on another forum state that the oval plates sound different but are the only type for sale at the moment. The 1578 rectangular plates are the finest sounding tubes I've ever owned, second to the Tung Sol BGRP (which I've seen priced at $1000 USD).
I'm wondering if the oval plate are a later generation, which are known to have lesser build quality.