[TV MAN]

Rich, I feel the same, I did use a better input cap, but the 1st kit I built, I use the supplied caps after the better input cap. While it's not a daily driver, it does get a lot of use when I'm at the bench, and so far, I've not had any cap failures. I did, however, have cap failure on my BK1080 that I recapped using ecaps from AES. They were about 5 years old at the time. I think I have a couple threads on that project and the later repair. On my current build, I'm doing the same, using better caps for the HV input and supplied caps for the rest. Except couplers. Yeah, there's a difference. They don't need to be "audiophool" grade, but cheappie caps just don't cut it. IC, Solen, etc seem fine and wont break the bank. 

I really haven't had any issues with the supplied tube sockets, however, I have had issues with other tube sockets purchased. There is a seller from Florida that I have bought sockets from and his seem decent. One issue, NOS and USA sockets have different screw hole spacings and wont line up.