But is it generally ok for tubes to be near other audio carrying parts, wire, connectors etc? Or should special attention be given to getting them as far away as possible?
Which tubes? You don't want to lay cables over a hot 6L6 obviously, but a headphone cord can sit on top of an EF804 all day long and not even notice.
You would not want a 5Y3 next to your mic input tube obviously.
It would also depend on what direction the transformer and tubes is mounted in relation to each other.
how close is close?? when referring to the tubes being close to the transformer. My transformer is not shielded in the mic pre i'm building, but it's about 12 inches away. Should I be concerned??