I'm guessing that you are now getting a fairly mellow sound lacking any sense of dynamics and crispness, i.e. an overall dullness. With new tubes you should expect a marked increase in dynamics and detail. Tighter bass and extended highs.
FWIW I use the SED KT88 in some amps but thay are not necessarily optimum in all amps or systems in that they have a bit of bloom in the upper bass and upper-mid range brightness to which some folks object. There are other models of KT88's which are a bit more linear in general. A lot of amps also accept 6550's, a much more linear tube, and this woluld give you a wider choice when replacing your present tubes if your amps can use them. It really boils down to what type of system (including the amp!) you have and what tonal quality is important to you.
Also consider the possibility that the small tubes may be used up and need to be replaced. They also have a substantial influence on the sound.
FWIW I use the SED KT88 in some amps but thay are not necessarily optimum in all amps or systems in that they have a bit of bloom in the upper bass and upper-mid range brightness to which some folks object. There are other models of KT88's which are a bit more linear in general. A lot of amps also accept 6550's, a much more linear tube, and this woluld give you a wider choice when replacing your present tubes if your amps can use them. It really boils down to what type of system (including the amp!) you have and what tonal quality is important to you.
Also consider the possibility that the small tubes may be used up and need to be replaced. They also have a substantial influence on the sound.