Svetlana KT88's,(Winged "C") branded now, are more neutral than the VAC supplied tube. They are not as fat and bloomy through the bottom end with more definition on top. The quality of the driver tube will make a big difference also. I prefer NOS RTC's for their harmonic richness and smoothness. Sylvania 6189's will give more slam for rock and classical. I have tried new EH and JJ in this position and they both suck, bright, hard, thin compared to the other NOS tubes.