Which KT88s for Cary SLI-80?


I'm shopping to replace the output tubes to my Cary SLI-80 and have been recommended several new production KT88 tubes--JJ Tesla, Groove Tube, and the Electro-Harmonix EH tubes. I notice Cary has the Electro-Harmonix tubes in their F1 premium model. I've been using Svetlana "C" KT88s with good results, but I want to warm the midrange and sweeten the top end. I play mostly classical music--Renaissance choral, Romantic Italian opera, and symphonic orchestral music. There are complex and massed trebles in these all the time that make for difficulties. For example, I tried using Siemens/RFT EL34 tubes, which created much more air and spaciousness, but they also seemed to lack enough power to negotiate these complex massed treble passages--choral voices, unison violins, etc. The system presented an edgy glassiness at the top that masked all other details at dynamic peaks. This doesn't occur with the Svetlana KT88s, which also have more focus, but I'd prefer more warmth, body, and air in the music if possible. My other tubes are Mullard CV378 rectifiers, Brimar 6SN7s, and Mullard E188CC/7308s. I use Audience Au24 ICs and speaker wire, an CAL CL-15 player, and Sonus Faber Grand Piano Home speakers. Suggestions? Characteristics?
bblilikoi

Showing 2 responses by artmaltman

I'm thrilled to hear how things are working out for you Bb. Of course now I need to try Bugle Boys in my Cary SLI-80!
Art
I think you are describing the sound of the CAL cd player, not the amp! I did not own the model you own but I owned several others and while they were great in their day, over time they sounded mechanical compared to newer models. That was my experience anyway.

Art