The Rocket 88 is a good little amp, but for speakers of average to slightly above average sensitivity, you might find an amp like a Plinius 8200 with stronger bass presence.
If, on the other hand, you want to stick with tubes, then I could suggest Cary V12 or SLM-100's, or another brand such as Audio Research VT100.
My experience, too, is that not only is the speaker-amp mating important for a good, realistic bass response but so is the preamp-amp mating. The preamp can contribute a surprising amount of the perceived bass, and I feel this is often ignored.
Michael
If, on the other hand, you want to stick with tubes, then I could suggest Cary V12 or SLM-100's, or another brand such as Audio Research VT100.
My experience, too, is that not only is the speaker-amp mating important for a good, realistic bass response but so is the preamp-amp mating. The preamp can contribute a surprising amount of the perceived bass, and I feel this is often ignored.
Michael