Experience with Cary CAD 808, "Rocket 88"

So I've run through various speakers with this kit,... now using Sonus Faber Concertino Domus and a set of borrowed Equation 7s; both are fabulous albeit with very different presentations. Question: I recently replaced a set of Electro Harmonix 12BZ7 with a set (2) of NOS Raytheons when one of the EH failed. I find the Raytheons to be thin and a bit brittle compared to the EHs. I'd like to hear what members found to be the most successful tube setup for this amp. I'm running a full set (4) of Genelec Red Lions "88s" in the output section, the Raytheon 12BZ7 (2) in the driver/phase inverter stage and a set JJs (2) in the EL84 slots. Wondering what people have used and got the best results from. TY! 

While the "R" model is 10w more in Triode mode than the standard model, it appears your SF CD speakers are 88db/1w sensitivity (4ohms).  You might not be getting replies as the std model is less rare than the higher power R model.  Also, many have changed coupling caps in the Rocket 88 with some degree of success. 

As for tubes, the Raytheon 12BZ7s are decent, not overly warm, and I’m wondering about two things for you.

1) Are they truly NOS tubes, like never broken in, need more time to settle in? Give them 30 days.
2) Do you have access to (8ohm) speakers above 90db sensitivity to try?

It's been over twenty years; but- I owned a Rocket 88 and tried to get enough SPL to satisfy, with my Maggie MG12/QRs, actively bi-amped (w/Dahlquist DQ-LP1), at 200Hz, in a relatively small room.          I'm a realistic SPL listener; so- it wasn't the amps' fault, that it couldn't fully sate my cravings.    HOWEVER; I enjoyed the presentation enough; I bought two Cary SLM-100s, which I've since owned, modded and loved, MUCH.      I tried them with a pair of 1.7i Maggies and realized; I was destined to either go SS, or- ditch the planars.       If I'd had the 95dB/2.83V, open-baffle, speakers I now own, then: the Rocket would probably been a keeper.    Don't know if that helped any, but- I've been celebrating, so........  HAPPY LISTENING!

@bgross
Better matching 8ohm & higher sensitivity speakers can help.

@dcooney thanks for your response... I don’t think I’m going to be happy with the Raytheons. Yes, they are true NOS however maybe they do need a bit more burn-in? The 12BZ7 tube is becoming increasingly difficult to find and the options are few. I’m changing the output tubes to Genelex Red Lion EL34 or Tung Sol... can pick up a pair of NOS Tung Sol 12BZ7 so might change those two sets of tubes and see what it yields. Maybe the tube (1) 12AT7A, in the SFL-1 is failing although I’m not experiencing any of the tell-tale signs that it is. I don’t play the Sonus Fabers loud and really enjoy them. Also, playing a set of Equation "7" towers and they are fabulous with this amp. They are an efficient speaker and pretty rare - beautiful fit and finish. The Cary has plenty jam to drive these. It also has 4ohm/8ohm switching by design and can take on more challenging loads. - B