What happen with the 8b's that you did not like?. I have a pair of 8b's and run them with EAD, Rowland gear and I love them I listen to the 7b's and Aerial 10 I purchase the 8b's.
For Me the 8b's have more bass, more resolution and a bigger sound stage than the 7b's all around the 8b is a better performer than the 7b, comming very close(inches) to the model 10. And for looks My pair is finished in Santos Rosewood with stands they are beautiful, off coarse cost could be a factor. Try to listen to the 8b's with lots of clean and control power, I don't know how will they sound with tubes, I'm not a fan of them!!!. Good luck and may the high end gods gide you in you're quest for better sound.
For Me the 8b's have more bass, more resolution and a bigger sound stage than the 7b's all around the 8b is a better performer than the 7b, comming very close(inches) to the model 10. And for looks My pair is finished in Santos Rosewood with stands they are beautiful, off coarse cost could be a factor. Try to listen to the 8b's with lots of clean and control power, I don't know how will they sound with tubes, I'm not a fan of them!!!. Good luck and may the high end gods gide you in you're quest for better sound.