Inexpensive tube amp

That's the problem of buying tubes just for the sake of buying tubes. The sound varies quite a bit, just like with SS. If I had to guess, the issues you are having sound more like preamp, than amp related problems. Given your budget, I would try a passive preamp with your CJ. You're far more likely to get better results.

Well granted this was an experiment, but one that was suppose to compliment Zu bookshelf speakers that by most accounts crave tube amplification.

This is my secondary rig so it allows to me experiment to some degree with too much risk.

The Musical Paradise gets rave reviews both pro and owner. I'd tube roll.

I've read that the rca's I have are pretty good in this pre. I'm gonna try some Genelex Golden Lion KT88's to see what they do for me. They are suggested units.

I've been running in the amp all day, so I got a good 8 hours on it. I'm happy to report that it has opened up substantially. The highs have smoothed out as well.

One thing for sure,is that interconnects make BIG differences in sound. So finding the right one might be long road. Especially since any good interconnect will cost as much as the amp. The trick will be to find one that's inexpensive and works.

I will say I can see what all the fuss is about with tubes. The presence of the music can be really life like.

"Especially since any good interconnect will cost as much as the amp. The trick will be to find one that's inexpensive and works."

There's an easier way to do this. If you are looking at cables that cost as much as your amp, a better strategy would be to buy an amp that's twice as expensive and just use cheap cables.