Can excellent tubes transcend modest amps?

My first comment was that the better and more resolving the system, the more the qualities of NOS tubes would be appreciated. NO- They WON'T transform junk, and I fully agree that a well built power supply, quality caps, etc. ARE an absolute must for "high end" reproduction, but: Quality NOS tubes will still take a mediocre amp to higher level, and the differences will not be subtle. Incidently: A high-dollar set of Michelins WILL have more traction, and result in better stability, ride comfort and handling on ANY given car(providing said car didn't already have a better set of tires on it). Will they transform an Impala into a C6? Of course not! They WILL however make an improvement.

So a Cayin 70 0r 88 with a bit of tube upgrade may be the best of both world in the budget category?

A pair of these: (http://www.tubedepot.com/pa-6sl7gt-3.html), and NOS TungSol JAN CTL/6SN7GT roundplates or Sylvania JAN/CHS/6sn7W tall bottle tubes from the 40's as drivers in the A-88T would probably satisfy your craving for a taste of the high-end pie(entry level, but solid). That would depend on your SPL needs, and the rest of the source material/system/room combination of course. Personally- I'd use Winged 'C' 6550's(the latest iteration from the St Petersburg factory) as output valves, as I know them to be a very clean tube. Slightly more power with the KT-88's, and you could well be pleased by the stock outputs. You didn't mention your tastes in music, or listening levels. Be certain to buy matched/tested/certified pre-amp grade(very low noise) 6SL7's for the piece. Finding NOS 6SN7 "Grails" that are screened for noise will be tougher, but they shouldn't be in as high a gain stage anyway.

Better tubes make a mediocre amp better but would go so far as transcending it. On the other hand, the are great amps made with so so tubes and still sound great. I would say great amp transcends modest tubes

there is no definitive answer to the question posed by kanuk. until the criterion of "better sound" is denoted, the best course of action is to listen to an assortment of tubes, where there are return privilegs , to determine ifsonic improvements can be attained.

there is a risk when buying another amp, just as there is a risk of dissatisfaction when changing tubes.

our hobby is based upon subjective evaluation, personal preference and a lack of predictability.

it is best to be an empiricist without preconceptions.
without the facility to listen to alternatives, one is left with speculation and risk.