Upgrade from a Cary SLI-80 integrated amp

And I agree with the above poster that NOS tubes make a noticeable improvement.

Chuck

I am now listening to it with EI 6CA7 tubes; sounds interesting - very detailed and focused, but with small soundstage, the sound is inside the speakers (currently Silverline Sonata-III). Will try to install vintage GEC KT88 and play with speaker cables.

I am using NOS TS 6550s in my SLI-80 F1. Are KT88s preferable?

My current tubes, all NOS, are 4 TS 6550s, 2 RCA 6SN7/VT231 gray glass, 2 Mullard GZ34s and 2 Amperex 6992s.

I would like to get a bit more bass out of the amp given that I am using it with a pair of Nola Boxers. Any suggestions?

The KT88 will give you more bass when compared to your TS 6550, but you might be giving up other sonic benefits of the TS 6550.

In addition, the ultralinear setting will also give you more bass compared to the triode setting.

Dminches, do you have a way to test your NOS TS6550's? I don't want to alarm you but those old Tungsol's, in good condition, are quite rare. I ran across 8 of them quite some time ago and was looking forward to hearing them in a pair of CJ's I used to own.

Initial listening was rather disappointing, with sluggish dynamics, rolled off highs and wimpy bass. Testing on my Hickock revealed they were on their last leg but fortunately I was able to return them.

I've been told those tubes are among the best of the 6550/KT88 types ever made so would think you'd get reasonably good bass.