New Tubes- Need Burn-In?

Ditto positive comments on the SEDs, especially the EL34s. Running a new quartet of these in a CJ CAV50 and they have all the extension and soundstaging I could ask for. Inner details and quiet backgrounds they do in spades, exactly what I was looking for. Likely one of the best brands of current issue EL34s for audio.

Well guys, based on the feedback thus far I believe I'll buy a quad of SED "Winged C" Svetlana. Question is- should I try 6550 or KT-88 in the Cayin A-88T.

Opinions welcome!

Don't know about a Cayin - probably depends on the sound you are after. You will likely hear a fuller and warmer sound with the KT88's and a more linear sound with the 6550's. I'm running KT88's with EH drivers in one amp and 6550's and EI drivers in another. Both sound great in that combination. So, once you pick your power tube consider how it will sound with the driver tube - makes a considerable difference.

I bought a quad of EH 88's for JOR the other day. What an absolute waste of money, thank god the seller refunded almost all my $100. Not even close to the stock KT90's. The Jadis guy said it would cost me like $800 to get a quad of Jadis 88's.
btw Dan how is the bass in the Cayin A88?

Well, after much experimentation and help from all you guys I believe I have whipped the Cayin into line. Damn it's sounding good now!

My take on the amp:

The stock tubes are marginal at best- which is surprising considering the glowing reviews the amp has received.

The EH KT-88's I bought to try are too "edgy" in that amp- detail is good but everything has a noticeable level of attack.

I now have a quad of Svetlana "Winged C" KT-88's from Upscale Audio that were thoroughy tested and matched. I also replaced the Chinese 6SN7's with 2 NOS Sylvania 6SN7W's.

Man- it's like night and day- an altogether different amp. Great transparency, liquid vocals, in the room realism with good material, and better bass than I had with either the Cary SLI-80 Signature or the Manley Shrimp/Conrad Johnson MV-60 combo.

My final touch comes next week when I receive my NOS RCA Red Base 6SL7's to replace the 2 remaining Chinese driver tubes.

I'll report back after that move!