finally dropped in the GE 7044, and these tubes absolutely added some flesh. i also removed the herbie tube dampers i had on my tubes, i think they were sapping some of the life out of the sound. i dont like boom or loose sound, but i also think some natural bloom is a must. anyway, i wonder why people are so enamored with the tungsols... they are definitely tighter and leaner. i guess it depends on the system, but i like the GE's better. now, off to try to find some sylvnias gb 5687. :)