Most beneficial change .

Saki70

Sure... as best I can... you can pm me and we could talk ph to ph live too.

With respect to Upscale Audio's recs, BTW, did they sell these to you or tell you to go find them?

What I posted previously is how I go about things that I've found which have continued to work with various tube items. I am certain it ain't the only way either.

It pretty much keeps to my ideas on system building, but I never really put it into that context till now. Hyper resolving source (signal input), ease off the hard edges with smoother tubes there, then pick up that signal and exploit it downstream. Fatten it, emphasize it, exaggerate it, or maintain it's ease thereafter, DEPENDING on the needs of me... and the speakers/room.

I'm not all about which tubes replace which tubes as substitutes but know those who do. one lives in my area, two others do not.

In thinking about this and considering doign some tube tweaking of my own I've contacted my closest new tube source so I can point you in his direction if needs be.

I've found some tube makes have certain characteristics. RCA are IMO very nice, easy, tubes, like Matsushitas and the Green Amperex. The Amperex whites are far more bold. tungsols are akin to them. other's possess a more dynamic visage too. I don't knowe much at all about 88s. I'd think there might be some major strengths they carry, but some could well be marginally disimilar enough to solve the riddle. Beats me.

I did also run across a review in passing I wanted to investigate on the Gallo speakers. they have a new set forthcoming soon retialing for $6K or so... and read the 3.1 refs review in 6 Moons. John Podis did the account & you can Google for it. If tubes aren't the key, though I think that will surely help, there's them Gallos.

it was clearly stated how well they worked in smaller rooms and bettered most monitors using one ex of some $8K sorts for comparisons sake.

Consider auditioning some different speakers that would enable you to do an
in-room comparison with what you presently own.

I'd suggest trying the Zu Audio Credenza, if doing so fits into your budget.
The Credenza's frequency response is close to your 3a Decapo, but the
Credenza speakers have higher sensitivity, and they have a crossoverless, full
range driver design. Zu Audio does dynamics particularly well, IMO.

If you want to try a model with more bass (because this will surely increase
the toe tapping), then the Essence would be the model to audition.

Zu Audio speakers can be auditioned in home with a return policy since Zu
Audio has switched back to the consumer direct sales model.

I'm not suggesting the Zu speakers are better or worse than what you own,
but they will certainly be different, and it's likely you will either
identify a solution to your problem, or eliminate a possibility...and that will
be progress.

I agree with the zu recommendation. However, I recommend borrowing another good cd player first. And borrow a turntable if you can. I don't imagine the kt88 tube to be the issue.

Also, Prat roughly refers to speed of transient attack and clarity of rythm at any tempo.

I think your loudspeakers are fine. In fact, I have often heard Reference 3A speakers to be very energetic and engaging. You've already played a bit with cabling, and that did seemed to leave you nonplussed.

My opinion on why the system does not come alive is related to the amplifier, though not the amplifier itself. Please give a quad of JJ E34L a try, and your problems might be solved right there. In my experience, comparing KT88 versus EL34 in most cases has left me feeling exactly as you do now.

Trelja ; as an owner of the Granite 657 , do you think that it could be the cause of any my maladies ? Feel free to pm me with your answer if you wish .
I will try the EL 34's .

Thank you .