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Great purchase!
It is hard to best the EL34's midrange.
For more extension at both ends and more pop, I like KT88s. I bet the Leben can happily use them.
Totally read my mind, Elk. I've been wanting to try the KT-88s, especially for the extension at both ends, but the bottles are a tad tall, which would mean using the Leben without the top cover. I guess that would be okay, but I kind of like the look of the Leben with the top on. (I told you I was vain, right? ) If I could choose any NOS tubes to use on the Leben, though, they'd be Western Electric 350B tubes... although I'd have to use the Leben sans cover for them, too.
The Leben does look great with the cover on.
I will admit though the part of the appeal of tubes is the glow and warmth - I just like them. Thus I would be tempted to run it without the cover.
I adore the sound EL34 tubes make when cooling. They emit a delicious gentle tinkling. The KT88s are silent. Bummer.
What KT-88s do you recommend, Elk? I saw that the Gold Lion Reissue KT-88s have been getting a good word of mouth, as well...