Sounds better. Cast iron rings on new pistons which fit correctly in the cylinders are your best possible combination. With just what you've done, those rings will have already seated somewhat, and more use will be a good thing. Your valve adjustment should not be the problem unless there's some reason they aren't seating/closing right. Did they do anything to the guides? Probably obvious, but the only two cylinders that get my attention are 1 and 6. New cam or used? New valve lifters? 1954 head?
