You could tune the 'cello in 4ths using these https://www.daddario.com/products/orchestral/cello/helicore-fourths-cello/helicore-fourths-tuning-cello-44-scale-medium-tension-set/
I am fully aware that there are elements of the repertoire which would be tricky, but if you were picking up the 'cello for a side project and wanted that tone without the "Eh? why would you tune in 5ths" moments, they are there.