Like I said Sometimes something is universal that everyone will love. Stock WA22 Vs. tubed-up WA22 just like Bose Vs. a nice pair of Tannoy. I take Tannoy anytime. Only using stock tubes with WA22, you really have no idea what you have missed, or you already missed everything.
I don't think when Jack and his father created WA22, to expect to sound this good. I did not expect this good for $2350 (preamp) or $1900 either. That is why I tried 12AU7 to find out what was their design goal, what they were trying to achieve, and tonal reference was. Larry tested the prototype which used 12AU7 with very good result. But after tube rolling, I can tell WA22 got new life. I am not a bass head by any mean. The "impact" thing is very hard to explain for a person use English as 3rd language. It makes you "feel" the music...... Someone help me here?
When I did my reviews, I did have everybody else tast in mind.
When you get your own WA22 on hands, and find out what's going on, then you will owe me an apology. Remember that.