Softable
Head-Fier
I don't own the WA22, but I auditioned it a number of times and didn't feel it was a great pairing with the Z1R. I was so unimpressed that it was a big part of the reason I didn't end up with the WA22 even though I loved the pairing with my HE1000 v2 and thought the amp has stunning good looks which matters to me. I had actually been pretty set on the WA22 util i bought the Z1R and heard the pairing. The WA22 softened the Z1R up too much and it lost much of its control and clarity and it loosened up the bass too much. Lost a bit of it's energy too which is a differentiator for me when I want a departure from the slightly more laid back HE1000 for certain genres. The Z1R is a bit warm and the WA22 added warmth didn't seem to be fitting. Might be able to mitigate that with the right tubes though.
With all that said, it's not like it sounded like crap or anything, but for as much as the Z1R costs, I felt it was important to find an amp that brought the best out in it. I ended up buying a Wells Audio Milo after auditioning the Enigma. I don't have it yet (i'll hopefully have it in about a week or so), and i'll post impressions when I do. The Enigma sounded great with both my Z1R and HE1000 v2 so i'm hoping for much of the same form the Milo.
How did the Wells Audio Milo pairing with rhe Z1R change the sound, or make the Z1R shine? I have heard that the Milo is just a great pairing for many high end headphones, like the abyss, Z1R, HE-6, and HEK. But what exactly for you makes it an awesome pairing?
Thanks.