I find them similarly good but not characteristically the same. The spirit of the Bakoon from my memory was fluid and fast, articulate and quite clean... haven’t heard the 13R but if that has the same house signature but is the best example of that then unsure where that then takes it ie more of the same and better would be very impressive.
The Microzotl is alive, more fire than fluid and quite spirited and uplifting, there are moments with these of very lively realness. Fast also like Bakoon, transparent and leads you very much to forget the mechanism and point you towards the life and the spirit of the music. Perhaps for me the Microzotl was a bit more visceral and the Bakoons a shade more etheric. The zotl a Shiraz, the Bakoon more a Pinot Noir. Just what I best recall and a tough distinction to make over time but theres enough compatibility for me to think they might blend very well together.
Sound of Tao's experience above is similar to mine.
For the last two weeks I've been trying the LTA MZ3 as a pre amp before the Bakoon. I'ts remarkable how the MZ imparts it's sonic character. It almost seems to overwhelms the character of Bakoon.
The addition of the MZ is a mixed bag.
It gives some extra dynamics and a more dramatic soundstage -- visceral life. The Bakoon by itself might sound a little more confined, introverted and homogeneous. However, the MZ adds some edge and texture that can be a little abrasive. I can guess I'm hearing more dynamics but with an unwelcome companion along for the ride-- distortion. I can imagine this character could end up being more fatiguing
in the long run.
The Bakoon, without the MZ, is more smooth, with a more understated quality. It is definitely less distorted. The music is riding along on a clean slipstream. The downside: just not as visceral-- or maybe more accurately-- not as
obviously visceral. But all in all, it might be a more lovable, if less exciting, musical companion.