Member Reviews: Apex High-Fi Audio Peak and Volcano

I actually decided to buy the Apex Peak/Volcano, I do not regret purchasing this amplifier even though a loaner program was available for sometime, although I don't know if it was still going on when I bought the amp.   For headphones I have the Audez'e LCD-2 and Ultrasone Edition 10.  I only used the ED10 very briefly as I actually prefer the sound of the LCD-2 to the ED10s.  So now that is out of the way, I am using a Q-Audio headphone cable, Yulong D100, and Onkyo ND-S1.  I didn't even bother with using the stock tube the amplifier came with as I have a pretty strong NOS collection of 6SN7s.  I ran the amplifier with a Marconi Osram B65 for about 50 hours...

Being pretty new to this hobby, I relish the opportunity to try new things.  So it was with excitement that I jumped on the chance to have a home audition of the loaner Peak and Volcano.  That I would be able to just pick it up from the house of a local fellow head-fier who would also help split the shipping costs of sending the battleship of a case it travels in was icing on the cake.  Granted, shipping ended up being something like 12 bucks because of where I work, but that’s another story.  Anyway, all good things usually come with some sort of catch.  Fortunately for me, the only request from Todd was that I post a review and impressions of the amp…so here...

This is my first review on Head-Fi.  In this review, I will do my best to describe what we all know to be an extremely subjective experience. Before I review the Apex Peak, I think it's important to talk about my experience with Todd the Vinyl Junkie.  I first met Todd when he was working at Headroom.  He has always been a great guy to deal with.  In over 15 years, I have had nothing but positive experiences with him.  Todd has consistently worked hard to give me great service.  He has always taken the time answer questions and has given me accurate and honest advice.  Whenever possible, I give Todd my business.  Along with the service has come exceptional sound quality from Todd Green...

Apex High-Fi Audio Peak and Volcano   You can read about the specs from the description and the other reviews.   There is a reason this set-up is listed as the most popular headphone amp - the audio quality and design and nothing short of amazing.   I am a noob in the headfi community.  I have been a member for just over a year now and have been able to make it to the mid-tier of headphones and headphone amps.  The HD800, LCD3, HE600 are still out of reach for my budget.  For this review I used the Hifiman HE4, Hifiman HE5LE, and the Denon 5000 to listen to my music.  My sources were my mac mini, iPhone, and Hifiman 601 player all using...

I was listening to music through the Peak yesterday.  And it was such a thrilling listening session.  However, I did something unusual: I stopped.   I hit the pause button after a particularly great song, and took off the headphones.  I held my breath for a moment, and closed my eyes.  I wanted to remember this moment.  Just in case it never sounded this good again.   "That was it," I said to myself.  The place I've been trying to find for a few years now. Then, as I recalled the long and expensive journey that got me here, I became a little upset with myself.   I was upset with all the money I had spent...

I had borrowed some HD800s for a weekend, and used them w/my Cayin and Benchmark USB amps. I found them to be easily the best headphones I had heard , and was quickly aware that my current amplification was not really up to what these puppies could give me. I bought the phones, and pursued a new amp. I called Todd because of his great reputation. He is VERY easy to do business with. After discussing things he recommended his Peak/Volcano combo. He specifically told me that Pete is particulary proud of the P/V design and sound. He feels it is 90% of the experience of the Pinnacle, at least - but at 21% of the cost. Todd repeatedly told me he really is no hassle with his 30 day return -...

  A wise man once told me, “Ignorance is bliss”.  Pausing for a moment, he then corrected himself, “Actually, ignorance was bliss”.  Never were truer words spoken with my return to Head-Fi after having been “blissful” these past three years.  Having worked through a bit of gear, which I will describe below, and a number of posts, I made peace with my equipment and tried to focus on my music.  Unfortunately, some minor, but annoying issues that seem to be related to my house’s wiring, my power amplifier and/or some noisy tubes led to a call to Todd @ TTVJ last month for some audio advice.Now, I have known Todd since 2002 or 2003 when he was at Headroom toting amps across the...