Apex Peak/Volcano Review - Page 10

I know. I'm half expecting a couple ex-KGB agents to show up to retrieve it [ multiple silencer shots fired ]  

But seriously, I really like the bass in the 68HC
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by tme110 

I've seen a few russian tubes and thier boxes but never with the CCCP on the side- that makes for an interesting box.

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevinWolff 

I know. I'm half expecting a couple ex-KGB agents to show up to retrieve it [ multiple silencer shots fired ]  

But seriously, I really like the bass in the 68HC

Ex-KGB?  Heh, how naive.  

I too want some CCCP tubes.  Is it possible to source some made on the day of the Sputnik launch?

Thanks KevinWolff.  I will give it a try when I get the time to.  

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevinWolff 

 

Purrin - Are these the holes you referred to? This tube was only 25 from Upscale Audio in Canada. Had to pay 15 shipping though to eastern US. 

 

That's the cheapy one. It has more bass than the BT, but I found it overly smooth and kind of dull. The good one has 4 or 5 round holes along the side of the plates. I agree with your assessment of the BT, but in the end I just couldn't use it with HD800s (too fatiguing) or LCD2s (lacking in bass slam). Let me know how the mouse ears or bad boys compare.

Thanks! I agree. The bass hits but the rest is blah. I'd love to find a good 68hc but so far have been unsuccessful.

Regarding Mouse Ears and Bad Boy - 

I really like them both. Bass hits a little harder with the bad boy, and the highs are more forward. The mouse ears are closer to the mullard, but a little more bass kick. The highs are maybe a little recessed with the mouse ears. I like the mouse ears the most right now. But I still have an amateur ear and need to analyze a bit more.

Quote:

Originally Posted by purrin 

That's the cheapy one. It has more bass than the BT, but I found it overly smooth and kind of dull. The good one has 4 or 5 round holes along the side of the plates. I agree with your assessment of the BT, but in the end I just couldn't use it with HD800s (too fatiguing) or LCD2s (lacking in bass slam). Let me know how the mouse ears or bad boys compare.

6moons has a review of Peak and Volcano.  

how much the interest level seems a bit low for this combo?  seems like its a killer offering in the 2000$ price range.

It really is. I've had mine for 2 months and love it more and more every day.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by caracara08 

how much the interest level seems a bit low for this combo?  seems like its a killer offering in the 2000$ price range.

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevinWolff 

It really is. I've had mine for 2 months and love it more and more every day.
 

 

i noticed many of the people with the peak have the LCD2. well i guess most ppl now have a lcd2.. but i wonder how they do with the T1.  its pretty much exactly what i need.  a smaller footprint, 1 tube (less heat in the room).  right now i have the ZDSE which is AMAZING. but boss (wife) is not fond of it so it has to go.  

I think you might be taking half a step back in some regards with the Peak but can't say for sure. Purrin sold his Peak got an Eddie Current BA because he felt the peak was a little too solid state. The Peak is a hybrid and does detail really well, but tonal balance is not its strongest suit. If you're used to a more lush tube sound you might be disappointed.

As for the T1, I have no other cans right now. Wedge is using the Peak with the HD800 and claims to like it.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by caracara08 

i noticed many of the people with the peak have the LCD2. well i guess most ppl now have a lcd2.. but i wonder how they do with the T1.  its pretty much exactly what i need.  a smaller footprint, 1 tube (less heat in the room).  right now i have the ZDSE which is AMAZING. but boss (wife) is not fond of it so it has to go.  

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevinWolff 

I think you might be taking half a step back in some regards with the Peak but can't say for sure. Purrin sold his Peak got an Eddie Current BA because he felt the peak was a little too solid state. The Peak is a hybrid and does detail really well, but tonal balance is not its strongest suit. If you're used to a more lush tube sound you might be disappointed.

As for the T1, I have no other cans right now. Wedge is using the Peak with the HD800 and claims to like it.
 

 

thanks! you just summarized 10 pages for me! lol

yea i was afraid it might be a little too SS also.  and the search continues.

The flip side to the Peak is the RedWine HPA. Great tonality, just as clean, a little more dynamic, but not as hyper-detailed and fast as the Peak. I do feel the T1 is a great match for the Peak though. The Cavalli Liquid Fire looks interesting. I haven't heard it though.

We are waiting on your Liquid Fire comparison.  

I just read the 6moons review on the Peak/Volcano today and while he felt the sound quality was excellent, he wasn't too hot on the chassis: http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/ttvj/1.html

Whereas Headphonia seems to think highly of the fit and finish: http://www.headfonia.com/apek-peak-volcano-preview/

From the pictures I think it looks fine.  All business design but appears to be high quality.

Sound quality is what matters most but what do Peak/Volcano owners here think of the chassis styling, quality, etc. ?

This chassis is fine, just lightweight, i.e. your cat can very easily snag the headphone cable and drag the Peak unit to crash to the floor.

I would have liked bigger knobs, especially for the volume, but you can replace those yourself. I guess the chassis can be a little disappointing when you figure the amp + PS is $2K+.