(above) The TTVJ Pinnacle at CanJam 2010 Chicago
Ladies and gentlemen,
I was fortunate enough that Todd was willing to allow me to audition the new Apex Pinnacle in my home for a week. I want to clarify that I am no way affiliated with TTVJ or Pete Millett. All my opinions expressed are unbiased.
I bought a Millett 307a from Todd in March of this year. Since then it has spoiled me as one of my favorite audio components in my collection. I bought a SDS XLR by Single Power about 3 years ago. For those that don’t know my story, Single Power delivered an amp which although sounded great, broke after 4 days of usage, and when I delivered it back to them, I was never returned the amp nor the money. That was 10k stolen right out from under me. I had been aching to replenish this loss for some time and in March I finally saved up enough funds to do so. The Millett 307a is a very very neutral sounding amp. To my ears it is the least tubish sounding tube amp I’ve ever heard. It really sounds quick and clear and when you use it you are under its spell.
HOWEVER,
The Pinnacle is by far BY FAR the best amplifier I have ever had the pleasure of hearing, and as of this date, the Pinnacle is in my opinion the headphone audio component most worthy of the designation “high end.” I want to clarify that to my ears, the Pinnacle is ever so slightly warm when compared with the 307a. I do not however call the Pinnacle a bloated or super warm amp. I am of the belief that a tube amp benefits from being a touch warm. It is in the sound of a tube amp that I search for the relief of a DAC’s digital sound. No matter how much you spend on a DAC (I own a 6,000 dollar DAC MSB Platinum DAC III) there is always an etchiness that is non present in a great vinyl system. I also have had the pleasure of hearing great Studer Reel To Reel systems, I believe a great 2-inch reel to reel is by far the most transparent source on the planet. Anyway, I look for a tube amp to feel rounded and beautiful. The Pinnacle IS rounded and beautiful but does not compromise in detail. When I was listening to the Pinnacle I began to feel for the first time in my life that I no longer need to upgrade my headphones. The Pinnacle makes every headphone sound the best I’ve heard.
The HD800 have bass, clarity, speed, detail, tremendous soundstage, and are about as transparent as humanly imaginable. The 307a by comparison feel more analytical which is a benefit for some listeners who prefer less bass weight.
The T1 were in my opinion a special treat with the Pinnacle. Maybe my favorite in terms of synergy. Just perfectly liquid, balanced.
The K1000 were driven without any problem and sounded the best I’ve heard. The midrange on this amp is jaw dropping.
The PS1000 were not to my taste. I was auditioning Todd’s pair, I did not enjoy the headphone so I cannot comment, but I feel they sounded about the same on both amps.
The LCD2 sounded to my ears - equal on the 307a as it did on the Pinnacle. The LCD2 sounds more liquid-like and lush with the Pinnacle, there is a tad more clarity with the 307a.
The R10s sounded better with the Pinnacle, but it’s very hard to make the R10s ever sound bad.
The HD600 sounded the most balanced I’ve ever heard with the Pinnacle.
Finally I want to say,
The sound of the Pinnacle is in my opinion, deserving of its price tag, despite the price tag being up there. Usually I am of the opinion that an amp can not effect the sound to the degree of redefining the sound of a system. The Pinnacle made my system better in every aspect, and I’ve decided to forget about investing in a Stax system for now and save up for the Pinnacle. If you have the chance to ever hear this amp, specifically with an MSB DAC, you will be hearing the best sound I’ve ever heard in my life and I think that’s pretty damn awesome because I’ve made it a point my whole life to hear the BEST sound possible.
-Dave
