Apex Pinnacle vs Leben CS300XS: The Awful Truth - Page 8

Thanks Innerspace!

Quote:

Originally Posted by InnerSpace 

Thanks.  The gain architecture seems to work fine with the stepped attenuator.  I'm usually four or five clicks up and the steps are subtle enough - I don't find myself wanting an in-between setting anywhere.

 

Even though it is stepped, you can set the amp in between and once in a while, I am glad you can.
 

Can you really set the attenuator in-between steps? I have the DACT 24-stepped control on my B52 and I cannot go in between. (My T1s need to be on the 2nd audible step most of the time.)

I was thinking either the Pinnacle's Hi/Low impedence output choice would allow for more gradations, or that the particular gain tube chosen (the 6NS7) might also change things.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgs9200m 

Can you really set the attenuator in-between steps? I have the DACT 24-stepped control on my B52 and I cannot go in between. (My T1s need to be on the 2nd audible step most of the time.)

 

I was thinking either the Pinnacle's Hi/Low impedence output choice would allow for more gradations, or that the particular gain tube chosen (the 6NS7) might also change things.

You cannot. I think shabta must be talking about the Leben. If you're only on the second step then the gain of your amp is too high. I find that stepped attenuators work best when you're past the 5th step otherwise, it's hard to find the correct volume.

Thanks XXII, that's what I suspected. Is the particular gain of an amp is set in stone or something than can be adjusted?

The nicest thing about the Pinnacle is that it brings out the best in older questionably-mastered CDs without glare or shout. This is critically important with headphones, especially the higher end ones.

The Pinnacle with an EMM XDS1 (and a pair of old Shunyata Anaconda VX powercords) really allows for a no-fatigue sound but with still sweet extended highs, tight controlled satisfying bass, lots of resolution,

and that holy-grail quest for a relaxing sound coupled with a deep insight into the recording.

It's like my entire redbook CD collection has been converted to Hi-Rez. An RCA VT231 version of the 6NS7 gain tube helps.

Digital glare and shout drove me crazy, and I was picking up SACDs to hide from it, but the Pinnacle/XDS1 combo really works here on ordinary CDs.

The best headphones for this are my HD800s  with DHC balanced cables (no more piercing highs or upper mids!) with striking soundstaging/layering, very natural tonality and texture.

Just about as good are my Beyer T1s (balanced with Zeus Hex22 cable), having a smaller soundstage but sounding more intimate.

Also very fine (but not quite as resolved but still very silky with no hint of glare as noticed with other amps) are my Denon 7000s also balanced with Zeus Hex22 cable.

Just wanted to mention that the Pinnacle drives the HE-6 with more than ample power.