The Apex Pinnacle 2 Ultra and Pinnacle 2 are awesome headphone amps and preamps. They are designed by Pete Millett, known for his tube designs and some great DIY designs.
I saw it mentioned they are over priced but the cost of components and design easily justify their price. And I realize they are not for most people. Those who have purchased them have been very pleased. If you are interested in hearing the Pinnacle 2 I have one I can loan so you can directly compare to some of the other great amps you have shown in this thread. You can email me at
todd@ttvjaudio.com and arrange an audition. The Pinnacle 2 makes an awesome preamp also! You are also invited to my shop to hear the Pinnacle 2 Ultra. It is permanently fixed in my rack of high end gear as the main preamp and also can be used for headphones.
There are a number of very good headphone amps that sound and perform with excellence and it often comes down to personal preference. All of the above amps are worthy of the High End tag!
The Pinnacle 2 uses PX4 tubes from Sophia. Other PX4 tubes can also be used - like the Emission Labs PX-4 and KR Audio PX4 tubes. The Pinnacle 2 Ultra comes with the Emission Labs tubes. I personally like the Emission Labs best.
The 6SN7 tube should be replaced by your favorite 6SN7 tube. We send it out with a current Russian made Tung Sol. Using a Sylvania Bad Boy or any other to notch 6SN7 brings out the best in the amp.
It has 3 gain settings, including one that allows for IEM use. It has 3 balanced or single ended inputs, single and balanced headphone outputs, as well as pre amp out in single ended or balanced mode.
Power Supply
Todd