Apex Peak/Volcano Review

[tunarat]

 
 
 
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 The amp will be nice and toasty when it gets to you

 
I would imagine so, I've been in Riverside in July-August

 

[achristilaw]

 
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Well okay then, 30 bucks is 30 bucks. Let the market take it's course as long as you're not amazoning/walmarting then. But hey, have you heard the 1578? It's like a telefunken on acid after a few hours warmup

uh-uh...ain't heard it! Actually only had a few days of 100+.....it's been a cooling trend this Summer...had more rain last Winter than we had in ten years....global cooling and all that. The week of July Fourth was 85' average....weird.
 

 

[Audio Addict]

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I would be very curious to hear your thoughts about the Stealth.  I had a chance to buy one used, and I passed up on the offer.  I do not know if it is still available, but a comparison would be quite interesting.
 
--Ken
 

My 6SN7 adapters from Woo Audio came in today.  I ordered these from Jack to let me use the Treasure CV181Z with my Stealth.  It has been a year since I used them as the last time was at the Midwest meet in Kenosha, WI last July.  The CV181Z won't fit in the regular recessed 6SN7 openings of the Stealth.  At the meet I removed the top plate of the Stealth to let me use these.  It took me talking with Jack at Woo Audio to figure out a solution.  Tonight I am sitting here and can't believe I didn't try harder to get a solution to use these tubes.  I have been using the RCA red base 5692 but these tubes are just in another league to these ears.  
 
I mention this as I had planned to try the CV181Z with the Peak / Volcano and now I will have a better reference.  While they are expensive, so are a lot of the NOS 6SN7s.   

 

[achristilaw]

The treasure is a treasure of sorts. Very articulate and definitive with good balance, at the same moment it's as smooth as butter. I have the RCA 5692 red base and they work well with the amp. Also, did some digging and found a Tung-Sol round plate that is a charmer when used with this amp also. I have a host of alternatives, and any good used or NOS 6SN7 from the 50's (better than 60's) work worlds better than most "new" Chinese or Russian drop-ins.
 
The CV181-Z will fit, just needs a little down-force and care (wiggle) when it's pulled back out. The pins are a tad longer and just slightly bigger, not a problem as it's socket is above the sheet metal, and that socket is well anchored. Sounds great!

 

[BoilermakerFan]

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Originally Posted by achristilaw /img/forum/go_quote.gif

I do have issues with external transformer hum on the supplied unit. Some damping of the case is whats needed to help there. I can arrest most of the hum by using finger pressure. The sheet metal is thin, and rapping lightly with finger tips on the amp section makes a buzzing sound that would add to micro-phonics, if it is resting in a rack (when being used as a Pre-Amp for example). Small, correctable issues that can be addressed easily enough. I will add damping to mine if Pete does not for my build.
 

The flat-pack style Hammond iron that is in the Volcano PS are usually really quiet, hum &vibration free pieces of iron.  I'm assuming it's a Hammond brand though...  It would be interesting to see if your new PS hums or vibrates. 

 

[Todd]

HI All,
 
If it's pictures that you want, it's pictures that you'll get.
 

 

 
As with any design by Pete Millett and TTVJ, our primary focus is on sound quality. Translated into practical terms, more money is spent on the electronics than the enclosure. Part selection is done on the basis of the best that can be had and still hit our price point. That said we feel the Peak/Volcano is well built and looks good. And it sounds even better.
 
I also agree with achritilaw that the Volcano is necessary to get the most out of the amp. Once you've heard it with the Volcano the wall wart just does not cut it. You might say the sound erupts from the combo

 
Todd
 

 

[BrainFood]

 
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The gain is HIGH, and might be problematic if you owned an Audio Technica or Denon for example. With the pot you will pick up one channel first, starting from 0 (the right channel leads) and might cause problems with low impedance, high sensitivity. I don't have issues because I'm down to using one Ortho (the Audez'e) and want all the gain that can be mustered...Mister.    
 

 
Perhaps it needs a lower gain switch?  That would make it more compatible with the AT's and Denons, as well as efficient speakers when used as a preamp (more volume range, less noise etc).  Excessive system gain can be a nuisance

 

[replytoken]

Quote:

 
 
Perhaps it needs a lower gain switch?  That would make it more compatible with the AT's and Denons, as well as efficient speakers when used as a preamp (more volume range, less noise etc).  Excessive system gain can be a nuisance

While the gain may be a bit high, the unit was reasonably quiet as a preamplifier when paired up with my amplifier.  And my Rega amp is very sensitive; it seems to have the ability to find and amplify any tube noise or hum within about 50 miles of my house, or so it seems!

 
--Ken
 

 

[Audio Addict]

It is on its way.  achristilaw notified me he shipped it off today.  He said it was heavy.
Quote:

HI All,
 
If it's pictures that you want, it's pictures that you'll get.
 

 

 
 
Todd
 

 

[Audio Addict]

It arrived today and what a huge case as you can see from the picture compared to the actual Peak and Volcano.  Here are some pictures of it installed in my system with the now disconnected Stealth next to it.  I just have it warming up now with the stock tube.  

 

[TigzStudio]

It is one fine looking specimen, congrats man.  *waits for impressions*

 

[achristilaw]

Quote:

 
 
Perhaps it needs a lower gain switch?  That would make it more compatible with the AT's and Denons, as well as efficient speakers when used as a preamp (more volume range, less noise etc).  Excessive system gain can be a nuisance

I hate gain switches..adds complexities to the circuit (and noise potential)...Each Peak/Volcano will be made on a case by case basis...perhaps you could order a specific gain for a specific purpose. I like the high gain for the Audez'e....

 

[Audio Addict]

Here are some notes from using the Peak/Volcano this evening.
 
I installed a sylvania 1950's chrome dome and started listening as a preamplifier.  I am using iTunes going into a PWD into the Peak and then to my Clayton Audio M70s to the Focus SE.  While it was nice Todd included a pair of Cardas Golden Reference Cables, I left all my cabling intact so the only change in my system is the Peak.

My initial reaction was not what I expected.  The level of detail delivered was much more than imagined.  The bass notes have a very natural decay.  The ability to hear the separation of all the instruments was very good.  The tone of the sax was spot on.  On the lower registers you could hear the breaths as it was being played .

Fourplay's "Vest Pocket" was up next.  The percussion was very detailed allowing you to experience each strike of the snare or triangle.

Jennifer Warnes' "First We Take Manhattan" is now playing.  I find it difficult to type.  I am just enjoying the music.

Sorry I am going to just listen as my wife tells me I can only do one thing at a time and for right now that is sit back and enjoy the music.

PS:  I had to comment on Chicago's "25 Or 6 To

" and how the horns just drew me into the music.  The instrumental seperation with the vocals made you want to join in. This was the same experience I had when The Beatles "Can't Buy Me Love" from the remastered collection was playing.  I just found myself really involved with the performance almost like I was at a concert.
 

 

[achristilaw]

Yeah, it was doing the same thing as a Headphone Amp for me also......Quite natural and alive sounding with the Audez'e. One of the single best Audez'e amps I have heard! It's about a balance of bandwidth with Natures speed that few amps achieve. I'm hooked!

 

[Audio Addict]

I have been listening tonight with my T1 and the experience is similar to last night.

I will say if I only the stock tube, I don't think I would be this positive. I would suggest a much better tube be included in the beginning.