The Apex Pinnacle 2 and Pinnacle 2 Ultra
The Apex Pinnacle 2 and Pinnacle 2 Ultra are an evolution of the Apex Pinnacle headphone amp and preamp.
Like its predecessor, the Pinnacle 2 uses a single-ended two-stage amplifier circuit using a 6SN7 and two PX4 directly-heated triodes. The Pinnacle 2 Ultra uses the exquisite Emission Labs PX4 tubes.
Both the input and output signals are coupled through very high quality audio transformers, providing truly balanced inputs and outputs. New C-core output transformers are employed in the Pinnacle 2, with an amorphous core in the Ultra version. Three inputs are accommodated, from either balanced or unbalanced RCA or XLR connections. Three output impedance selections are available for both balanced and unbalanced headphones, and a preamp out mode drives both balanced and unbalanced outputs. The input and output selections are made via a front panel switches, which activate relays that are strategically located to keep the signal path direct and pure.
Although it uses the same basic circuit as the original Pinnacle, the Pinnacle 2 received many component upgrades, like a new medical-grade power transformer, as well as a number of aesthetic enhancements. The Pinnacle 2 Ultra includes several key upgrades from the Pinnacle 2, including silver foil paper-in-oil coupling capacitors and Spiral Groove Strange Attractor feet.
New Silver (P2) and Wine (P2 Ultra) finish knobs and transformer covers are cosmetic upgrades over the previous model.
Also added is a gain switch on the rear panel for ease in changing the gain of the Pinnacle!
Feature Summary
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Original Pinnacle
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Pinnacle 2
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Pinnacle 2 Ultra
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EI-core output transformer
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Silicon Iron C-core transformer
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Amorphous Iron C-core transformer
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Sophia PX4 output tubes
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Sophia PX4 output tubes
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Emission Labs PX4 output tubes
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Tung-Sol 6SN7 input tube
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Tung-Sol 6SN7 input tube
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NOS US 6SN7WGT input tube
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Copper foil PIO capacitors
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Copper foil PIO capacitors
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Pure silver foil PIO capacitors
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24-step attenuator
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47-step attenuator
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47-step attenuator
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Rubber Feet
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Machined Aluminum/w Rubber
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Spiral Groove Strange Attractors
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Exposed Transformers
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Black and Silver Powder Coated Cover
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Black and Gold Powder Coated Cover
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Pinnacle 2 Specifications
Tube complement: Input - one 6SN7 • Output - two PX4, Sophia (standard) or Emission Labs (Ultra)
Inputs: Three, all with XLR and RCA connectors, balanced or unbalanced
Line output:XLR and RCA, balanced or unbalanced
Volume control:High quality 47-step attenuator
Headphone outputs: 1/4" TRS unbalanced, 4-pin XLR balanced • Can drive loads from 16 ohms and up.
Dimensions:Amplifier - 17" wide x 3" tall x 11" deep • Power supply - 17" wide x 3" tall x 11" deep
Power: 120V or 240V, 50/60Hz, 100 Watts
Maximum gainHigh Impedance: 27dB
Low impedance: 21dB
IEM: 6dB
All can be reduced by 6dB via rear panel gain selection switch
Maximum output High Impedance into 150 ohms: 27V RMS
Low impedance into 32 ohms: 10V RMS
IEM into 16 ohms: 1.6V RMS
Frequency response20Hz – 40kHz +/- 0.5dB