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The Peak

 

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peak

[peek]

–noun

1. the pointed top of a mountain or ridge.

2. a mountain with a pointed summit.

3. the pointed top of anything.

 

The Apex Peak represents a fresh approach to a mid-priced headphone amplifier and preamp.

The Peak is a hybrid amplifier, pairing a 6SN7 vacuum tube voltage amplifier stage with a class-A single-ended MOSFET output stage.  Unlike some hybrid amplifiers on the market, the Peak generates a true high voltage B+ supply to operate the tube where it belongs – at a very linear operating point.  The single-ended MOSFET output stage is DC-coupled to the outputs to provide excellent drive capability and deep bass response.  No negative feedback whatsoever is used in the Peak.

Three inputs, selected by a front panel switch, and a line output (which is automatically muted when you plug in your headphones) are provided, so you can use the Peak both as a headphone amplifier and a pre-amp for a loudspeaker system.  Relays are used to keep the signal path short and direct.

The standard Peak is powered by an external switching power supply.  For ultimate fidelity, the Volcano, an optional linear power supply is available that matches the amplifier in appearance and performance.  The Volcano uses a low-noise toroidal transformer and a massive bank of filter capacitors to provide high peak currents without significant voltage drop.

Unique design and quality parts combine to give the Peak optimum sound at an affordable price.  Unlike many so-called "high-end" audio components, the Peak is not just a prettied-up marginal design implemented with poor-quality parts from third-world nations.  It is proudly hand-built in the USA.


Pictures

Click on the photos for a full resolution version

 

 

Reviews

Review of the Apex Peak and Volcano by Tom Martin at Playback 

 

a review from Srajan Ebaen at 6moons. Read it here.


 

Measurements and Specifications

NOTE:  Please read the page about headphone & amp specs!

Values are typical.  Measured using a Volcano power supply.

Max output level into 150 ohms @ 1kHz: 6.6V RMS / 18.7V P-P / 290mW

Max output level into 33 ohms @ 1kHz:  5.7V RMS / 16V P-P / 980mW

Peak output current: 220mA

Input impedance: 50k ohms

Output impedance: 1.0 ohm

THD+N 1V 1kHz 150 ohms: 0.16%

THD+N 1V 1kHz 33 ohms: 0.11%

FR: 20-20kHz +/- 1dB

FR: -3dB 7Hz – 30kHz

Noise 400Hz-30kHz: 30uV

Max gain (Headphone out) 1kHz: 23dB

Max gain (line out) 1kHz: 17dB

DC Offset: +/- 10mV

 

Power:  120 or 240 VAC, 50-60Hz, 45 watts max.

Dimensions:  8.3" W x 10.3" D x 2" tall (excluding tube)

 

 

FFT: 1V RMS @ 1kHz into 33 ohms:

 

 

FFT: 1V RMS @ 1kHz into 150 ohms:

 

 

 

Frequency response:

 

 

 

THD+N vs. frequency

 

 

THD+N vs. output voltage (1kHz into 33 ohms):

 

THD+N vs. output voltage (1kHz into 150 ohms):