Introduction
MEE Audio is launched in 2005 with production of in-ear monitors (iems) and headphones. They have products that can cater to different needs. Their flagship Pinnacle P1 has been widely received and this year, they release the Pinnacle P2. I would like to thank MEE Audio for this review unit and you can purchase the Pinnacle P2 from http://www.meeaudio.com/P2 .
Specifications
- Driver Type: Moving Coil (Dynamic) with Copper-Clad Aluminum Voice Coil
- Bass Driver: 10mm Moving Coil (Dynamic)
- Frequency Response: 17Hz to 20kHz
- Impedance: 16 Ohms at 1kHz
- Sensitivity: 100±3 dB (1mW at 1kHz)
Unboxing & Accessories
The Pinnacle P2 comes in a rectangular black box with a white sleeve protector that sports the MEE Audio logo and the model name, “Pinnacle P2 High Fidelity Audiophile In-Ear Headphones”. On the sleeve protector, there is a picture of the P2 printed on it. On the back of the protector, you will see the characteristics of the P2. At left side, there are description on the specifications and the package contents while on the right side, there are information on the place of manufacturing and warranty. After removing the sleeve protector, you will be presented with a black package. After opening the package, you will greeted with the P2 and the storage case. Below the iem, there is the headset cable, shirt clip and eartips of different sizes. There is an instruction manual beneath the case.
IEM Build & Design
The Pinnacle P2 is made out of plastic and has a similar shell to the Pinnacle P1. It has a nice glossy black surface. The P2 is constructed with a good build. On both the left and right faceplate, there is the MEE Audio’s logo printed on it. There is a small vent at the top side of the iem. The nozzle is slightly angled and there is a soft material that acts as a mesh. It utilises MMCX connector for the detachable cables. The P2 is very lightweight and weighs 4 grams. Coupled with an ergonomic design, I can use the P2 for a long listening session. Overall, I find the Pinnacle P2 to have an exceptionally light weight with a rather small shell that fits comfortably inside my ears.
Cable Build & Design
The cable is quite average and on each of the connector, there is a L & R marking to differentiate between left and right. There is grip on the connectors too. There is no memory wire area and there is microphone on the right. Moving on to the y-splitter, it is y-shaped and the chin slider is round in shape. Lastly, the jack is 3.5mm gold plated right angled and there is strain relief.
Sound Analysis
Lows
The Pinnacle P2 has a good amount of sub-bass extension with a rather quick rumble. The extension is quite deep and the bass is being articulated tightly and precisely with an excellent definition. The bass has a quick decay and it presents each note fast. I feel it makes the overall sound lively and exciting. The mid-bass has a nice slam to it and it has a right amount of quantity. With slightly more mid-bass, it may make the sound dense. The bass is impactful and enhances the overall sound.
Mids
The midrange on P2 is slightly v shaped. The lower mids is definitely aided by the lows. There is a good amount of body to it to prevent hollowness. However, male vocals is slightly dry in its presentation. Moving on to the upper mids, it is slightly forward and provides more definition to female vocals. The resolution is quite good. The overall midrange operates in a transparent and clean approach yet retains the liveliness.
Highs
The treble is extended well and there is no sibilance and harshness. There is a good amount of air to lighten the presentation. The sparkle is present but in a small quantity. The treble has definition and is very crisp. I feel it is suitable for a long listening session.
Soundstage
The P2 has a great soundstage for both the width and depth. While the width is not the widest I have heard, there is a good amount of space and it prevents the music from sounding too congested which results in a more accurate positioning of vocals and instruments. The depth is average and not too close in. The stage helps to give the sound a more full performance.
Comparisons
Pinnacle P2 vs Pinnacle P1
The P2 has more sub-bass quantity and extension than the P1. It provides more impact to the overall sound. P1 bass is more clean and tight. The decay on the P2 is quicker and each bass note hits with a good engagement. Rumble on the P2 is slightly slower. I find the P1 to have a better definition and texture. P1 is definitely more crisp but there is more musicality on the P2. The mid-bass has more slam than the P1 and the dynamics is better. I feel the lower mids on the P1 is better controlled but the P2 is aided by the lows which allows a smoother transition from the lows to the mids. The upper mids on the P2 is more forward and it is more organic in its presentation. The definition on the P1 is better. For the treble, there is more energy in the P2. The P1 operates in a clinical approach with more extension and clarity but there is slight harshness. On the other hand, the P2 operates in a smooth approach and does not sacrifice the clarity. In terms of soundstage, P1 has the better width while P2 has the better depth. Resolution of the P1 is better. I find the P2 to be musical sounding while the P1 is on the technical side with good separation and layering.
Pinnacle P2 vs TFZ Exclusive King
The King has more sub-bass quantity than the P2. I find the extension on both to be very similar. King has a more authoritative approach in its bass presentation and this makes the King to be more punchy and dense sounding. The decay on the P2 is more pacey and this contributes to a slightly better bass definition. The mid-bass on the King has more slam and this helps to create a good impact. The lower mids on the King is slightly thicker than the P2 and male vocals are being presented with more body. The upper mids on the King is slightly more forward and this makes the P2 seems very controlled here. It has a good grasp in the upper mids and does not deliver aggressive vocals. The definition on the King is slightly better. Moving on to the treble, the King has more extension and there is clarity. I find the air on the King to be slightly better rendered. In terms of soundstage, both have very similar width and depth. I feel female vocals is better presented on the P2 due to its tight control at the top end. The King has more body in its low end and male vocals excel.
Pinnacle P2 vs Kinera H3
The P2 has similar sub-bass quantity and extension as the H3. I find the P2 to be quicker in its decay. It is presented with a good cleanliness and tightness. Each bass note on the P2 is being presented with more speed and it creates more engagement. The H3 bass is more textured and coupled with more mid-bass slam, the H3 is more dynamic than the P2. I find the H3 has a better transition to the lower mids. The lower mids on the P2 is slightly thicker than the H3 and the body is appropriate. The upper mids on the P2 is more forward and I find female vocals is being presented with more intimacy here. Next, for the treble, the H3 is extended slightly better. The definition and crisp are expressed more. The P2 operates in a slightly different approach with more smoothness to it. Finally, the P2 has an edge in the stage width while H3 has the better depth. Resolution of both is very similar with the H3 producing slightly more details.
Conclusion
The Pinnacle P2 is MEE Audio’s latest iem and it shows a very good control in all aspects of the frequency range. The combination of finesse and pace makes the P2 a delight to listen to. Coupled with its ergonomic design, it brings listening comfort to a high standard. The controlled musical sound definitely makes the P2 enjoyable without feeling fatiguing.
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