Heed Audio Obelisk Integrated Amplifier

Heed Audio Obelisk Integrated Amplifier

The legend continues

For decades the name Heed Obelisk was equal to a truly unique experience in the vast world of audio amplifiers. It was always different. It was always the safe haven for those seeking the essence of music, the sheer pleasure of i

The Obelisk of today is much more.

For more than 30 years Heed Audio stood faithfully by the original idea, the amplifier topology with output capacitors. It can be one of the most beautifully sounding systems, if implemented with exceptional care. While practically all other manufacturers have abandoned this technology due to its higher cost and requirement of unique knowledge and skills, Heed Audio have evolved it to a higher level.

During this evolution the design of the original Obelisk started to look quite different. It became something unique, and they named it Transcap. It is a collection of ideas, circuits, implementation methods, proportions, and most importantly, a sound signature that altogether contribute to the trademark sound of these amplifiers.

It was important to religiously protect the heritage of the old Obelisks, the rendition of captivating and immersive music. The Obelisk Integrated is true to this tradition, elevating the core virtues to the next level, while extending the functionalities even more. It is the first full size Obelisk of the millenia, doubling all the goodness of its ancestors.

And it is filled to the brim.

SKILLFULLY HANDCRAFTED

Wherever possible Heed Audio use hand tools and manual labour to build their amplifiers, including the hand soldering of the PCBs. This is to ensure that every small component receives dedicated attention.

TRANSCAP TUNING

The Obelisk Integrated has 4 x 4.700 uF filtering and 2 x 4.700 uF output capacitors, paired with a custom audio-grade 200 VA transformer. The current delivery and filtering options adjusted more to the ‘Charming’ side with fast transient response and enriched lower frequencies.

DISCRETE MM PHONO STAGE

Heed Audio mostly use discrete semiconductors in their amplifiers, including the MM phono section. This is a 2-stage active/passive RIAA preamplifier with excellent headroom and great compatibility with the majority of the MM cartridges.

EXTRA FEATURES

⦁ isolated analogue and digital power supplies

⦁ standby function

⦁ dedicated headphone amplifier

⦁ volume controlled and fixed line level outputs

⦁ Alps Blue Velvet potentiometer

⦁ pure gold contact relay input selector

⦁ aluminium remote control

UPGRADE OPTIONS

DAC (release date to follow)

1x coax, 2x optical, 1x USB, BT wireless inputs

DAC + STR (release date to follow)

Additional Ethernet and Wifi connectivity

Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz through dedicated app, UPnP/DLNA

Power supply upgrade option:

OBELISK POWER SUPPLY

The external Obelisk Power Supply can be connected to this amplifier. This way all the analogue sections are supplied with an even higher quality clean power, as well as the power amplifiers are improved by the mains noise and DC filter.