Colab scrl
Pierre Costers
Vilvoordsesteenweg, 110
1860 Meise
Belgique
Email : colab@mac.com
Tel : +32 495 50 47 47
Heed Obelisk Si - Amplificateur intégré
1 250,00€
En démonstration.
Vous êtes à la recherche d'un amplificateur qui comprend la musique en dessous de 5000€?
Vos enceintes ont plus de 94dB de rendement? Nous avons de quoi vous surprendre!
Nous sommes tombé sous le charme de cette petite boîte pleine d'émotion qui mérite à plus d'un titre notre Colab d'Or.
Unleashed by ION Systems in what only now seems like the twinkling of an eye during the early 1990s, Richard Hay’s original amplifier concept stirred emotions in Hi-Fi freaks and music lovers alike. The Obelisk was something unabashedly different.
As Alec Issigonis set the automotive world on its head with his Mini in 1959 – a groundbreaking design with front wheel drive, transverse engine, sump gearbox, and phenomenal space efficiency –, so the half-width, shoebox-sized Obelisk challenged the status quo with its decidedly austere exterior, flexible upgrade possibilities, and controversial non-DC-coupled topology (by then, largely considered virtual heresy for
any serious transistor-based amplifier).
But above all, it managed to render recorded music, well, disarmingly musical.
Like the metamorphosis of the classic Mini into the ’new MINI’ under the BMW banner with modern safety, emissions and manufacturing principles, so too we have resurrected the Obelisk – by applying advanced design solutions, utilizing superior-quality component parts, and meeting higher production standards.
Therefore, we take tremendous pride in presenting the Heed Audio Obelisk Siintegrated amplifier, its supplementary Obelisk X-2 outboard power supply, and matching Obelisk PAS stereo power amplifier.
This very first 21st century Obelisk sports 5 line inputs, remote volume control, a beefed-up power supply, stand-by facility, and the ability to accept either optional phono stage or DAC modules.
And that’s not to mention an entirely re-imagined preamplifier section based upon, and yet newly refined from our innovative 2-box Luna preamp. But we have never lost sight of the pivotal principles set forth by its classic predecessor;
the active involvement of Richard Hay throughout the entire development of the new Obelisk range has been indispensable.
Technically speaking, the Obelisk defies conventional measurement. Mere specifications can be wildly misleading here. Consider output power: the Si is conservatively rated at 35 watts per channel into 8 ohms. While this represents a humble enough watt/cost ratio, here 35 watts don’t exactly equal 35 watts, since the Obelisk’s non-DC-coupled design behaves rather more akin to valve amplifiers (roughly speaking, Richard Hay’s approach was sort of a “valve amp built with transistors”) of similar rating. With this kind of power on board, better valve amps are capable of astonishing dynamic authority, and we’re more than satisfied that the Obelisk Si adheres to this paradigm and then some.
The Obelisk X-2 power supply (in fact, a dual-mono power amp PSU) ups the ante to a full 50wpc (again, behaving more like so many valve-watts), while allowing the original on-board power supply to dedicate itself entirely to the preamp section. In other words, with the addition of this single device, the Obelisk Si evolves into a fully-fledged dual-mono pre/power combination!
Finally, the ultimate Obelisk experience along the Si’s upgrade path is realized by the addition of the Obelisk PAS stereo power amplifier in bi-amp configuration with compatible loudspeakers.
But perhaps the most distinguishing characteristic of the Obelisk Si, in any configuration, lies in its inherent and exceptional musicality. With each listen, we are keenly reminded of how organic and life-like recorded music can be. But don’t buy
this story from us. Just read the verdict of one of the world’s most distinguished
music & Hi-Fi publications, Diapason (France):
„The Obelisk deftly negotiates dense passages with aplomb, yet is always accompanied by finesse and simplicity, indeed, consider the best tube amps.
It is much closer to the "live" magic of a reference-quality 300B than it really has any right to. ...The Si’s dynamic range approximates the spontaneity we hear attending a live performance, evoking the very same impression. A genuine revelation at a price, 
after all, without competition.”
(And just two short months after this review was published, the Obelisk Si was named recipient of the coveted Diapason D’Or Award for 2008.)
For even a fleeting experience with the real world is better than thousand words in hi-fi, do try and meet the Obelisk wherever you can – trade shows, Heed Audio dealers, happy Obelisk owners.
Option alimentation externe Obelisk-X2 au prix de 750,00€
| Technical specifications: | |
| Input 1. sensitivity/impedance: Input 1. with MM phono module: Input 2-5. sensitivity/impedance: Power output: Power output (with Obelisk X-2): Signal-to-noise ratio (A-weighted): Channel separation: Distortion (THD, 1 kHz, 100mW): Bandwidth: Damping: Pre-out: Power consumption: consumption (standby): Weight (Obelisk Si): (Obelisk X-2): |
250 mV / 10 kOhm 5 mV / 47 kOhm 250 mV / 10 kOhm 35/60 W (8/4 Ohm, 1kHz, <0.1% THD) 50/80 W (8/4 Ohm, 1kHz, <0.1% THD) 98 dB >90 dB <0,08% 7Hz-60kHz (1W, 8 Ohm, -1.5 dB) >150 (8 Ohm) 0 dBm (775 mV)/ <50 Ohm <160 W 5 W 7 kg 5 kg |
|
La presse en parle:
Heed OBELISK Si reviewed by Philippe Venturini |
|
October 2008
|
Naturally, we have compared the two configurations and concluded, without hesitation, that the more expensive 2-box set quite clearly outperforms the basic version. But of course, the original is hardly found lacking in attributes: surprisingly refined timbre for the price, lifelike dynamics, exceptionally airy stereo images. Completed by the X-2 outboard PSU, the Obelisk Si gains not only power (2 x 50W instead of 2 x 35W), but sounds more spacious and effortless, adding breath, colour, and nuance, bringing it comfortably into the realm of far more expensive models of the highest pedigree.
The music is effectively rendered with fidelity and realism rarely heard in Hi-Fi.
No note seems to emanate from the complex calculations of a computer - that is, a succession of 0s and 1s made by an electronic circuit laden with transistors, capacitors and resistors – but, rather, directly from the vibration of the air generated by a musical instrument. Voices and chords demonstrate amazing beauty, from the initial precision attack through the progressive diminishing of the notes.
The resonance, the acoustic ambiance, the tiniest nuance of vibrato, all phenomena essential to perceiving music in an effortless fashion. The concert at home.
 |
|
|
Heed OBELISK Si integrated amplifier reviewed by Thierry Soveaux |
|
July/August 2008
|
Power & Finesse
It is a rare occurrence indeed that a component under review sets itself so far apart
from the pack. Is this the fruit, for the time being, of a real musical culture claimed in this case, by the Hungarian? It can never be stressed enough that the development of the best products cannot be achieved without aesthetic purpose, and furthermore, without subordination to the music. This explains the preeminence of English devices and perhaps only a certain very few models from our part of Europe.
From the first note, we are stunned by its silken quality, particularly noticeable on the strings that suddenly begin to breathe naturally. By comparing the Obelisk to our dear Etalon ("Diapason D' Or" award winner; of Hungarian origin also) we clearly prefer the Obelisk. It is unquestionably more refined, while preserving the indispensable freshness and undeniable wealth of those aspects that comprise the charm of the Etalon. Its frequency response glides along on the edge of perfection, demonstrating impeccable harmony throughout the spectrum. The Obelisk deftly negotiates dense passages with aplomb, yet is always accompanied by finesse and simplicity, indeed, consider the best tube amps. It is much closer to the "live" magic of a reference-quality 300B than it really has any right to. Stereo imaging is resolutely three-dimensional, wonderfully spatial, all the while delivering an absolutely precise rendering of source material. Its character satisfies fully, providing the highest resolution imaginable, but without the slightest hint of artificial brightness. Finally, the Si’s dynamic range approximates the spontaneity we hear attending a live performance, evoking the very same impression. A genuine revelation at a price, after all, without competition.
 |
And just two short months after this review was published, the Heed Obelisk Si was named recipient of the covetedDiapason D’Or Award for 2008.
|
|
 Heed OBELISK Si and X-2reviewed by Ghislain Prugnard |
|
May/June 2008
|
Have a good look at this amplifier. Not only its Hungarian origine is not common, but it may remind you of something. In any case, we are almost positive that you are going to hear a lot about it.
First of all, it's great to discover a component that comes from a country rarely cited for
its electronic designs. Then, let's say it straight away, we fell in love with this small integrated amplifier at first sight.
......
As it is, even without the X2 power supply, it is incredibly "healthy" even on demanding loudspeakers, giving an impression of quasi instantenous naturalness and musical fluidity........the key asset of this device is, without doubt, the unimitable way it has of blending in with any type of music with exceptional respect of the rhythm and the nuances.
Conclusion:
This is the type of device we adore. Still affordable, it always seems to be there to serve the music, all kinds of music. It does it with exceptional rhythmic consistancy, without exaggeration or artificial coloring, so much so that we end up completely forgetting it's there. A little jewel to discover in France!
|
Reviewed in What Hi-fi, France |
|
Mai 2008
|
Heed is still unknown in France, but we are ready to bet that is going to change soon.
.................
It has fantastic musicality which means that during the very first minutes of listening we concentrate solely on the music.......It seems to match all loudspeakers magically.
Beyond these comments, an immense pleasure remains which the Heed Obelisk Si seems to endlessly distil, with as much ease and bliss for itself as for those who are listening......Here is truly, in the real sense of the word a "musical" amplifier. And capable of pleasing absolutely everyone - without any petty quabbling!
VERDICT:
If you want to find out what a "musical" amplifier is like, run to listen to the Obelisk Si.
A truly brilliant amplifier!
|
reviewed by Jason Kennedy |
|
September 2007
|
Ion in the soul
...the Obelisk does deliver a crispness and attack that is convincing. It makes metal instruments sound more real and allows good contrast between loud and soft notes.
It suits acoustic material very nicely, if the speaker is evenly balanced. It is also very musical, which is what Heed claims to be aiming for and seems to have succeeded in delivering.
Despite facing some strong competition at its price point, the Heed Obelisk warrants your attention. It really does make that solid-state valve-sound a little closer to reality.
Bon mariage
;%20openwin('en/images/nonDC.gif',475,217);){kind=link}
