Heed Obelisk Integrated Amp

[greg788]

I'm looking for feedback and opinions on the Obelisk, especially direct comparisons to other amps and dissenting views. I have the opportunity to buy the current model (Si III) and need to decide quickly. I've searched the forum ad nauseum but would still like opinions and feedback since I can't demo this beforehand

 

[AndrewR]

I have heard the original Si, years ago and it is packed full of goodness.

Andrew

 

[hifi-dog]

I had the si and added the power pack and it reminded me of a nice valve amp, open with rich tone and plenty of bass but not the fastest amp.

 

[Zombie]

It has a tape loop, which is nice

 

[Nye Samuel]

I had one and it was very nice but my speakers did not do it justice and in my limited space...the Obelisk went but I can heartily recommend it...very good phono stage...plus it looked good....I didn't like the blue led though.

 

[Arkless Electronics]

Beware unobtainium output transistors in early models.

 

[greg788]

Anyone else?

 

[PerF]

I'm looking for feedback and opinions on the Obelisk, especially direct comparisons to other amps and dissenting views. I have the opportunity to buy the current model (Si III) and need to decide quickly. I've searched the forum ad nauseum but would still like opinions and feedback since I can't demo this beforehand

Is this a 50 watt ?
What speakers to be used ?
I thought my old Obelisk missed a bit on power and dynamic, lovely natural tone though, not a hint of peak or brightness, a bit laid back.
Power helped when getting the sep. PSU.

A further development of the old ION amplifiers.
Very well build.

 

[pocketkitchen]

Can’t remember the power output but the extra PSU made it more powerful and the amp took a big leap forward. It was pretty good without it, mind, just a bit less applicable to a wide range of speakers and rooms.

 

[samz]

I have a Heed Obelisk Mk2. Beautiful richness to the tone, really wonderful midrange, no hint of any harshness at all and plenty of heft, drives my Rega RX3’s really well.

 

[Bas V]

I had an mkII. It was a very nice amp indeed and seriously good VFM. It was replaced by an Aurender that showed that the Heed added warmth / richness to the music. Maybe valve-like. That goes very well with certain types of music, but not all to my ears. The Aurender wasn't better (besides power), just different. I am still looking after best of both worlds...

 

[The Bish]

I had an Obelisk PS and a pair of PMs, I believe both have similar amp topologies to the integrated Obelisk. Delivered a rich and smooth sound, warmish and good boogie factor. Never tiring to listen to but not as much detail as other amps I've owned.