Heed Obelisk PM Mono Power Amplifier - 60 Watt (8 ohms) 100 Watt (4 ohms)

   Don't be fooled by the PM's deceptively modest power specification — 70W into 8 ohm, 120W into 4 ohm — as it hardly says anything about the real capability of this unit — a stable 200W delivery down to 1 ohm! And bearing in mind the unique Obelisk topology, those watts effectively behave more like valve-watts. We're satisfied that the Obelisk PM can drive virtually anything; even the most awkward loads can be handled with relative ease. Drawing on an enormous power supply featuring custom-made components from Airlink in the UK and Mundorf in Germany, employing shorter signal paths than we've ever used in power amplification — signals are almost fed from component leg to leg — all these small engineering details contribute to astonishing performance results.

Sheer power and technical ingenuity are one thing (well, two...), musical performance is another, and one ideal which we hold above all others is summarized in our credo — 'Forget Hi Fi — Remember Music'. The Obelisk PM is indeed that rare thing: a most unforgettable musical brute. It is simply the best power amplifier we've ever built.

Heed Obelisk PRE/PX/PM

   When it comes to playing music, this amp combo takes off like the proverbial rocket. The power amps in particular are positively bursting with spirit and unflaggingly rhythmical.

   Any initial thoughts of 'low-powered amplifiers' should be dismissed right away: the Heeds are nothing of the sort. Their power will fire up virtually any speaker until they hoist the white flag (bar certain monsters of misconceived design). The preamp reveals itself as somewhat more restrained and mellow, but the remedy is easily provided by the beefy PX external power supply. In this configuration, the Hungarian combo sweeps through any record collection with a big smile on its face. The sound stage is deep and sharply defined: everything is precisely located, even in height.

   What is the best match for such whirlwinds? In my opinion, classy compact speakers that tend to be somewhat understated in their sonic presentation: driven by the Heeds they get a merciless kick in the pants and even the merest hint of restraint is forgotten.