Прочие устройства — Heed Audoi OBELISK PX

The Obelisk PX is an outboard power supply from Heed Audio, the company whose Obelisk range revives the Ion Obelisk, a compact shoebox-sized amplifier of the 1980s. The current Obelisk components were redeveloped with help from the original designer, Richard Hay. The PX was designed to extend the performance of the Obelisk PRE preamplifier, which already has a capable internal supply.

Key specs that matter

The PX uses a fully regulated, double-filtered circuit topology. It contains a mains transformer and large capacitors made to Heed's specifications. The chassis measures 220 x 85 x 325 mm, matching the other Obelisk components. Heed states that the result is very low noise, low internal impedance and negligible distortion.

Engineering and use context

The regulated and double-filtered supply removes interference arriving from the mains, delivering clean current to the preamplifier's circuits. Unlike many preamplifiers that ship with a basic internal supply to make an optional upgrade sound more dramatic, the Obelisk PRE has a generously sized internal supply of its own, and the PX is intended to draw out the last part of its performance. When the PX is connected, it takes over all audio and operational stages of the PRE, moving the transformer and rectification away from the sensitive preamplifier circuitry. A supplied cable links the PX output socket to the PRE's power supply input, the PX has its own IEC mains inlet and power switch, and the PRE's own mains switch must stay off while the PX powers it, to avoid electrical and magnetic interference. Although designed primarily for the Obelisk PRE, the PX can also power other Heed components, including the Quasar phono stage, the Dactilus DAC and the Canalot headphone amplifier. The Obelisk PRE has five analogue and two digital inputs, with slots for optional DAC and MM phono modules, and a tape output. Heed's Obelisk power amplifiers are capacitor coupled rather than DC coupled, a long-standing choice of the company. Adding the PX to the Obelisk PRE and PS raises the system price considerably, so it is aimed at owners who want the full capability of the pre and power combination.

Pairing

The PX connects to the Obelisk PRE and the Obelisk PS power amplifier completes the pre and power system.

Alternatives

Heed's X-2 is the brand's other outboard power supply, made to upgrade the Obelisk Si integrated amplifier.