Heed Audio Obelisk Super Integrated Amplifier

Heed Audio Obelisk Super Integrated Amplifier

Reference:

3049a

Condition:

New

Tuned non-direct coupled amplifier technology

When you own a Heed amplifier you meet technology that you most probably have never seen in action before. Like the almost forgotten (and then reincarnated) valve technology, the output capacitor transistor amplifiers can normally only be found in the deepest recesses of engineers drawers. The technical difficulties of RC-Coupling means almost 100% of todays manufacturers opt for the easier direct-coupled solutions instead. With great effort and countless development hours there is a way to employ an up to date and sonically better sounding RC-Coupled amplifier. We have chosen this way.

Like the belt of a great turntable or the output transformer of a valve amplifier, the output capacitor makes for a great decoupling between the amp and the speaker. But the main advantage is the fact that a capacitor is an energy storage device. By design, this capacitor connects directly onto the speaker, with no in-between elements. Power delivery becomes rapid and precise. To charge this power element, we use a push-pull complementary Darlington transistor drive stage.

This power transforming system needs to be perfectly balanced. The heart of our Transcap technology lies in the precise adjustment of all the charge transmitting and current delivery channels. This propels all the common amplifier components; mains transformer, power supply, voltage and power amplifier stages, into something radically different. You may see now, this is no ordinary amp and it cannot be measured by common standards. Using our methods the sound becomes thick, warm, yet clear and life-like, as it properly translates the electronic signal into the acoustic world.

TMR

Transmission-line-reflex speaker loading

Every dynamic speaker driver needs some kind of acoustical load to work as it should. The most common solution is a cavity attached onto the back side of the diaphragm. This speaker box may be closed or vented. The vented ones are trickier to design because there are many parameters impacting on the result. There are ‘rule of thumb’ designing guides to make such boxes as bass-reflex, transmission-line, open baffle, compound or horn loading, each of them handled like an entirely different solution.

Acoustics are however based on physical facts. If we use a vented enclosure with an opening at one side, it will be a resonant chamber, even if we use it as a transmission-line element. The adjustment of such enclosure needs extra care and attention. Incorporating all known calculating methods we build enclosures that fit all aspects. This is the perfect way to slip between working states, achieving the crisp, fast and rhythmical but yet fluid and almost organic sound we oh so like.

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Disqus

Euphya Alliance 280 Integrated Amplifier with MC phono stage option [2nd hand]

€1,900.00 (tax incl.)

Second hand unit, in excellent conditions, with original box and accessories, 1 year warranty.

MC phono stage special version

Lector Audio ZAX-70 Integrated Amplifier

€1,283.50 (tax incl.)

Lector Audio ZAX-70 - 2 × 70 Watt Solid-State Integrated Amplifier

The ZAX design project marks a new era for amplifiers, introducing new concepts aimed at creating an amplifier capable of driving any load under any input-signal condition. The ZAX design is based on a high-voltage (120 V DC), high-current (±20 A) circuit. To achieve this ambitious goal, our engineers required custom-made components:

• Special high-current, high-voltage transistors capable of handling low-amplitude signals.
• Special output devices featuring transistors capable of handling high currents and equipped with integrated temperature compensation.
• A special high-energy, low-flux-loss AC mains power transformer.

The result is the ZAX design! The ZAX delivers extraordinary sound quality: the FET stage provides a smooth and fluid soundstage, while the high-energy power transistors ensure excellent performance, with detailed high frequencies and authoritative, well-defined bass.

The electronic circuit is based exclusively on discrete components, transistors and FETs (input device), with no integrated circuits used in the signal path! (ICs cannot deliver high current!)

The amplifier features 5 high-level line inputs, an output for the loudspeaker system, and a tape-recording output.

The ZAX-70 replaces the ZAX-60 model. The new integrated amplifier offers increased power of 70 W per channel into 8 ohms and a chassis design that harmonizes with the other models in the range (CDP-603 CD player and Digitube). The ZAX-70 represents the evolution of the ZAX-60 for the “R” series of transistor electronics, characterized by a chassis with rounded sides. The shape is not merely an aesthetic evolution, but also ensures greater chassis rigidity, improved mechanical behavior of the cabinet, and better vibration control.

The ZAX-70 is designed with an exclusively transistor-based circuit, without the use of integrated circuits in the signal path. The bipolar transistors have been selected for their high current capability, reaching a peak current of 12 A! There is only one capacitor in the signal path; it is not electrolytic, but a high-quality film capacitor. There are no limitations on the current capability of the output stage, which can therefore drive loudspeakers with low load impedances.

The volume control is operated by an ALPS Blue Velvet series potentiometer; the control position is indicated by a blue LED, specially designed for its anti-static properties. A volume-controlled passive output allows connection of an active subwoofer or a headphone amplifier.

As with the chassis design, particular attention has been paid to eliminating and controlling every vibration generated by the power transformer.

An aluminum remote control is supplied for operating the amplifier's volume.

List of items included:
- Power cable
- Multifunction remote control
- User and maintenance manual
- Manufacturer's warranty

Technical Specifications:

POWER OUTPUT @ 8 OHM 70 W RMS per Channel
DAMPING @ 100 Hz > 100
Frequency Response – 1.5 dB @ max. power 10–50 kHz
Sensitivity for all line inputs 200 mV
Tape recorder output voltage 150 mV
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) > 0.1%
Signal-to-noise ratio > 100 dB
Line input impedance 50 kΩ / 220 pF
Power supply and power consumption 110/220 VAC, 190 W, 50/60 Hz
Weight and dimensions 10 kg net – 430 × 300 × 108 mm (W × D × H)