HEED OBELISK separates PRE and PX User Manual page 3

Installation
We believe that a Heed Audio component should, optimally, be installed by an approved Heed dealer. Nevertheless, the
procedure is straight-forward enough to enable you to install your new Obelisk PRE, and its PX power supply, if applicable,
yourself by following the instructions presented here.
Should any problems be experienced which are not covered here, contact your local dealer. If you are unable to do so,
or problems persist, however, do not hesitate to contact our distributor/trade partner in your country (see our website
< www.heedaudio.com > — "Worldwide distributors" — for details), or us directly at Heed Audio .... we're here for you!
unpacking
When opening the box and unpacking the unit, you will find following items
supplied:
— (1) Heed Obelisk PRE line-level preamplifier
— (1) OBELISK remote control handset
— (1) 6-pole 'shorting' power supply plug
— (1) IEC-norm mains power cord
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— (1) Users Manual
Before placing the unit in its chosen location, insert the 'shorting' power supply plug into
the PSU socket (7) — see rear panel. Alternatively, you can use the Obelisk PX auxiliary
power supply via this socket (see below "Upgrade Options"). If the plug is not inserted in the
socket, the preamplifier is completely muted because the circuit is disconnected from the
onboard power supply, enabling the connection of the Obelisk PX.
placement
In common with all high-quality audiophile equipment, the Obelisk PRE performs optimally when positioned on its own individual
mounting surface, ideally a light rigid structure. There are many purpose-built stands readily available from all better dealers.
Avoid placing the unit on soft surfaces, for example, carpets or soft fabrics. Keep it away from strong magnetic fields.
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connection to mains supply
Before performing any connections or disconnections, ensure that the unit's power on/off
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switch (5) is in "off" position.
Always check that the voltage and frequency of the mains supply corresponds to the
specifications, as labelled on the unit!
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Insert the power cord's IEC-type plug into the power inlet connector (6) of the Obelisk.
Connect the power cord's mains plug to your power outlet.
input connections
The Obelisk PRE has one dedicated digital (co-axial / optical fiber), and five pairs of high quality RCA (cinch) input connections.
Input 1 (25,26) is a true digital connection accepting digital output signals from various digital devices such as CD-transports,
CD- or DVD-players via their digital outputs, as well as computer music servers and DAB-tuners. This input works via either
optical fiber TOSLINK (25) or co-axial S/DIF (26) connection, if the input is equipped with the optional Heed Audio Dactil DAC
module. Input 2 (22,23) can also be used as digital input (co-axial only), if equipped with its own DAC module. (Either the Left
or Right RCA jack may be used to accept a suitable digital source, but only one (1) of them may be used as such, with the other
remaining unconnected.) This input, as opposed to the digital-only Input 1, can be used, alternatively, as a standard line level
input or even as a phono input for connecting a turntable, if equipped with the optional Heed Audio Vinyl-1 MM phono module.
Inputs numbers 3 to 6 (14-21) are standard line level inputs. See the specifications section for the sensitivity data of the inputs.
'shorting' power supply plug
output connections
PRE OUT: The Obelisk PRE has two pre-out (RCA) connections (8,9 and 10,11). Here you can connect your power amplifier,
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ideally the Heed Audio Obelisk PS stereo amplifier or a pair of Obelisk PM mono power amplifiers to drive your loudspeakers.
When connecting the Obelisk PRE to power amplifier(s) ensure that the "L" (left) and "R"
(right) channels are connected correctly.
As the Obelisk PRE features two pre-out connections, it is also possible to use two Obelisk PS, or four Obelisk PM units
for bi-amplification. This configuration benefits most loudspeakers. Provided your speakers have a terminal with separate
connectors for low/mid and high frequencies, remove the "bridge" between them (which must be used if driving them with a
single amp set) and connect the low/mid way to "Pre Out 1" with one set of interconnect cables and the high way to "Pre Out"
2 (or the other way round) with another set of interconnects. If you have problems, contact your Heed dealer and seek advice.
TAPE OUT: Using this output, you can connect an analogue or digital recorder to your Obelisk PRE. If you also want to
listen to the recorder, you have to connect the output of the recorder to one of the line-level inputs (14-21) of the Obelisk PRE.
Alternatively, it is possible to drive a headphone amplifier via the "Tape Out", ideally our Heed Audio CanAmp.
It is strongly recommended to use decent interconnect cables between your Obelisk PRE and
your other hi-fi components connected to it — better quality interconnects can usually enhance
the performance of your system. One of the best choices is our HEED ConCord cable. Your
HEED dealer will certainly help you to choose the right connections for your particular set-up.
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Once the Obelisk PRE is connected to the mains supply, as well as to source component(s)
and power amplifier(s), remove the protective film from the front panel(s) — the same
applies to the PX power supply, if applicable. You can detach it by grabbing the film at any
of the corners and peeling it off.
Note: This step concerns only the appearance of the units, it has no electrical or mechanical influence on their
functioning.
When all installation steps have been correctly completed, your amplification is ready for action!
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q Turn the Volume Knob (1) counter-clockwise to the minimum setting.
Switch on your desired source components.
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Switch on amplifier units with power on/off switch (5,29) and allow some time for warming up.
If your unit was transported or stored in a cold environment, allow it to
warm up to room temperature before switching on!
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q Select the component that you'd like to listen to with the Input Selector Switch (2).
q Begin playing the source component.
Adjust the volume level with the Volume Knob (1) or with the Remote Control Handset >>>
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to your preferred setting: up with , down with
Sit back and enjoy!
Note: Although the components can be used within seconds of switching on, as with all audio equipment the best
sound quality will be reached after a warm-up period: a minimum of 30 minutes, preferably a couple of hours.
As the units draw very little power, unless it is out of use for a long period, we recommend keeping them
switched on permanently for optimum performance. However, all units should be switched off if left unattended
for extended periods, or in the event of a thunderstorm.
Operation
. You can also mute the amp by pressing .