My living room system - Rega & Heed Audio

New house, a system update!
I’ve lived with and enjoyed a fair few systems, but for the last few months I’ve been enchanted by and settled on this one. There’s nothing that really comes close to doing some of the things that these speakers do. Here’s a lovely track playing on the P8
Turntable/Cartridge: Rega P8/Apheta 2
Phono pre: Heed Quasar III & Q-PSU III
Amplifier: Heed Obelisk si3
Power amp PSU: Heed Obelisk X2
Speakers: Heed Enigma 5
Music: Surprise Chef
Album: All News Is Good News
Track: Drinking from the cup of Bob Knob

[@solitaire5142]

You must have had a hell of a time positioning the couch on the ceiling in the sweet spot.

[@gustoaudio8711]

They’re non-directional. There is no sweet spot, that’s the point of this design

[@solitaire5142]

Thats what Bose 901`s are for :)@@gustoaudio8711

[@fanclub670]

The dog seems to appreciate this beautiful music !!..👍👍

[@redstarwraith]

Love the clean look of all of your set up. I have to listen in my living room and I went with Larsen 8.2s because they're made to go right up against the wall and still sound pretty nice (to my ears). Would love to hear these Enigmas.

[@gustoaudio8711]

Never heard the Larsens, only read a lot of good things about them. Makes sense to design speakers that work in real living environments negating as much of the room acoustics as possible!

[@henrym78]

I have Larsen 6.2’s hooked up to the Obelisk with x2. Sounds great! Do you leave the Obelisk powered on 24/7 as suggested?

[@christopherspiro9857]

Very very nice vibe. Love the system as well.

[@KM-wl1tp]

Lovely system dude

[@breakoutpete210]

Beautiful system! 👍🎼

[@ferencandras2118]

Még így is kihallik, hogy nagyon jól szól! Gratula!

[@LeoRousseau]

Beautiful rig! I love it!

[@johnsimmons5056]

Sounds fantastic !!!

[@michaelvincent8306]

You cannot beat a good vinyl system not heard the neat speakers but have heard great things about them

[@gustoaudio8711]

These are Heed Enigma speakers, I’ve heard the little floorstanding Neat Iota and bigger Xplorer which also have slanted baffles, very good sound too

[@tribalypredisposed]

Very nice sound, not like a lot of the overblown echo sounding super pricey systems one hears on videos. But I think, like a good plate of food, the eyes affect the other senses, and so your system will sound better if you take the "painting" on the left and burn it.

[@gustoaudio8711]

😂 I love that painting! Looks like just paint on canvas but when you look closely at it lots of things start to appear. There’s animals hidden within it!

[@ramblinginmeath4950]

I like the Blok Stax rack.. was considering getting the 810..

[@stevenkoski228]

Never imagined a spkr could mimic a kiosk😳🤣🙈.

[@PerfDayToday]

Heed speakers remind me of Sonabs! Nice gear

[@gustoaudio8711]

Same principle I think, Shahinian is another non-direct speaker that I believe inspired Zsolt at Heed when designing these. Thanks for your comment

[@mmakshak]

I like how you tweeked out your system later.

[@gustoaudio8711]

Thanks, I moved everything downstairs, I only have the one system now but a few things to switch around until I decide what to keep and what to sell.

[@adrianoamatucci989]

Ottima registrazione nonostante la compressione del segnale audio che KZbin adotta nel suo canale. Apprezzo la tua scelta di inviare audio/video dove la musica è registrata così com'è, non come quella ciofeca per audiofili di cui è piena KZbin. Buonanotte da Roma.

[@gustoaudio8711]

Grazie amico mio

[@lizichell2]

Wonderful

[@jimsregaturntableshifijukebox]

Love it 👍

[@PurpleDreki]

Huge nod to your set up. I just am not a fan of the RP8 design. Sounds pretty good though.

[@gustoaudio8711]

It does split opinion aesthetically. Form after function and all that. Personally whilst I really like the looks of it (at least when the toilet lid dustcover is removed) I still think the P6 is their most beautiful model, pure understated class and simplicity. P8’s more radical design does benefit its sound quality though

[@benmkfly8155]

Hello. Nice sound. What are the sound differences between the Heed Elixir and the Obelisk? Which one do you prefer? Best regards

[@gustoaudio8711]

Hi, thanks for the comment and apologies for the delay! The differences are fairly easy (although maybe not too briefly) to explain but which one I prefer, that’s a tough question! Out of all the amps I’ve had, Elixir was probably the most fun and just so easy to enjoy the music without thinking about the sound. The phono stage and headphone amplifier are so good too that if those are important it’s a bargain, even after several price increases over the years. It’s a match made in heaven with Heed’s Abacus DAC, really beautifully balanced natural and organic sound, neutral overall but with just enough colour in the right places that makes digital a pleasure. Obelisk is a bit more of a connoisseur’s amp. It’s been a while since I heard it without the X2 power supply. That offers more scale, depth, resolution, tighter deeper bass etc with my speakers. but even without it Obelisk’s sound is a bit thicker, more valve like, more weighty and dynamic. There’s a more tangible sense of realism. In comparison Elixir is more lean and perhaps a bit more agile and kind of fresh. It’s silky up top and a little velvety in the mid-bass, creates a wide and very spacious soundstage. It’s so open and nothing ever sounds congested. Obelisk shares these qualities too, but with its richer, more “class A” presentation. Speakers and system should be a critical factor here, whereas Obelisk will conjure great magic with the right pair, it could also be mismatched with speakers with the wrong characteristics. Elixir on the other hand will match with most speakers very happily being overall more neutral, with just a touch of character in the right places. More than enough power to sound at ease too. Most importantly for me is they share the same snappy sense of musical momentum, the music flows really nicely from both. To conclude, it’s hard to pick without considering music taste and partnering equipment. If I was recommending one right now it’d be the limited edition Elixir LE30 model, but only 50 were made and may already be gone. I’m waiting for Abacus 2 to get that synergy again

[@drazenbabich]

Danny would have a fit if he placed his hands on those speakers. 😂

[@alanrogs3990]

Very nice. I love those speakers and the way you used the wall floor edging to set the speaker wires on. Have you tried a large thick area rug on that hard floor in front of the system? And, nice doggie!

[@gustoaudio8711]

I didn’t try a rug in that space. It was a bit of an awkward L-shaped space with less than ideal acoustics and always a risk of the speakers getting knocked, but there was nowhere else for it to go in there. The Enigma speakers made the most of it at least, but I decided to consolidate all my hifi into the downstairs room where there is a rug but no other treatments as it stands. Still far from ideal in a quite large open plan space where there’s a buzzy freezer, as well as the boiler, washing machine and tumble dryer on the same floor. Mains pollution is horrendous so I’m looking to sort that now.

[@alanrogs3990]

@@gustoaudio8711 Eventually you'll get it figured out and enjoy that space. I also have a system in the basement. Lots of rugs and cheap curtains.

[@paulomontero12]

Interesting speakers! I would feel unsafe with kids or cats around them?

[@gustoaudio8711]

They do have grilles but luckily I don’t have a cat!

[@rd264]

your dog doesnt seem too impressed.

[@jameshutton5979]

Nice music and system but surely your lamp and turntable are interfering with its imaging?

[@gustoaudio8711]

It would appear to looking at them but not really. I’ve since moved them into the basement system now where I can give them more breathing space and drive them a bit louder.

[@dlove2830]

Where is your sub-woofer? BTW, that dog is cute...just chilling out...

[@gustoaudio8711]

I don’t feel the need for a sub, but the bass would be a bit better if they were further into the room away from the back wall

[@AdamsBrew78]

@@gustoaudio8711 Enigma’s go down to 48 hz. It’s very decent range, but you’re still missing a lot of audible frequency below 50. I do love wide dispersion speakers like you’ve got there though. It’s one of the characteristics behind my choice of Kef q350 speakers and CXA81 Amp..soundstage and imaging are phenomenal. Mine only go down to 63 hz, so a sub was a must. My SVS sb-1000 pro blends very nicely with lowpass set at 74 hz, 6 or 12db slope and -13db on overall volume. Makes a huge difference for everything from classical, jazz to r&b, soul and rock.

[@gustoaudio8711]

@@AdamsBrew78 i’ve moved them to a bigger room now, a Rel T/9x or two will probably be the finishing touch after I upgrade my digital source

[@LS-ti6jo]

Did you compare the P8 to the P10? I have a P10 with an Alpheta cartridge paired to a Gold Note PH10 phono pre w/their outboard power supply. Love them, but not crazy with the P10's skeletal look, Am thinking of getting a P6 or P8 for my 2nd system.

[@gustoaudio8711]

Sorry I haven’t, not sure if the advances in design of the P8 would have closed the gap or the better arm of the P9 would still give it the edge. Probably not much in it. P9 is a beauty though!

[@LS-ti6jo]

@@gustoaudio8711 Thx. In my opinion, the P9 (and I assume the P8) are incredible bargains. I had a Dr Fieckert table before - it had so many problems. Traded it in for a P9 & Gold Note P10 preamp. Am really happy now. Trying to decide now whether to get a P8 or P6 for my 2nd system.

[@paulrogers7067]

P9 dated now p8 superior.

[@LS-ti6jo]

@@paulrogers7067 Huh?

[@davidspendlove5900]

I bought an ex dem planar 8 out of curiosity to see if I could replace my old P9 with it.I used the Planar 8 for a couple of months and no doubt it’s a great deck , I doubt you could do better for under 2k.My initial impressions were that it sounded a bit ragged , I found I could use the P9 platter with this deck with careful centering.This seemed to clean up the sound a bit , I then replaced the Neo power supply with a regulated linear one.I thought this made a very subtle improvement.The deck was very enjoyable and indeed a joy to use and listen to.I did find it a little lacking in the bass , it did not have the drive or definition of the P9.BTW I have never heard a quieter deck as regards bearing noise enabling the deck to dig deep into recordings and hear reverb and a lot of nuances.I got a very balanced frequency response. I changed back to the P9 , well I was suddenly aware of all I had been missing , bass depth and drive and a fantastic flow to the music , better leading edges to the instruments and a general sense of refinement that the Planar 8 just didn’t have.I have obviously stuck with the P9 but I feel I do need to listen to a Planar 10 after my experience with the 8.I ran both decks with a Dynavector 20X2 cartridge, one of my faves. This is not a critic of the Planar 8 as it is a fantastic deck and would say again you would not get better under 2K but the P9 wins for me.I must get a home demo of a Planar 10. I did feel the arm on the Planar 8 held it back but never got round to sticking the RB 1000 on it.

[@sam66hazmal]

How does the Obelisk MK3 compare to the MK 2 ? thanks

[@gustoaudio8711]

I never actually heard the Si2, I heard the first Si back around 2013 and thought it was lovely, definitely a standout. Couldn’t afford one back then, but I never forgot about it. With the years in between it’s difficult to say, but on top of the increased power I believe there’s greater bass and treble extension and perhaps a bit more clarity and resolution but the midrange still has the same kind of quality. I’d say it’s brighter but without over-sharpening. With these speakers at least, the X2 is a worthy upgrade, bringing more scale, depth, resolution and bass weight. One of those things you don’t necessarily pay attention to what what it’s doing until it’s removed!

[@sam66hazmal]

@@gustoaudio8711 thank you for your opinion. I have the Heed Obelisk Mk2 and in comparison to other amplifiers I’ve used the Heed has an unbeatable midrange and instruments are produced so realistic. If anything I’d say it may be slightly underpowered at 35 watts. The Mk3 I believe is 50 watts into 8 ohm. I will be looking at upgrading my amplifier at some point. I also have an Exposure amplifier, and in the past have tried amplifiers made by Rega, Naim, Marantz and Nad. I am considering a Sugden A21 Signature but they are now around £2.5K. I will need to audition the amplifier first but will also see if I can audition the Heed Obelisk Mk3. Thanks again.

[@gustoaudio8711]

@@sam66hazmal if you can find a used Obelisk X2 that could be a very cost effective way to up the ante to 50w, I’d imagine they’d cost £300-400 second hand. Try and audition the Elixir too, its really enjoyable. Like most things, Heed’s prices have increased a lot in the past couple of years unfortunately. I’m considering changing to their Lagrange integrated or Thesis separates as “end game” amplification if I can sell enough stuff to raise the funds!

[@gustoaudio8711]

@@sam66hazmal just spotted a used Obelisk X2 on HiFi Shark for £150, located in Portsmouth. Being advertised on HiFi-forsale dot co dot uk

[@sam66hazmal]

@@gustoaudio8711 brilliant thank you I’ve made an enquiry about it to see if it’s still available thanks for letting me know

[@jean-micheldeleaz7248]

Pas mal mais minimaliste 😮

[@rd264]

oui

[@donaz1500]

Scenico

[@dsonyay]

You need acoustic guitars panels. Asap

[@gustoaudio8711]

Acoustic guitar panels on my walls? That’s a bit odd

[@RUfromthe40s]

nice speakers

[@ENGLISHISBEST]

Gotta laugh when someone says they sound good from a KZbin video. Never seen speakers that fire upwards thiugh ,? Oh yes I do posess rega. They are good.

[@gustoaudio8711]

Heed describe the speakers as non-directional, without the typical sweet spot the whole room becomes the soundstage and the imaging hangs together even if you go all the way to the sides.

[@mattaustin4209]

Shahinian. Amazing speakers.

[@bartsimpson7654]

das ist audiophilisch!

[@vladimirsmirnov749]

Не знаю , как звук . По смартфону сложно определить . А дизайн - страшнее не придумаешь .

[@pinarellolimoncello]

Pleased you let the system do the talking, so many reviews are just talking heads..

[@luisrodriguez8639]

With all respect as a speaker builder I must say that your speaker is one of the worst I've ever seen, comparable to the vintage Bose 601, I say this because wall reflections is what we need to avoid and this speaker creates ceiling reflections, impossible to get image and soundstage

[@gustoaudio8711]

I think Zsolt Huszti knows a thing or two about speaker design. These have nothing to do with those old Bose speakers, imaging and soundstage are outstanding. The soundstage becomes the whole room, imaging remains solid anywhere you move, like it does in reality. It’s not confined by the boundaries and reflections of two direct speakers. They aren’t perfect, no speaker is, of course there’s things other speakers do better but when it comes to releasing music into the room in the most natural and lifelike way, I’ve not heard anything like them. This design does more to remove room interaction than anything I’ve heard. Don’t judge by appearance

[@davidspendlove5900]

Wrong , omnis are where it’s at , no sweet spot just music filling your entire room.Once you get used to them all directly radiating speakers sound plain wrong.

[@paulrogers7067]

Axis totally wrong with speakers. Can't yiu you hear that? Better to listen to boombox

[@gustoaudio8711]

What do you mean the axis is wrong? What am I supposed to hear?

[@mmakshak]

His "Jazz at the Pawnshop", which is heard in the new location, and has damped walls behind the speakers(your request) sounds much better. This includes a turntable base also, I believe.

[@paulrogers7067]

Reflective sound won't work with your speakers . Your missing out on the right axis

[@gustoaudio8711]

Of all the speakers I’ve heard, these are the least bothered about room acoustics by a long way!

[@glpilpi6209]

Nice gear but you're not doing yourself any favours with all those hard surfaces acoustically. This is a common mistake.

[@8x8gaborka66]

It's sad, very sad.

[@markbryant4641]

ha!! what's sad? funny comment.

[@magamatajanlom1648]

@@markbryant4641 I didn't write it as a joke, that is, not for the purpose of a funny comment. And what's sad is the acoustic conditions. The acoustics of this room are a disaster. And what is very sad is this attitude towards acoustics, because in such acoustic conditions there is no good system that would be able to show what it can do.

[@markbryant4641]

@@magamatajanlom1648. Oh, I see. I have the same problem. My room is terrible. There's nothing I can do. My wife won't allow it. I can still put together sound systems that sound very good. But only at two volumes. At these volumes it all comes together. At least this guy has a nice sized room. That's something I've noticed many times. A small room is very difficult compared to a medium sized room.

[@breakoutpete210]

@@markbryant4641😂...no wife for me, happily divorced! I put my systems where I want, and wherever I want allover the house.🎼🔉

[@markbryant4641]

@@breakoutpete210 . You broke out, Pete! Don't look back. Have you heard these Heed speakers? I don't think they're available here in Australia. They sound very full in KZbin clips. And I prefer drivers that aren't facing me directly.