Shahinian Acoustics Obelisk Superb Condition

They are in superb condition considering their age.

The speakers were sent to Shahinian Acoustics by the original owner for driver replacement and updated crossovers in 2010, but I have misplaced the invoice. If you look at the condition of the drivers you can see that they don't look aged, brittle, or worn out. 35 year old drivers would look much worse. If you zoom in, the cabinet bottoms show a date of 1981, which may have been the build date, and the serial number of 1623 on one of the speakers - the serial tag of 1624 for the other speaker is missing.

The plywood and oak veneer cabinets are in very good condition with sharp, clean mitered edges and few blemishes. They have been well maintained and kept in a humidifier controlled, smoke-free environment. Black tack putty used to attach the grilles to the pyramid tops show up as smudges in the photos.

About three years ago, Shahinian Acoustics informed me that the Obelisks were built only once per year and must be ordered in advance. The last price I was able to find for new Obelisks was $7200, but that was for a new version with 6 drivers in the pyramid. If anyone knows the current price please let me know.

These are truly remarkable full-range speakers capable of vivid, authoritative, and spacious sound. Their 360 degree radiation pattern recreates the acoustical ambiance of the recording venue giving the Obelisks a character that separates them from speakers of a typical box design. Come and listen if you live in the Phoenix area.

One final note: I have been a high-end audio hobbyist since 1997 and a trusted and reliable trader here on Audiogon and on Ebay. Please review my member feedback on Audiogon where I have been a member since 1999 with over 200 favorable feedback ratings. I also have 100% positive feedback on Ebay. My member name is audiojerry on both websites.

Each speaker will be shipped in its own sturdy and heavily padded box, or I can arrange for pickup. Weight of each box is about 60 lbs. Shipping cost based on destination. For example, FedEx Home Delivery from Phoenix to New York is about $150, which would be about the most it would cost. I am selling because they are underused in my winter home.

The following description came from the Shahinian website several years ago:

The OBELISK is the first loudspeaker designed and produced by Shahinian in 1977. Then, its shape and acoustical disposition were considered radical. It was kind of a "first," but its durability over the years is not due to novelty as much as its absolute performing superiority. It has been revised several times as new, exciting technology and devices appeared. Today's OBELISK could not have been built in 1977. It is still the only genuine poly/omnidirectional loudspeaker on the market. (If you believe any planar loudspeaker is omnidirectional, just walk between a pair, and listen to the music drop.) Let's remember that any sound in the universe has a polyradial trajectory away from its point of source; not direct, axial. Does it not seem reasonable to attempt duplicating reality? The OBELISK does, and succeeds. Its response is nothing short of remarkable. It performs best when out in the open, away from walls and corners. Room placement/storage is facilitated as it is fitted with four twin-wheel casters suitable for carpeted or hard floors. It recreates space . . . and possesses a sense of scale. It is still unique; it makes music!

Specifications

Power handling: 200W max

Frequency Response: -3dB/28-18,000 Hz

Nominal Impedance: 6 ohms.

Sensitivity: 89 dB

Dimensions: 15" x 13" x 30"

Weight: 50 lbs. The finish is Walnut