Munich 2017

Audio Union's Rumen Artarski said that this first sample of the new Döhmann Helix 2 was finished "hours" before packing and shipping from Sofia, Bulgaris to High End Munich.

What the new 'table lacks in "bling" is more than compensated for by the technology packed into its standard rack sized chassis. Unlike the bigger Helix 1, the new Helix 2 will fit on a standard sized rack shelf. What's more, while the 1's integrated Minus K platform caused the unit to "bottom out" when a record was put on the platter and the record weight applied, the new 'table is rock solid, yet it too has an integrated Minus K.

The new 'table features a single arm board, while the 1 has 2 but like the Helix 1 the platform is suspended and isolated from the integrated motor. The new 'table features the same platter and dual belt drive system used on the Helix 1 but here the motor supply is built-in instead of being in a separate outboard chassis. Artarski made clear that the drive system is equally sophisticated.

Ergonomic improvements over the Helix 1 include the ability to adjust the Minus K using a top-mounted wheel instead of having to access the back of the chassis and a front panel mounted LED that monitors the Minus K platform's height.

I only had time for a quick listen but I liked what I heard! The new 'table complete with the same Schröder CB arm available on the Helix 1. Here it's standard (for now the Helix 2 is not available without the arm): turntable and arm will sell for $25,000 (the Helix 1 without arm costs $37,,500).

There soon will be a video posted showing the 'table in action and Mr. Artarski's description. It will be among a number of turntables debuted at High End Munich 2017. The holes atop the chassis are access points to level the suspended arm board. Once the 'table goes into production they will be covered by a product badge.