Döhmann Audio Helix Two Mk3 Turntable: The Perfect Vinyl Companion

Experience the exceptional sound quality and innovative design of the Döhmann Audio Helix Two Mk3 turntable, a game-changer for vinyl enthusiasts.

A Little Background

This review can be summed up in a simple phrase; “the apple never falls far from the tree.” Previously, we explored Mark Döhmann’s excellent Helix One Mk3 turntable. This large statement piece of a turntable from Australia is one of the ultimate ways to hold two tonearms and play vinyl to perfection through both. If you're searching for a smaller turntable with just one tonearm, the Helix Two Mk3 turntable serves as a compelling alternative. After testing this smaller model, we can confirm that our initial assessment holds true: the Döhmann Audio Helix Two Mk3 is remarkably close in performance to the Helix One Mk3.

Design and Build Quality

The Helix Two Mk3 boasts all the sophisticated isolation and precision of its larger counterpart, the Helix One Mk3, but in a more compact plinth. The ‘Two’ can accommodate only one arm and delivers over 95% of the performance of the ‘One’ at a much more manageable price point. Pair it with the best arm and cartridge, and you're transported into the ultimate vinyl performance realm that the Helix One Mk3 offers. Essentially, unless you have both models side by side or are obsessively analyzing every detail of musical information, the Helix Two Mk3 is all you'll ever need.

Like the Helix One platform, the Helix Two incorporates a negative stiffness isolation base. This innovative design utilizes a Minus K platform, originally developed for electron microscopy, providing isolation from just below 1Hz to around 100kHz. This effectively places any unwanted noise outside the bandwidth of LP playback. While the fully integrated Minus K system in the Helix One offers superior isolation, the Helix Two system is still significantly more than ‘good enough.’

The negative stiffness platform serves as the subchassis in this suspended turntable. The Helix Two Mk3 also features a "mechanical crossover" that creates a ‘least harm’ mechanical pathway to dissipate extremely high-frequency vibrations. In this model, tuned constrained layer damping and pre-stressed tuned mass dampers are embedded within the chassis itself. This setup reduces any vibrations caused by the Swiss-made three-phase AC motor or the inverted bearing. As these components are precision-engineered, the Helix Two Mk3 maintains the same uncompromising principles as its larger sibling.

Familiar Features

It's hard not to start almost every sentence with “Like the Helix One Mk3…” since the two share so much. For instance, the upgradability from the original Helix Two to Mk3 status is a seamless transition. The belt arrangement uses two clear polymer bands, cleverly hidden from view. While someone else typically handles the installation, the belt is situated using a high-tech method that feels remarkably low-tech—like “using a bit of string.”

The Helix Two employs a lightweight and rigid ‘Advanced Composite’ fibre/polymer laminate floating armboard, replacing the alloy version used in the previous edition. Interestingly, the Helix One Mk3 also shares this Advanced Composite armboard for both the main and secondary armboards.

Additionally, the Helix Two Mk3 incorporates a specially designed record clamp with ‘RSA’ resonance control, a feature borrowed from the Helix One Mk3. While this may oversimplify the years of R&D that went into the design, every product bearing the Döhmann name comes backed by extensive research and development.

The HF and RFI absorption and power filtration systems found in the Helix One Mk3 have also made their way into the Helix Two Mk3 power supply. Even the vacuum hold-down option is available as an upgrade for both turntables.

Sound Quality

Similar to its larger counterpart, I found myself playing numerous records without making a single note. Every album effortlessly led to another, and I didn’t take notes because I was utterly captivated by the performance. Tracks I hadn't heard in years resurfaced, not to scrutinize what the Döhmann Helix Two Mk3 was doing, but simply to enjoy the music again—played exceptionally well.

While I could easily refer readers back to the previous review for insights into the Helix Two Mk3’s sound quality, that would be lazy and unfair. So, let's start from the lead-in groove. It's astonishingly quiet, almost provoking a “is this thing on?” moment. The self-noise from the phono stage is far more noticeable than the impact of the Helix Two Mk3 on the groove. It’s as if the entire system took a deep breath and settled before diving into the music.

That lack of noise is beautifully complemented by an unwavering fidelity. While this may sound cliché—after all, fidelity is the goal of hi-fi—what makes the Helix Two Mk3 remarkable is the rarity of such adherence to that ideal. The sound exudes master-tape levels of control and accuracy, combined with a bold dynamic range, a profound sense of staging, and an exhilarating rhythm. In essence, the turntable’s contribution to the sound is minimal, making you acutely aware of how much other turntables can detract from the music.

This turntable is the kind that, if tilted even slightly the wrong way, could force you to scrutinize the rest of the system with hyper-analytical precision. Yet, it remains even-tempered enough to make you discern differences in cable soldering without rendering the listening experience soulless. It showcases that the arm and cartridge are the primary drivers of ‘musicality’ while eliminating any barriers to hearing those key components of the system.

If this sounds like faint praise, think again. The absence of character means no bass attenuation, no slurring or blurring of bass notes, and a precision in bass attacks that borders on supernatural. This results in bass that is precise, dynamic, deep, and authoritative, resonating through every genre—from the grandeur of tympani to the intricate swing of a jazz bassist, and all the way to the powerful ‘oomph’ of synths in dub reggae.

One record that encapsulates this ability perfectly is the 12” ‘Annihilation’ mix of Frankie Goes To Hollywood’s ‘Two Tribes’ [ZTT]. This exhilarating track, produced by Trevor Horn at his over-the-top best, combines early samples, impersonators, and the voice of those chilling UK nuclear civil defense videos. This dynamic and powerful record is anchored by a fierce bass line and a deep synth bass drum, synced to a disco beat. Many turntables struggle with such a vibrant track, but the Helix Two Mk3 proves itself adept at providing a neutral backdrop for the music to shine.

I haven't been this impressed with a turntable since the Döhmann Helix One Mk3! While the Helix Two is smaller and accommodates only one arm, it costs roughly two-thirds of the price of the Helix One. Yes, the Helix One offers slightly better performance, but unless you listen to both side by side, you’re unlikely to notice any significant difference. There might always be that extra edge of performance from the ‘One,’ but for me, the Helix Two Mk3 is the perfect no-fuss sweet spot.

Final Thoughts

The Döhmann Helix Two Mk3 is an impressive piece, achieving near parity to the Helix One Mk3. They perform like identical twins, and frankly, the Döhmann Audio Helix Two Mk3 is all the turntable you’ll ever need.

Specs & Pricing

• Type: Belt-driven turntable
• Operation: Two push buttons on the tabletop for speed selection/on/off
• Speed Control: Calibrated over 130,000 times per second to deliver precise 33.33 or 45.15 rpm (factory default). 78 RPM and other custom speeds available by request.
• Drive System: Fully integrated Swiss-manufactured high torque motor (de-coupled). Dual-belt platter drive designed to reduce static electricity and vibrations.
• Tonearm facilities: One armboard facilitates the mounting of two tonearms up to 12” (305mm) simultaneously. All Helix Two Mk3 turntables come with two Mk3 Advanced Composite Armboards, which are removable for easy interchange and calibration.
• Finish: Available in Titanium, silver, or black, with an option for a carbon fiber top plate.
• Dimensions: (without clamp or tonearm, W×D×H) 48 × 40 × 20cm
• Base/PSU: 48x39x5.5cm
• Weight: 8kg (deck), 5kg base
• Price: Approximately $58,000

Manufacturer: Döhmann Audio

UK distributor: Absolute Sounds
+44(0)208 971 3909

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