Dohmann Helix 1 Turntable W/ Minus

Transcript

DOHMANN Helix 1 Turntable w/ Minus-K isolation platform incl Schroder CB tonearm DN 03 TT HELIX1 NZ$74,995.00 ea (incl. GST) “Dohmann Helix 1 design is a significant enhancement on state of the art and its motion control defines what will become part of a new breed of “super turntables”. A new exciting project is on the run. Helix 1: for many the most admired turntable at the Munich High End Show is now launched. At Thrax our goal is to achieve exceptional performance by using cutting edge technology and innovative design strategies. All of our components are explicitly conceived and manufactured to meet or exceed this goal. To preserve our heritage and ensure this performance is conveyed throughout the signal chain, we decided to invest into the development of a complete Thrax reproduction chain and to further widen the existing product portfolio. When facing challenges beyond our expertise we repeatedly applied old wisdom – which is to ask those who know. In the process questions flowed back and forth and this led to an exchange of ideas, spawning true collaboration. This exchange prompted the concept of an audio union – a joining of like minds. The synectic process which led to the creation of Audio Union brings forth products that are fruits of real collaboration with leaders in their respective fields. This is no OEM – rebadging and marketing ploy. Here we use knowledge from the best minds and technologies they developed as a stepping-stone to new ground-breaking designs. Applying out-of-the-box thinking and wisdom gained in multiple fields aids in producing a proprietary Thrax solution setting new levels of performance. The second group of products to be launched under the Audio Union initiative relates to the analog replay chain. As usual we started with a bit of history and a lot of research. Operating principles of cartridges, tonearm and turntables were studied in detail. Emblematic designs and technological achievements were taken as references. Inspiration was drawn from Micro Seiki, EMT, numerous Japanese direct drive statement designs and the usual current trend setters. Having a Caliburn by Continuum Audio Laboratories at hand showed where each of the other designs have been compromised. So the question was how to do better and where to go from here. Trying to get hold of Mark Döhmann of Continuum Audio Labs proved a difficult task as he had left the turntable design world in early 2010 to pursue some software development projects in bionic engineering. Theoretical concepts and ideas kept accumulating until critical mass was reached in 2013r and the technology needed to realise it became available. A statement turntable project was born and it required that all aspects of the design to be at the current state of the art. This involved know how in a lot of different fields of science and no single person has all that knowledge. A “moon shot” sort of problem. The more you know, the more you realise what you don’t know. So we challenged the best minds to come up with new and better ways to make the journey to “nirvana” possible: Welcome the Döhmann Helix 1 turntable with the Schröder CB/CF tonearm. These form part of an Audio Union project by Thrax. [email protected] +64 7 838 8661 www.audioreference.co.nz Page 1/8 The Dohmann Helix 1 turntable is the result of complex, and advanced engineering technologies, needless to say this is truly next-level thinking in design. The Dohmann Helix 1 features advanced motion control and many proprietary technologies such as incorporating a Negative Stiffness Mechanism (NSM), Vibration Isolation with Mechanical Crossover Technology, and a Tri-Modal Platter system (to name just a few) that sees the 15 Kg platter fitted with an Edge Damping Ring. The Döhmann Helix 1 delivers unparalleled analog playback performance due to its unique Micro Signal Architecture© (MSA) engineering that sets new noise reduction and micro-signal preservation benchmarks. MSA is a cohesive design approach that uses the most advanced available techniques to remove physical and mechanical vibration and electrical noise. While the MSA concept sounds obvious and simple, implementing this revolutionary design required years of research and development. MSA is integral to the Helix 1’s many engineering innovations. The Helix 1 features a radical approach to advanced motion control to deliver complete control of the motor and platter. This has opened new levels of music detail retrieval. Another innovation is in the complete integration of a customised negative stiffness isolation system, which results in an ultra-low natural resonance. This effectively isolates the turntable from the surrounding environment. The 120mm (four-inch) plinth is made from precision CNC aircraft grade aluminium and structural alloys and weighs close to 50 kg (100Lbs) when assembled. Connected by a series of interlocking plates which are fitted closely to the MinusK suspension system and allow for the mounting of the sub-systems such as motor, bearing, tonearm combinations. A laminated glass plate is used to add ballast and lower the centre-of-mass. This glass plate provides visual access to the MinusK suspension for performance monitoring. The 15Kg (30Lb) platter is made of triple layer of an engineered thermoplastic (made for Audio Union by a European supplier of polymers), and non-ferrous alloy machined to close tolerances. Each high-mass platter is balanced and shaped for lead-in groove and record label.Special features include an EDR – Edge Damping Ring which damps the platter and LP edge and a damping mat to interface to the LP.” [email protected] +64 7 838 8661 www.audioreference.co.nz Page 2/8 Audio Union’s selectively chosen network of dealers and distributors are convinced the Döhmann Helix 1’s vinyl playback performance is without equal. Audio Union is an organisation of respected engineers, research scientists and international manufacturers dedicated to restoring the true meaning of “High Fidelity”. Audio Union products are manufactured in the USA and the European Union. HELIX 1 ARCHITECTURE Helix 1 rewards the listener with the closest facsimile to master tape yet realised. How do we know this? Our engineering facilities and listening rooms use several studio reference level and highly modified master tape systems to compare the Helix 1 along with a range of other well-known turntables. The specifications of the Helix 1 demand the ultimate in noise suppression and isolation systems to allow the turntable and pickup arms to deliver the micro-signals buried in the vinyl grooves on well authored LP’s. Every aspect of the turntable design requires the preservation of the micro signals found in the groove of the LP to be retrieved with as little modification and distortion as physically and electronically possible. Döhmann Helix 1 by Audio Union table incorporates several engineering advances to deliver the lowest resonance profile for any pickup arm and LP combination. MICRO SIGNAL ARCHITECTURE (MSA)© Micro Signal Architecture© (MSA) is a cohesive design approach that uses the most advanced available techniques to remove physical and mechanical vibration and electrical noise. Entering the world of microscopic endeavours there are barriers; for example the actual method of measurement can deflect the measurement itself. Thought is needed for the measurement system to deliver the best result. For example numerous research facilities around the globe have millions of dollars invested in microscope systems examining atomic scale objects to enhance our understanding of the physical world. [email protected] +64 7 838 8661 www.audioreference.co.nz Page 3/8 Images at the nanoscale are extremely sensitive to external vibration even under vacuum. Experiments utilizing sensitive equipment such as; Atomic Force Microscopes, Electron Microsopes and laser scanning systems, require the staff to stand still in the building and machinery to be disabled, when a sensitive image is captured by the microscope. Similar to hollywood movies of submarine warfare! In actuality, even foot steps several floors above can transmit through concrete structures and blur the images. This is not an elegant solution for such expensive research, only with the installation of advanced vibration suppression and isolation can the images be retrieved in fine enough detail to show new insights. So how analogous is this to audio? For analog systems such as the audiophile turntable it is extremely relevant to the performance of the table. For vinyl playback, the enemy of any signal found in the mechanical groove by stylus tracing is also vibration and electrical interference Many audiophiles and music lovers lament the lack of isolation on turntables, from entry level to cost-no-object designs. Existing turntable suspension and isolation systems may not achieve the real world performance objectives they claim and listeners experience feedback, information blurring and over-weighted boomy bass response. Modern homes, are not designed for vibration control. In older homes with wooden floors these systems become unstable and do not stop footfall or feedback loops occurring (the classic tiptoe around the suspended turntable else your cartridge mistracks syndrome). This is predominantly due to the natural frequency of these suspension systems not being low enough (0.3hz-1.5hz). The innovation in Helix 1 lies in the ingenious way the NSM isolation technology is integrated. The turntable and NSM device form a fully acoustic and mechanically balanced system. The result is a precisely designed “mechanical crossover” that harmonises the forces at play between the incoming external acoustic and mechanical vibrations (the environment) and the self-generated internal vibrations caused by bearings, motor and chassis dynamics (the hardware). By complex use of recent developments in software measurement technology for Chladni plate analysis and engineering “cymatics”, the team at Audio Union has developed a complex chassis system that effectively damps vibration utilizing a semi-active topology. The Helix 1 showcases the use of semi-active vibration suppression in a prestress accumulation/release (PAR) design. This is a method to convert the strain energy of a vibrating system into kinetic energy, which is then released from the system by means of a dissipative device. This delivers superior isolation to the level demanded by the most sensitive electron microscopes and atomic force microscopes. The design is semi-active; it does not require adding any substantial amount of energy, is highly efficient and cost effective compared to an active system. Active systems have a tendency to add noise to the operating environment, this is also undesirable. Our approach eliminates this unwanted noise that can disrupt the stylus to record interface. MECHANICAL CROSSOVERS One of the major influences in the sound reproduction of vinyl play back is mechanical vibration. After all, turntables are mechanical devices. So what if a “mechanical crossover” concept could be extended to create a smooth continuous pathway to channel vibrations away from critical areas on a turntable? Historically mechanical crossovers have been well documented in loudspeaker design for decades. Experienced designers such as Dr Plamen Ivanov Valtchev in Europe have published numerous papers (AES, patents, etc.) on advanced mechanical speaker structures and designs. Here is a summary of one successful implementation. Coupling the cone of the speaker to a voice coil bobbin through a compliant section and directly attaching a small lightweight whizzer cone allows the compliant section to serve as a filter! The main cone is not vibrated at higher frequencies as whizzer cone responds to all frequencies, however due to its smaller size; it limits the output at higher frequencies, thereby implementing a “mechanical crossover function”. From this method we learn the shape and weight of the components influence acoustic behaviour under vibration. Therefore, selection of materials and the suspension elements used determines the crossover frequency and effectiveness! By extending the mechanical crossover concept to the Helix 1, physical zones can be defined on the infrastructure that focused vibrations away from key areas (platter, bearing, motor, tonearms, floor modes), establishing a smooth continuous [email protected] +64 7 838 8661 www.audioreference.co.nz Page 4/8 pathway to channel vibrations away from critical areas on the turntable! The Helix 1 has been designed to reject low frequency vibrations coming up from the floor by using the MinusK NSM isolation system and drive higher order vibrations generated through motor noise away from the bearing and platter via a complex coupling to the chassis. For these higher order vibrations local isolation, absorbing, redirecting and suppression technologies are employed including semi-active decoupling from motor vibration. The Helix 1 is designed to operate flawlessly in non-ideal environments suffering from floor borne vibrations such as older houses with wooden floors, upper floors, attics and any external vibrations which are carried through buildings - even those made from concrete steel, and brick. MEASUREMENT AND VISUALISATION TECHNIQUES By creating a visualisation technique to see these vibrations in real life, the team can see where the vibrations “collected” on a chassis under real life operating conditions. Chladni Plate Analysis Extensive use of Chladni plate analysis and the subsequent use of pre-stress in the chassis design allowed the positioning of "anti” vibration zones in critical areas (Motor, bearing and arms) vs trying to damp it with one solo material or less effective broad-brush approaches. Our experimentation confirmed no “magic bullet” exist for resolving the challenges facing existing turntable designs. It is the precise blending of high-tech materials and topologies which has created the sonic breakthroughs in the Helix 1. Vibration analysis has advanced since the pioneering work of Robert Hooke in 1680 and Ernst Chladni in late 1700's. Chladni’s Law F=C(m+2n)p can be used in complex eigenmode and wave analysis of turntable chassis. The Chladni method is used by artisans and scientists alike in the creation of musical instruments and engineering solutions. In simpler terms, "the bearing is the centre of the “universe” where “planets” (Motors and Arms) sit on an orbital plane (the chassis/plinth). Vibrate the plane (chassis/plinth) by internal or external means and you get vibration patterns and nodes which become visible to the naked eye using Chladni plate analysis. By placing the bearing and motor and arms into “optimal zones” where vibration was well damped or controlled we provided the best possible place on the chassis for the susb-system to sit with the lowest possible vibration. Helix 1 chassis research created several eureka moments! MOTION CONTROL Helix 1 design is a significant enhancement on state of the art and its motion control defines what will become part of a new breed of “super turntables”. HTAD – High Torque Adjustable Drive. This is where torque curves and “ballistics” can be adjusted by “musicians and artisans” to “voice” the table for ultimate performance and musicality. This software driven perspective unveils a unique capability for system designers to work with every aspect of a drives performance and open new vistas into music performance. The precision motor industry is changing rapidly to embracing a software driven architecture. Helix 1 technology is taken from latest developments in sub micron servo drive systems for precision optics and adapted by our engineering team to deliver superior motion control to the Helix 1. The Helix 1 motor control system is a digital closed loop servo with greater than 16bit resolution. Absolute positioning reading occurs over 120,000 discrete positions of the rotor per revolution. The motor spins several hundred times to achieve one revolution of the platter thus increasing the system resolution by an order of magnitude over a direct drive topology. In laymans terms; this means at 33/45 rpm platter speeds we have an incredibly high number of checks on the speed stability per second. This information is fed to a super fast microprocessor in the servo control and our custom written software then defines the stiffness and the ballistics of the system and responsiveness of the servo loop. Different ballistics (inertia/force ratios) can be programmed to yield different sonic signatures and sound dynamics. Using a laptop interface we can tune sonics of the drive and control a comprehensive set of variables. The table can act like a high torque Direct drive or like an underpowered low torque design depending on servo programming. [email protected] +64 7 838 8661 www.audioreference.co.nz Page 5/8 Torque force can be adjusted to suit sonic palettes and the frequency of the drive shifted to areas that are better handled by the mechanical design and vibration control. ogging is prevented by a proprietary coil design that smooths the motor to vanishing low levels of vibration. Our motor design team has delivered extremely low motor noise on the Helix 1. We have not found any comparable system able to attain similar results. he speed is factory set for 33 and 45 and does not need adjustment in normal operation. However if a user wishes to adjust the reference speed a software application via a smartphone/tablet/computer allows adjustment. It is also able to be securely connected to our service technicians for diagnostics and firmware / software upgrades. Advanced settings are provided to factory trained technicians via stored named reference files for clients custom installations. PLINTH The 120mm (four-inch) plinth is made from precision CNC aircraft grade aluminium and structural alloys and weighs close to 50 kg (100Lbs) when assembled. Connected by a series of interlocking plates which are fitted closely to the MinusK suspension system and allow for the mounting of the sub-systems such as motor, bearing, tonearm combinations. A laminated glass plate is used to add ballast and lower the centre-of-mass. This glass plate provides visual access to the MinusK suspension for performance monitoring. PLATTER The 15Kg (30Lb) platter is made of triple layer of an engineered thermoplastic (made for Audio Union by a European supplier of polymers), and non-ferrous alloy machined to close tolerances. Each high-mass platter is balanced and shaped for lead-in groove and record label. Special features include an EDR – Edge Damping Ring which damps the platter and LP edge and a damping mat to interface to the LP. SPINDLE/SPINDLE HOUSING High reliability and ultra low-noise operation were specified as part of the architecture. Audio Union engineer Stanislav Stoyanov developed a new low height, high stability custom bearing design for the Helix 1 using MARAGING STEEL to provide the desired capabilities, precision and low thermal and flex modulus. A single, ceramic ball, located at the bottom of the spindle is used for trouble-free operation on a quiet thrust-pad. The high tech lubrication system is sourced from the aeronautical engineering field to ensure low noise operation. RECORD CLAMP The record clamp is designed for ease of operation and secures the LP effectively on the platter surface and flattens even severe warps in poor quality LP’s. The clamp is a multi-piece design which has a reduced damage profile in the event a user accidentally drops the clamp onto an LP during operation. This was designed for “real-world” use (late night LP sessions and low lighting where operator fatigue sometimes occurs). MOTOR A precision single spindle high-torque motor featuring zero cogging is used. The motor can supply up to 100 watts of power for the most demanding control needs. By careful software controlled ballistics the belt system is gently started and bought to rest to avoid premature wear. Speeds are factory set and rock solid. BELT Dual high damping o-ring belts are provided for stable drive transmission. ARM BOARD ASSEMBLIES The Helix 1 supplies two armboards (for dual arms) that are removable and can be predrilled for most commercially available arms or left blank for future use. The armboards are able to be fitted or removed externally with arms mounted. No need to dismantle and recalibrate. The chassis has a damped tubular cross-section underneath which precisely locates the armboards relative to the bearing and platter. This provides a very rigid system with minimal flex and movement. TONEARMS The Helix 1 is able to function with your choice of arm. We recommend the Schröder CB Arm which has been custom designed to work seamlessly with the Helix 1 and delivers exceptional performance. SET UP The Helix 1 turntable can be mounted on normal non-audio grade furniture (as the suspension system will work independently) and fit in with any architecture and decor. Any platform the turntable sits needs to support 70Kg (140 pounds) and is at least [email protected] +64 7 838 8661 www.audioreference.co.nz Page 6/8 620mm wide and 500 mm deep. Helix 1 includes an owner’s manual that includes step-by-step directions for set up although we recommend working with your authorised dealer. The table is very easy to set up, use and play. SYSTEM COMPONENTS The Helix 1 system comprises a turntable with its internal suspension system using a unique Negative Stiffness Mechanism (NSM) isolation technology and integrated motor using twin belt drive for speed accuracy. TURNTABLE CONTROLS All controls for normal 33 or 45 operation are located on the turntable top panel. CONTROL BOX A separate “control box” motion control servo drive is located in separate 3RU standard rack size housing which can be placed conveniently nearby or out of sight. The unit comes pre-calibrated to precise speed for 33 and 45 from factory. The drive system monitors the speed constantly over 130,000 times per revolution to deliver direct drive like accuracy without speed drift. Speed adjustment is accessed via simple USB interface on the Control box and can be done remotely or onsite using a simple GUI connected to the USB direct or via secure Wifi. Versions availbale in anaodised silver/black halftoe and / orin all black and all silver anodized configurations. UPGRADE PATH Some customers have requested Vacuum hold down. This feature will be offered as an upgrade for those users who seek this capability. The current bearing design allows for vacuum hold down and the Control Box has been specified to allow for fitment of a vacuum module. This will be field tech upgradeable when released. Features FEATURES INCLUDE MSA - Micro Signal Architecture© NSM - Negative Stiffness Mechanism Vibration Isolation - 0.5 Hz (Fz) Vertical / 1.5 Hz (Fz) Horizontal MCT - Mechanical Crossover Technology TMP - Tri-Modal Platter system EDR - Edge Damping Ring TDS - Tone arm Damping System RTS - Resonance Tuned Suspension DLC - Diamond Like Coating Amorphous Material Bearing Friction Modifier HTAD - High Torque Adjustable Drive Speed Selections 33, 45 RPM (78 RPM by request) Velocity Adjustment Lock – Speed is constantly calibrated over 130,000 times per second to deliver precise 33.33 or 45.15 rpm (factory default). You will have to judge for yourself, how close we have come to the gold standard. Audio Union dealers and owners are convinced there is no peer in analog LP playback. Specifications The Helix 1 turntable is capable of mounting two pickup arms simultaneously and is fully integrated with an internal motor which drives the platter via dual belts. The turntable comes with separate power supply and servo control box which is connected by two custom cables to the turntable chassis. The turntable is designed to be mounted on a wide variety of surfaces as it has an intrinsic suspension system fully integrated [email protected] +64 7 838 8661 www.audioreference.co.nz Page 7/8 with the chassis. The specification includes the ability for the turntable to work in older style buildings and domestic locations where wooden floors and building movement create instability and issues such as feedback and footfall interference. The Helix 1 is isolated from these issues. HELIX 1 TABLE - Width 600mm (24”) x Depth 480mm (19”) x Height 250mm (10”) HELIX 1 CONTROL BOX - Width 483mm (19”) x Depth 480mm (19”) x Height 133mm (5”) Standard 3RU (19 inches) Configuration. POWER - 120 VAC, 50/60Hz 2 amps or 220/240 VAC, 50/60 Hz 1 amp WEIGHT - Combined shipping weight is 80Kg (shipped in 2 custom fabricated boxes). Recommended installation requires a surface capable of supporting up to 80Kg (160 pounds) and a 620mm (25”) wide x 500mm (20”) deep surface for the isolation platform to be able to move freely. Factory set speed selection by push button for 33 1/3 or 45 rpm. The Helix 1 allows 33, 45 and if required 78RPM and a wide variety of engineering adjustments to create “audio bliss” that is very user friendly and easy to operate. Multiple arms up to 12 inch are accommodated with ease of operation and setup assured. Removable arm boards allow simple interchange and calibration. Note: Set-up assistance and complete service available worldwide through authorised dealer and representative network. Review I have seen a standout in turntable design and it is the Döhmann Helix 1. @ RMAF 2015 - Rafe Arnott REVIEW SUMMARY: The sound the Helix 1 was producing was incredibly compelling, engaging and supremely musical. The level of detail and nuance to the sound, the deep, authoritative bass and immense sound-stage scaling made available through the SAT arm and Lyra pick up were deeply involving. I’d be hard pressed to list another turntable that was as capable as the Helix 1 in producing such an absolutely black, dead-silent background for the music to leap from Link http://www.audioreference.co.nz/product/dohmann-helix-1-turntable-w-minus-k-isolation-platform-incl-schroder-cb-tonearm [email protected] Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org) +64 7 838 8661 www.audioreference.co.nz Page 8/8