Analog Gear News

Bulgaria Based THRAX Builds the Döhmann Helix 1 Turntable

Michael Fremer  |  Mar 19, 2016

Mark Döhmann designed the Helix 1 turntable in Australia. Frank Schröder designed the unique tone arm in Germany. Both are built by THRAX Audio in Sofia, Bulgaria. This video shows you why.

Here's more on the turntable's unique Minus-K suspension system.

I flew over earlier in the week to see and document the Audio-Union (THRAX) manufacturing facility as the guest of company owner Rumen Artarski.

While here I got to meet with some of his audiophile friends and spent time listening to music on a pair of impressive audio systems augmented by even more impressive record and reel-to-reel tape collections (video will be posted ASAP). I also got to hear the Sophia Philharmonic perform a program of Lalo and Beethoven.

It has been an eye and ear opening trip to a country about which I knew almost nothing but about which I harbored many misconceptions including the state of the country's manufacturing and tech prowess.

COMMENTS
rshak47's picture
Submitted by rshak47 on Sat, 2016-03-19 07:10

but how was the food in Sophia?

Michael Fremer's picture
Submitted by Michael Fremer on Sat, 2016-03-19 08:18
Outstanding!
theboogeydown's picture
Submitted by theboogeydown on Sat, 2016-03-19 10:40

A cool gig!

Tortolita's picture
Submitted by Tortolita on Sat, 2016-03-19 11:23

Uber suspension for a large plinth. Looking forward to your always excellent reviews of this and the new Contiuum turntable. Same approximate prices. Hopefully in the next few months to come.

gMRfk6LMHn's picture
Submitted by gMRfk6LMHn on Sat, 2016-03-19 13:47

Every time I see a video like this, it just makes me drool!

I keep saying to myself WHEN I win the Lotto, not IF I win the Lotto!

James, Dublin, Ireland

Jeff Day's picture
Submitted by Jeff Day on Sat, 2016-03-19 17:20

What an impressive turntable! Kudos to THRAX!

teachscience's picture
Submitted by teachscience on Sat, 2016-03-19 17:31

for the HD video camera. I can now watch these and enjoy them immensely!

Bob Levin's picture
Submitted by Bob Levin on Sun, 2016-03-20 12:31

It looks like the TT equivalent of a Pit Bull!
Utterly Marvelous!

Potty Knotty's picture
Submitted by Potty Knotty on Mon, 2016-03-21 22:21

Great video but they have some serious "house keeping" problems in their manufacturing areas........and as for Heath & Safety!

volvic's picture
Submitted by volvic on Tue, 2016-03-22 08:41

I think I spot a J.A. Michell Orbe, nice to see they like it so much and use it as a reference.

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