Helix AMPLIFY 201 DIRECT – Compact Mono Subwoofer Amplifier for External DSPs
The AMPLIFY 201 DIRECT is a monoblock for subwoofer upgrades within the 2-Series, the entry point and technical core of the HELIX AMPLIFY platform, which is offered in DIRECT, X-OVER and DSP variants. It delivers up to 750 W RMS at 1 Ohm, which suits two 2-Ohm subwoofers wired in parallel.
Unlike the X-OVER version, the DIRECT model offers an uncompromised signal path for external DSP systems: it omits conventional input filtering and uses a minimalist input design to keep noise and distortion low, while a high-quality gain stage and a clipping LED allow precise level adjustment. Its DirectDSP input is tailored to HELIX DSPs.
Key Features
- High output: 250 W RMS at 4 Ohms, 450 W RMS at 2 Ohms and 750 W RMS at 1 Ohm (continuous 1-Ohm power with music signal only)
- Subwoofer-ready load handling: 1-Ohm capability matches two 2-Ohm subwoofers wired in parallel
- DirectDSP input: designed for HELIX DSPs for maximum signal quality
- Clean signal path: no conventional input filtering; minimalist input design for low noise and distortion
- Clipping LED: for quick and precise gain setting
- High damping factor: rated at 200 for tight subwoofer control
- Start-stop capability: keeps operating during supply voltage drops down to 6 V (max. 5 s)
- Class D technology: high efficiency and low heat dissipation
- Removable top cover: conceals all connections and controls for a protected, tidy installation; matte, minimalist styling suited to modern interiors
- Very compact chassis: for installations with limited space
Inputs & Outputs
- 2 x RCA inputs
- 1 x remote input
- Input sensitivity: 0.5–8 V; input impedance: 8 kOhms
- 1 x speaker output
Power & Amplifier Section
- 1 x 250 W RMS at 4 Ohms (≤1% THD+N, 14.4 V)
- 1 x 450 W RMS at 2 Ohms (≤1% THD+N, 14.4 V)
- 1 x 750 W RMS at 1 Ohm (≤1% THD+N, 14.4 V; continuous 1-Ohm power with music signal only)
- Maximum output: up to 850 W RMS at 1 Ohm
- Amplifier technology: Class D
- Frequency response: 10–450 Hz
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 114 dB (A-weighted) at full power
- THD at 100 Hz (1 W into 4 Ohms): below 0.003%; THD+N below 0.02%
- Damping factor: 200
- Fuses: 2 x 30 A LP-Mini (APS); power rating 12 V DC, 80 A max.
Installation & Connectivity Notes
- Operating voltage: 10.5–16 V, for max. 5 seconds down to 6 V (start-stop capable)
- Idle current: 1,100 mA
- Operating temperature range: −40 °C to +70 °C
- No internal low-pass, subsonic or phase control – filtering is done in the external DSP
Technical Specifications
| Power RMS ≤ 1% THD+N @ 14.4 V | |
| – @ 4 Ohms | 1 x 250 Watts |
| – @ 2 Ohms | 1 x 450 Watts |
| – @ 1 Ohm | 1 x 750 Watts* |
| – bridged @ 4 Ohms | – |
| – bridged @ 2 Ohms | – |
| Max. output power per channel | Up to 850 Watts RMS @ 1 Ohm |
| Amplifier technology | Class D |
| Inputs | 2 x RCA / Cinch 1 x Remote In |
| Input sensitivity | 0.5 – 8 Volts |
| Input impedance | 8 kOhms |
| Outputs | 1 x Speaker output |
| Output voltage RCA / Cinch | – |
| Signal converter for digital input | – |
| Frequency response | 10 Hz – 450 Hz |
| Bass boost | – |
| Highpass | – |
| Lowpass | – |
| Bandpass | – |
| Subsonic | – |
| Phase | – |
| Slope high- / lowpass | – |
| Slope subsonic | |
| Slope subsonic / lowpass | – |
| Signal-to-noise ratio (A-weighted) | 114 dB @ full power |
| Distortion (THD @ 1 kHz, 1 W into 4 Ohms) | – |
| Distortion (THD+N @ 1 kHz, 1 W into 4 Ohms) | – |
| Distortion (THD @ 100 Hz, 1 W into 4 Ohms) | < 0.003% |
| Distortion (THD+N @ 100 Hz, 1 W into 4 Ohms) | < 0.02 % |
| Damping factor | 200 |
| Operating voltage | 10.5 – 16 Volts (max. 5 sec. down to 6 Volts) |
| Idle current | 1,100 mA |
| Fuse | 2 x 30 A LP-Mini-fuse (APS) |
| Power rating | DC 12 V ⎓ 80 A max. |
| Operating temperature range | -40 °C to +70 °C |
| Additional features | Start-Stop capability, Clipping LED, DirectDSP inputs |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 41.5 x 248 x 118 mm / 1.63 x 9.76 x 4.65” |
* Continuous 1 Ohm power achieved only with music signal
Scope of Delivery
1 x Verstärker HELIX AMPLIFY 201 DIRECT
2 x Inbusschlüssel
1 x Befestigungsmaterial
2 x Sicherung
1 x Bedienungsanleitung
