Helix AMPLIFY 206 DIRECT – Compact 6-Channel Class D Amplifier for External DSPs
The AMPLIFY 206 DIRECT extends 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 is a very compact six-channel Class D power amplifier intended for systems in which signal processing is handled by an external DSP, such as a HELIX DSP.
As a DIRECT model it deliberately omits conventional input filtering to keep the signal path clean, relying instead on a high-quality gain stage and a clipping LED for accurate level setting. A stereo/mono switch on each stereo input pair enables bridged operation from a single RCA signal without Y-adapters, and the amplifier can be configured for 3-, 4-, 5- or 6-channel operation.
Key Features
- High output: up to 240 W RMS per channel at 2 Ohms (one channel driven, ≤10% THD+N, 14.4 V)
- Bridgeable outputs: channel pairs can be bridged for flexible system layouts and higher output, up to 480 W RMS per bridged channel at 4 Ohms (one channel driven)
- Flexible channel configuration: runs as a 3-, 4-, 5- or 6-channel amplifier
- Fully active front systems: in 6-channel mode suited to a fully active 3-way front system together with a DSP
- 5-channel mode: channels 1–4 drive front and rear speakers while bridged channels 5/6 supply up to 380 W RMS at 4 Ohms to a subwoofer
- DirectDSP inputs: designed for HELIX DSPs, with no conventional input filtering for maximum signal quality
- Stereo/mono switch: on each stereo input, allowing bridged operation from a single RCA signal without Y-adapters
- Clipping LED: indicates clipping for quick and precise gain adjustment
- 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
- Compact chassis: space-saving dimensions for tight installation locations
Inputs & Outputs
- 6 x RCA inputs
- 1 x remote input
- Input sensitivity: 1–8 V; input impedance: 6 kOhms
- 6 x speaker outputs
Power & Amplifier Section
- 6 x 100 W RMS at 4 Ohms (≤1% THD+N, 14.4 V)
- 6 x 190 W RMS at 2 Ohms (≤1% THD+N, 14.4 V)
- 3 x 380 W RMS bridged at 4 Ohms
- Maximum output (one channel driven, ≤10% THD+N, 14.4 V): up to 240 W RMS at 2 Ohms, up to 480 W RMS bridged at 4 Ohms
- Amplifier technology: Class D
- Frequency response: 10 Hz – 22 kHz
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 103 dB (A-weighted) at full power
- THD at 1 kHz (1 W into 4 Ohms): below 0.003%; THD+N below 0.015%
- Damping factor: 70
- Fuses: 3 x 25 A LP-Mini (APS); power rating 12 V DC, 93 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 crossover, bass boost or phase control – all filtering is done in the external DSP
Technical Specifications
| Power RMS ≤ 1% THD+N @ 14.4 V | |
| – @ 4 Ohms | 6 x 100 Watts |
| – @ 2 Ohms | 6 x 190 Watts |
| – @ 1 Ohm | – |
| – bridged @ 4 Ohms | 3 x 380 Watts |
| – bridged @ 2 Ohms | – |
| Max. output power per channel* | Up to 240 Watts RMS @ 2 Ohms Up to 480 Watts RMS @ 4 Ohms bridged |
| Amplifier technology | Class D |
| Inputs | 6 x RCA / Cinch 1 x Remote In |
| Input sensitivity | 1 – 8 Volts |
| Input impedance | 6 kOhms |
| Outputs | 6 x Speaker output |
| Output voltage RCA / Cinch | – |
| Signal converter for digital input | – |
| Frequency response | 10 Hz – 22,000 Hz |
| Bass boost | – |
| Highpass | – |
| Lowpass | – |
| Bandpass | – |
| Subsonic | – |
| Phase | – |
| Slope high- / lowpass | – |
| Slope subsonic | – |
| Slope subsonic / lowpass | – |
| Signal-to-noise ratio (A-weighted) | 103 dB @ full power |
| Distortion (THD @ 1 kHz, 1 W into 4 Ohms) | < 0.003% |
| Distortion (THD+N @ 1 kHz, 1 W into 4 Ohms) | < 0.015 % |
| Distortion (THD @ 100 Hz, 1 W into 4 Ohms) | – |
| Distortion (THD+N @ 100 Hz, 1 W into 4 Ohms) | – |
| Damping factor | 70 |
| Operating voltage | 10.5 – 16 Volts (max. 5 sec. down to 6 Volts) |
| Idle current | 1,100 mA |
| Fuse | 3 x 25 A LP-Mini-fuse (APS) |
| Power rating | DC 12 V ⎓ 93 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 263 x 118 mm / 1.63 x 10.35 x 4.65” |
* One channel driven (≤ 10 % THD+N @ 14.4 V)
Scope of Delivery
1 x Amplifier HELIX AMPLIFY 206 DIRECT
2 x Allen key
1 x Mounting material
1 x Connection cable
3 x Fuse
1 x Instruction manual
