Anyone compare the Döhmann Helix Two mk2 vs CSPort TAT1M2?

So, I emailed different contact points this past weekend: I inquired about maintenance for the Dohmann turntable. This time I picked a dealer from the Dohmann website, and emailed Dohmann Audio themselves despite the fact that their website says to email them only if there’s no dealer in the country. I had different results this time: one dealer immediately responded, and was very helpful, but replied that there was no maintenance necessary. It took about 4 days, but Dohmann Audio eventually replied, and indicated that there was some minimal necessary maintenance, and sent a link to a video about how to perform the maintenance.

This experience confirms my previously held opinion: always contact the manufacturer about details with respect to their products, as dealers don’t know the intricacies of the components that they sell.

The Helix 1 MkIII was selected by Stanford university for some kind of testing on the congressional library.

@drbond ,

I have communicated directly with Dohman on a number of occasions and Martin loves to talk. I can't believe they would not treat you well. I haven't ever bought one of their tables yet!

Guys, It is not even remotely close. The CS Port is distinctly inferior because it does not have an adequate isolation system, It does not use any type of speed control other than an oscillator, It uses only a record weight and not a reflex clamp or vacuum. If you think a very heavy granite plinth is going to protect you from environmental rumble or internal resonance you are wrong.  The Dohman on the other hand has an elaborate motor control system, Has the best isolation system made and uses a threaded reflex clamp. It is not perfect. I think it could use a magnetic thrust bearing, It needs a dust cover and I am so use to seeing the exact speed of my Sota I will miss that feature. Whatever you think of the rest of the turntable, Sota has the best motor control unit. 

Dr. Bond, I too own a Dohmann Helix and have had nothing short of exemplary service from Mark and his team, which mostly involved Mark remotely adjusting the speed in my controller as I have an older version. That being said, I mostly share music recommendations and live concert reviews with Mark. You can also contact Doug White with any Dohmann related questions. He’s very responsive. 
 

@drbond From reading in WBF about the CS Port TAT1, it looks like there is much more adjusting needed with the CS Port.

drbond we recently began selling CS Port gear and about 7 weeks ago got in our own TAT1M2 table (set-up with a Kuzma Safir arm) and the table is really a plug & play, very easy with little to adjust. Only issue is it's weight! Requires 2 people to lift, at least at my age now. 🤣 We just received a 2nd unit for a customer and are ordering a 3rd for another. Yes I've heard on the WBF that the CS Port linear air bearing arm requires some adjustments but then again linear tonearms in general are usually more challenging than others. 

I've only heard GREAT things about the Dohmann tables. Enjoy.

Steve/SOS

(Dealer disclaimer)

I just reviewed my  emails that I sent, and neither were sent to Dohmann Audio.  They were sent to different distributors or dealers whose email address was listed as a contact point.  I am going to email Dohmann Audio next, and hopefully I get a better response.  Overall, I am very pleased and very impressed with the Dohmann Helix One Mk2.  I couldn’t imagine a better turntable, although I’m sure that some others are its equivalent.  

@drbond oh man sorry to hear about your poor customer service.  That is tough.  It seems like there are very few dealers for a lot of these specialty tables!  Even TechDAS now seems to have fewer dealers.  

@rsf507 I know I've heard good things about CSPort as well.  

I have not compared either, but I have a Dohmann Helix 1 Mk2. From reading in WBF about the CS Port TAT1, it looks like there is much more adjusting needed with the CS Port. Comparatively speaking, the Dohmann is more plug and play.  I am very pleased with the sound from the Dohmann Helix 1; however, that being said, I have had very poor experience with Dohmann customer service. I’ve probably sent six emails about maintenance, upgrading parts, etc to all sorts of email addresses associated with Dohmann and never heard a peep from anyone in response.

Don't think anyone in these forums have heard a comparison of these tables. I've recently had the pleasure of hearing the CSPort table and all I can say is WOW! Way out of my price range but something to dream about. Do a search on whatsbestforums you might have better luck there.