Helios Type 69 clones - which wins?

Marlowe 🎙️ · 15th February 2022

We now have the H2 version, the Tony Arnold version, the AnaMod version plus any others out there that I don't know about.

For those who have heard them, which one is your favorite?

NathanEldred · 16th February 2022

I suppose we all win since it’s generally available. The new H2 is made by the Acme Audio guys, and their gear is flat out incredible so that’s a plus.

Marlowe 🎙️ · 19th February 2022

FYI, I've also just learned of this recent version of a Helios build:

https://www.ironageaudioworks.com/h9

Jakatone · 19th February 2022

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marlowe ➡️

FYI, I've also just learned of this recent version of a Helios build:

https://www.ironageaudioworks.com/h9

Looks like a bargain for that price

RoundBadge · 19th February 2022

Ive owned the Tony versions, Anamods and real vintage Lustraphones.
Hands down the H2 full sized versions are the best.
I have 2 but want a rack of 8.
oddly I did not like The 500 series versions.

PaulCheeba · 19th February 2022

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoundBadge ➡️

Ive owned the Tony versions, Anamods and real vintage Lustraphones.
Hands down the H2 full sized versions are the best.
I have 2 but want a rack of 8.
oddly I did not like The 500 series versions.

Have you heard the Olympic Germanium 500 modules by Audio Digital?

RoundBadge · 19th February 2022

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul_G ➡️

Have you heard the Olympic Germanium 500 modules by Audio Digital?

I have not
I talked to an original Olympic engineer a few years about making new ones.
Where can you get those?

PaulCheeba · 19th February 2022

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoundBadge ➡️

I have not
I talked to an original Olympic engineer a few years about making new ones.
Where can you get those?

You contact directly. They are pre-Helios Rolling Stones stylee.
POM recommended them.

RoundBadge · 19th February 2022

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul_G ➡️

You contact directly. They are pre-Helios Rolling Stones stylee.
POM recommended them.

Cool.I’ve used a couple original Olympic modules
They were the sh*t
Nothing comes up on a search
Do you have a link?

PaulCheeba · 19th February 2022

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoundBadge ➡️

Cool.I’ve used a couple original Olympic modules
They were the sh*t
Nothing comes up on a search
Do you have a link?

Try this: https://www.audiodigitaltechnology.com

RoundBadge · 20th February 2022

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul_G ➡️

Try this: https://www.audiodigitaltechnology.com

Cool.
I checked the site.I think that’s the guy Jim Dowler from Olympic I talked to about remaking the modules.
I had no idea he was doing 500 series.

roger · 20th February 2022

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul_G ➡️

Try this: https://www.audiodigitaltechnology.com

So their stuff looks great! Thanks a lot, Paul. ?

RoundBadge · 21st February 2022

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul_G ➡️

Have you heard the Olympic Germanium 500 modules by Audio Digital?

BTW Paul I'm pretty sure those are not 500 series.there is a custom lunchbox they make to house the modules.
I'm pretty certain this is the same guy I talked to a few years back about New Olympic modules which where named the same.Mic amp 65.
I came very close to buying a pair but some vintage Helios came my way and that idea was derailed.
this guy is the real deal was friends with Keith Grant @ Olympic and worked on the old stuff.

Marlowe 🎙️ · 21st February 2022

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoundBadge ➡️

BTW Paul I'm pretty sure those are not 500 series.there is a custom lunchbox they make to house the modules.
I'm pretty certain this is the same guy I talked to a few years back about New Olympic modules which where named the same.Mic amp 65.
I came very close to buying a pair but some vintage Helios came my way and that idea was derailed.
this guy is the real deal was friends with Keith Grant @ Olympic and worked on the old stuff.

They look like 500 series to me and the description for the EQ module actually mentions it.

RoundBadge · 21st February 2022

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marlowe ➡️

They look like 500 series to me and the description for the EQ module actually mentions it.

Yep I just saw that
Interesting.
I will say the H2 full sized modules run on 32 volt rails which is just like the last run of vintage passive 3 band modules

roger · 21st February 2022

The Olympic modules run on 24v. Thinking about trying a couple.

RoundBadge · 21st February 2022

Quote:

Originally Posted by roger ➡️

The Olympic modules run on 24v. Thinking about trying a couple.

Go for it!
Love hear your thoughts

PaulCheeba · 1st June 2022

Loving the Olympic modules so much. All discrete, germanium and huge sounding. My favourite solid state pre’s so far.
Nothing like the so called Helios 500 modules from a few years ago. Sweetest tone so far. Clear but vibes a plenty and no IC’s like others on the market.
Highly recommended.

PaulCheeba · 1st June 2022

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoundBadge ➡️

BTW Paul I'm pretty sure those are not 500 series.there is a custom lunchbox they make to house the modules.
I'm pretty certain this is the same guy I talked to a few years back about New Olympic modules which where named the same.Mic amp 65.
I came very close to buying a pair but some vintage Helios came my way and that idea was derailed.
this guy is the real deal was friends with Keith Grant @ Olympic and worked on the old stuff.

It is Jim you spoke to. He remembers you. These are 500 btw.

RoundBadge · 2nd June 2022

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul_G ➡️

It is Jim you spoke to. He remembers you. These are 500 btw.

Yes!
Jim Dowler.
Nice fellow.
Knowledge

RoundBadge · 2nd June 2022

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul_G ➡️

Loving the Olympic modules so much. All discrete, germanium and huge sounding. My favourite solid state pre’s so far.
Nothing like the so called Helios 500 modules from a few years ago. Sweetest tone so far. Clear but vibes a plenty and no IC’s like others on the market.
Highly recommended.

Any real world in the wilds pictures of yours?
Love to see

plainofjars · 2nd June 2022

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul_G ➡️

Loving the Olympic modules so much. All discrete, germanium and huge sounding. My favourite solid state pre’s so far.
Nothing like the so called Helios 500 modules from a few years ago. Sweetest tone so far. Clear but vibes a plenty and no IC’s like others on the market.
Highly recommended.

Oh man can we hear a snippet or two? Have you already tried the H2?

PaulCheeba · 2nd June 2022

Quote:

Originally Posted by plainofjars ➡️

Oh man can we hear a snippet or two? Have you already tried the H2?

I heard the H2 comparison. It’s not bad but looking at photos it’s got an IC in it and it sounds a little bright to me compared to the original, plus the price is a little steep.
These are like original pre-Helios and are the sound of 60’s Olympic. Like Sympathy for the Devil etc. Clear as a bell but so cool.
The eq is noble too. All round a great unit. If I get time I’ll try and do an A/B.
I’m gonna get some more…..

PaulCheeba · 2nd June 2022

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoundBadge ➡️

Any real world in the wilds pictures of yours?
Love to see

I’ll take the lid off and photograph it Mate.

Danielbest1 · 2nd June 2022

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul_G ➡️

I heard the H2 comparison. It’s not bad but looking at photos it’s got an IC in it and it sounds a little bright to me compared to the original, plus the price is a little steep.
These are like original pre-Helios and are the sound of 60’s Olympic. Like Sympathy for the Devil etc. Clear as a bell but so cool.
The eq is noble too. All round a great unit. If I get time I’ll try and do an A/B.
I’m gonna get some more…..

Great, curious to hear the preamp.

Thanks you,
Daniel

plainofjars · 2nd June 2022

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul_G ➡️

I heard the H2 comparison. It’s not bad but looking at photos it’s got an IC in it and it sounds a little bright to me compared to the original, plus the price is a little steep.
These are like original pre-Helios and are the sound of 60’s Olympic. Like Sympathy for the Devil etc. Clear as a bell but so cool.
The eq is noble too. All round a great unit. If I get time I’ll try and do an A/B.
I’m gonna get some more…..

Oh man yeah I’d love to hear a little sample of them. I’ve virtually memorized the two VK demos of the H2 units. It would be great to have something to compare—esp since it seems like nobody else has the Olympic units . Thanks Paul!

PaulCheeba · 2nd June 2022

I was tracking overdriven vocals today with them and they sound otherworldly. I haven’t heard a sound they can’t master.

a2zEnt · 3rd June 2022

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul_G ➡️

I was tracking overdriven vocals today with them and they sound otherworldly. I haven’t heard a sound they can’t master.

Beautiful. Might I ask how you handle attenuation to get the overdrive? And how else could you describe the sound? Maybe in comparison to the typical Neve vs Api as I am not familiar with the Helios sound? Thanks

PaulCheeba · 3rd June 2022

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChuyLocs602 ➡️

Beautiful. Might I ask how you handle attenuation to get the overdrive? And how else could you describe the sound? Maybe in comparison to the typical Neve vs Api as I am not familiar with the Helios sound? Thanks

I use an 1176 or a Little Labs Attentuator if I want it less processed.
The sound isn’t as thick as a Neve or as mid range as an API. It is a very balanced response across the range and soaks up superbly.

Personally for less than a thousand pounds they are quite incredible.

garytube · 3rd June 2022

Regarding Audio Digital… is the LF on the Mic Eq module a shelf?
I noticed that they offer the Mic Pre and Mic Eq, and wonder how similar these modules are, besides the eq part? Hmm…

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