Aavik Acoustics U-288, All-in-One Streaming Amplifier with Digital and Analog Inputs, 2 x 300 Watt

Aavik Acoustics U-288, All-in-One Streaming Amplifier with Digital and Analog Inputs, 2 x 300 Watt

Retail Price € 24.995,00

EN.

General: The Aavik U-288 is the latest generation all-in-one streaming amplifier from the Danish brand Aavik Acoustics, which is part of Audio Group Denmark along with Ansuz Acoustics, Børresen Acoustics and Axxess. The Aavik U-288 has been renewed in many ways compared to its predecessor, the U-280. The chassis has been completely redesigned, now made from different materials and the design comes from Flemming Rasmussen (Gryphon Audio founder and designer). The Aavik U-288 is the middle model in the new U-X88 series from Aavik Acoustics. The Aavik U-288 is positioned between the U-188 and the U-588 from Aavik Acoustics.

Chassis: The new chassis of the Aavik U-X88 series is clearly more thoughtful and solidly constructed. This is due to Audio Group Denmark's endless attention to researching and using different materials. The electronics in your audio equipment is one thing, the chassis is another. The chassis of your device also contributes to a certain sound character. Aavik Acoustics made the chassis of its first amplifiers from solid aluminum, but after considerable testing and listening, they discovered that aluminum is not the best material acoustically for an amplifier chassis. With the U-180/280/580, they switched to a chassis made from a natural composite material (the U-580 also features a titanium cross on the top plate and a copper interior). Now the chassis of the Aavik U-288, based on Aavik Acoustics' flagship 880-series models, is made of solid copper side plates and top and bottom plates with a sandwich design consisting of a solid copper plate, a natural composite material plate and a stainless steel plate. A much more premium feel and look. The design is clearly derived from the beautiful 880-series and the overall appearance is very sleek and modern. What has been retained is the very readable and dimmable red dot display. Large but calm-looking. New is the absence of buttons, which are now touchscreen buttons on the display, and new is the Aavik Acoustics logo in the volume knob which is also dimmable along with the rest of the display. Also new are the large solid feet with integrated Ansuz Darkz Feet, which can be placed on Ansuz Darkz isolators. A large part of this foot extends over the Ansuz Darkz isolator, reducing the color contrast between the amplifier and the Ansuz Darkz isolators underneath (for example, Ansuz Darkz S2T are polished stainless steel while the Aavik chassis is matte black). Finally, the remote control has also been updated—these are now the same beautiful and practical remotes supplied with the 880-series, making the feel and look truly complete.

Technology: The highly advanced technology in Aavik amplifiers is unique. The Aavik U-288 uses the latest Pascal amplifier generation. This newest generation UMAC™ amplification can switch even faster and generates even less noise than previous generations. This means less filtering is needed and the output impedance is lower, giving the amplifier even more control over connected speakers. The Aavik U-288 delivers 2 x 300 Watts at 8 Ohms and even 2 x 600 Watts at 4 Ohms. The Aavik U-288 can therefore drive practically anything, from enormous Infinity's or B&W's and Wilson Audio to the largest Magnepan, Analysis Audio and other magnetostatic models. The latest generation resonant mode power supply is generously dimensioned and always calculated for its task. The technical construction is highly advanced and uses various technologies from sister brand Ansuz Acoustics. The Aavik U-288 features extensive Noise and Impedance Reduction via Ansuz Tesla Coil and Dither Technology. The Aavik U-288 contains 72 Active Tesla Coils, and 144 Active Square Tesla Coils. These Tesla Coils eliminate noise from the music signal and lower impedance, allowing the music signal to flow more freely from point A to point B. There are also 8 Anti Aerial Resonance Coils in the Aavik U-288 applied to the internal wiring. Additionally, 6 Analog Dither Circuitries of the latest (3rd) generation are implemented in the Aavik U-288. The power consumption of the Aavik U-288 is very favorable. The Aavik U-288 consumes only 1 Watt in standby, and in music mode consumption is < 30 Watts idle. The Aavik U-288 features a high-quality built-in DAC. The DAC supports PCM formats up to 32bit/384Hz and the USB input can also support DSD formats up to DSD128, and the DAC in the Aavik U-288 also includes an MQA decoder.

Streamer: What has been added to the Unity amplifiers is a streamer board, making the new U-288 a true all-in-one amplifier. This streamer can be controlled with the free Audio Group Denmark app, MConnect/MControl (iOS and Android) and BubbleUPnP (Android). One of the best options to use is JPlay (iOS only), however there are licensing costs associated with using JPlay. Additionally, all 'Connects' are present, including Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and Qobuz Connect. For those with a server, the Aavik U-288 can be used as an endpoint behind an Audirvana server. RoonReady is not yet available, but is coming. There are also 2 USB ports on the back that can be used for a WiFi Dongle for wireless connection (we recommend a wired connection), but you can also connect a USB stick or USB drive to play music directly from attached USB storage.

Sound: The Aavik U-288 is a clear step forward from its already excellent predecessor. The music is cleaner, the soundstage is tighter, quieter and more organized. There is more liveliness in the sound providing an even more engaging listening experience. The bass is tighter and more rhythmic and control over the speakers is optimal. The sound of the Aavik U-288 is neutral, dynamic and lively, yet in a way that remains natural and doesn't cause listening fatigue. The distinction between foreground and background in the recording is clearly perceptible and there is excellent clarity when much is happening in the recording. Also important is the harmony in which everything that is individually easy to follow plays together. This means you not only hear exactly what is happening in the recording, but it remains musical and enjoyable to listen to without feeling that the recording is being 'dissected'. In short, the Aavik U-288 simply sounds very musical. Relaxed and an enormous 3D bubble. The space in which the performers play is very clearly audible and the atmosphere is well conveyed to the listener. The Aavik U-288 sounds tight and dynamic and lets you hear everything when called for, but there is also a certain calm and comfort to the sound that allows you to play intimate music and creates a pleasant emotional transfer. The sound is therefore excellent in balance and the overall picture simply works. Dynamically, the Aavik U-288 may well surpass most Class A (tube) amplifiers, but that's not ultimately what it's all about. It's about sound quality and musicality, and the extent to which an amplifier can convey emotions. And conveying music the way it's meant to be heard is where Aavik amplifiers excel. This Aavik U-288 is pure emotion.

Conclusion: The Aavik Acoustics U-288 is a unique all-in-one streaming amplifier with generous output power, a formidable built-in DAC and a versatile streamer and fantastic sound quality. The operation is very simple and excellent. You won't find a better all-in-one streaming amplifier.

Other Aavik Acoustics Amplifiers in the U-X88 Series: The other amplifiers in the U-X88 Series from Aavik Acoustics, the U-188 and U-588, are built on the same principle. The output power of all amplifiers in the U-Series from Aavik Acoustics is the same. The differences lie in the amount of noise and impedance reduction techniques using Tesla Coils, Anti Aerial Resonance Coils and Analog Dither Technology applied in the amplifier. Sonically, stepping from the Aavik U-188 to the U-288, you'll notice a nice improvement in definition, soundstaging and detail, with a blacker, quieter and deeper background. Moving from the U-288 to the U-588 takes you further in these areas. The chassis format of all amplifiers in the U-Series is the same.

Specifications of the Aavik Acoustics U-288:

Brand: Aavik Acoustics Denmark

Model: U-288

Type: All-in-One Streaming Amplifier with Digital and Analog Inputs

Warranty Aavik Acoustics / Ohm-Audio B.V.: 24 Months

Analog Inputs: 2 x Unbalanced RCA

Phono Input: N/A

Digital Inputs: 2 x SPDIF BNC, 1 x Toslink Optical, 1 x USB-B

Analog Outputs: 1 x Pre Out Unbalanced RCA for Subwoofer / Bi-Amping

Speaker Outputs: 1 x Pair WBT Speaker Terminals for Spades and/or Banana Plugs

Output Power: 2 x 300 Watts at 8 Ohms, 2 x 600 Watts at 4 Ohms

Finish: Black, Copper and Matte Stainless Steel

Dimensions:

Dimensions: 44cm Width x 43cm Depth x 11.6cm Height

Weight: 22.8 Kg Net

Manufacturer Website and Review:

Manufacturer Website: Aavik Acoustics U-288

Review U-588 HiFi Advice: Review Aavik U-588

Trade-in: Negotiable