Aavik Acoustics U-588, All-in-One Streaming Amplifier with Digital and Analog Inputs, 2 x 300 Watt

Aavik Acoustics U-588, All-in-One Streaming Amplifier with Digital and Analog Inputs, 2 x 300 Watt

Retail Price € 29.995,00

NL.

General : The Aavik U-588 is the flagship model of the latest generation all-in-one streaming amplifiers from the Danish brand Aavik Acoustics, which falls under Audio Group Denmark together with Ansuz Acoustics, Børresen Acoustics and Axxess. The Aavik U-588 has been renewed in many aspects compared to its predecessor, the U-580. The enclosure has been completely redesigned, now made from different materials and the design now comes from Flemming Rasmussen (Gryphon Audio founder and designer). The Aavik U-588 is the flagship model in the new U-X88 series from Aavik Acoustics. The Aavik U-588 is the model above the U-288 and U-188 from Aavik Acoustics.

Enclosure : The new enclosure of the Aavik U-X88 series is clearly more thoughtfully designed and more solidly built. This is due to Audio Group Denmark's endless attention to researching and using different materials. The electronics in your audio device is one thing, the enclosure is another. The enclosure of your device also contributes to a certain sound character. Aavik Acoustics made the enclosures of its first amplifiers from solid aluminum, after considerable experimentation, testing and listening they discovered that aluminum is not the best material sonically for an amplifier enclosure. With the U-180/280/580 they switched to an enclosure made of a natural composite material (the U-580 also featured a titanium cross on the top plate and internal copper work). Now the enclosure of the Aavik U-588, which is based on Aavik Acoustics' flagship 880-series models, is made of solid copper side panels 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 stunning 880-series from Aavik and the whole unit looks very sleek and modern. What has been retained is the highly legible and dimmable red dot display. Large but with a quiet appearance. New is the absence of buttons which are now touchscreen buttons on the display, and new is the Aavik Acoustics logo on the volume knob which is also dimmable along with the rest of the display. Also new are the large solid feet with Ansuz Darkz Feet integrated, which can be placed on Ansuz Darkz isolation devices. A large part of this foot extends over the Ansuz Darkz isolation device, which means you have less contrast between the color of the amplifier and the color of the Ansuz Darkz you place underneath it (for example, the Ansuz Darkz S2T are made of polished stainless steel while the Aavik enclosure is matte black). Finally, the remote control has also been redesigned; these are now the same beautiful and practical remotes supplied with the 880-series, which makes the feel and look truly complete.

Technology : The highly advanced technology in Aavik amplifiers is unique. The Aavik U-588 uses the latest generation Pascal amplification. This newest generation UMAC™ amplification can switch even faster and generates even less noise than previous generations. This means less filtering is required and the output impedance is lower, allowing the amplifier to have even more control over the connected loudspeakers. The Aavik U-588 features 2 x 300 Watts at 8 Ohm and even 2 x 600 Watts at 4 Ohm. The Aavik U-588 can therefore drive virtually anything, from enormous Infinity's or B&W's and Wilson Audio to the largest models from Magnepan, Analysis Audio and other planar speakers. The latest generation resonant mode power supply is very generously dimensioned and always calculated for the task. The technical design is highly advanced and makes use of various techniques from sister brand Ansuz Acoustics. The Aavik U-588 includes extensive noise and impedance reduction via Ansuz Tesla Coil and Dither Technology. The Aavik U-588 has the largest amount of noise and induction reducing techniques of all amplifiers in the U-X88 series. The Aavik U-588 features 108 Active Tesla Coils, and 216 Active Square Tesla Coils. It also contains 8 Gold Anti Aerial Resonance Coils applied to the internal wiring. There are also 9 Analog Dither Circuitries of the latest (3rd) generation implemented in the Aavik U-588. The power consumption of the Aavik U-588 is very favorable. The Aavik U-588 consumes only 1 Watt on standby, and in music mode the consumption is < 30 Watts idle. A high-quality DAC is built into the Aavik U-588. 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-588 also has an MQA decoder on board.

Streamer : What has been added to the Unity amplifiers is a streamer board, making the new U-588 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 license costs associated with using JPlay. Additionally, all 'Connects' are present, including Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and Qobuz Connect. For people with a server, the Aavik U-588 can be used as an endpoint behind an Audirvana server. RoonReady is not yet available, but it will come. There are also 2 USB ports on the back which can be used for a Wifi Dongle for wireless connectivity (we recommend a wired connection), but you can also connect a USB stick or USB drive to play music directly from the connected USB storage.

Sound : The Aavik U-588 is a clear step forward compared to its already excellent predecessor. The music is cleaner, the soundstage is tighter, quieter, cleaner and more organized. There is more liveliness in the sound which provides an even more engaging listening experience. The bass is tighter and more rhythmic and the control over the speakers is optimal. The sound of the Aavik U-588 is neutral, dynamic and lively, but in a way that remains natural and does not cause listener fatigue. The distinction between foreground and background in the recording is clearly perceptible and there is very good clarity when much is happening in the recording. Important is also the harmony in which everything that is individually easy to follow plays together. This means you not only hear well what is exactly happening in the recording, but it also remains musical and enjoyable to listen to without the feeling that the recording is being 'dissected'. In short, the Aavik U-588 simply sounds very musical. Relaxed and with 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-588 sounds tight and dynamic and lets everything be heard when needed, but there is also a certain tranquility & comfort over the sound that allows you to also play quiet intimate music and there is a pleasant emotional transfer. The sound is therefore excellently balanced and the overall picture simply works. Dynamically, the Aavik U-588 may well surpass most Class A (Tube) amplifiers, but that is not ultimately what it's all about. It's about sound quality and musicality, and to what extent an amplifier is capable of conveying emotions. And conveying the music the way it is meant to be is where Aavik amplifiers excel. This Aavik U-588 is pure emotion.

Conclusion : The Aavik Acoustics U-588 is a unique all-in-one streaming amplifier with generous output power, a formidable built-in DAC and versatile streamer and fantastic sound quality. Operation is very easy and superb. You won't find a better all-in-one streaming amplifier.

Other Aavik Acoustics Amplifiers from the U-X88 Series : The other amplifiers in the U-X88 Series from Aavik Acoustics, the U-188 and U-288, are built according to 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 reducing techniques through Tesla Coils, Anti Aerial Resonance Coils and Analog Dither Technology applied in the amplifier. Sonically, from the Aavik U-188 to the U-288 you'll notice a nice step forward in terms of definition, spatiality and detail and a blacker, quieter and deeper background. From the U-288 to the U-588 you'll take another step forward in these areas. The Aavik U-588 performs at the highest level of the U-X88 series amplifiers. The enclosure format of all amplifiers in the U-Series is identical.

Specifications of the Aavik Acoustics U-588 :

Brand : Aavik Acoustics Denmark

Model : U-588

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 Connectors for Spades and/or Banana Plugs

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

Finish : Black, Copper and Matte Stainless Steel

Dimensions :

Dimensions : 44cm Wide x 43cm Deep x 11.6cm High

Weight : 22.8 Kg Net

Manufacturer Website and Review :

Manufacturer Website : Aavik Acoustics U-588

Review Hifi Advice : Review Aavik U-588

Trade-in : Negotiable