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

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

Retail Price € 29.995,00

EN.

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 is part of Audio Group Denmark together with Ansuz Acoustics, Børresen Acoustics and Axxess. The Aavik U-588 has been completely renewed in many aspects compared to its predecessor, the U-580. The chassis 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.

Chassis : The new chassis of the Aavik U-X88 series is clearly more carefully considered 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 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, after considerable experimentation, testing and listening they discovered that aluminum is not the best material sonically to use for an amplifier chassis. With the U-180/280/580 they switched to a chassis made of natural composite material (with the U-580 a titanium cross was also applied to the top plate and copper internal structure). Now the chassis of the Aavik U-588, which is based on the flagship models of Aavik Acoustics, the 880-series, is made of solid copper side panels and a top and bottom plate with a sandwich design 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 from Aavik and the overall appearance is very sleek and modern. What has been preserved is the very readable and dimmable red dot display. Large but unobtrusive looking. New is the absence of buttons which are now touch screen 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 Ansuz Darkz Feet integrated, which can be placed on Ansuz Darkz isolation platforms. A large part of this foot extends over the Ansuz Darkz isolation platform, so you have less contrast between the color of the amplifier and the color of the Ansuz Darkz you place underneath it (the Ansuz Darkz S2T, for example, are made of polished stainless steel where the Aavik chassis is matte black). Finally, the remote control has also been updated, these are now the same beautiful and practical remotes that are also supplied with the 880-series, which makes the feel and look truly complete.

Technology : The highly advanced technology in the Aavik amplifiers is unique. The Aavik U-588 uses the latest generation amplification from Pascal. This newest generation UMAC™ amplification can switch even faster and generates even less noise than previous generations. This means less filtering needs to be applied and the output impedance is lower, giving the amplifier even more control over the connected speakers. The Aavik U-588 delivers 2 x 300 Watts at 8 Ohms and even 2 x 600 Watts at 4 Ohms. The Aavik U-588 can drive practically anything, from enormous Infinity or B&W speakers 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 uses various techniques from sister brand Ansuz Acoustics. So the Aavik U-588 contains extensive noise and impedance reduction via Ansuz Tesla Coil and Dither Technology. The Aavik U-588 features 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 which are applied to the internal wiring. Also incorporated are 9 Analog Dither Circuitries of the latest (3rd) generation in the Aavik U-588. Power consumption of the Aavik U-588 is very favorable. The Aavik U-588 consumes only 1 Watt in standby, and in music mode consumption is < 30 Watts idle. The Aavik U-588 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-588 also features 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 work with is JPlay (iOS only), however there are licensing costs associated with using JPlay. In addition, all 'Connects' are present, so Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and Qobuz Connect. For those with a server, the Aavik U-588 can be used as an endpoint behind an Audirvana server. RoonReady is not yet available, but it is coming. There are also 2 USB ports on the back which can be used for a WiFi Dongle for a wireless connection (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 outstanding predecessor. The music is cleaner, the soundstage is tighter, quieter, cleaner and more orderly. 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 perceivable and there is very good overview when a lot 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 clearly what is happening in the recording, but it also remains musical and enjoyable to listen to without feeling like the recording is being 'dissected'. The Aavik U-588 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-588 sounds tight and dynamic and lets you hear everything when called upon, but there is also a certain calm & comfort to the sound that allows you to play more relaxed intimate music and there is a pleasant emotional transfer. The sound is thus excellently balanced and the overall picture simply works. Dynamically, the Aavik U-588 may go further than most Class A (tube) amplifiers, but that's ultimately not what it's only about. It's about sound quality and musicality, and the extent to which an amplifier is able to convey emotions. And conveying the music the way it is intended is where the Aavik amplifiers excel. This Aavik U-588 is pure emotion sung.

Conclusion : The Aavik Acoustics U-588 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. Operation is very simple and exquisitely refined. You won't find a better all-in-one streaming amplifier.

Other Aavik Acoustics Amplifiers from the U-X88 Series : The other amplifiers from the U-X88 Series from Aavik Acoustics, the U-188 and U-288, are built according to the same principle. The power output of all amplifiers from the U-Series from Aavik Acoustics is the same. The differences lie in the amount of noise and impedance reducing techniques using Tesla Coils, Anti Aerial Resonance Coils and Analog Dither Technology incorporated in the amplifier. Sonically, moving from the Aavik U-188 to the U-288 you'll notice a nice step forward in terms of definition, spatial imaging and detail, and a blacker, quieter and deeper background. From the U-288 to the U-588 you take another step forward in these areas. The Aavik U-588 performs at the highest level of the U-X88 series amplifiers. The chassis dimensions of all amplifiers from the U-Series are 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 Ohms, 2 x 600 Watts at 4 Ohms

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

Hifi Advice Review : Review Aavik U-588

Trade-In : Negotiable