Aavik Acoustics U-188, All-in-One Streaming Amplifier with Digital and Analog Inputs, 2 x 300 Watt

Aavik Acoustics U-188, All-in-One Streaming Amplifier with Digital and Analog Inputs, 2 x 300 Watts
Retail price € 20,000.00

EN.
General: The Aavik U-188 is the latest generation all-in-one streaming amplifier from Danish brand Aavik Acoustics, which is part of Audio Group Denmark together with Ansuz Acoustics, Børresen Acoustics and Axxess. The Aavik U-188 has been renewed in many respects compared to its predecessor, the U-180. 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-188 is the first model in the new U-X88 series from Aavik Acoustics. The Aavik U-188 is the model below the U-288 and U-588 from Aavik Acoustics.

Chassis: The new chassis of the Aavik U-X88 series is clearly more thoughtfully and robustly built. This is due to Audio Group Denmark's endless attention to investigating 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 trial, testing and listening they discovered that aluminum is not sonically the best material to use for your amplifier chassis. They then switched to a natural composite material chassis for the U-180/280/580 (with the U-580 they also applied a titanium cross on the top plate and a copper interior). Now the chassis of the Aavik U-188, 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 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 from Aavik and the whole thing looks very sleek and modern. What has been retained is the very legible and dimmable red dot display. Large but understated in appearance. New is the absence of buttons which now consist of touchscreen buttons on the display, and new is the Aavik Acoustics logo in the volume knob which is also dimmable together with the rest of the display. Also new are the large solid feet in which the Ansuz Darkz Feet are integrated and which can be placed on Ansuz Darkz isolation platforms. A large part of this foot extends over the Ansuz Darkz isolation platform, which reduces the color contrast between the amplifier and the Ansuz Darkz underneath it (the Ansuz Darkz S2T are for example made of polished stainless steel while the Aavik chassis is matte black). Finally, the remote control has also been redesigned. 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-188 uses the latest Pascal amplifier generation. This newest UMAC™ amplification generation can switch even faster and generates even less noise than previous generations. This means less filtering is required and the output impedance is lower, giving the amplifier even greater control over connected speakers. The Aavik U-188 features 2 x 300 Watts at 8 Ohm and even 2 x 600 Watts at 4 Ohm. The Aavik U-188 can therefore drive practically anything, from massive Infinity's or B&W's and Wilson Audio to the largest models from Magnepan, Analysis Audio and other magnetostats. The newest generation resonant mode power supply is very generously dimensioned and always calculated for its task. The technical design is highly advanced and uses various techniques from sister brand Ansuz Acoustics. The Aavik U-188 contains comprehensive Noise and Impedance Reduction via Ansuz Tesla Coil and Dither Technology. The Aavik U-188 has 36 Active Tesla Coils, and 72 Active Square Tesla Coils. These Tesla Coils eliminate noise from the music signal and reduce impedance, which ensures a freer flow of the music signal from point A to point B. There are also 4 Anti Aerial Resonance Coils in the Aavik U-288 which are applied to the internal wiring. Additionally, 3 Analog Dither Circuitries of the latest (3rd) generation are used in the Aavik U-188. The power consumption of the Aavik U-188 is very favorable. The Aavik U-188 consumes only 1 Watt in standby, and in music mode consumption is < 30 Watts idle. A high-quality DAC is built into the Aavik U-188. 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-188 also has an MQA decoder on board.

Streamer: What has been added to the Unity amplifiers is a streamer board, making the new U-188 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. In addition, all 'Connects' are present, so Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and Qobuz Connect. For people with a server, the Aavik U-188 can be used as an endpoint behind an Audirvana server. RoonReady is not yet available, but it will be 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 directly play music from the connected USB storage.

Sound : The Aavik U-188 is a clear step forward compared to its already excellent predecessor. The music is cleaner, the soundstage is tighter, quieter 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-188 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 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 exactly what is happening in the recording, but it also remains musical and enjoyable to listen to without feeling that the recording is being 'dissected'. In short, the Aavik U-188 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-188 sounds tight and dynamic and lets you hear everything when asked for it, but there is also a certain peace & comfort over the sound that allows you to play quiet intimate music and creates a pleasant emotional transfer. The sound is therefore excellent in balance and the overall picture is simply correct. Dynamically speaking, the Aavik U-188 may go further than most Class A (tube) amplifiers, but that is not ultimately what it is all about. It is about sound quality and musicality, and the extent to which an amplifier is able to convey emotions. And transmitting the music in the way it is intended is where Aavik amplifiers excel. This Aavik U-188 is pure emotion.

Conclusion : The Aavik Acoustics U-188 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. You won't find a better all-in-one streaming amplifier; the U-188 is a complete high-end audio system in a single device.

Other Aavik Acoustics amplifiers from the U-X88 Series : The other amplifiers in the U-X88 Series from Aavik Acoustics, the U-288 and U-588, are constructed on the same principle. The power output 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. Sound-wise, moving from the Aavik U-188 to the U-288 you gain a nice step forward in terms of definition, spatiality and detail, and a blacker, quieter and deeper background. Moving from the U-288 to the U-588 you take another step forward in these areas. The chassis format of all amplifiers in the U-Series is identical.

Specifications of the Aavik Acoustics U-188 :

Brand: Aavik Acoustics Denmark
Model: U-188
Type: All-in-One Streaming Amplifier with Digital and Analog Inputs
Guarantee 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 Connections for Spades and/or Banana Connectors
Output Power: 2 x 300 Watts at 8 Ohm, 2 x 600 Watts at 4 Ohm
Finish: Black, Copper and Brushed 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-188
Review U-588 Hifi Advice: Review Aavik U-588

Trade-in: Negotiable