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 Watts
Retail Price € 25,000.00

EN.
General: The Aavik U-288 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-288 has been completely redesigned in many ways compared to its predecessor, the U-280. The housing has been completely renewed, 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 range from Aavik Acoustics. The Aavik U-288 is positioned between the U-188 and the U-588 from Aavik Acoustics.

Housing: The new housing 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 housing is another. The housing of your device also contributes to a certain sound character. Aavik Acoustics initially made the housings of its first amplifiers from solid aluminum, but after considerable trial, testing and listening, they discovered that aluminum is not the best material to use sonically for an amplifier housing. With the U-180/280/580 they switched to a housing made from a natural composite material (in the U-580, a titanium cross was also applied to the top plate and copper internal work). Now the housing of the Aavik U-288, which is based on the flagship models of Aavik Acoustics, the 880-series, is made from solid copper side plates and a top and bottom plate of 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 unit looks very sleek and modern. What has been retained is the very legible and dimmable red dot display. Large but restrained in appearance. New is the absence of buttons which are now replaced by 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 which incorporate Ansuz Darkz Feet that can be placed on Ansuz Darkz isolation devices. A large part of this foot overlaps the Ansuz Darkz isolation device, which reduces the color contrast between the amplifier housing and the color of the Ansuz Darkz underneath it (the Ansuz Darkz S2T, for example, are glossy stainless steel while the Aavik housing is matte black). Finally, the remote control has also been redesigned, these are now the same beautiful and practical remotes that are 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-288 uses the latest Pascal amplifier generation. This latest generation UMAC™ amplification can switch even faster and generates even less noise than previous generations. As a result, less filtering is required and the output impedance is lower, allowing the amplifier to have even more control over the connected speakers. The Aavik U-288 features 2 x 300 Watts at 8 Ohm and even 2 x 600 Watts at 4 Ohm. The Aavik U-288 can therefore drive practically anything, from huge Infinity's or B&W's and Wilson Audio to the largest models of Magnepan, Analysis Audio and other planar speakers. The latest generation resonant mode power supply is very generously dimensioned and always designed for the task. The technical design is very advanced and makes use of various techniques from sister brand Ansuz Acoustics. The Aavik U-288 features extensive Noise and Impedance Reduction through Ansuz Tesla Coil and Dither Technology. The Aavik U-288 has 72 Active Tesla Coils, and 144 Active Square Tesla Coils. These Tesla Coils eliminate noise from the music signal and lower the impedance, allowing for clearer passage of the music signal 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 used 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. Additionally, the DAC in the Aavik U-288 has an MQA decoder on board.

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. In addition, all 'Connects' are available, including Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and Qobuz Connect. For people with a server, the Aavik U-288 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-288 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-288 is neutral, dynamic and lively, but in a way that remains natural and does not cause listening fatigue. The distinction between the foreground and background in the recording is clearly perceivable and there is a very high level of clarity when a lot is happening in the recording. Also important is the harmony in which everything that is individually easy to follow works 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-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 & comfort to the sound that allows you to play quiet, intimate music and ensures a pleasant emotional transfer. The sound is therefore in excellent balance and the overall picture simply works perfectly. In terms of dynamics, the Aavik U-288 may well 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 conveying the music the way it is intended is where Aavik amplifiers excel. This Aavik U-288 is pure emotion in sound.

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 extremely refined. You will not 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-588, are built on the same principle. The 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. In terms of sound, moving from the Aavik U-188 to the U-288 you will 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 will make another step forward in these areas. The format of the casing 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 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-288
Review U-588 Hifi Advice : Review Aavik U-588

Trade-in : Negotiable