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 Watts
Retail Price € 30,000.00

EN.
General : The Aavik U-588 is the flagship model of the latest generation all-in-one streaming amplifiers from Danish brand Aavik Acoustics, which falls under Audio Group Denmark along with Ansuz Acoustics, Børresen Acoustics and Axxess. The Aavik U-588 has been renewed in many ways compared to its predecessor the U-580. The housing has been completely redesigned, now made from different materials and the design 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.

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 made the housings of its first amplifiers from solid aluminum, but after considerable testing and listening they discovered that aluminum is not the best material sonically for an amplifier housing. They then switched to a natural composite material for the U-180/280/580 (with the U-580 a titanium cross was also applied on the top plate and a copper interior). Now the housing of the Aavik U-588, which is based on the flagship models of Aavik Acoustics, the 880-series, is made from 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 higher quality feel and look. The design is clearly derived from the stunning 880-series from Aavik and the overall appearance is 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 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 Ansuz Darkz Feet integrated, which can be placed on Ansuz Darkz isolators. A large portion of this foot extends over the Ansuz Darkz isolator, thereby reducing the color contrast between the amplifier and the Ansuz Darkz isolator you place underneath (the Ansuz Darkz S2T for example are glossy stainless steel while the Aavik housing is matte black). Finally, the remote control has also been updated, these are now the same beautiful and practical remotes that come with the 880-series, making the feel and look truly complete.

Technology: The highly advanced technology in Aavik amplifiers is unique. The Aavik U-588 uses the latest Pascal amplifier generation. This newest generation of 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-588 features 2 x 300 Watts at 8 Ohm and even 2 x 600 Watts at 4 Ohm. Because of this, the Aavik U-588 can drive practically anything, from massive 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. The Aavik U-588 includes comprehensive noise and impedance reduction through Ansuz Tesla Coil and Dither Technology. The Aavik U-588 possesses the largest amount of noise and inductance 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. Additionally, 9 Analog Dither Circuitries of the latest (3rd) generation are used in the Aavik U-588. The 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 Watt idle. The Aavik U-588 includes a high-quality DAC. The DAC supports PCM formats up to 32bit/384Hz and the USB input can also support DSD formats up to DSD128. 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 costs associated with the license to use JPlay. In addition, all 'Connects' are present, so 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 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 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 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 listening fatigue. The distinction between foreground and background in the recording is clearly perceptible, and there is excellent 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 the feeling that the recording is being 'dissected'. In short, 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 everything be heard when called for, but there is also a certain peace & comfort over the sound that allows you to play quiet intimate music and a pleasant emotional transfer takes place. The sound is therefore in excellent balance and the overall picture simply works. Dynamically, the Aavik U-588 may go further than most Class A (Tube) amplifiers, but that is not ultimately all that matters. It is about sound quality and musicality, and the extent to which an amplifier is able to convey emotions. And conveying the music in the way it is intended 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 a versatile streamer and fantastic sound quality. Operation is very simple and excellent. You will not 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 the U-288, 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 the use of Tesla Coils, Anti Aerial Resonance Coils and Analog Dither Technology that is applied in the amplifier. In terms of sound, going from the Aavik U-188 to the U-288 you will notice a nice step forward in definition, spatiality and detail, and a blacker, quieter and deeper background. Moving from the U-288 to the U-588 you take another step further in these areas. The Aavik U-588 performs at the highest level of the U-X88 series amplifiers. The format of the housing 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
HiFi Advice Review : Review Aavik U-588

Trade-in : Negotiable