Aavik Acoustics D-280, High End D/A Converter : SOLD OUT

Aavik Acoustics D-280, High End D/A Converter, PCM up to 32bit/192kHz and DSD up to DSD128 : SOLD OUT

EN.

General : Exceptionally built and very analog-sounding D/A Converter from Aavik Acoustics of Denmark. The Aavik D-280 is the mid-range model of the D-series from Aavik Acoustics. The Aavik D-280 sits between the D-180 and the D-580 from Aavik Acoustics.

Technology : The very advanced technology in the Aavik Acoustics D/A Converters is unique. Aavik Acoustics manufactures its D/A Converters with an analog heart and focuses largely on suppressing noise, cabinet resonances, and distortion in a way that does not compromise the purity of the audio signal. The power supply is very generous, powerful & stable and always engineered for the task. Another important aspect is the natural enclosure. The enclosure is made from a natural composite material. No hard and cold aluminum—Aavik Acoustics has limited the amount of aluminum used to an absolute minimum, to the point where it is only necessary for cooling inside the device. In the flagship model, the Aavik D-580, the internal structure is made of solid copper. Aavik Acoustics has invested considerable effort in making the enclosure resonance-free, which directly translates to sound quality. This is very important. Too much damping or damping applied incorrectly can also have the opposite effect. The Aavik D-280 features a very generous dimmable display that is easy to read from the listening position. The display can also be completely turned off for those who prefer not to look at displays. Everything has been considered.

The technical design is very advanced and considerable attention is paid to eliminating noise. They do this using techniques also found in Aavik Acoustics' sister brands (Ansuz and Borresen Acoustics). In the Aavik D-280 you'll find various types of Tesla Coils. The principle of Tesla Coils is that a Tesla Coil consists of 2 coils, a coil and a counter coil. When the coil encounters a noise spike, the counter coil creates a counter spike out of phase. This cancels the initial noise spike, somewhat like how noise-canceling headphones work, but mechanically rather than electronically/via software. The more Tesla Coils, the more effectively the total amount of noise is eliminated. The Aavik D-280 features 72 Active Tesla Coils (twice as many as used in the Aavik D-180). The Active Tesla Coils operate under voltage, making them more effective than the Passive Tesla Coils from Ansuz Acoustics. Additionally, 176 Active Square Tesla Coils are used. The Active Square Tesla Coils are square coils integrated directly on the double-sided circuit board, with square counter coils on the other side of the board. What the Aavik D-280 also has is a unique technology: Analog Dither Circuitry, this technology stems from radar technology. The Analog Dither Circuitry causes the Tesla Coils to emit pulsing signals at precisely defined frequencies. These signals are phase-shifted. The result of this technology is that the music signal is significantly enhanced and the background noise floor is eliminated. All these techniques and applications together result in a reduction of noise in the music signal, which in turn provides a quieter, more refined and more detailed music reproduction with a blacker background.

All incoming PCM signals are resampled and reclocked to 24bit/200kHz, but upsampling can also be disabled. The high-quality galvanically isolated USB input of the Aavik D-280 also accepts DSD signals up to DSD128. There are multiple settings to adjust the sound to personal taste, so you can disable or enable upsampling, and you can adjust various filter settings.

Under the Aavik D-280 sit Ansuz Darkz Feet, special feet designed to sit on top of Ansuz Acoustics Darkz isolation feet. When you place a Darkz under each foot of the Aavik D-280, the Aavik D-280 is less affected by resonances, making the sound more natural by giving it more body and rhythm. The sound is also more dynamic while simultaneously more controlled and more balanced. That's why we always recommend eventually placing Ansuz Darkz under Aavik Acoustics equipment for optimal sound quality.

Sound : The Aavik Acoustics D-280 has an enormously transparent and rhythmic sound, but the character is very organic and "analog", meaning not technical. The soundstage is deep, wide, and full of detail. The space in which the performers are playing is very clearly audible and the atmosphere is well conveyed to the listener. The Aavik D-280 sounds transparent, dynamic and reveals everything, but there is also a certain tranquility & comfort to the sound. The sound is thus perfectly balanced and the overall picture simply fits perfectly. The Aavik D-280 sounds even more detailed, better defined, more spatial and in short more engaging than the already excellent Aavik D-180. Of course, the precision and quality of the sound are very important, and this is of a very high level in the Aavik D-280, but what is even more important is whether the emotion of the performers is conveyed. And conveying emotion is where Aavik D/A Converters excel. This Aavik D-280 is pure emotion. We are very enthusiastic about the entire Aavik Acoustics range and the D-280 is a full member of the family.

The Aavik D-280 can now be auditioned by appointment at Ohm-Audio B.V., possibly in comparison with one of our other D/A Converters. If it is within your means, you can also bring your own D/A Converter for comparison.

Other Aavik Acoustics D/A Converters from the D-Series : The other D/A Converters from the D-Series of Aavik Acoustics, the D-180 and the D-580, are built according to the same principle. The dimensions of all D/A Converters from the D-series of Aavik Acoustics are the same, only the flagship model, the D-580, has an internal structure made of solid copper and a titanium cross integrated in the top panel for additional resonance control. The differences lie in the cabinet construction and the amount of noise reduction applied through Tesla Coils and Dither Circuitry. The Aavik D-280 has more Active (Square) Tesla Coils and Dither Circuitry onboard than the D-180. The Aavik D-580 has even more Active (Square) Tesla Coils and Dither Circuitry onboard than the D-180 & D-280. In terms of sound character, the models don't differ much from each other, but in terms of sound quality you'll make significant gains with each step up. Each model higher than the previous one delivers more detail, better definition, a quieter, deeper and wider background, and a more intense and engaging listening experience.

Specifications of the Aavik Acoustics D-280 :

Brand : Aavik Acoustics Denmark

Model : D-280

Type : D/A Converter

Warranty Aavik / Ohm-Audio B.V. : 24 Months

Digital Inputs : 2 x SPDIF Coax over BNC, 2 x SPDIF Toslink Optical, 1 x USB-B

Analog Outputs : 1 x Unbalanced RCA

Finish : Matte Black, Red Dot Display

Technical Specifications :

Sample Rates PCM : up to 32bit/192kHz

Sample Rates DSD (over USB) : DSD64 & DSD128

Distortion (THD at 1kHz at 0dB) : < 0.005%

Power Consumption Standby : < 0.5 Watt

Power Consumption Idle : < 50 Watt

Dimensions :

Dimensions : 38.4cm Wide x 40cm Deep x 10.2cm High

Weight : 5.6 Kg Net

User Settings :

Up-Sampling to 24bit/200kHz : Disableable/Enableable

Filter Settings : Slow Filter (soft high-frequency roll-off), Fast Filter (steep high-frequency roll-off)

Reviews and Manufacturer Website :

Manufacturer Website : Aavik Acoustics D-280