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Aavik U180/U280/U580

Aavik U-Series

New Integrated Amp line with built-in DACs

Aavik U-180 / U-280 / U-580

Aavik has expanded its highly acclaimed series of separate audio components, the Aavik I- and D-Series, with the new U-Series, which combines both components, amplifier and DAC, into one module.

Aavik U180/U280/U580

The result is stunning, having achieved the uncompromising integration of these components into a single unit. By doing so, Aavik has successfully responded to the demands of the high-end audio lovers who want to minimize the space required for separate audio components but making no compromise on the ultimate quality of high-end music reproduction.

A common mainboard now replaces the two separate ones. This completely redesigned mainboard provides the shortest possible signal path between amplifier and DAC, and guarantees excellent speaker control. Aavik’s new U-series has basically the same DNA as Aavik’s series of separate components. The new U-series boast the same advanced electronic components and make use of the same innovative materials.

Based on this, and equipped with the newly developed mainboard, Aavik’s new U-series also features a low noise floor and unprecedented dynamic speed. Tight speaker control and balanced stability create that persuasive and crystal clear sound image that reflects even the finest sonic details.

Aavik U180/U280/U580

Aavik U-580 – the flagship

The premium U-580 series is Aavik’s flagship model of this series. With the large cross inlay in the top plate, the U-580 is easily recognizable. Made of titanium, the cross serves as a resonance control element adding a warm and natural tone to the listening experience.

What also elevates the Aavik U-580 series to a higher level of performance is its solid copper inner chassis. The effect of this is a further reduction in the hysteresis, giving the music more energy and power.

This premium series also comes equipped with additional Ansuz noise reduction control. These innovative technologies pave the way for an absolutely unconstrained signal flow.

Resonant mode power supply – quiet yet extremely powerful

The new Aavik U-Series ensure massive power resources with ultra-low noise. The operating frequency increases with the power demand, which in turn has the advantage that the power density also increases, thus allowing higher peak power when required by the music.

The noise floor in the raw power supply is already extremely low, but the ultra-low noise regulators supplying the different parts of the circuit reduce it even further. The noise of these regulators is in the order of few microvolts, respectively nanovolts and is significantly lower than the noise level of conventional regulators.

Aavik U180/U280/U580

Aavik UMAC amplifier – unmatched audio control

At Aavik we utilize the patented UMAC amplifier technology. This technology circumvents the design flaws of traditional switching amplifiers. UMAC technology primarily targets two areas of modulated amplifier design. Firstly, the PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation) generation uses sine wave modulation rather than the more common triangle modulation.

The benefit is that sine waves create far less high frequency noise than triangles, no sharp corners, and thus require far less inductive filtering at the output. The lower inductance in the output gives the amplifiers a much better damping factor
and thus a distinctly better speaker control. Secondly, the advanced dual mixed mode feedback allows damping factors that are characteristic of only the very best linear amplifiers.

The DAC section – securing the signal transport and the tonal balance

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The Aavik DAC section is designed around 5 digital inputs, which all excel in audio performance. The DAC operates without any digital signature. This makes any music sound natural and authentic. The digital circuits boast the best high frequency capacities. Great care was devoted to the set-up of the PCB design (PCB: Printed Circuit Board). By employing time-aligned, ultra-short, 4-layer PCB traces, Aavik wants to preserve the
natural and pristine sound quality of the wide and complex range of different signals. The DAC circuits are also fitted with ultra-low jitter onboard clocks.

Individual audio settings for your personal audio preferences

To best accommodate individual listening preferences, and fit hand in glove into your existing audio system, Aavik has designed 4 individual settings. Since the selected signal source connected to the input can tinge the actual sound performance, up-sampling can be switched on and off. The Aavik U-Series also offers a choice between a slow (soft high-frequency roll-off) and a fast (steep high-frequency roll-off) filter.

www.aavik-acoustics.com

The stated retail price of the reviewed device is valid as of the time of the review and is subject to change.