Aavik Launches R-X88 Series Phonostages
All Image Credit: Aavik
Audio Group Denmark has launched the new Aavik R-X88 series of phonostages, comprised of three models; the Aavik R-188, Aavik R-288, and Aavik R-588. This new range of phono amplifiers are designed for only Moving Coil and DS Audio optical cartridges. Each model is assembled in Aalborg and the series draws its design concepts directly from the flagship Aavik R-880.
The major design focus was in keeping noise to an absolute minimum. To that end each model employs a combination of Active Tesla Coils, Square Tesla Coils, and analogue dither circuitry intended to suppress interference and keep the noise floor very low. Anti-Aerial Resonance Coils are also used to reduce susceptibility to airborne noise.
Active Square Tesla, Active Tesla and dither circuits.
The levels of noise reduction varying between the three models:
- R-188: 36 Active Tesla Coils, 72 Active Square Tesla Coils, 3 dither circuits
- R-288: 72 Active Tesla Coils, 144 Active Square Tesla Coils, 6 dither circuits
- R-588: 108 Active Tesla Coils, 216 Active Square Tesla Coils, 9 dither circuits
All three models feature a discrete and hand matched passive RIAA section using parallel ultra-low-noise BISS bipolar transistors. For Moving Coil cartridges, the input stage is RCA unbalanced, fully floating and unconnected to ground, supporting load adjustment between 50 ohms and 10k ohms. A gentle 75μs filter reduces pops and crackle.
All models feature a resonant-mode Class D power supply, that use a custom designed DC/DC converter. Operating in power-factor-corrected resonant mode, the power supply is said to deliver smooth, clean sine wave power.
Each model is enclosed within a hybrid construction chassis combining wood, copper, and steel. The structure being said to provide both resonance control and rigidity.
Signal connectivity includes; one floating stereo RCA input for Moving Coil cartridges, optical cartridges are supported through a dedicated stereo RCA input. One stereo pair of RCA connectors provide the output, while control is available using the RS232 DB9 connector and 3.5mm 12VDC trigger I/O.
Specifications – R-188/R-288/R-588:
- MC Input:
- Floating RCA (1 set) | Max input: 5mVrms
- Gain: 58dB or 64dB @ 1 kHz
- Input load resistance adjustable from 50 ohm to 10k ohm
- Frequency Response:
- 58dB: +0.1/-0.4dB (20Hz-20kHz)
- 64dB: +0.1/-1.1dB (20Hz-20kHz)
- Optical input:
- RCA (1 set) | Max input: 500mVrms
- Gain: 26dB
- Frequency Response: +0.1/-0.3dB (20Hz-20kHz)
- Output:
- 1 pair of RCA outputs
- Distortion: <0.05% (THD at 1kHz, nominal input)
- Output impedance: 70 ohms
- Power consumption: Standby: <1W
- Dimensions:: 440 x 430 x 116mm / 17.3 x 16.9 x 4.6 inches
- Weight: 21kg / 46lbs
- Mains voltage and current: 100-240V AC – 50-60 Hz max 3.15A
- Enclosure classification: IP10
MSRP (R-188/R-288/R-588):
- US: $20,000/$25,000/$30,000
- EU: €15,000/€20,000/€25,000
For more information visit the Aavik web site:
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