THE AAVIK U SERIES U-180, U-280 AND U-580 COMBINE INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER AND DAC IN ONE UNIT

Danish brand Aavik has expanded its range of separates with the new Aavik U-180, U-280 and U-580.

The new Aavik U combines the integrated amplifier and DAC (the Aavik I and D 180,280 and 580) into one unit.

The Aavik U Series Combined Integrated Amp and DAC this is the flagship U-580

AAVIK U SERIES

A single mainboard now replaces the two separate ones. This completely redesigned mainboard provides the shortest possible signal path between amplifier and DAC.

The new Aavik U-series has basically the same DNA as Aavik’s series of separate components. The new U-series are equipped with the same advanced electronic components and are made from the same innovative materials.

Detail of the Aavik U-580

AAVIK U-580

The premium Aavik U-580 is Aavik’s flagship model of this series. With the large cross inlay in the top plate, the U-580 is easily recognizable. The cross is made of titanium and serves as a resonance control element. The inner chassis is made of solid copper. This premium series is also equipped with additional Ansuz noise reduction control.

The new Aavik U series are designed to ensure massive power resources with ultra-low noise. When more power is needed, the operating frequency increases, 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 extremely low but Aavik say it can be even further lowered by the ultra-low noise regulators supplying the different parts of the circuit.

Aavik U-580 rear panel

AAVIK UMAC TECHNOLOGY

Aavik has used their patented UMAC™ amplifier technology. This technology was developed to avoid the design flaws of traditional switching amplifiers. UMAC technology primarily targets two areas of modulated amplifier design. Firstly, the PWM (PMW: Pulse-Width Modulation) generation is produced with sine wave modulation rather than the more common triangle modulation.

Aavik explains further: “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”.

AAVIK U SERIES DAC SECTION

The Aavik DAC section is designed around five digital inputs. The DAC operates without any digital signature. Aavik says that they use digital circuits with the best high frequency capacities. Great care was devoted to the set-up of the PCB design. 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.

The titanium cross inlay in the Aavik U-580

INDIVIDUAL AUDIO SETTINGS

To best accommodate individual listening preferences, and fit into your existing audio system, Aavik has designed four 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. There is also a choice between a slow (soft high-frequency roll-off) and a fast (steep high-frequency roll-off) filter.

AAVIK U SERIES SPECIFICATIONS

PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

HiFi Pig Says: Aavik are being very clever with their new ranges of components, covering price brackets up to the high end and now giving options for people that like to have units that take up less space than conventional separates. 

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