The R-x88 phono stage series, a culmination of decades of engineering innovation and musical passion. Drawing inspiration from the acclaimed Aavik R-880 reference model, this series brings reference-level analog performance to a broader audience — designed for both Moving Coil (MC) and DS Audio optical cartridges in one elegant enclosure.
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The Aavik x88 series is the result of a unique collaboration between two renowned designers. Gryphon Audio’s esteemed founder, Flemming Erik Rasmussen, joined Aavik’s team in 2021, bringing over 35 years of design expertise. Merging his artistic vision with Michael Børresen’s innovative technical approach, they crafted the 188, 288, and 588 devices to not only look stunning but to deliver an exceptional auditory experience.
Aavik x88 amplifiers feature a fast, low-noise switching power supply, optimized for class D amplification. Operating in power-factor-corrected resonant mode, it delivers smooth, clean sine wave power. When extra power is needed, the supply adjusts its frequency to increase power density, ensuring high peak currents without distortion. The result is a very low noise floor, low output impedance, and superior control over connected speakers.
Effective noise killer.
The active Tesla coils are power supplied which secures a remarkable lower impedance and thus a better ability to eliminate noise. The active version is about three to four times more efficient than passive Tesla coils.
Impressive noise reduction.
The active square Tesla coils are embedded in our circuitry boards – one coil on the top and the counter coil on the rear side. The principle is exactly the same as the active Tesla coil and thus a great ability to eliminate noise than the passive Tesla coil.
A 3rd generation of the Ansuz analog dither technology has been developed. Analog dither technology originated in radar, where it ensured a stronger signal and thus greater range. The active Tesla coils send pulsating signals at precisely defined frequencies. These signals are sent in anti-phase. This significantly amplifies the musical signal and eliminates the background noise floor.
Analysis and studies have led to new options – and a lot of listening has resulted in this 3rd generation design which is a further optimization of the most effective frequencies which opens the soundscape even more and with the tiniest details when it comes to reproduction of the recordings.
Aavik’s MC engine is built for absolute silence and precision. Its fully balanced, floating input stage uses ultra-low-noise BISS transistors to extract the finest details from MC cartridges. A gentle 75μs filter reduces pops and crackle, while a hand-matched passive RIAA network ensures perfect channel accuracy. The result is a clean, natural, and highly dynamic analogue performance.
Aavik’s dedicated optical engine unlocks the full potential of DS Audio’s innovative cartridges. A direct-coupled, floating input stage allows operation without DC-blocking capacitors, preserving transparency and imaging. Ultra-low-noise regulators power the cartridge’s LEDs and photocells, while adjustable high- and low-pass filters optimize bass and treble response. This delivers the smoothness, speed, and clarity that make optical cartridges so extraordinary.
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MC Inputs:
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 (MC):
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:
(Optical) +0.1/-0.3dB (20Hz-20kHz)
Output:
1 pair of RCA outputs. | Distortion: <0.05% (THD at 1kHz, nominal input)
Output impedance: 70 ohms
Aavik noise reduction:
Active Tesla Coils: 36
Active Square Tesla Coils: 72
Dither circuitry: 3
Power consumption:
Standby: <1W
On: <15W
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
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