Review samples supplied by Ohm Audio
Retail price in the Netherlands, including 21% VAT:
U-588 – 29.995 euros
Darkz T3W Resonance Control footers – 1.200 euro per piece (4.800 euro per 4)
U-588 Description
The U-588 is the range topper of Aavik’s latest U-x88 range, which encompasses the U-188, U-288, and U-588 models. Each model draws inspiration from the acclaimed 880-series flagship models, with improved performance in a completely new design. These models are referred to as Unity Amplifiers because they unite multiple functions in a single chassis: a streaming endpoint, DAC, analog preamplifier with analog inputs, and power amplifier. Each component serves a precisely defined purpose, ensuring the lowest inductance, zero hysteresis, and exceptional resonance control to preserve the finest musical details.
The new 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. The new range is the result of Flemming Erik Rasmussen’s artistic vision combined with Michael Børresen’s innovative technical approach.
The new housing of the Aavik U-X88 series is thoughtfully redesigned and more robust, thanks to Audio Group Denmark’s extensive research into materials. While the electronics are crucial, the casing and its materials also influence the sound of the device. Previously, Aavik used solid aluminum for their cases, but after determining that aluminum wasn’t the best option, they later switched to a natural composite material for the U-180, U-280, and U-580. As I discovered firsthand during my U-series review, the U-580’s titanium cross and copper interior had a significant impact on the amplifier’s sound, which underscores the importance of the casework.
The U-588 features solid copper side plates and a top and bottom plate constructed using a sandwich design of copper, natural composite, and stainless steel, which lends it a premium look. The amplifier retains the large, dimmable red dot display, which remains easily legible even from a great distance, and now features touchscreen buttons instead of physical ones. Additionally, the amplifier now features large-diameter footers with an internal cavity designed to seamlessly incorporate sister brand Ansuz Darkz decouplers, thereby minimizing the contrast between the amplifier and the decouplers.
The remote control has also been upgraded to match the high-quality remotes of the 880 series. It looks beautiful, feels nice in the hand, and has a magnetic lid for easy battery access.
Other models
The other amplifiers from the U-X88 Series, the U-188 and the U-288, are built based on the same principle. The size of the casing for all U-Series amplifiers is the same, and so is the power delivery. The differences lie in the amount of noise and impedance-reducing techniques implemented through Tesla Coils, Anti-Aerial Resonance Coils, and Analog Dither Technology used in the amplifier. The Aavik U-588 performs at the highest level of the U-X88 series amplifiers.
Technical
The Aavik U-588 serves as an all-in-one central hub that accepts a wide range of sources, including both analog and digital formats. The analog preamp section offers 2 RCA line inputs and a pre-out output for connecting a subwoofer or additional power amplifiers. Volume control is in the analog domain, with 76 1dB steps.
The amplifier features a high-quality, built-in MQA-capable DAC that supports PCM formats up to 32-bit/384 kHz, and the USB input also supports DSD formats up to DSD128. The DAC section features two BNC coaxial inputs, a TOSLink optical input, a USB input, and an RJ-45 Network input. Additionally, there are two USB ports that can be used to connect a Wi-Fi dongle for wireless connectivity or to plug in a USB stick or drive for direct playback of music stored on the connected device.
The unit also features a built-in streamer that works via wired Ethernet or Wi-Fi, making it a true all-in-one device. The streamer currently accepts DLNA/UPnP from all compatible hardware or software servers, including Audirvana. The streaming endpoint can be controlled using the Audio Group Denmark app, MConnect/MControl, or BubbleUPnP. Additionally, the amplifier can be streamed to via Tidal Connect and Qobuz Connect. While RoonReady support is not yet available, the certification process is underway, meaning it is only a matter of time before this functionality is added.
The U-588 incorporates the latest power amplifier generation from Pascal. This generation of UMAC™ amplification can switch even faster and generates even less noise than previous generations. As a result, less filtering is required, and the output impedance is lower, which gives the amplifier even more control over the connected speakers. The U-588 delivers 2 x 300 Watts at 8 Ohms, doubling to 2 x 600 Watts at 4 Ohms, allowing the amplifier to drive practically any loudspeaker.
As usual for Aavik, the technical construction incorporates various Ansuz Acoustics proprietary technical solutions. For example, the Aavik U-588 features extensive noise and impedance reduction through Ansuz Tesla Coil and Dither Technology. The Aavik U-588 features the highest number of noise- and inductance-reducing techniques among all amplifiers in the U-X88 series. The amplifier is equipped with 108 Active Tesla Coils and 216 Active Square Tesla Coils. There are also 8 Gold Anti-Aerial Resonance Coils applied to the internal wiring. Additionally, there are nine analog dither circuitries from the latest (3rd) generation. The power consumption is only 1 Watt in standby, and less than 30 Watts when switched on and idle.
Review Context
The U-588 was listened to in the main system, which currently consists of the CH Precision L1 preamplifier, CH Precision A1.5 power amp, and Apogee Centaur speakers. Digital sources were the Antipodes Oladra and Grimm MU1 music servers. All interlinks are Driade Flow Link Reference 808, and the speaker cables are Driade Flow Reference 808. All components, including the U-588, are powered by the PS Audio P20 PowerPlant.
Firmware Update
After I received it, I was prompted to carry out a Firmware Update. This was done very easily via the front panel menu, and the upgrade implemented Qobuz Connect. Roon Ready is not yet available, unfortunately, but when it is, it can be added later in the same way.
Listening – First Impression
I was forewarned that my review sample was brand new and would need some running in, but that it would get on song relatively quickly. Before listening, I just switched it on and left it idling for several days.
For my initial listening impressions, I positioned the U-588 on an Artesania Organic Line Modular Floor Platform and connected it using a long Belden 19364 power cable. The Antipodes Oladra music server was used as a source, connected directly to the U-588 via Belden RG59 coax and simultaneously also via I2S to the LAiV uDDC and Harmony DAC. This way, I could test the Aavik’s analog preamp section and perform comparisons with its built-in DAC. Finally, to enable UPnP streaming via the network, I connected the U-588 via an Ethernet cable to the Silent Angel Bonn NX Switch and Genesis GX clock combo.
Starting early in the morning, all it took was 10 seconds of the first track in the playlist to realize that U-588 is much more neutral than the previous series. The sound is cleaner, faster, crisper, more highly resolving, and definitely no longer tonally colored or warm. Although the technical advancement was evident during the first hours, the sound was still a bit lumpy and dynamically compressed, not very musical, free-flowing, or emotional, just yet. This was strange, as the previous amplifier range was decidedly musical. So, the only logical explanation was that merely being switched on for a couple of days was not enough to properly awaken it, and the amplifier just needed more time to come into its own.
Next: Running In, Serious Listening, and Streaming
Hi, could you provide more details regarding sound quality and sound signature compared to Aavik u580 (apart from neutrality/resolution as u580 is also very good in these areas)? Currently, I do not understand how u588 compares to more serious amplifiers.
January this year I bought the U-588 after a period of more than 4 weeks of “testing” the device in my own home.
Generally speaking and apart from a lot of “apples and oranges”, I can only concur with this review.
I’m surprised though that you did not test it with Ansuz cabling.
Right now I am using Darkz C2T control footers, but in the nearby future I am going to test S3T Darkz. The T3W you mention is a bit too rich for my blood.
(well, in fact more than a bit).
And yes, this device does give me “peace of mind”…
The sound is terrific, without the rat’s nest of cables (hooray) behind my audio rack that I had in the past ! Now only 2 utp cables, 1 for the Aavik, 1 for my server.
The AGD app works fine, but after your rave review I decided to buy the jPlay app. That turned out to be a wrong decision.
jPlay does not cooperate well with the Aavik at all; a lot of errors, alas
So, buying it was (for me) money down the drain. I’ll stick to the AMG app.