Aavik R-188 Phono Stage
Aavik R-188 Phono Stage
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The Aavik R-188 is a high-performance reference phono preamplifier engineered by Audio Group Denmark to deliver exceptional analog clarity, wide dynamic range, and an ultra-quiet background. Designed through the collaborative vision of Flemming Erik Rasmussen and Michael Børresen, the R-188 draws inspiration from the flagship Aavik R-880 reference model to bring dual MC and optical cartridge preamplification into a single, resonance-dampened chassis.
The R-188 features an advanced MC Engine equipped with a fully balanced, floating input stage using ultra-low-noise BISS transistors and a hand-matched passive RIAA network. Alongside it, a direct-coupled Optical Engine provides dedicated preamplification and clean LED power regulation for DS Audio optical cartridges. Powered by a power-factor-corrected Resonant Mode Power Supply and integrated with an active Ansuz noise-suppression suite—comprising 36 active Tesla coils, 72 active square PCB Tesla coils, and 3rd-generation analog dither technology—the R-188 yields breathtaking micro-detail, speed, and spatial transparency.
KEY FEATURES & PROPRIETARY TECHNOLOGIES
- Flemming Erik Rasmussen & Michael Børresen Collaboration: Merges artistic industrial design with state-of-the-art electronic architecture inspired by the reference Aavik 880 series.
- Dual Engine Architecture (MC & Optical): Features a dedicated MC engine with ultra-low-noise BISS transistors alongside a direct-coupled Optical engine optimized for DS Audio cartridges.
- Resonant Mode Power Supply: Fast, low-noise power-factor-corrected switching power supply that delivers smooth, clean sine wave power and high peak current delivery without distortion.
- 3rd-Generation Analog Dither Technology: Radar-derived anti-phase dither frequency technology (3 circuits) that lowers the background noise floor and opens up subtle ambient details.
- Active Tesla Coil Noise Cancellation: Outfitted with 36 active Tesla coils and 72 active square PCB Tesla coils to eliminate power supply noise and voltage spikes.
- Hand-Matched Passive RIAA Network: Precision RIAA equalizer circuit combined with a gentle 75 μs filter to suppress surface pops and record crackle without dulling dynamic response.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Category | High-End Reference Phono Preamplifier |
| Brand / Series | Aavik Acoustics (Audio Group Denmark) — 188 Series |
| Model Designation | R-188 |
| MC Input | 1 Pair Floating RCA (Max Input: 5 mVrms) |
| MC Gain Options (@ 1 kHz) | 58 dB or 64 dB |
| MC Load Resistance | Adjustable from 50 Ω to 10,000 Ω (10k Ω) |
| MC Frequency Response | 58 dB: +0.1 / -0.4 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz) 64 dB: +0.1 / -1.1 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz) |
| Optical Input | 1 Pair RCA (Max Input: 500 mVrms | Gain: 26 dB) |
| Optical Frequency Response | +0.1 / -0.3 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz) |
| Analogue Output | 1 Pair RCA Outputs |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | < 0.05% (at 1 kHz, Nominal Input) |
| Output Impedance | 70 Ω |
| Ansuz Active Noise Reduction | 36 Active Tesla Coils | 72 Active Square PCB Tesla Coils | 3 Analog Dither Circuits (3rd Gen) |
| Power Supply | Resonant Mode Power Supply (Power-Factor Corrected) |
| Power Consumption | Standby: < 1 W | Operating: < 15 W |
| Mains Voltage & Current | 100–240V AC (50–60 Hz), Max 3.15 A |
| Enclosure Protection Class | IP10 |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 440 x 430 x 116 mm (17.3" x 16.9" x 4.6") |
| Net Weight | 21.0 kg (46.0 lbs) |
| Origin | Handcrafted in Denmark |
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