Усилители мощности стерео — Aavik P-588

The P-588 is the higher stereo power amplifier of the P-x88 series from Aavik, the Danish brand belonging to Audio Group Denmark, and is derived from the larger P-880. The x88 range is the joint work of Michael Børresen and Gryphon Audio's founder, Flemming Erik Rasmussen. Price is GBP 25,000 in the UK and USD 30,000 in the US, and the maker gives a 5-year warranty.

Key specs that matter

Output is 2 x 300 W into 8 ohm, rising to 2 x 600 W into 4 ohm. Distortion is listed as 0.0028% THD+N at 1 W, 1 kHz and 8 ohm, with IMD below 0.0008% and TIM below 0.002%, each at 10 W into 8 ohm. The input impedance is 11 kohm. The mains section accepts 100 to 240 V and draws a maximum of 10 A, yet idles below 30 W and uses less than 1 W in standby. The chassis is 440 mm wide, 430 mm deep and 116 mm high, and Aavik puts the weight at 22.8 kg.

Engineering and use context

Amplification relies on the newest generation of Pascal class D technology. Its UMAC modulation switches faster and radiates less noise, which means lighter filtering after the output devices and a lower output impedance, giving firmer grip on bass drivers. Power comes from a fast, low-noise switching supply working in resonant mode with power factor correction, which produces a clean sine-shaped current draw and raises its operating frequency to boost power density when high peak current is needed. Where the P-288 has 72 active Tesla coils, 187 active square Tesla coils, 7 dither circuits and 5 anti-aerial resonance coils, the P-588 carries 108 active Tesla coils, 259 active square Tesla coils, 10 dither circuits and 7 anti-aerial resonance coils. The active square coils sit on the top and rear faces of the circuit boards and, according to Aavik, cancel noise more effectively than passive Tesla coils. The third-generation analog dither injects pulsating signals at defined frequencies in anti-phase, and the anti-aerial resonance coils stop connected signal cables picking up airborne RF interference.

Pairing

Its input impedance poses no difficulty for a separate preamplifier, including the RCA preamp outputs of the I-x88 integrated amplifiers when a system is later upgraded. Doubling output as the impedance halves means low-impedance floorstanders with difficult impedance curves can be driven without stress.

Alternatives

The Aavik P-288 is the lower stereo power amplifier of the same series, sharing the same power rating in a 117.8 mm tall chassis weighing 20.85 kg.