ЦАПы — Aavik SD-588

The Aavik SD-588 is a streamer and DAC in one chassis, built around the Continuum DAC, a chipless FPGA-based converter that turns every incoming digital signal into DSD512 before conversion. It belongs to the SD-x88 series from the Danish brand, part of Audio Group Denmark alongside Ansuz and Borresen, which pairs network playback and conversion in one case for listeners who want a single digital source.

Key specs that matter

The galvanically isolated asynchronous USB Audio Class 2 input accepts 32-bit PCM from 44 to 384 kHz, native DSD64 to DSD256 and DSD64 to DSD128 over DoP. Two BNC S/PDIF inputs take 32-bit signals from 11 to 768 kHz, while two TOSLINK inputs stop at 192 kHz. Outputs are one pair of RCA line jacks plus a BNC S/PDIF output running up to 768 kHz. Network streaming follows DLNA 1.5 and UPnP AV 1.0. The case measures 440 x 430 x 116 mm, weighs 21 kg and draws under 40 W in operation and under 1 W in standby. The universal mains input accepts 100 to 240 V at 50 or 60 Hz.

Engineering and use context

The Continuum DAC works without switching stages, and an analogue filter completes the conversion after the FPGA. Power comes from a resonant mode supply that generates sine waves and raises its operating frequency when the load demands it, which keeps the noise floor low. Noise suppression also relies on 108 active Tesla coils and 216 active square Tesla coils spread through the circuitry. Nine circuits use the third generation of Aavik analogue dither technology, injecting precisely timed counter-phase signals developed from radar principles. Two Gold AARC units (Anti-Aerial Resonance Coils), each with a zirconium rod and windings of silver- and gold-plated copper, target airborne RF interference inside the enclosure. The enclosure carries an IP10 ingress protection rating, so it is intended for dry indoor use only. The cabinet was styled by Flemming Erik Rasmussen and Michael Borresen, the designers behind the wider Aavik and Borresen ranges.

Pairing

With only an RCA line output, the SD-588 feeds a preamplifier or integrated model, such as the Aavik I-588 integrated amplifier from the same 588 range, which shares the chassis family and styling. The digital output lets the unit act as a transport for a separate converter if one is already in the system.

Alternatives

The Aavik SD-188 is the brand's lower-priced streamer and DAC in the same SD-x88 series, which also includes the SD-288.