Audio Group Denmark Introduces New Lower Cost Aavik R-x88 Series Phono Preamp Line

company seeks to bring R-880 flagship performance to a wider audience

Audio Group Denmark's Chief Designer Michael Børresen recently introduced a new line of "more affordable" Aavik phono preamps—the R-x88 series. The three models are the Aavik R-188: € 15.000, Aavik R-288: € 20.000, and Aavik R-588: € 25.000 (prices in Euros for now and vary by region).

"Crafted in Denmark, Engineered for Musical Truth. Aavik proudly introduces the new 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. All three models feature an optical cartridge input as well as of course moving coil inputs."

KEY TECHNOLOGIES:

NOISE REJECTION

Integrated Ansuz Active and Square Tesla Coils, Analog Dither Circuits, and Anti-Aerial Resonance Coils work in synergy to ensure an exceptionally lownoise floor and outstanding signal purity.

VERSATILITY

Supports both MC and optical cartridges with precise gain and filter adjustments, offering unmatched flexibility.

RESONANT-MODE POWER SUPPLY

Custom DC/DC converters generate clean, sine-wave voltages with ultra-low noise and minimal distortion, providing a stable foundation for superior sonic performance.

REMARKABLY LOW NOISE FLOOR

The Aavik RIAA section features a discrete input stage built around ultra–low-noise bipolar transistors, which paired in parallel create an exceptionally quiet circuit, achieving a signal-to-noise ratio of 94 dB measured at 1 kHz. The input stage for Moving-Coil (MC) cartridges is also topologically balanced and floating, so not connected to ground.

ADVANCED CIRCUIT DESIGN

The flagship R-588 incorporates Aavik’s discrete operational amplifiers and independent voltage rails, achieving remarkable resolution, dynamics, and transparency.

CABINET CONSTRUCTION

Designed by Flemming Erik Rasmussen and Michael Børresen, the hybrid enclosure combining wood, copper, and steel offers exceptional resonance control and structural stability, complemented by a striking visual appeal.