Audio Group Denmark has introduced the new Aavik R-X88 series of phono preamplifiers, inspired by the flagship Aavik R-880 model. The series includes three models in different price categories: the Aavik R-188, Aavik R-288, and Aavik R-588. This trio of phono preamplifiers, manufactured in Denmark, is designed for both moving coil (MC) and optical cartridges from the Japanese company DS Audio.
The Aavik R-X88 phono preamplifier series builds on the engineering of the flagship Aavik R-880 model, offering them in a more affordable package. Each model is assembled in Aalborg, Denmark, and follows the company’s signature design language, which combines functional engineering with pure Scandinavian aesthetics.
Noise reduction was a key development focus for the entire Aavik R-X88 series. The phono preamps utilize a combination of Active Tesla Coils, Square Tesla Coils, and analog dither circuits designed to suppress interference and achieve low noise levels. Anti-Aerial Resonance Coils are also employed, reducing sensitivity to airborne interference.
All three phono preamplifier models utilize a discrete RIAA equalization section with parallel, ultra-low-noise bipolar transistors. Aavik specifies a signal-to-noise ratio of 94 dB at 1 kHz. For MC cartridges, the input stage is fully isolated and ground-free, supporting loads from 50 ohms to 10 kohms.
The Aavik R-X88 series of phono preamplifiers utilizes power supplies with custom DC/DC converters designed to generate pure sine waves. This minimizes distortion and ensures a stable operating environment for the analog circuitry. While the Aavik R-188 and Aavik R-288 share a common platform, the Aavik R-588 utilizes discrete Aavik op-amps and independent power supply rails. This top-of-the-line model is designed to achieve higher sonic resolution and dynamic potential within the lineup.
The chassis of the Aavik R-X88 series phono preamplifiers is a hybrid construction of wood, copper, and steel, developed in collaboration with designers Flemming Erik Rasmussen and Michael Børresen. This design is designed to ensure resonance control and high rigidity.
Each model includes one unbalanced input for MC cartridges with selectable gain between 58 dB and 64 dB. Optical cartridges are supported via a separate RCA input with 26 dB of gain. All units feature one pair of RCA outputs, and rated distortion is less than 0.05% at 1 kHz. Frequency response for the MC input is specified as +0.1/−0.4 dB at 58 dB of gain and +0.1/−1.1 dB (or -1.7 dB for the R-588) at 64 dB of gain over a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The frequency response of the optical input is +0.1/−0.3 dB across the entire range for all models.
The level of noise reduction technology increases from model to model:
Aavik R-188: 36 Active Tesla Coils, 72 Active Square Tesla Coils, 3 dither circuits
Aavik R-288: 72 Active Tesla Coils, 144 Active Square Tesla Coils, 6 dither circuits
Aavik R-588: 108 Active Tesla Coils, 216 Active Square Tesla Coils, 9 dither circuits
Each model has the same dimensions of 440 x 116 x 430 mm and weighs 21 kg.
Finally, the recommended retail price of the Aavik R-188 phono preamplifier in Europe is €15,000 . The Aavik R-288 model is offered for €20,000 , and the more advanced Aavik R-588 phono preamplifier will cost €25,000 .
