The Danish company Audio Group Denmark has introduced a new series of flagship amplifiers with the 880 index under its Aavik brand . The series includes the Aavik I-880 integrated amplifier , the C-880 preamplifier and the P-880 power amplifier .
The developers emphasize that the main goal of developing the 880 series was to create a powerful amplifier operating in pure class A, with the lowest possible output impedance and a record signal-to-noise ratio. Up to this point, Aavik models used amplification in class D.
In mid-2021, Flemming Erik Rasmussen, founder and former owner of Gryphon Audio , has taken over the development of Aavik brand components at Audio Group Denmark. In collaboration with Michael Børresen , extraordinary models of the flagship 880 series were born. Through intensive research, several characteristic elements in the traditional Class A amplifier design were identified, which, according to the developers, needed to be improved.
The classic class A amplifier power supply is equipped with a powerful power transformer and a capacious capacitor bank. The developers believe that a large and powerful transformer has two drawbacks. First, many windings create excessive induction, which in turn leads to time delays. Secondly, these multiple windings create parasitic capacitances that allow RFI from the mains to enter the amplifier’s signal circuits.
They have developed an innovative circuit that keeps the output stages in class A at all times, no matter how much current the power amplifier requires, thus significantly reducing power consumption. This made it possible to reduce the capacity of the capacitor banks in the power supply filters and place them locally – each of the eight pairs of output transistors has its own capacitor bank located nearby. This made it possible to minimize the length of the power lines and, thereby, reduce noise. In addition, this innovative design of the 880 series amplifiers reduces heat during operation, solving one of the main problems of class A amplifiers.
The 880 Series amplifiers feature an innovative LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) microprocessor-controlled volume control that features record-breaking low noise levels due to the absence of FET switches and relays.
Aavik’s 880 series amplifiers also have an analog crossover, which allows precise configuration of triphonics with an active subwoofer. In addition, this crossover can be used to equalize the system’s analog sound to match the acoustics of your listening room.
Flemming Eric Rasmussen was responsible for the appearance of the Aavik 880 amplifiers. His approach has always been that design should serve a primary purpose. The Aavik I-880 amplifier cabinet has been designed with the highest sonic performance in mind. Copper was chosen as the main material for the body elements. The chassis is a sandwich of copper plate, heavy laminate padding and a layer of titanium on the bottom, with copper heatsinks mounted on the sides. The volume knob is covered with a rubber layer, and the main functions of the amplifier control are realized through a large touch-sensitive LCD display. The Aavik 880 series amplifiers rest on Ansuz Darkz Z2 anti-vibration mounts that come with the package.
The integrated amplifier Aavik I-880 is already available for order. The C-880 pre-amplifier and P-880 power amplifier should be available next January. The suggested retail price for any Aavik 880 series model is 67,000 euros.
Source: Audio Group Denmark
