Aavik I-188

AAVIK I-188 – INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER WITH ADVANCED CONTROL AND BEST-IN-CLASS SOUND

The Aavik I-188 is the entry point to Aavik's uncompromising I-x88 series. It combines the essence of the flagship I-880 with a more compact and accessible format without compromising on sound quality or technological finesse. With a refined architecture, advanced power management and thorough noise reduction, the I-188 sets new standards for integrated amplifiers in the high-end class. The result is a powerful, natural and balanced reproduction, where every element of the music stands out clearly and precisely.

TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS

• Pascal Class D amplifier design with new UMAC modulation
• Efficient resonant mode power supply with high current density
• Analog active crossover with high-pass and low-pass filters
• Optical digital volume control with analog signal preservation
• Active Tesla coil and active square Tesla coil technology
• 3rd generation analog dither technology for greater signal depth
• Anti aerial resonance coils against airborne RF noise
• Designed by Flemming Erik Rasmussen and Michael Børresen
• Elegant titanium control wheel with optical shaft and fixed Aavik logo

COMPACT DESIGN WITH DNA FROM THE FLAGSHIP I-880

The I-188 is developed with the same approach to musicality and precision as the larger I-880. The design has been made more compact, but the technology and sound philosophy are intact. With the latest version of Pascal Class D circuitry and improved UMAC modulation, even faster signal processing, lower noise and low output impedance are achieved. This ensures full control over the speakers and an extremely linear, open reproduction.

RESONANT MODE POWER SUPPLY FOR CLEAN AND STABLE ENERGY SUPPLY

The I-188 power supply operates in power-factor-corrected resonant mode, generating a smooth, sinusoidal voltage instead of square-wave signals. When the music demands more power, the frequency is automatically increased, ensuring higher current density without distortion. This results in a power supply with low noise, low output impedance, and a constant, stable energy supply.

ANALOG ACTIVE CROSSOVER FOR MAXIMUM FLEXIBILITY

The I-188 is equipped with a fully analog active crossover that allows precise control over high-pass and low-pass filters. The user can easily add an active subwoofer and freely adjust the crossover frequencies, reducing the load on the monitor speakers and improving their efficiency. The system also allows integration with external power amplifiers and acoustic fine-tuning of the room, providing a more balanced and focused sound image.

ELEGANT CONTROL WITH OPTICAL PRECISION

The front panel of the I-188 features a titanium-plated, knurled control wheel that controls volume via an optical shaft connected to a digital encoder. This method preserves the analog signal path and ensures that even fine adjustments are made without compromising sound quality. The solid illuminated Aavik logo provides an exclusive and recognizable visual touch.

ACTIVE TESLA COILS FOR ADVANCED NOISE REDUCTION

The I-188 integrates both active Tesla coils and active square Tesla coils directly into the PCB layout. These components work with power supply to achieve low impedance and effective noise neutralization. Each coil is paired with a counter-coil to eliminate electrical voltage spikes and reduce interference. The active technology is three to four times more efficient than passive solutions and provides a blacker background and increased signal transparency.

3RD GENERATION ANALOGUE DITHER TECHNOLOGY FOR FINEER DETAIL REPRODUCTION

The third generation of analog dither technology, originally developed for radar, creates an even more precise and harmonious reproduction. By sending anti-phase signals at carefully selected frequencies, the signal clarity is improved and the noise level is significantly reduced. The result is an expanded soundstage and a nuanced reproduction, where even microdynamics and the natural sound of the room are preserved.

ANTI AERIAL RESONANCE TECHNOLOGY AGAINST RF NOISE

All cables and shields can act as antennas and pick up RF noise. The I-188 therefore uses anti aerial resonance coils, which absorb and neutralize these signals via counter-wound coils. This prevents RF interference from being introduced into the signal path, ensuring undisturbed sound reproduction with high purity and precision.

DESIGN WITH FORM AND FUNCTION IN HARMONY

The I-188's design is the result of a collaboration between Flemming Erik Rasmussen and Michael Børresen. The cabinet's aesthetic expression is simple and elegant, but optimized to support the quality of the sound. The choice of materials and design serves one purpose: to promote acoustic performance and create an amplifier that is both functional and visually appealing.