Aavik R-288

Aavik R-288 – music in its purest form

The Aavik R-288 builds on the foundation of the R-188, but moves one step closer to the reference class. It is part of the R-x88 series, which was developed with one overarching goal: to redefine how natural and noise-free an analog signal can be reproduced. Inspired by Aavik's flagship R-880, the series brings the same technical philosophy to a wider audience - in a phono stage that handles both traditional MC pickups and DS Audio's optical systems in one and the same cabinet.

The R-288 is a product of the creative synergy between Flemming Erik Rasmussen's iconic design sensibility and Michael Børresen's uncompromising approach to electronics and signal integrity. The result is a phono stage where aesthetics and engineering work together to create an analog reproduction that feels organic, dynamic and remarkably quiet in the background.

Highlights

• Advanced phono stage for both MC and DS Audio optical pickups
• Expanded noise control with more active Tesla and square Tesla coils than R-188
• 3rd generation analog dither technology for greater space and resolution
• Resonant Mode power supply with low noise and high peak capacity
• MC engine with smooth, fully balanced input and ultra-low noise BISS transistors
• Optical engine with direct coupling, precise regulators and adjustable filters
• Developed by Flemming Erik Rasmussen and Michael Børresen
• Cabinet design optimized for mechanical quietness and aesthetic harmony

The interaction between design and engineering

The R-288 represents the ideal balance between form and function. Flemming Erik Rasmussen has designed the cabinet with his well-known focus on sculptural elegance and material aesthetics, while Børresen is responsible for the signal path, resonance control and the highly specialized noise reduction technology. The visual calm of the construction mirrors the electrical calm of the signal – two dimensions that are always inextricably linked in the Aavik universe.

Resonant Mode Power Supply – a Foundation of Stability

Like the rest of the R-x88 series, the R-288 uses Aavik's resonant mode power supply, which delivers a pure sinusoidal voltage and scales the frequency to suit the needs of the music. This makes the power supply both extremely quiet and impressively responsive. When the music demands rapid dynamic peaks, the frequency is increased to deliver greater power reserves without distortion. The result is a low-impedance signal environment, with immense clarity and control in the most complex passages.

Tesla coil technology – improved noise reduction at the 288 level

Where the R-188 already has impressive noise control, the R-288 significantly extends this level. The active Tesla coils and active square Tesla coils work across the circuit's supply lines to eliminate electromagnetic noise before it ever reaches the signal. Active versions are far more efficient than passive solutions, as they are supplied with their own power supply and can therefore respond more precisely to noise spikes.

3rd generation analog dithering adds a refined dimension, where ultra-precise anti-phase signals enhance the signal's strength and resolution. It's not about "effects", but about uncovering micro-detail and creating an auditory space where music feels more alive and three-dimensional.

MC engine – a silent platform for even the most subtle signals

The R-288's MC engine is built for maximum transparency and low noise. The fluid, fully balanced input is constructed with ultra-low noise BISS transistors, which allow even the weakest signals from an MC pickup to be extracted without added graininess or compression. A gentle 75 µs filter suppresses crackling artifacts from records, while a hand-matched passive RIAA curve ensures millimetre-precise channel balance and natural tonality.

Optical engine – full exploitation of DS Audio's potential

For DS Audio's optical pickups, the R-288 offers a dedicated, directly coupled signal path without DC blocking capacitors. This increases both transparency and precision in the stereo image. The ultra-low noise regulators that power the LEDs and photocells ensure exceptionally clean timing and dynamics. Adjustable high and low pass filters allow for tailoring the character to the pickup and listening room, making the optical section one of the most sophisticated on the market.

Designed to be both beautiful and quiet

The R-288 is developed as part of Aavik's design DNA: a cabinet with mechanical quietness, resonance-optimized materials and an organic shape that can both be integrated discreetly and appear as an aesthetic centerpiece in a high-end system. It is not just an electronic component – ​​it is an instrument designed to disappear and leave the music in its purest form.

A phono stage for the vinyl enthusiast looking for the next level

The Aavik R-288 is designed for those who expect more than just accurate reproduction. It delivers a signal with exceptional clarity, dynamics and spatiality – all supported by a reference-class technical foundation. It is a further development of the R-188, but with a deeper and more comprehensive approach to noise reduction and signal processing, which makes it possible to hear recordings with a calmness and resolution that elevates the overall experience.