Aavik SD-288

AAVIK SD-288 – WHERE DIGITAL DESIGN MEETS MUSICAL SENSIBILITY

The SD-288 was developed with one goal: to deliver a digital sound experience that feels analog in spirit. It combines the streamer and DAC in one complete and sophisticated chassis, bringing together Aavik’s advanced technologies to create a player that does not merely reproduce music – but conveys presence, nuance, and naturalness.

TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS

• Combined streamer and DAC in one unit
• FPGA-based, completely chip-free DSD512 conversion
• DLNA 1.5 and UPnP AV 1.0 network streaming
• USB, BNC, and TOSLINK inputs with PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD256
• RCA line output and BNC digital output
• 72 active Tesla coils
• 144 active square Tesla coils
• 6 third-generation dither circuits
• 1 Gold Anti-Aerial Resonance Coil with zirconium core
• Power consumption: <1W standby, <30W operation
• Weight: 21 kg

FROM BIT TO WAVE – A UNIQUE DIGITAL SIGNAL PATH

At the heart of the SD-288 is the exclusive Continuum DAC, which operates entirely without conventional chips. Instead, a specially programmed FPGA is used to convert all digital audio into high-resolution DSD512. The result is a signal that behaves like analog: fluid, unforced, and warm – without the typical hardness many digital solutions suffer from.

HIGH-RESOLUTION STREAMING, EFFORTLESS INTEGRATION

The SD-288 supports both DLNA and UPnP AV standards and provides access to high-quality network streaming. The rear panel offers a wide range of digital inputs, including two BNC S/P-DIF, two optical TOSLINK, and one fully galvanically isolated USB input. This USB input accepts PCM up to 384 kHz and native DSD up to 256 – asynchronously and without interference.

CALM IN THE CURRENT – AND IN THE MUSIC

The internal resonant mode power supply delivers a low-noise, sine-wave current curve that automatically adapts to the musical demand. When the dynamics rise, the power supply frequency increases and delivers high peak power without noise or distortion. This gives the SD-288 the calmest possible foundation a digital player can have.

NOISE REDUCTION ON A LARGE SCALE

One of Aavik’s core strengths is the ability to remove noise without removing the music. The SD-288 is equipped with 72 active Tesla coils and 144 active square Tesla coils, which neutralize electrical contamination and ensure a signal with minimal interference. This infrastructure is built into the PCB layout for optimal electromagnetic decoupling.

FREQUENCY CONTROL FOR THE SAKE OF EMOTION

The third-generation analog dither technology sends pulse-based anti-phase signals through six separate circuits. These signals, inspired by radar technology, reduce the noise floor and enhance the signal’s coherence. The soundstage opens up more, the details come closer, and the music becomes even more physically present.

GOLD AND ZIRCONIUM IN SERVICE OF THE SOUND

The SD-288 is the first in the series to use Aavik’s Gold Anti-Aerial Resonance Coil. This dual coil is built around a zirconium rod and wound with silver- and gold-plated copper. It is designed to eliminate airborne RF noise that could otherwise find its way into cables and circuit traces. The result is a more open and free sound, especially in the midrange, where details often get lost.

A DESIGN AS CLEAN AS THE SOUND

The cabinet and layout were created by Flemming Erik Rasmussen in close collaboration with Michael Børresen. It is an exterior that matches the interior: precise, elegant, and free from distractions. Materials and construction have been selected and tuned with a focus on low mechanical resonance and high structural stability.