Aavik SD-188 Streamer / DAC

The Aavik x88 series is the result of a unique collaboration between two renowned designers. Gryphon Audio’s esteemed founder, Flemming Erik Rasmussen, joined Aavik’s team in 2021, bringing over 35 years of design expertise. Merging his artistic vision with Michael Børresen’s innovative technical approach, they crafted the X88 amplifiers to not only look stunning but to deliver an exceptional auditory experience.

The Continuum DAC takes a unique approach to digital-to-analog conversion with a fully chipless design. A custom-programmed FPGA converts all digital audio into high-resolution DSD512, a format that closely mimics analog. A specialized digital filter then smooths the signal without any switching, preserving a natural, continuous sound. A simple analog filter completes the path, revealing music with clarity, warmth, and depth. This breakthrough design powers the Aavik SD-x88 series, delivering an exceptionally lifelike listening experience.

Aavik X88 amplifiers feature a fast, low-noise switching power supply, optimized for class D amplification. Operating in power-factor-corrected resonant mode, it delivers smooth, clean sine wave power. When extra power is needed, the supply adjusts its frequency to increase power density, ensuring high peak currents without distortion. The result is a very low noise floor, low output impedance, and superior control over connected speakers.

Effective noise killer.
The active Tesla coils are power supplied which secures a remarkable lower impedance and thus a better ability to eliminate noise. The active version is about three to four times more efficient than passive Tesla coils.

Impressive noise reduction.
The active square Tesla coils are embedded in our circuitry boards – one coil on the top and the counter coil on the rear side. The principle is exactly the same as the active Tesla coil and thus a great ability to eliminate noise than the passive Tesla coil.

A 3rd generation of the Ansuz analog dither technology has been developed. Analog dither technology originated in radar, where it ensured a stronger signal and thus greater range. The active Tesla coils send pulsating signals at precisely defined frequencies. These signals are sent in anti-phase. This significantly amplifies the musical signal and eliminates the background noise floor.

Analysis and studies have led to new options – and a lot of listening has resulted in this 3rd generation design which is a further optimization of the most effective frequencies which opens the soundscape even more and with the tiniest details when it comes to reproduction of the recordings.