Aavik R-X88 Series Phonostages
THREE AAVIK R-X88 SERIES PHONO STAGES LAUNCHED: AAVIK R-188, AAVIK R-288, AND AAVIK R-588
Audio Group Denmark has launched the new Aavik R-X88 series of phonostages, drawing inspiration from the flagship Aavik R-880 and comprising of three models at three price points, the Aavik R-188, Aavik R-288, and Aavik R-588.
The trio of Danish-built phono stages are designed for both Moving Coil and DS Audio optical cartridges. The range comprises the Aavik R-188, Aavik R-288, and Aavik R-588, each developed to deliver a quiet, stable, and highly controlled analogue signal path.
AAVIK R-X88 SERIES TAKES DESIGN CUES FROM FLAGSHIP AAVIK R-880
The Aavik R-x88 Series draws directly from the flagship Aavik R-880, with the aim of bringing its engineering principles to a wider market. Each model is assembled in Aalborg and follows the company’s design language of combining functional engineering with a clean, Scandinavian aesthetic.
AAVIK R-X88 SERIES PHONO STAGES
A key focus across the Aavik R-x88 Series is noise reduction. The phono stages employ a combination of Active Tesla Coils, Square Tesla Coils, and analogue dither circuitry intended to suppress interference and keep the noise floor low. Anti-Aerial Resonance Coils are also used to reduce susceptibility to airborne noise.
RIAA STAGE
All three models feature a discrete RIAA section using parallel ultra-low-noise bipolar transistors. Aavik specifies a signal-to-noise ratio of 94dB at 1kHz. For Moving Coil cartridges, the input stage is fully floating and unconnected to ground, supporting load adjustment between 50 ohms and 10k ohms.
POWER SUPPLY
The Aavik R-x88 Series uses resonant-mode power supplies, with custom DC/DC converters designed to generate clean sine-wave voltages. The aim is to minimise distortion and provide a stable environment for the audio circuitry.
CIRCUIT DEVELOPMENT AAVIK R-588 GAINS DISCRETE OP-AMPS
While the R-188 and R-288 share a common platform, the R-588 adopts Aavik’s discrete operational amplifiers and independent voltage rails. This top-tier model is engineered for greater resolution and dynamic capability within the range.
CABINET ENGINEERING
The enclosure for the Aavik R-x88 Series is a hybrid construction combining wood, copper, and steel, created in collaboration with designers Flemming Erik Rasmussen and Michael Børresen. The structure is intended to offer both resonance control and rigidity.
CONNECTIVITY MC AND OPTICAL INPUTS
Each model includes one floating RCA input for Moving Coil cartridges, with gain selectable between 58dB and 64dB. Optical cartridges are supported through a dedicated RCA input with 26dB of gain. A single RCA output pair is provided across the range, with quoted distortion below 0.05% at 1kHz.
Frequency response for MC operation is listed as +0.1/-0.4dB at 58dB gain and +0.1/-1.1dB (or -1.7dB in the case of the R-588) at 64dB gain from 20Hz to 20kHz. Optical input response is specified as +0.1/-0.3dB across the band for all models.
NOISE REDUCTION DIFFERENCES FROM R-188 TO R-588
The levels of noise-cancelling technology increase through the three models:
R-188: 36 Active Tesla Coils, 72 Active Square Tesla Coils, 3 dither circuits
R-288: 72 Active Tesla Coils, 144 Active Square Tesla Coils, 6 dither circuits
R-588: 108 Active Tesla Coils, 216 Active Square Tesla Coils, 9 dither circuits
AAVIK R-X88 SERIES POWER, SIZE AND BUILD WITH A SHARED PLATFORM
All units operate from 100–240V AC, with standby consumption under 1W. The R-188 and R-288 operate at under 15W, while the R-588 runs below 40W. Each model shares the same footprint of 440 × 430 × 116mm and weighs 21kg.
AAVIK R-X88 SERIES PRICING
Aavik R-188 is listed at €15,000, the Aavik R-288 at €20,000, and the Aavik R-588 at €25,000. For local regional prices, contact your Audio Group Denmark dealer.
HiFi PiG Says: Audio Group Denmark are masters at employing trickle-down tech from their flagship models to their more accessible products.
