U-180 High Performance Unity Integrated Amplifier with DAC

DAC and amp united – Warm and detailed 

The new Aavik Unity Series, the U-180, U-280 & U-580 combines their I-Series integrated amplifiers with their D-Series DACs into one module. The result is absolutely stunning! The uncompromising integration of these components into a single unit has been achieved and by doing so, Aavik has successfully responded to the demands of the high-end audio lovers who want to minimise the space that is required for separate audio components but making no compromise on the ultimate quality of high-end music reproduction.

A common mainboard now replaces the two separate ones. This completely redesigned mainboard provides the shortest possible signal path between amplifier and DAC, and guarantees excellent speaker control. Aavik’s new U-series has basically the same DNA as Aavik’s series of separate components. The new U-series are equipped with the same advanced electronic components and are made from the same innovative materials.

Based on this, and equipped with the newly developed mainboard, Aavik’s new U-series also features a low noise floor and unprecedented dynamic speed. Tight speaker control and balanced stability create that persuasive and crystal clear sound image that reflects even the finest sonic details.

The U-180 is the first model in the Aavik Unity range and offers exceptional value, sharing much of its DNA & technology with the state-of-the-art U-580. It offers a great sound that is balanced, tonally correct, dynamic and highly musical. Audiophile heaven!

Uncommon Technology

AAVIK UMAC™ AMPLIFIER – UNMATCHED AUDIO CONTROL

Aavik utilises the patented UMAC™ amplifier technology. This technology was developed to avoid the design flaws of traditional switching amplifiers. UMAC technology primarily targets two areas of modulated amplifier design. The PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) generation is produced with sine wave modulation rather than the more common triangle modulation. The benefit is that sine waves create far less high frequency noise than triangles, no sharp corners, and thus require far less inductive filtering at the output. The lower inductance in the output gives the amplifiers a much better damping factor and thus a distinctly better control of the speakers. In addition, the advanced dual mixed mode feedback allows damping factors that are characteristic of only the very best linear amplifiers.

VOLUME CONTROL – AFFECTS THE SONIC EXPERIENCE

The Aavik line stage boasts a unique, inverted, virtual GND (Ground) amplifier topology, which provides the highest stability. The feedback gets so powerful that it allows to damp the signal to a gain lower than 1. This preserves the full signal with the lowest Signal to Noise Ratio – no matter if you turn the volume up or down. This will provide your loudspeakers with a clear and distinct information flow to make even the finest details of timbral and textural nuances audible on an extremely quiet sound stage.

RESONANT MODE POWER SUPPLY – QUIET BUT EXTREMELY POWERFUL

The new Aavik series is designed to ensure massive power resources with ultra-low noise. Unlike the square waves used by conventional switch mode power supplies, the new Aavik series boast a resonant mode design which is principally driven by sine waves. When more power is needed, the operating frequency increases, which, in turn, has the advantage that the power density also increases, thus allowing higher peak power when required by the music.
The noise floor in the raw power supply is extremely low but could be even further lowered by the ultra-low noise regulators supplying the different parts of the circuit. The noise of these regulators is measured in a few microvolts respectively nanovolts, which is significantly lower than the noise level of conventional regulators.

THE DAC SECTION – SECURING THE SIGNAL TRANSPORT AND THE TONAL BALANCE

The Aavik Unity DAC section is designed around 5 digital inputs, which all excel in audio performance. The DAC operates without any digital signature. This makes any music sound natural and authentic. The digital circuits boast the best high frequency capacities. Great care was devoted to the set-up of the PCB design. By employing time-aligned, ultra-short, 4-layer PCB traces, the Aavik design preserves the natural and pristine sound quality of the wide and complex range of different signals. The DAC circuits are also fitted with ultra-low jitter onboard clocks.

INDIVIDUAL AUDIO SETTINGS FOR YOUR PERSONAL AUDIO PREFERENCES

To best accommodate individual listening preferences, and fit hand in glove into your existing audio system, Aavik has designed 4 individual settings. Since the selected signal source connected to the input can tinge the actual sound performance, up-sampling can be switched on and off. There is also a choice between a slow (soft high-frequency roll-off) and a fast (steep high-frequency roll-off) filter.

PREMIUM TECHNOLOGIES FOR UNCONSTRAINED SIGNAL FLOW

Aavik heavily draw on the experience and extensive R&D of their sister company, Ansuz-Acoustics™. They employed their groundbreaking, effective noise cancelling technologies and fitted all models of their new range of electronics with Tesla coils, dither circuitry and anti aerial resonance coils. These innovative technologies are geared towards paving the way for an absolutely unconstrained signal flow. Aavik has also prepared the top and bottom surfaces on all Aavik series to best accommodate Ansuz Darkz™, which represent the most effective way of preventing mechanical vibrations.

SCANDINAVIAN DESIGN AESTHETIC

The Aavik design language is Scandinavian understatement and expresses simplicity and minimalism featuring only a few buttons for logical operation. The multifunctional main knob allows simple navigation and control of the various functions. A distinguishing design feature of the new Aavik series is a huge red display, which makes it easy to read all details of the selected operational settings.

A CABINET WITH EXCELLENT SONIC QUALITIES

Aavik have designed the enclosure to minimise the use of aluminium and its associated mechanical resonance. Over the years, Aavik have been testing various materials and ultimately designed an innovative natural-based composite material, which reduces the mechanical influence, particularly the hysteresis. The sonic result is distinctly audible and reflects a further prominent cornerstone in Aavik’s quest for the ultimate music experience.

The range of Aavik Unity DAC/Amplifiers

Aavik have produced 3 levels of performance within the acclaimed U-180, U-280 and U-580. The U-180 represents great value with a high-end performance capability beyond its price level. The U-280 adds significantly more resonance control techologies resulting in an even lower noise floor, resolution and accuracy. The U-580 introduces the unique copper inner chassis, Titanium level noise reduction technology and the maximum Ansuz Acoustics resonance mitigation technology, taking performance to a statement level.

Videos

Aavik Acoustics U-180/280/580 Promo

AAVIK 180, 280, 580 Series Quick Promotional Video

Ansuz Acoustics, Aavik Acoustics, Company Tour Pt. 2, tour the factory, making the amplifiers

Awards

Specifications