U-180 by Aavik Acoustics

U-180 by Aavik Acoustics

$12,000.00

The Aavik U-180 Unity Amplifier merges powerful amplification and a high-performance DAC with UMAC™ technology for ultra-precise, low-noise audio. Its advanced noise reduction and resonance-minimizing design ensure pure, dynamic sound, effortlessly driving demanding speakers.

 

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Description

Aavik U-180 Unity Amplifier – Powerful, Warm, and Detailed

The Aavik U-180 Unity Amplifier is a premium integrated amplifier that combines Aavik’s renowned UMAC™ amplifier technology and advanced DAC design into a single, cohesive unit. This amplifier was crafted to deliver exceptional sonic performance while minimizing the footprint, making it ideal for audiophiles who desire uncompromising sound in a streamlined form factor. With an impressive output of 2×300 Watts into 8 ohms, the U-180 is capable of driving demanding speakers with ease, producing a dynamic and lifelike soundstage that brings music to life.

Uncompromising Integration

Aavik’s philosophy behind the U-series is to create an amplifier that seamlessly integrates DAC and amplification technology, maintaining the highest quality of sound reproduction. By consolidating these functions into one module, Aavik has minimized the need for separate audio components, all without sacrificing the precision, depth, and detail that audiophiles expect from high-end equipment. This innovation provides 300W of power per channel, ensuring that even the most challenging speakers are handled with clarity and authority.

Cutting-Edge Cabinet Design

The U-180 cabinet is designed using an innovative natural-based composite material to eliminate the negative sonic effects often caused by aluminum enclosures. Aluminum can create mechanical resonances that distort the sound, but Aavik’s unique material minimizes these disturbances, resulting in a more natural and transparent sound. This allows the U-180 to provide a warm, powerful, yet crisp and detailed performance, much like finely crafted musical instruments. The enclosure’s balance prevents over-damping, keeping the dynamics alive while avoiding any harshness or brightness​.

Aavik UMAC™ Amplifier – Superior Control

At the heart of the Aavik U-180 is its UMAC™ amplifier technology, which ensures lower high-frequency noise and significantly better speaker control. By utilizing sine wave modulation for Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM), the U-180 avoids the common pitfalls of traditional switching amplifiers. This method creates smoother waveforms and reduces the need for filtering, enhancing damping factor and offering excellent control over the connected speakers. The result is an amplifier that combines speed, dynamics, and precision, delivering audio that is both lively and detailed.

Advanced DAC Technology

The DAC section of the U-180 is built to handle a variety of digital inputs while maintaining an authentic and natural sound. With five digital inputs, the DAC processes signals without introducing any digital signature, ensuring the music sounds as close to the original recording as possible. The DAC’s ultra-low jitter clocks and 13 separate voltage regulators prevent timing errors and secure signal integrity, leading to pristine sound with exceptional tonal balance.

The USB input is galvanically isolated, protecting the signal from noise contamination and ensuring that the purest possible sound reaches your speakers. The DAC also incorporates an Asynchronous Sample Rate Converter (ASRC), which re-clocks signals to 200kHz/24-bit PCM, further enhancing the detail and clarity of the music​.

Customizable Audio Settings

The U-180 offers four individual audio settings, allowing users to tailor the sound to their personal preferences and specific system setups. The up-sampling feature can be toggled on or off depending on the input source, and users can choose between a slow, soft roll-off filter or a fast, steep roll-off filter. These customizable options make the U-180 a flexible choice for different listening environments, ensuring that it meets the needs of even the most discerning audiophile​.

Noise Elimination with Tesla Coil Technology

Aavik employs Tesla coil technology to reduce noise and ensure a clean signal. By using both active and passive Tesla coils, the U-180 is able to eliminate noise spikes, improving the perceived blackness of the music. This enhanced noise reduction ensures that every musical detail is highlighted with clarity, providing a transparent and immersive listening experience​.

Conclusion: Powerful Sound in a Compact Package

The Aavik U-180 Unity Amplifier is a high-performance solution for audiophiles who seek powerful, warm, and detailed sound in a single, elegant unit. Its innovative design, combined with cutting-edge technologies like UMAC™ amplification, Tesla coil noise reduction, and a highly advanced DAC, makes the U-180 an ideal choice for those who demand the best in sound quality while minimizing the space required for their audio components. With customizable audio settings and versatile input options, the U-180 offers a refined and engaging listening experience.

Additional information

Weight 8.8 kg
Dimensions 40 × 38.4 × 10.2 cm
Connections

Line in:
Gain Line 1-4: 5-15dB; maximum input 4.5V RMS
Gain Line 5: 1-11dB; max input 6,5V RMS
Input impedance: 10K ohm

Digital in:
S/P-DIF: 2 x BNC
Optical: 2 x TOSLINK
UAC 2: 1 x USB

All inputs support PCM 24-bit 32-192kHz, MQA and DSD64.
The USB input also supports DSD128.

Output:
Line out: 1 x RCA
Max output: 7,5Vrms
Distortion, line stage: <0,005% (THD at 1kHz, 1V input)
Output impedance: 50 ohm
Amplifier Section

Volume control: 76 dB – 1dB steps
Output: 2 x 300W 8 ohm, 2 x 600W 4 ohm
Distortion (THD+N): <0,006% (1-100W, 1kHz, 8 ohm)
IMD: <0,002% (1-100W, 4 ohm)
TIM: <0,008% (1-100W, 4 ohm)
Aavik Noise Reduction

Active Tesla Coils: 36
Active Square Tesla Coils: 88
Dither circuitry: 5
Anti Areal Resonance Coils: 4
Power Consumption

Standby: <0.5W
Idle: <65W

About Aavik

Aavik Acoustics, part of the Danish high-end audio group alongside Børresen, Ansuz, and Axxess, is a brand synonymous with advanced audio engineering and design. The brand prides itself on creating innovative amplifiers, DACs, and phono stages that embody high precision and natural sound reproduction. Aavik’s focus on reducing distortion and interference through cutting-edge technologies, such as their proprietary UMAC™ Class D amplification system, positions their products among the top-tier in the world of high-end audio​.

Founded with the vision to develop audio equipment that delivers not just power but also musicality, Aavik integrates advanced resonance control systems and noise cancellation techniques, borrowed from their sister brand Ansuz, into their designs. This ensures that Aavik products offer a cleaner, more dynamic sound. Key innovations include the use of Tesla coil technology for noise reduction and components that minimize high-frequency distortion. These technologies allow Aavik products, like the I-180 and I-280 integrated amplifiers, to produce deep, detailed sound with outstanding control, even at high power outputs​.

Aavik’s design philosophy revolves around simplicity and elegance. Their products are visually minimalistic, yet packed with sophisticated internal technologies that enhance performance. This combination of aesthetics and performance has led Aavik to become a favorite among audiophiles looking for both form and function. Aavik’s DACs, like the D-180, also stand out for their ultra-low jitter circuits and time-aligned circuit designs, ensuring that digital music sounds natural and free from the common “digital” harshness​.

The inclusion of Axxess in the group further expands the reach of this high-end audio collective, offering products like the Axxess L3, which provide exceptional performance at a more accessible price point. Together, Aavik, Børresen, Ansuz, and Axxess combine their expertise to offer a comprehensive range of audio solutions for every level of audiophile, ensuring that no matter the product, the sound experience is always world-class​.

Reviews

Christiaan Punter – Hi-Fi Advice (June, 2022)

“With the U-180, U280, and U-580, Aavik has introduced a very interesting range of amplifiers with very distinctive aesthetics and a fabulously large display. Nay-sayers will comment on the Pascal modules that are used but Aavik truly elevates these modules’ base performance with their Tesla Coils and overall technical know-how. Contrary to expectations, these amplifiers sound surprisingly potent and solid, and tonally full, with excellent resolution and a great built-in DAC.”

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Nicola Candelli – Suono (June 2022)

“The “U” in the product series of tested amplifiers denotes what Aavik calls “Unit”, i.e. amplifiers with a D/A conversion unit on board; “I” stands for “Integrated”, “D” for converters and “R” for phono stages. However, the best result of the Aavik philosophy is expressed in the series of separate preamplifiers and amplifiers that complete their audio product range.”

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Silvan Karrer – AV Guide (2022)

“Aavik has combined the I-Series amplifier and D-Series DAC in a single enclosure, responding to the desire of audio enthusiasts to minimize the space required for separate audio components without sacrificing the best possible sound quality.”

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Press release – Fidelity Magazine (2022)

“Aavik has expanded its highly acclaimed series of separate audio components, the Aavik I- and D-Series, with the new U-Series, which combines both components, amplifier and DAC, into one module.”

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