Aavik i-188 Integrated Amplifier

Aavik i-188 Integrated Amplifier

The Aavik i-188 Integrated Amplifier is a product of refined Danish engineering. It combines sleek design with advanced technology, setting a new standard for high-performance audio in a compact form factor.

Building on the success of the Aavik I-880, the i-188 brings many of its acclaimed qualities into a more accessible package. For music lovers, it represents an ideal balance between power, precision, and elegance.

With its seamless blend of art and science, the i-188 is designed not just to play music, but to reveal every nuance and emotion within it. The Aavik i-188 Integrated Amplifier is available for demonstration in our Hull store by request.

The Design Philosophy Behind the Aavik i-188

Design is at the heart of every Aavik product, and the i-188 is no exception. The amplifier is the result of a collaboration between two industry icons, each bringing decades of expertise to the project.

Flemming Erik Rasmussen, the legendary founder of Gryphon Audio, is widely known for his unique aesthetic vision. His approach emphasizes ergonomics, artistic expression, and timeless style.

On the technical side, Michael Børresen has built a reputation for pushing the boundaries of audio engineering. His innovations ensure that Aavik amplifiers deliver performance that rivals the very best in the industry.

Together, Rasmussen and Børresen have created a device that is both visually captivating and technically uncompromising. The titanium control dial, illuminated Aavik logo, and intuitive interface all reflect their dedication to combining form with function.

Pascal Class D Amplification – Power Meets Precision

At its core, the Aavik i-188 Integrated Amplifier uses the latest Pascal Class D amplifier technology. This advanced circuitry is designed for speed, efficiency, and accuracy.

By employing UMAC switching modulation, the amplifier achieves faster performance while generating less electronic noise. This translates to a cleaner, more transparent signal.

The design also requires less filtering, which preserves the delicate textures and microdynamics in the music. Lower output impedance ensures superior control over connected speakers, no matter the genre or listening environment.

For audiophiles, this means an amplifier that handles everything from subtle acoustic details to powerful orchestral peaks with equal authority.

Resonant Mode Power Supply – Clean Energy, Cleaner Sound

Power delivery is a critical factor in amplifier performance. The i-188 features a resonant mode switching power supply that has been optimized specifically for Class D amplification.

Unlike conventional designs, this supply delivers smooth sine wave power with minimal distortion. It is engineered to respond dynamically, adjusting its frequency when extra current is needed.

This ensures that the amplifier can deliver high peak power on demand, without compromising clarity or introducing unwanted noise. The result is a listening experience with a remarkably low noise floor and greater speaker control.

In practical terms, music emerges from a quieter background, allowing instruments and vocals to sound more lifelike and three-dimensional.

Flexible Analog Crossover System

A highlight of the i-188 is its fully analog active crossover system. This feature gives listeners a new level of flexibility when integrating the amplifier into their system.

Users can connect active subwoofers and fine-tune the crossover points, allowing monitor speakers to focus on mid and high frequencies. This improves overall efficiency while reducing distortion and thermal stress on the main speakers.

The system also supports external power amplifiers, providing additional upgrade paths for those seeking even greater performance.

By targeting room modes and improving speaker integration, the crossover system ensures that the amplifier delivers balanced, accurate, and immersive sound in any environment.

Advanced Noise Reduction Technologies

Noise reduction is one of the defining strengths of Aavik amplifiers, and the i-188 employs several advanced solutions to achieve a pure and natural sound.

Active Tesla Coils – These coils significantly reduce noise by lowering impedance. Compared to passive designs, they are three to four times more effective, resulting in cleaner playback.

Active Square Tesla Coils – Embedded directly into the amplifier’s circuit boards, these coils neutralize interference at the source for maximum effectiveness.

3rd Generation Analog Dither Technology – Originally developed for radar, this technology enhances musical detail and expands the soundstage, offering a more open and natural presentation.

Anti-Aerial Resonance Coil – By preventing airborne RF noise from corrupting the audio signal, this system maintains the integrity of the music.

Together, these technologies create a foundation of silence, allowing the musical signal to shine without distraction.

Listening Experience: Emotion, Detail, and Control

The Aavik i-188 Integrated Amplifier is not simply a technical achievement—it is designed to evoke an emotional response.

Listeners will notice a wider and deeper soundstage, with instruments positioned precisely in space. The amplifier’s control and refinement allow music to flow effortlessly, regardless of complexity.

At low volumes, the i-188 maintains clarity and tonal accuracy, making it perfect for late-night listening sessions. At higher levels, it delivers explosive dynamics with absolute control, ensuring that the music always remains engaging and immersive.

Whether paired with compact monitors or full-range speakers, the i-188 adapts seamlessly to deliver a performance that feels both natural and powerful.

Conclusion: Why the Aavik i-188 Sets a New Benchmark

The Aavik i-188 Integrated Amplifier is a clear example of how cutting-edge technology and artistic design can come together to create something extraordinary.

With its Pascal Class D amplification, resonant power supply, analog crossover system, and innovative noise reduction features, it delivers a level of performance rarely seen in an amplifier of its size.

For serious audiophiles, the i-188 is more than just an amplifier—it is a gateway to musical discovery. It reveals hidden layers within recordings, while maintaining an effortless sense of rhythm, scale, and detail.

Compact yet uncompromising, elegant yet powerful, the Aavik i-188 sets a new benchmark in the world of high-fidelity integrated amplifiers.

Aavik i-188 Integrated Amplifier Specification:

• SPEAKER OUTPUT: 2 x 300W 8 ohm / 2 x 600W 4 ohm
• DISTORTION (THD+N): 0,0028% (1W, 1kHz, 8 ohm)
• IMD: 0,0008% (10W, 8 ohm)
• TIM: 0,002% (10W, 8 ohm)
• DISTORTION LINE STAGE: 0,005% (THD at 1kHz, 1V input)
• OUTPUT IMPEDANCE: 50 ohms
• Max Output: 7,5Vrms
• VOLUME CONTROL: 76 steps in 1dB increments
• Line Input: Maximum input 4.5V RMS (Line 1-4), 6.5V RMS (Line 5), Input impedance 10kΩ
• Main In: 1.33V RMS for full power, Input impedance 3.4kΩ
• Preamp Output: 1 pair of RCA outputs
• AAVIK NOISE REDUCTION: Active Tesla Coils: 36, Active Square Tesla Coils: 96, Dither circuitry: 4, Anti-Aerial Resonance Coils: 4
• INPUT VOLTAGE: 100–240 V
• MAX CURRENT: 10 A
• POWER CONSUMPTION: Standby <1W, Typical <30W
• DIMENSIONS: 440 × 393.5 × 117.8 mm (WxDxH)
• WEIGHT: 23.3 kg