Aavik R-588 - the top model in analog signal processing

The Aavik R-588 is the top model in the R-x88 phono stage series and represents the very best that Aavik offers in analog signal processing without moving up to the R-880 level. It is developed for uncompromising vinyl enthusiasts who want maximum musicality, extreme quietness and an almost incomprehensible degree of resolution. The R-588 is not just a further development of the R-188 and R-288, but the culmination of the series' technical philosophy, where noise reduction, power management and signal integrity have been refined to absolute reference class.

Like the rest of the series, the R-588 is inspired by the Aavik R-880 and can handle both Moving Coil pickups and DS Audio optical cartridges in one integrated solution, making it an exceptionally flexible yet extremely specialized phono stage, designed for the most ambitious analog systems.

Highlights

• Reference phono stage for both MC and DS Audio optical pickups
• Maximum noise reduction with the highest number of active Tesla and square Tesla coils in the series
• 3rd generation analog dither technology for extreme spaciousness and microdynamics
• Advanced Resonant Mode power supply with ultra-low impedance
• MC engine with fully balanced, floating input and ultra-low noise BISS transistors
• Optical engine with directly coupled signal path and fine-tunable filters
• Developed by Flemming Erik Rasmussen and Michael Børresen
• Cabinet design optimized for maximum mechanical and electrical quietness

The top of the R-x88 series

Where the R-188 introduced the series and the R-288 significantly improved noise control and resolution, the R-588 is designed without compromise. Here, all key technologies are implemented in their most comprehensive form, with an even more refined focus on noise suppression and energy stability. The result is a phono stage that operates in an almost completely black background, where the music emerges with a naturalness and authority usually associated with much more expensive reference products.

The interplay between form and function

The R-588 is a collaboration between Flemming Erik Rasmussen and Michael Børresen. Rasmussen has been responsible for the visual and physical expression, where the cabinet shapes and materials have been chosen with a focus on both aesthetics and resonance control. Børresen, in turn, has developed the internal architecture, where each component is positioned and dimensioned to eliminate interference, vibrations and electrical noise.

This fusion of design and engineering makes the R-588 a phono stage that not only looks cool, but sounds cool too.

Resonant Mode power supply – unlimited control

The R-588 uses Aavik's most advanced resonant mode power supply in the series. It operates with power-factor-corrected switching and generates an extremely pure sinusoidal voltage. When the music requires extra energy, the supply automatically adjusts its operating frequency to deliver high peak currents without compression or distortion.

This approach results in an exceptionally low noise floor and an extremely low output impedance, which is essential for the authority and dynamic freedom for which the R-588 is known.

Tesla coil system – reference-level noise reduction

The R-588 utilizes the most comprehensive Tesla coil setup in the R-x88 series. The active Tesla coils and active square Tesla coils are strategically placed in the circuit to neutralize high-frequency noise and voltage-related artifacts before they can affect the signal. Because these coils are actively powered, they operate at significantly lower impedance and far greater efficiency than passive solutions.

The 3rd generation analog dither technology builds on this foundation. By generating extremely precise anti-phase signals, the music's micro-signals are amplified while the noise level is suppressed even further. The result is a sound image with greater depth, more air and an almost holographic reproduction of the space around the recording.

MC-engine – when silence reveals details

The R-588's MC engine is designed to operate with an almost extreme degree of silence. The fully balanced, floating input is based on ultra-low noise BISS transistors, which allow even the most subtle signals from an MC pickup to be reproduced without electronic signature.

The discrete 75 µs filtering reduces mechanical artifacts from the records without affecting musicality, while the hand-matched passive RIAA network ensures perfect channel balance and a linear, natural frequency response.

Optical engine – uncompromising handling of DS Audio

For DS Audio's optical pickups, the R-588 offers a dedicated signal path without DC blocking capacitors. The direct coupling preserves transient response and image stability, while ultra-low noise regulators ensure optimal power supply to LEDs and photocells.

The adjustable high- and low-pass filters make it possible to fine-tune the reproduction for both pickup and system, providing a unique combination of speed, clarity and natural sound – exactly what optical systems are known for, but here realized at absolute reference level.

An instrument for the dedicated vinyl enthusiast

Aavik R-588 is not designed to impress with effects or artificial sound. It is developed to disappear and let the music speak for itself. With its extreme calm, enormous resolution and natural dynamics, it conveys the full potential of vinyl – from the smallest nuances in the voice to the grand orchestral overview.

The R-588 is for the listener who does not accept compromises and who wants a phono stage that can keep up with even the most ambitious reference-class pickups and turntables.