Aavik R-188 – a novelty in Danish craftsmanship

The Aavik R-188 is an uncompromising phono amplifier created for vinyl enthusiasts seeking a reference-class analog experience, but in a format and price range that embraces a wider audience than Aavik's absolute top models. The R-188 builds directly on the technical philosophy of the iconic R-880 and represents decades of development work, where advanced circuitry, noise reduction technologies and acoustic tuning merge into one unified performance platform.

The special thing about R-188 is that ...

It can handle both traditional MC pickups and DS Audio's optical systems in the same cabinet, providing a flexibility and sonic freedom rarely seen, making the R-188 a central component in modern, high-end vinyl setups.

Highlights

• Advanced phono stage for both MC and DS Audio optical pickups
• Resonant Mode power supply with extremely low noise and high current capacity
• Active Tesla coils and active square Tesla coils for significant noise reduction
• 3rd generation analog dither technology for greater space, dynamics and micro-detail
• MC engine with ultra-low noise, floating input and BISS transistors
• Optical engine with direct coupling, ultra-stable regulators and adjustable filters
• Developed in collaboration between Flemming Erik Rasmussen and Michael Børresen
• Elegant, minimalist design with a focus on acoustic and electrical quietness

Made in Denmark

Aavik's products are hand-built in Aalborg by highly specialized technicians. The production combines in-house craftsmanship with carefully selected Danish and international partners - a combination that ensures uncompromising quality and high operational reliability.

The PR-188 is a direct result of this approach. The series is designed by two of Denmark's most visionary high-end creators, Flemming Erik Rasmussen and Michael Børresen. Flemming Erik Rasmussen, known for his design philosophy at Gryphon Audio, has set the aesthetic imprint with a focus on form, materiality and craftsmanship. Michael Børresen has developed the technical architecture, where signal integrity, low noise and advanced resonance control are fundamental principles.

Together they have created a phono stage where expression and performance work in the same direction: delivering an analog music experience that appears natural, effortless and alive.

Resonant Mode power supply – power and control without noise

The R-188 uses Aavik's resonant mode power supply, an advanced low-noise switch-mode power supply that delivers a clean and stable sine wave to the entire circuit. When the music requires extra energy, the frequency of the supply increases to deliver higher peak currents without the compression often seen in linear supplies.

It provides an extremely low noise level, low output impedance and a remarkable calmness around the music, where dynamic contrasts appear clearer and with greater authority.

The Tesla coil system – active noise control at Aavik level

Built into the R-188 are both active Tesla coils and active square coils. They work in parallel to eliminate high-frequency noise and voltage spikes that would otherwise find their way into the signal path. Because they are actively powered, their efficiency is 3–4 times higher than passive systems, resulting in a significantly cleaner electrical environment.

3rd generation analog dither technology builds on this foundation, creating microscopic, anti-phase signals that expand the depth of space, reduce noise levels, and make even the finest details in the recording easier to pick up. The result is a sound that both opens up and feels freer.

MC engine – absolute silence and purity

For MC pickups, the R-188 uses a balanced and fully floating input stage based on ultra-low noise BISS transistors. The design is designed to extract even the weakest signals without harshness, without electronic signature and without compression.

A gentle 75 μs filtering reduces clicks and pops from records, while the hand-matched passive RIAA network ensures perfect channel balance and accurate equalization. The result is a precise, open and dynamic presentation with a rare degree of musicality.

Optical Engine – full potential from DS Audio

Aavik's optical engine operates directly and without DC-blocking capacitors in the signal path. This minimalism preserves transparency and provides better timing and imaging. The pickup's LEDs and photocells are powered by ultra-low noise regulators that prevent modulation noise and provide a clearer, more free-flowing reproduction.

The ability to adjust both high and low pass filters makes it easy to optimize the sound character for both pickup model and listening room. The result is a sound that combines speed, resolution and natural warmth in a way that is unique to optical systems – now integrated into an Aavik unit for the first time.

Analog performance in a luxurious package

The R-188 is designed as a functional art object – with soft curves, a resonance-optimized construction and an exterior that is not only aesthetic but also acoustically well thought out. The cabinet materials are selected with a focus on inner peace and mechanical stability, so that the delicate analog signals are not affected by vibrations or electromagnetic interference.

A phono stage for those who want more than just accurate reproduction

The Aavik R-188 is designed for vinyl enthusiasts who want an analog experience with depth, dynamics and naturalness. The combination of advanced noise control, dual signal engines and a design based on both engineering and aesthetic finesse makes it a unique tool in a high-end system.

Here you don't just get correct reproduction - you get a musical experience where the space opens up and where details and moods emerge clearly.