Now that Covid has settled down and the supply/demand challenges for components and parts have been shown some relief, it seems that I will have several opportunities to continue my review series for the latest and greatest in high end integrated amplifiers. Past reviews have included products from Pass Labs, D'Agostino, Devialet, T&A, Esoteric, Simaudio, BMC, and several more. I am also expecting new arrivals from Vinnie Rossi and D'Agostino in the near future.
This article and review concerns the Aavik I-580 Integrated Amplifier from Audio Group Denmark. Audio Group Denmark is an umbrella company with three primary brands: Aavik Acoustics, Ansuz Acoustics, and Børresen Acoustics. Aavik is focused on electronic components. Ansuz is focused on cabling, power and resonant control devices. Børresen is focused on speakers.
I was also provided with several additional products for review. This included the Ansuz D-TC Supreme Ethernet Distribution Switch, the Ansuz Mainz8 D-TC Supreme Power Distribution (power conditioning), the Ansuz Darkz T2S Decoupling (resonance control footers) and a full loom of Ansuz D-TX Supreme Cables. In this case, the impact and sound quality of these last four dictates that they should clearly be reviewed in a separate follow up posting—which I will do. They deserve this special attention.
I want to thank "Team AGD," who have all been very supportive throughout this process. My wish list was long and I had many questions! This includes Michael Børresen (Owner, Founder, CTO), Lars Kristensen (Owner, Founder, CSO/CMO), Peter Hansen, and Tyler Mueller. Michael is the creative design force behind all of the Audio Group Denmark products. Lars is has been one of my most favorite presenters—extremely entertaining and he has a brilliant appreciation for various genres of music.
I have known Peter for many years as a highly respected member of the high end audio community. As a new addition to Audio Group Denmark, he is now the North American Sales Manager with responsibilities in strategic marketing and client relations. Last but not least, we have Tyler Mueller who has a fantastic brick and mortar shop in Wayne, Illinois called Next Level HiFi. His shared knowledge and continual support have gone well beyond the call of duty! All of these folks are not afraid to think outside of the box in both design and execution. This starts at the concept stage and never ends until the product is in the hands of a satisfied customer. Very impressive people all!
I must also say that my most recent experience with the Audio Group Denmark at Axpona 2022 had both my wife and I quite dazzled. Various demonstrations included the Aavik 580 series of separate components for Amp, Preamp, DAC and Music Server along with the Børresen 01 Silver Supreme Loudspeakers. These rooms were creating quite a stir on the Internet and were definite highlights of the show (in my opinion). My wife was particularly enamored with the Børresen 01 Silver Supreme Speakers. Rarely does she comment about potential future purchases, but these speakers are now high on her wish list. Needless to say, I was delighted when Tyler and Peter offered to bring out such an extensive combination of flagship products to my home for this review.
Caveat Emptor
System synergy and personal taste are critical when evaluating high-end audio products. This review is based on my subjective requirements, my subjective ears, my specific system configuration, and my specific listening room. This combination is only one data point of many that exist out there for these components. Please consider my comments and analysis appropriately.
Review System
I have included a comprehensive list of all my components and a description of my listening room. Please click on my name in red above if needed.
Design of Aavik I-580 Integrated Amplifier
The I-580 is a Class D design rated at 300 watts RMS at 8 ohms and 600 watts RMS at 4 ohms. Distortion is rated at a remarkable 0.006% THD+N at 100 watts. The I-580 weighs in at 23 lbs with the following dimensions: 15 3/4" x 15 1/8" x 4 1/64".
The industrial design of the I-580 chassis and casing is quite appealing to the eye. Simple, elegant, and functional—all typical elements of the very best in Scandavian design. The alluring convex curves of its black finish and profile is said to also impact the quality of the sound. The contour and ratio of various dimensions is just another example how important every detail can be when going for the gold. The large red LED displays on the front panel were easy to follow and provided much comfort to these old eyes as remote selections were made.
An integrated phono section and DAC are not included in the I-580. This makes some sense at this price point, as the flexibility to utilize more sophisticated phono and DAC options can be important to many. If an integrated DAC is critical, one might consider the Aavik "U" series of Integrated Amplifiers which does provide an excellent alternative and an integrated solution. I myself would prefer an integrated phono section to minimize the number of boxes in my audio rack, but a separate DAC would probably be just fine. DAC design seems to be evolving at an exponential rate these days and I would rather not be locked in.
The I-580 provides only single-ended RCA line stage inputs (5) and a single-ended RCA pre-output (1). Michael Børresen is a strong believer in single-ended inputs and outputs, which if implemented correctly, have the ability to provide the shortest, most direct and pure signal path. The gain of the line stage inputs can be adjusted to equalize the volume levels for different sources. The pre-output can be used for an active subwoofer, a separate amplifier or a headphone amplifier. Other notable features include mute, balance control, home theater bypass, display brightness adjustment, and two DC Trigger outputs.
All functions can be accessed via the front panel control knob and three control buttons. After a quick tutorial from the user's manual, all of these controls seemed very logical and easy to use. The I-580 also utilizes a standard Apple remote. I find these to be very simple, and again, easy to use. Most key functions can be invoked by feel without looking directly at the remote. Some might want something more substantial with an LED highlighting the keys, but my listening sessions late at night are often in low light and I never had a problem adjusting to my needs.
Beyond a creative new approach to Class D design via UMAC™ amplifier technology, the key driving force for the I-580 is clearly an all-out assault on reducing noise levels and providing additional resonance control. Please see the bullet list below of several of the more innovative design choices and features that support this strategy. I have tried to keep it simple with several high level descriptions, but please see the Denmark Group Audio website for more detailed information on each.
I would especially pay attention to the specifications and descriptions for UMAC™ and the noise cancellation technologies. These noise cancellation technologies include the Active Tesla Coils, Active Square Tesla Coils, Anti-Aerial Resonance Coils and Dither circuitry. These are all important, if not key differentiators for this product line and the resulting sound quality of the design.
Noise Elimination and Resonance Control Highlights
- UMAC™ amplifier technology produces PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) with sine wave modulation rather than the more common triangle modulation. This provides for less high frequency noise and a much improved dampening factor for better speaker control.
- A resonant mode power supply is implemented which is principally driven by sine waves rather than square waves for ultra-low noise and improved peak power performance.
- An inverted virtual GND (Ground) amplifier topology preserves an extremely low Signal to Noise Ratio which allows for the finest details of timbral and textural nuances to be realized via an extremely quiet sound stage.
- Sophisticated noise cancellation technologies are implemented via Active Tesla Coils, Active Square Tesla Coils, Anti-Aerial Resonance Coils, and Dither circuitry for unconstrained signal flow.
- A unique natural-based composite material is used for the cabinet design to minimize mechanical resonance. The I-580 also introduces a copper rather than an aluminum inner chassis. The effect of this is a further reduction in hysteresis, which secures more energy and drive to the music.
Sound
Let me explain the intent of the expression "Say Yes To No," which is included in the title of this review. As most readers have probably realized by now, the "Digital vs Analog" debate has reached new heights in recent months. Whether the subject be amplifiers (it should be noted that Class D is not digital though that is how many people "see" them), streaming or even vinyl mastering, there seems to be many on both sides of the fence.
The I-580 is a Class D integrated amplifier. There are very strong opinions out there on Class D amplifiers. I remember a discussion several years ago with the esteemed Dan D'Agostino. He stated that he could always tell if he was listening to a Class D amplifier. This was the case even with active subwoofers. At that time, I absolutely agreed with him.
I'm not saying that these opinions or possible biases are real or imagined, or right or wrong. But, without any advance explanation or description, I am fairly confident that few if any listeners would ever identify the I-580 as a Class D design in a double blind test.
Well, if not, does it sound like Class A? Or possibly Class A/B? Or does it sound like tubes? It is of course all subjective, but after spending several weeks with the I-580, it has been extremely difficult to label it or classify it in one category or another. The most that I can say is that the presentation is just different. Different, but highly addictive and extremely satisfying! The I-580 is clearly a breakthrough product!
After several days of break in, I sat down for a serious listen with some of my most favorite tracks via Qobuz, Tidal, and several CD and SACD rips. I immediately noticed a sense of calmness and liquidity. Warmth would be an incorrect descriptor. It was more like an inviting tapestry of full color and light.
What made the presentation fairly unique was the level of inner detail and unshackled palpability. This without the typical edge and fatigue when such detail is usually presented. Compared to my current system, the sound stage was immediately extended in both width and depth. But, it was this new found depth and the layers and layers of new information from front to back that really opened both my eyes and my ears. Images were locked in and three dimensional—as good as any amplifier that I have experienced in my listening room. Reference grade stuff!
If anything gave the Class D design away, it was the bass. Most digital amplifiers have much to say in the lower frequencies. They have set the standard based on my experience. I lived with the Class A/D Devialet Expert Pro 1000 Integrated Amp for many months. As I stated then, bass performance via the Devialet was extraordinary. Deep. Tight. Plenty of bottom end grunt and wallop. Maybe the best ever. The I-580 matched that, but took it up a notch. Even more inner density. Even more slam and weight. Even more roundness and bloom, but without an ounce of bloat or boom. I now have a new champ for bass reproduction!
Highs and mids had a natural level of sweetness and purity, but there was also all the attack and clarity that you could ever ask for. Even with digital sources, I rarely if ever noticed any grain or strain. Male and female vocals were a real highlight. Dean was as smooth as a perfect martini. Ella was dripping with texture. Billie Eilish seemed more natural and seductive, even beyond all the electronic fanfare.
If different, was there still an emotional connection with the music? For me, it was a big yes! I sat through endless listening sessions without fatigue and with plenty of pure satisfaction. I just sat back and soaked it all in. I found myself playing music that I have not listened to in years. It was difficult to leave the listening room on a few occasions—even for lunch or dinner. It was that good. The I-580 really opened my eyes and ears to something new.
Music
Rickie Lee Jones, It's Like This (SACD Ripped 24-Bit/176.4 kHz)
The Steely Dan track "Show Biz Kids" is a classic. Rickie Lee makes it her own on this release. I am always weary of Rickie's voice on many of her recordings. It can be slightly bleached if not wildly bright on digital. The I-580 puts a prober light on her vocals, and without any forwardness. Now you can hear the delight and almost see her smile as she is performing. Richard Davis on acoustic bass will startle both you and the pictures on the wall (as they might now rattle along with the music if not anchored correctly). Low end that you can feel in both your chest and your arse. Super fun!
Otis Taylor, White African (Tidal 16-Bit/44.1 kHz)
The track entitled "Resurrection Blues" says it all. When Otis opens with his gritty raspy vocals singing about how "we all gotta die," you can sense the emotion and very soul of his feelings. The attack and reverb of his electric guitar will have the hairs on the back of your neck standing tall. The recording venue is clearly defined and highlighted with plenty of air and ambiance. There is no glare or hardness to be found. The I-580 delivers.
Tool, Fear Inoculum (Qobuz 24-Bit/96 kHz)
"Invincible" is quite the roller coaster ride via the I-580. Somewhat of a cross between Metallica, Pink Floyd, and with a little Peter Gabriel world music thrown in. Melodic and yet overwhelmingly powerful, you will rarely hear drum and bass reproduction like this on any other recording. The heft and weight of both can be astonishing, yet the I-580 provides iron fisted control and speed. Talk about the ultimate head banger!
Archie Shepp & Horace Parlan, Trouble In Mind (CD Ripped 16 Bit/44.1 kHz)
One of my all-time favorite jazz duets, this release on the Steeplechase label is a true test of both saxophone and piano reproduction. Via the I-580, Horace Parlan on the keys just sounds more true to the instrument. There is a sense of proper harmonic structure and tone that will now have you shaking your head in disbelief. When Archie Shepp kicks in at the beginning of the title track, his saxophone just explodes across the soundstage. Closely mic'd, you get all the reedy raspy roar of the real thing. Amazing recording! Amazing presentation!
Maurice Jarre & The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, Lawrence of Arabia The Complete Score (Qobuz 16-Bit/44.1 kHz)
Though he received an Oscar in 1962 for composing this score, Jaare was given a second chance to record it again after terrible results on the initial attempt. There are many recordings out there for Lawrence, but this one is an absolute hidden gem that should receive more attention. I talked about layering from front to back earlier, and this is a good example. The orchestra here is so clearly defined and expansive that it will take over your entire listening room. Each instrument or groups of instruments will pop out of the soundstage at every turn. Strings are remarkably lush and vibrant—especially important for this sound track. The I-580 sorts it all out and will envelop you in sound.
Final Thoughts
Bottom line. The Aavik I-580 is one fantastic Integrated Amplifier! I don't care if it's Class D, Class A or B or A/B, or run by hamsters on an internal running wheel. It sounds wonderful! The cutting edge industrial design, ergonomics, and overall functionality is first class. At 300 watts RMS into 8 ohms, the I-580 should be able to drive almost any speaker.
As an owner of 250 lbs of Class A monoblock amps and a tubed preamp with a separate power supply, I can appreciate the smaller footprint and the savings in electricity (and less heat). Even beyond sound quality, these factors might have me reconsidering my current system.
By the way, I can't wait to check out the new flagship Aavik I-880 Integrated Amplifier just announced at the Munich 2022 show—designed by Michael Børresen and Flemming Rasmussen in a new partnership at Aavik. Flemming of course, was the chief designer at Gryphon Audio and his resume is both long and iconic. Exciting stuff ahead for Audio Group Denmark!
Aavik I-580 Integrated Amplifier
Retail: $25,200
Rebslagervej 4
9000 Aalborg Denmark
