Today we are introducing the culmination of close to 4 years of research and development. As a bona fide IT/tech nerd with a passion for music I have always been intrigued by the potential of leveraging the most modern of technologies in order to create a better music playback experience. This, amongst others, led to the creation of our popular, perhaps even revolutionary, Extreme music server 5 years ago which we have been steadily improving and updating with new technologies over the course of it’s life cycle. Today I feel we can safely claim it’s holding it’s ground against the onslaught of new server releases from other companies, and we are committed to keep improving it for years to come. We are introducing a new server model today, called the Olympus. Hierarchically it positions itself above the Extreme. It does provide quite a different music experience then the Extreme, or any other server I’ve heard for that matter. Conventional audiophile descriptions as sound staging, dynamics, colour palette, etc, fall short to describe this difference. It does not sound digital or analog, I would be inclined to describe it as coming closer to the intended (or unintended) performance of the recording engineer. Committed as we are to keeping the Extreme as current as possible we are introducing a second product today, called the Olympus I/O. This is an external upgrade to the Extreme containing a significant part of the Olympus technology allowing it to come near, though not entirely at, Olympus performance levels. The Olympus I/O can even be added to the Olympus itself to elevate it’s performance even further, though not as dramatic an uplift as adding it to the Extreme. Consider it the proverbial “cherry on top”. There are many technological advanced innovations in the Olympus, describing them all will take time and will make this introduction piece hard to digest, we will add bits and pieces of information over the coming days. For now I’ll just say that the best way to describe it in short is that we have eliminated a large number of intermediate processing steps and conversions, in both hardware and software, for a more direct, more streamlined, more purist “signal path”. I will post a graphical presentation in the following posts which we made in an attempt to provide an as clear as possible overview of the Olympus product series. Pricing and availability information to follow later as well.
What makes the Aavik SD-880 so exceptional is the revolutionary in-house developed and manufactured Non-switching Continuum Processing DAC, in combination with Aavik’s most advanced streamer technology, noise reduction technologies, and a pioneering enclosure design.
The Aavik SD-880 creates unprecedented authentic and lifelike music experiences. Rooted in Aavik’s persistently strive for the ultimate in authentic musical reproduction and the commitment to perfection.
Technologies and Components
Aavik managed to unlock the positive acoustic synergies between the innovative Non-switching Continuum Processing DAC and the Aavik Streamer. Equipped with all the premium material and electronic components that distinguish the 880 flagship series, the Aavik SD-880 is packed with exceptional sound properties. The result is nothing less than a revelation of digital audio excellence. With its unmatched and authentic musical performance, the Aavik SD-880 is not only a symbol of the zenith of hi-fi ingenuity, but also an aesthetic masterpiece that visually enhances any hi-fi system with its aesthetic and elegant design.
Resonant mode power supply
Quiet but extremely powerful. This Aavik series is designed to ensure massive power resources with ultra-low noise. Unlike the square waves used by conventional switch mode power supplies, this Aavik series boast a resonant mode design which is principally driven by sine waves.
When more power is needed, the operating frequency increases, which, in turn, has the advantage that the power density also increases, thus allowing higher peak power when required by the music.
The noise floor in the raw power supply is extremely low but could be even further lowered by the ultra-low noise regulators supplying the different parts of the circuit. The noise of these regulators is measured in a few microvolts respectively nanovolts, which is significantly lower than the noise level of conventional regulators.
The 880 cabinet design
A study of materials and shapes
The exterior design of the Aavik 880 amplifier is the result of Flemming Erik Rasmussen’s artistic and aesthetic work. However, his design philosophy is and always has been that design must serve purpose. The cabinet of the Aavik 880 amplifier was designed primarily with the goal of maintaining the best audio characteristics of the electrical design, i.e. the lowest inductance, reducing hysteresis to an absolute minimum, and ensuring excellent resonance control. In addition, since this was a Class A amplifier that was to be developed, there were some predefined premises for the design. With these goals in mind, the design process became a study of shapes and materials that opened up a unique and constructive synergy between Flemming Erik Rasmussen and Michael Børresen.
In addition, the amplifier features cooling elements on the sides and top that clearly bear Flemming’s design signature. The outer part of the volume button is covered with titanium, and the control panel is designed as a large LCD touchscreen display.
The choice of materials, as well as the interior and exterior design, are the result of Fleming and Michael’s collaboration and are characterized by functionality, but also by a very aesthetic and elegant design.
Bottom plate sandwich construction
The bottom plate is designed as a sandwich construction with a copper plate, a heavy compact laminate plate, and a titanium layer on the bottom. This unique sandwich construction ensures minimum resonance and supports a natural and organic sound.
The solid copper enclosure
Based on Flemming Erik Rasmussen’s fascination with copper for its visual appearance and feel, and Mi
chael Børresen’s insight into the sonic properties of copper, this material was chosen as a fundamental component of the design. As a result, the Aavik 880 amplifiers feature a solid copper enclosure. This results in a further reduction in hysteresis, lower output impedance, lower inductance, a positive effect on the damping factor, and cooler operation of the amplifier. All these components ensure that the music is reproduced with more energy and power.
The Aavik streaming app
Control the music from your iPad. Enjoy the thrill of being the master of the endless music streaming universe. Choose your favorite music with the Aavik streamer and indulge yourself in the delight of an outstanding streaming-based audio performance. The Aavik app is easy to navigate and allows you to tap into your playlists and various streaming services such as Tidal, MQA, vTuner and Qobuz.
The Tesla coil principle
The principle is to have two coils that are wounded in each direction / a coil and a counter coil. In Ansuz words: “a double inverted coil” – the two coils are both carrying voltage – and when the Tesla coil encounters a voltage spike a counter spike is activated in order to eliminate the noise. As Noise spikes are pure voltage and carries virtually no charge, the cancelation is quite good, but not 100%. By adding more P-TC coils in parallel the performance increases. By implementing this the perceived blackness in the music improves significantly.
Ansuz Tesla coils are available in various types as they complement each other in terms of strengths /weaknesses.
Active Tesla coil
Effective noise killer. The active Tesla coils are power supplied which secures a remarkable lower impedance and thus a better ability to eliminate noise. The active version is about three to four times more efficient than passive Tesla coils.
Active square Tesla coils
Impressive noise reduction. The active square Tesla coils are embedded in our circuitry boards – one coil on the top and the counter coil on the rear side. The principle is exactly the same as the active Tesla coil and thus a great ability to eliminate noise than the passive Tesla coil.
Analog dither technology3rd generation
A 3rd generation of the Ansuz analog dither technology has been developed. Analog dither technology originated in radar, where it ensured a stronger signal and thus greater range. The active Tesla coils send pulsating signals at precisely defined frequencies. These signals are sent in anti-phase. This significantly amplifies the musical signal and eliminates the background noise floor.
Analysis and studies have led to new options – and a lot of listening has resulted in this 3rd generation design which is a further optimization of the most effective frequencies which opens the soundscape even more and with the tiniest details when it comes to reproduction of the recordings.
Active zirconium anti aerial resonance Tesla coil
Based on Ansuz general curiosity on the properties of different materials, Ansuz has implemented a zirconium bar in their anti aerial resonance coil design. This is another impressive upgrade to the Ansuz anti aerial resonance coil technology.
The properties of this zirconium bar allow for unprecedented resonance control resulting in outstanding musical refinement that creates a natural soundstage, unrivalled in its purity, precision and attention to musical detail.
Ansuz Darkz Z2 Signature included
Each of the Aavik 880’s four feet is designed to accommodate an Ansuz Darkz resonance control device. Four Ansuz Darkz Z2s are therefore always included in the Aavik 880 model.
Ansuz Darkz resonance control devices absorb vibrations that are not directly related to the signal path. The absorption results in an audible vibration feedback, which affects the sound quality. Ansuz Darkz consist of 3 discs separated by 3 titanium ball bearings. The Ansuz Darkz Z2S is unique due to the zirconium which is used in it. The resonance control from using zirconium results in an outstanding musical refinement. The Darkz Z2 Signature is further acoustically optimized with the exclusive Ansuz Signature coating on each disc. Finally, the interalyer balls are in Tungsten, which is a premium material in terms of stability and resonance control. The result is an amazing natural soundstage, unrivalled in its purity, precision, and attention to musical details.
75W peak power per channel into 8 ohms, 110W peak power into 4 ohms, 200W peak power into 2 ohms
New protection circuitry enables the 861 to deliver greater current at maximum output without fear of damage to the amplifier’s electronics
Space saving design is the same footprint (width and depth) as the 812 DAC Preamplifier
In-house manufacturing efficiency improvements have made the 861 an incredible value in comparison to previous amplifiers
Smaller carton packaging means easier transportation, unpacking, and installation
Along with assembly and testing, every circuit board and piece of metalwork is produced in-house at Boulder’s dedicated facility for unparalleled quality assurance
Boulder’s traditional in-house 0.25″ (6 mm) thumbscrew binding posts are included for secure speaker cable connections and optimal sound quality
IP control, and networked HTML page
Software updates to the internal control and housekeeping systems available as needed with automated online downloads or manual USB port installation
SPECS
STEREO POWER AMPLIFIER
CONTINUOUS POWER, 8 OHMS 50W
PEAK POWER, 8 OHMS 75W
CONTINUOUS POWER, 4 OHMS 90W
PEAK POWER, 4 OHMS 110W
PEAK POWER, 2 OHMS 200W
BALANCED ANALOG INPUTS 1 pair balanced via 3-pin XLR
OUTPUTS .25″ (6mm) Binding posts
DISTORTION, THD 0.01%
EQUIVALENT INPUT NOISE (EIN), 20 KHZ 2.6 μV
INPUT IMPEDANCE 100kΩ Balanced
FREQUENCY RESPONSE, 20 HZ TO 20 KHZ +0.00, -0.04 dB
Audio Technology
Switzerland is delivering the first units of its new phono stage the Nagra HD
PHONO
Romanel, Switzerland – Thursday November 2nd 2023. With more
than four years of R&D efforts, Nagra’s new ambitious phono stage is
finally in production and first units are shipping worldwide.
The HD PHONO is the ideal companion to the Reference turntable and Reference
MC cartridge and when all three are combined they form the ultimate analog
source. Nagra, the reference in analog tape reproduction now offers a
reference playback solution for LP lovers.
After
years of intense research and development, the HD PHONO is finally available
for discerning listeners of vinyl. It is the ideal complement to the HD range
and the world-acclaimed HD PREAMP, HD DAC X and HD AMP monoblocks.
Nagra’s
first phono stage was derived from the Nagra IV-S reel to reel microphone
preamplifier stage. It later evolved into the phono section of the legendary
Nagra PL-P preamplifier. Ever since, Nagra has worked and improved that
original design with the creation of the Nagra VPS. In 2020, after years of
extensive research and countless listening sessions, we introduced the Nagra
Classic PHONO. It became a new reference in phono playback and achieved acclaim
around the world by both press and critical listeners. It remains a benchmark
in its class bettered only now by the HD PHONO.
The
Nagra HD PHONO follows the introduction of the Reference turntable and Nagra
MC-4 moving-coil cartridge. Both the Reference turntable and MC-4 cartridge are
state of the art contenders in their own rights and proved to be major assets
in the finalization and fine-tuning of the HD PHONO.
The HD PHONO is a two chassis design in which the delicate phono
stage circuitry is isolated in its own CNC machined aluminum chassis.
The
HD PHONO features a new generation of input transformers. Following the
original VPS transformer and based on the Nagra IV-S microphone input
transformers, the HD PHONO’s transformers are a fourth-generation design
featuring 26 dB of gain. The new transformer’s core is made with Cobalt and is
cryogenically treated over the course of several weeks to improve performance.
The transformer itself is hand wound in a very delicate process requiring
watchmakers’ type of skills.
A second chassis serves to house a massive supercapacitor external
power supply. Supercapacitor based power supplies provide all of the advantages
of battery-based power supplies with the added advantage of accepting and
delivering charges much faster and with higher current load and cycle stability
than battery-based power supplies. This power supply is based on those of the
HD PREAMP and HD DAC X but features a number of innovations which make it even
more silent with improved performance. Both chassis are suspended in a system
incorporating a damped, constrained layer platform coupled to four isolator
damped towers providing superior vibration resistance.
Features
Dual
mono / class A tubes
4x EF806S, 2x E88CC
Custom-made
input transformers with 26 dB gain featuring cryogenically treated Cobalt cores
Overall
gain of up to 68.5 dB adjustable by +/- 6dB so 62.5 and 56.5 dB
RIAA, TELDEC, NAB 100µS, VICTOR EUR, VICTOR
USA
2x
MC inputs on RCA
1x
MM input on RCA
1x
option input for future custom transformers
Remote
controlled loading system from no load to 390 Ohms by 5 Ohm steps
Separate
power supply with supercapacitor module ensuring silent power
The new Nagra HD PHONO is shipping from Romanel and will be available through most of its retailers for a suggested price of US$ 87’500.
