Thread: Aavik U-280 Pre-Out Mute Option

With Mute turned off on Pre-Out of the new Aavik amplifiers (U-280), is the output fixed or variable?

Greetings Bud,

The pre-out connection (RCA) on the Aavik I-280 integrated amplifier is variable in output.

As I understand it, the gain setting is memorized, so if you unmute the amplifier the listening volume will be what is was prior to muting the amplifier.

Are you considering one?

Yup, I've ordered a U-280 And an S-280

I was interested in the Pre-Out option to use to drive my Naim Atom HE headphone amp. The HE is completely standalone but I wanted to use the better front end of of the Aavik devices to drive it. It would save the cost of an expensive ethernet cable and I assume the DAC in the U-280 would be better.

I tried doing this with my Naim ND555 and it worked well.

The output from the ND555 is fixed so there was no problem With the variable output of the U-280 both devices will have volume controls in the signal path. I don't want to go that way.

If Aavik suggest that the Pre-Out might be used to drive a headphone amp, I have to wonder what HP amp they are thinking of. All the HP amps I know of have variable inputs.

The pre-out is there for users who want to use the U-280 as a control or pre-amplifier for separate power amplifier(s). It could also be useful for an active sub-woofer.

Fully take your point that having two volume controls in the signal path for headphone use is not ideal.

That said, I understand the development team at Aavik have put a lot of effort into ensuring the volume control is low in noise and distortion.


Will the 2 box Aavik U-280 / S-280 replace your current 5 box NAIM system? Have you been able to directly compare the AAVIK and NAIM in your home system or elsewhere? Would be interesting to read your thoughts on how the two brands compare.

I imagine the far greater power and damping of the U-280 will increase the perceived low-end heft and dynamic contrasts experienced via your Harbeth 30.2 speakers?

I need to reduce the box count of my system. I tried a combination of Naim Atom HE/NAP 250 and came close enough to accepting it as a solution that I'd talked to my Naim dealer about selling my 500 system on consignment.

Then a friend told me about his experience replacing his Naim kit with the new Aavik devices. I was going to give up sound quality for convenience. The HE is far more user friendly than the ND555/NAC552. One box, terrific remote, safe volume control, fewer boxes, less cost, etc.

I've had long experience with the Danes. I've got a lot of Ansuz devices and I've owned an Aavik U-300 in the past. Also, my Naim dealer has long since had a close relationship with the Danes and raved about the new Aavik kit. That seemed to be a solution to my quest. The U280/S280 appeared to be a Naim SN3/NDX-2 on steroids.

When I Wass trying the Atom HE/NAP 250 kit I found I was listening to it far more than I did the Naim 500 system. I could listen to huge play iists w/o skipping tracks or adjusting the volume control. I could never do that with the 500 system. If I had Hi Res sources, bigger speakers and different space things might be different but in my small apartment, preference in music and small speakers. convenience is more important than SQ.

Originally Posted by Leatherneck

[...]

The U280/S280 appeared to be a Naim SN3/NDX-2 on steroids. [...]

That’s an interesting observation Bud. Thanks for sharing. I like the Naim Super Nait 3 and think quite highly of brand.

It seems like you’ve identified a solution which fits your desire to reduce box count and the constraints of your living space and will be compatible with your Ansuz foundation. Enjoy!

My new Aavik S280 and U280 have arrived and are awaiting a BNC terminated digital cable. I should have it for the weekend. I also ordered an Ansuz X2 power cable. I’ll use a Naim power chord for the second device. My days of owning $20K Ansuz power cables are over.

I’m still debating an option to replace the U280 with an I280/D280. I’ve got an Ansuz PowerSwitch which provides significant noise reduction so I’m not sure how much the standalone DAC would matter.

What do you think?