Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- The R-580 lets the cartridge and music speak for itself
- It is packed full of detail and precision, with beautiful high frequencies, a liquid midrange, wonderful coherence, and a walk-in soundstage
- The R-580 conveys the desires and musicianship of those in front of the microphone brilliantly
- One of the very best phono stages out there, with extra levels of noise-reduction and interference control
- The degree of precision and control it extends is incredible
Product Considerations
- The only problem for the Aavik R-580 is FOMO, because most well-heeled vinyl-playing music lovers don't need two inputs or balanced outputs
Takeaway: The Aavik R-580 phono stage provides a genuinely ear-opening vinyl experience, allowing one to hear precisely how their cartridge sounds without being influenced by the wider world. It allows one to extract sublime sound, offering precision and control.
How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.
Video Review
Compared to their other products
We think it's helpful to understand how this product fits into the brand's full lineup (below). To learn more about these products, visit the brand's page.
Aavik C-580:
- Positioning: A compact control amplifier offering refined signal management on a more accessible budget.
- Description: Features a straightforward implementation of active Tesla coil technology and basic dither circuitry, ensuring low noise and precise control suitable for modest listening environments. In comparison to the C-880, offers fewer advanced noise reduction features while still delivering solid performance for users with limited functionality needs.
Aavik C-880:
- Positioning: A high-end control amplifier engineered for signal fidelity and advanced noise suppression.
- Description: Incorporates a significantly higher count of active Tesla coils and enhanced analog dither technology for further noise reduction and dynamic musical detail. Compared to the C-580, offers increased performance and control capabilities.
Aavik U-588:
- Positioning: A modern all-in-one unity amplifier that combines streaming, DAC, line stage, and power amplification in a single enclosure.
- Description: Uses the latest Pascal class D (UMAC) technology with lower output impedance and reduced noise, adding digital streaming and connectivity features for versatile use in compact setups. Compared to the traditional 880 series products, offers added functionality and ease of integration.
Aavik P-880:
- Positioning: A standalone power amplifier designed to deliver high current and efficient pure Class A performance.
- Description: Uses a resonant mode power supply and local capacitor banks to achieve lower noise and improved feeding of speakers, which suits environments requiring high peak power and dynamic control. In contrast to the integrated I-880, the P-880 splits the amplification process, offering greater flexibility in system configuration.
Aavik I-880:
- Positioning: The flagship integrated amplifier combining power, control, and cutting-edge noise reduction technologies in one unit.
- Description: Features an extensive suite of innovations including a switchless optical input board, active Tesla coil systems, and a solid copper enclosure that ensure exceptionally low noise and outstanding musical detail, ideal for high-end, room-filling setups. Compared to its segmented counterparts, it delivers the most comprehensive performance and functionality.
See all the brand's products
Read the reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
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Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
R-580
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Manufacturer's notes
The Aavik R-580 phono stage is delivering a impressive warm and huge soundstage with a maximum of details on an ultraquiet black background.
Manufacturer Specs
- Line in: Phono input: RCA with floating ground
- Max. input: 5mVrms
- Gain: 65 dB@1kHz
- Load impedance: Adjustable from 50 ohm to 10 ohm
- Frequency response: +/-0,5 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
- Line out: Output: RCA
- Distortion: <0,005 (THD at 1kHz, 0,5mV input)
- Output impedance: 120 ohm
- Power Consumption Standby: <0.5W
- Power Consumption On: <10W
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 380 x 384 x 102 mm (14 61/64 x 15 1/8 x 4 1/64 inch)
- Weight: 7.3 kg (16 lbs)
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Average Price
$500
Used Products
11
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
115
of 600+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products
26
Founded
2015
Our take on the brand
Aavik Acoustics crafts amplifiers using natural composite materials inspired by musical instruments, with their cabinets designed to enhance audio potential. Their products feature unique noise-cancelling technologies including Tesla coils and dither circuitry, while offering distinctive features like their U-300's input-specific gain adjustment system and the U-380's signature "aged-in-wood" bass sound.
Brand Page
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Used
Aavik
What if you spend a bit more?
PH-5
999
999
/
4
Reviews
Gold Note
Gold Note is an Italian hifi brand that manufactures all components in-house, with their DS-10 DAC offering 192 setup options to adapt to different music genres and listener preferences. Their products, including the IS-10 and IS-1000 integrated amplifiers, combine multiple functions like streaming, DAC, and phono stages in single units, delivering a rich, tube-like sound signature.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Offers a versatile range of adjustments, including nine input impedance choices and four gain options, to match various cartridges
- Offers three different equalization curves (RIAA, Decca London, and American Columbia), unusual for phono stages in its price range
- Produces a clean, smooth, lucid, and well-balanced sound that is uncolored and neutral, allowing for greater transparency and speed
- Musical, smooth, coherent and dynamic, with a very good pace, rhythm, and timing
- Touchscreen interface is easy and intuitive to use
Product Considerations
- Moving magnet capacitance is set at 220pF and is not adjustable
- Some reviewers express concern about potential RF interference from the digital display affecting the analog circuitry, particularly with sensitive MC cartridges
- Instrumental images may be smaller than with other phono stages
- May sound a little weightless compared to significantly more expensive phono preamps
- Reviewers note the forthcoming PSU-5 power supply
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to a similarly priced phono stage, the Gold Note PH-5 provided greater insights into how Miles Davis played each note, and was more full-bodied and dynamic
- The Pathos In the Groove was more spacious and shapely sounding but lacked the PH-5's sense of control and smoothness
- Compared to the Gold Note PH-10, there's a remarkably similar sound, with a tad more weight to recordings played through the more expensive PH-10
- The PH-5 sounds closer to the GrandiNote Celio MK IV—a bit richer, smoother, and more saturated—whereas the ESE Lab Nibiru is more about speed, precision, and transparency
Takeaway: The Gold Note PH-5 is a versatile phono stage that sounds musical and natural. It provides many options to adjust the sound, and it is an affordable way to get great performance from vinyl records.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Gold Note is an Italian hifi brand that manufactures all components in-house, with their DS-10 DAC offering 192 setup options to adapt to different music genres and listener preferences. Their products, including the IS-10 and IS-1000 integrated amplifiers, combine multiple functions like streaming, DAC, and phono stages in single units, delivering a rich, tube-like sound signature.
Visit our
PH-5
page
Product Page
GFP-915
999
999
/
3
Reviews
ADCOM
ADCOM is a hifi brand that pioneered high-current amplifier designs with their GFA-1 model in 1979, and their Nelson Pass-designed GFA-555 became a milestone in budget amplifiers. The brand caters to audiophiles who prefer physical media, offering features like phono stages for vinyl enthusiasts, while maintaining a trade-in program for older ADCOM gear that reflects their commitment to product longevity.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Straightforward, high-quality preamp that does everything asked of it, very well
- Includes tone control knobs for bass and treble to personalize the listening experience
- Allows turntable users to switch between moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) modes
- Features seven source audio inputs, a front-panel 3.5mm headphone jack, Bluetooth 5.1, optical and USB inputs, as well as a phono stage for turntables
Product Considerations
- Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, while present, is not super high resolution compared with Wi-Fi and may not appeal to those seeking a more robust streaming experience
- Has no balanced inputs
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Against Rotel's RC-1572 MKII, the Adcom GFP-915 wins in many audiophile categories, such as a lower reported total harmonic distortion and noise floor
- The Schiit Freya S stereo preamp at $599 is another solid, no-frills audiophile option that can compare to the Adcom GFP-915
- The NAD C 3050 integrated amp's HDMI switching, internal DAC, Bluetooth 5.4 and phono stage might sway one to spend a few hundred more dollars than the Adcom
Takeaway: The Adcom GFP-915 is a traditional stereo preamp that delivers quality performance and offers a range of useful features for audiophiles. It is a worthwhile option for those seeking a simple and effective way to manage audio sources and volume control.
Video review
Our take on the brand
ADCOM is a hifi brand that pioneered high-current amplifier designs with their GFA-1 model in 1979, and their Nelson Pass-designed GFA-555 became a milestone in budget amplifiers. The brand caters to audiophiles who prefer physical media, offering features like phono stages for vinyl enthusiasts, while maintaining a trade-in program for older ADCOM gear that reflects their commitment to product longevity.
Visit our
GFP-915
page
Product Page
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Features a fully discreet headphone amplifier built-in that sounds good
- Offers flexibility with passive, low gain, and high gain settings, not commonly found at its price point
- Build quality feels good, with a nice textured black finish
- Features a precise 128-step attenuator for accurate left-right balance, unusual for a $699 preamplifier
- Features a metal remote with volume, mute, and input selection
Product Considerations
- One reviewer experienced the Kara going into protection mode and muting the sound when adjusting the volume quickly—requiring a power cycle to resolve
- One reviewer said they prefer the RCA input and output sound
- XLR inputs for stereo mode are not available
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Schiit Freya S: It replaces the Freya S and has significant upgrades, including a headphone jack and a more powerful power transformer
- Vs Pass Labs HPA1: The Pass Labs is a better-sounding pre-amplifier and headphone amplifier overall, but is significantly more expensive
Takeaway: The Kara preamplifier offers great flexibility with gain options and a good-sounding headphone amplifier. It's a well-built component that could be a good addition to an audio setup, especially if clarity is valued.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Schiit Audio, an extremely popular direct-to-consumer hifi brand, specializes in entry-level DACs and amps for both headphones and speakers. Through their distinctive, authentic voice and low-price philosophy, they've built a very loyal customer base.
Visit our
Kara F
page
Product Page
Phono Box DS3 B
799
799
/
2
Reviews
Pro-Ject
Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Balanced connections improve sound, though stellar audio is available via RCA inputs
- Tighter and continuous control over load impedance via a potentiometer control
- Discrete circuit design offers a more neutral sound than integrated circuits
- Two turntables can be connected at once, one with XLRs and one with RCAs
- Expanded soundstage and individual instrument placement both horizontally and vertically
Product Considerations
- Turntable with XLR outputs needed to experience its best features
- More expensive if balanced connection features are not being used
- Tube box will push coloration into the mix, so tubes need careful system matching
- Balanced outputs and moving coil cartridge are needed to reveal the sort of detail that vinyl aficionados champion
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs NAD Phono Preamp PP-1: Allows for markedly more detail and separation between instruments
- Vs Phono Box S3 B: Integrates all the technology from the SB3 and adds in a few extra features, as well as a potentiometer
- Vs Projects Tubebox DS3: The sound is far more clear, and the weighted treble and upper spectrum sound more pronounced
Takeaway: The Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3 B unlocks the potential of a turntable, enhancing the listening experience with more dynamics, details, and soundstage. It's a versatile phono preamp with remarkably neutral and detailed sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.
Visit our
Phono Box DS3 B
page
Product Page
What else competes at this price?
BOX X5
139
/
Released
2024
Fosi
Fosi Audio BOX X5 Mini Phono Preamp supports MM and MC cartridges, provides 4-level gain adjustment, and provides RIAA equalization accuracy. Supporting MM/MC cartridges, BOX X5 is compatible with most turntables, along with 4 adjustable gain levels of 38/48/56/66 dB. It utilizes high-precision capacitors and resistors, ensuring minimal noise for audio purity.
Fosi Audio's V3 amplifier stands out with its elegant hole pattern design for heat dissipation and high-quality components like Wima film capacitors and Japanese capacitors, setting it apart from other budget amplifiers that typically use generic parts. The V3 offers user-customizable sound through replaceable op-amps and features a logarithmic volume control for more natural volume adjustment, while maintaining a compact size with high power output.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Good sound quality, warm with lows and highs present, and a quiet noise floor
- Supports both Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges
- Adjustable gain settings to match different cartridge output levels
- Metal construction for durability and shielding
- Offers DIY upgradeability with a socketed op-amp that can be swapped to change the sound signature
Product Considerations
- The ground post is positioned close to the power input, which can be inconvenient
- To power it off, one must press and hold the power button instead of pressing it quickly to turn it on, which is not intuitive
- Lacks a headphone jack
- Does not have a subsonic filter or capacitive loading switch
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Schiit Audio phono preamp, the Fosi Audio Box X5 is on par or better than the Schiit Audio phono preamp generation one version
Takeaway: The Fosi Audio Box X5 is a great value phono preamp that provides good sound quality and versatile features for both MM and MC cartridges. It is a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade from a built-in preamp or start with their first turntable.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Fosi Audio's V3 amplifier stands out with its elegant hole pattern design for heat dissipation and high-quality components like Wima film capacitors and Japanese capacitors, setting it apart from other budget amplifiers that typically use generic parts. The V3 offers user-customizable sound through replaceable op-amps and features a logarithmic volume control for more natural volume adjustment, while maintaining a compact size with high power output.
Visit
BOX X5
Page
Product Page
ZEN Phono 3
249
/
Released
2024
iFi
For record lovers, new and old. The ZEN Phono 3 redefines what your turntable can do. Its intelligent subsonic filter corrects warped LPs, while an ultra-quiet noise floor and adaptable loading options unlock a new level of clarity from your cartridge.
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- A very low noise floor, even with high gain settings for moving coil cartridges
- Various gain settings for moving magnet and moving coil cartridges, making it versatile
- An 'intelligent' subsonic filter effectively reduces rumble without negatively impacting bass frequencies
- A balanced 4.4mm output, which is uncommon in phono stages at this price point
- Impressive sound quality for its price, including a wide soundstage and good dynamics
Product Considerations
- Large diameter RCA plugs may not fit due to the small chassis
- The number of load settings is stated inconsistently across sources, with some stating four and others stating three
- Connecting RCA and balance output together simultaneously to two different amplifiers can result in noticeable humming noise
- One reviewer mentioned a 'clinical' sound that might pair better with warmer cartridges, though this was addressed by changing the setup
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The ZEN Phono 3 has a wider soundstage and better dynamics than the iFi Zenfone Stage
- The ZEN Phono 3 has deeper bass than the Accuphase AD-60, but slightly less clarity and definition in the bass region
- The ZEN Phono 3 delivers a larger, beefier—and more rhythmic sound than the built-in phono stage in the U-Turn Orbit Special
- The ZEN Phono 3 produces significantly less noise than the Musical Fidelity M5SI phono stage
Takeaway: The ZEN Phono 3 is a valuable phono stage that provides a clean and dynamic sound, along with features typically found in more expensive units. It is especially useful for those looking to upgrade from a basic phono stage or for vinyl enthusiasts who want to explore different cartridge types.
Video review
Our take on the brand
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Visit
ZEN Phono 3
Page
Product Page
Skoll
399
/
Released
2023
Schiit
Skoll is the highest performance, most flexible, least expensive balanced phono preamp available today. Put it in your system, sit down in your chair, and adjust everything with the included remote control. You'll give up nothing to the big-boy phono preamps out there—while keeping a much fatter wallet!
Schiit Audio, an extremely popular direct-to-consumer hifi brand, specializes in entry-level DACs and amps for both headphones and speakers. Through their distinctive, authentic voice and low-price philosophy, they've built a very loyal customer base.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Offers a full feature set including balanced XLR inputs and outputs, typically found in more expensive units
- Provides remote control functionality for adjusting gain, loading, and filters from the listening position
- Delivers detailed, clean, and modern sound reproduction, with good transient clarity and precision, and quiet backgrounds
- Offers versatile settings for both Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges
- Improves system sound, adding clarity and a warmer feel compared to budget options
Product Considerations
- Some users experienced a static or buzzing noise in the left channel, with inconsistent severity
- The initial balanced input tests revealed D.C. issues, causing speaker drivers to alarmingly suck in and out
- The unit's physical aesthetics are not particularly eye-popping or luxurious
- The tiny silkscreened letters and icons associated with the front panel LEDs might be difficult to read
- May not be ideal for systems already on the lean side, as it might not add warmth
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Schiit Manny, the Skoll is much quieter
- Vs Michael Yee PFE1, the Skoll has less hum and more hiss
- Vs Fosi Audio Box X4, the Skoll has better clarity
Takeaway: The Schiit Skoll is a versatile and feature-rich phono preamp that delivers impressive sound quality and customization options. It can be a great upgrade to get more enjoyment out of vinyl records.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Schiit Audio, an extremely popular direct-to-consumer hifi brand, specializes in entry-level DACs and amps for both headphones and speakers. Through their distinctive, authentic voice and low-price philosophy, they've built a very loyal customer base.
Visit
Skoll
Page
Product Page
Phono Box S3 B
499
/
Released
2022
Pro-Ject
The Phono Box S3 B is an entry-level phono preamplifier that offers a fully balanced design in a neat, small package. We've packed this tiny chassis to the brim with high-end features. One of those is our new True Balanced Connection. At Pro-Ject, balanced connections were exclusive to our RS range of products until now. The Phono Box S3 B brings those features to an incredible new entry level.
Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- True balanced connections reduce noise and increase detail, dynamics, and musicality
- Settings are easily adjustable on the front panel, including impedance, capacitance, and gain
- Well-made metal chassis is compatible with both MM and MC cartridges
- Discrete circuits are used in its gain stages, which Pro-Ject believes delivers the best sound
- Offers both single-ended (RCA) and balanced (XLR) inputs and outputs
Product Considerations
- Balanced cables are required for optimal performance if using balanced connections
- Relay switching causes a time lag when switching impedance, capacitance, or gain
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Lehmannaudio Black Cube had more power in the low end, while the Pro-Ject tended toward a drier character
Takeaway: The Phono Box S3 B is a well-designed phono stage offering balanced connections, making it a great choice for those wanting to upgrade their vinyl listening experience. The adjustable settings and solid build quality make it a versatile and worthwhile addition to any system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.
Visit
Phono Box S3 B
Page
Product Page
ZEN Air
99
/
Released
2022
iFi
Rediscover the soul of vinyl. Engineered to reveal the true sound of records, this entry-level phono stage upgrades any record player by eliminating hiss, noise, and rumble – letting the music take centre stage.
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Handles both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges with a simple switch, making it adaptable for various setups
- Delivers transparent and mostly neutral sonic performance with a hint of warmth, extracting impressive detail from records
- Includes a subsonic filter to eliminate rumble from warped records without removing bass quality
- Compact form factor and simple connections make it easy to integrate into any audio setup
Product Considerations
- Lacks a dedicated power supply, including only a USB cable, which might require users to provide their own USB power source
- Limited gain and impedance options compared to higher-end models restrict fine-tuning capabilities
- The short USB power cable may require an extension cord for convenient placement
- The plastic body, while sturdy, has a plasticky feel
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The iFi Zen Air offers much of the same sound as the iFi Zen Phono without extra fiddling or cost, achieving about 80% of the iFi Zen Phono's performance
- The iFi Zen Air has a more natural feel than the original Schiit Mani and sounds warmer
Takeaway: The iFi Zen Air is an affordable and easy-to-use phono preamp that delivers good sound quality and detail, making it a great option for both new and experienced vinyl enthusiasts. Its ability to handle both MM and MC cartridges, combined with a subsonic filter, makes it a versatile addition to any vinyl setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Visit
ZEN Air
Page
Product Page
Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- The R-580 lets the cartridge and music speak for itself
- It is packed full of detail and precision, with beautiful high frequencies, a liquid midrange, wonderful coherence, and a walk-in soundstage
- The R-580 conveys the desires and musicianship of those in front of the microphone brilliantly
- One of the very best phono stages out there, with extra levels of noise-reduction and interference control
- The degree of precision and control it extends is incredible
Product Considerations
- The only problem for the Aavik R-580 is FOMO, because most well-heeled vinyl-playing music lovers don't need two inputs or balanced outputs
Takeaway: The Aavik R-580 phono stage provides a genuinely ear-opening vinyl experience, allowing one to hear precisely how their cartridge sounds without being influenced by the wider world. It allows one to extract sublime sound, offering precision and control.
How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.
Video Review
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