Beyond Ayre Pass and Rowland

Ricred1 8-20-2016 10:19 am edt
Charles,
In addition, I really respect the way you respond to threads.

An emphatic +1!

Richard (Ricred1), I have no knowledge of the sonics of the Aavik U300, but personally I would be concerned that its lack of balanced inputs and the low 10K input impedance of its line-level analog inputs would both significantly constrain future choices of source components. And for that matter I would wonder if the unbalanced outputs of your Aeris DAC, which you would have to use with the Aavik, would sound as good as its transformer coupled balanced outputs that I presume you are presently using.

In any event, good luck as you proceed.

Best regards,
-- Al

Ricred1,
At Axpona (Chicago) this spring I heard the Aavik driving Raidho speakers. I was with 2 friends and we felt that the sound of that room/system was decent but nothing particularly special (it wasn’t bad sounding to be clear). It wasn’t a prolonged listening session (like some other rooms we visited). So I am in no position to offer any meaningful impressions.

It could possibly be a terrific integrated class D amplifier under proper setup  conditions. It has a built-in DAC and Phono stage and 600 watts into 4 ohms. It could be very worthwhile to pursue and audition. Price wise it competes with integrated amps from Absolare, Vitus, ,Dartzeel and Ypsilon. Good luck to you.

Thanks Al as you know the feeling is mutual.
Charles,

Thanks. I'm not going to purchase, just trying to find out if it's worth listening to. Charles you and Al bring up very good points. 
Yes, I'm using all balanced cables. 

Richard,
If the opportunity arises to hear/audition  the Aavik I say go for it!
It'd be much fun to compare it to your Rowland fronted with a high quality tube preamplifier. 
Charles,  

Charles, 
If presented the opportunity,  without the need to purchase I will. I listen to my system yesterday for several hours and still really love it. No, it's not at the same level as the Absolare, but close enough considering the cost difference. I'm still going to try a tube preamp. I'm curious to hear if adding a tube preamp will provide a little sliver of the Absolare magic