AVM AS 30.3 Review

It is truly remarkable what a small, fine manufactory from the little town of Malsch in Baden achieves. The extensive program ranges from integrated amplifiers to preamplifiers and power amplifiers, all the way to CD players and audio streamers. The reasonable, yet by no means affordable prices for every audiophile ensure manageable quantities compared to the hi-fi giants from the Far East. The fact that AVM Audio can present such an extensive program at all, and that the whole thing remains affordable in the end, is due to a very clear, consistent strategy: The audio components from Baden-Württemberg are modularly constructed.

So AVM did not need to reinvent the wheel with the AS 30.3. The developers used their smart modular system and took the CS 30.3—a, forgive the trivial expression, CD receiver—and replaced its disc drive with a streaming module. This reduces the price by $440 from $4,389 to $3,949, while at the same time increasing the desirability manifold among those outside the remaining core of CD owners.

To prevent speculation from overflowing, it should be noted here: The amplifier section of the AS 30.3 does not come from the Amp A 30.3, and its Class-A/B stereo output stage. The CS 30.3, which served as the basis, used a Class-D power amplifier stage, which promises a lot of power with low power consumption and correspondingly low heat development. The AVM developers combined this contemporary foundation with their X-Stream Engine, known from numerous streaming components of the company. And thus, the program was enriched with a modern all-in-one system with audiophile aspirations.

There’s More to Come

Also in the starting blocks is the PAS 30.3—a combination of streamer and preamp. And there will also be a pure media player MP 30.3. Naturally, there is also a familial line to the anniversary amplifier A 30 from 2016, which in turn was based on the legendary integrated amplifier AVM A2 and led to some derivatives. Ultimately, apparently everyone is somehow related to everyone else in the AVM program, which is otherwise known from remote mountain villages or noble houses. The family saga, with potential for a Netflix series, really only unfolds in conversation with the managing director Udo Besser, who actually keeps a clear overview in the over 30-year company history.

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It Doesn’t Get Any Better

When one has so many ample lines for a streaming amplifier and doesn’t want to bore the willing readers, it’s a blessing for any author what Udo Besser reveals. For example, about the X-Stream module. That it, like the previous generation, was developed in cooperation with the streaming specialist Audivo near Regensburg, whose customer list reads like a who’s who in high-end, is generally known. But in the original words of the AVM boss, it becomes an exciting buddy movie: “Erich Böhm, the managing director of Audivo, is an old friend. We’ve known each other for at least 40 years,” explains Besser. And you believe him without further explanations that the German streaming supplier has given their best to provide AVM with extremely sophisticated technology.

The old RCS streaming technology from 2011 was indeed a great solution at the time, with which the author also associates positive memories from various tests. But it was technically outdated at some point. So, with the X-Stream Engine, the system concept was in the foreground right from the start—the streaming with more devices and perfect temporal synchronization in different rooms. The hardware now bears the main load; the software essentially controls only the operation. Besser thus sees the AVM RC X app essentially as a relocation of the control elements and display from the front to the smartphone—with iOS or Android as the operating system. There is no need for grafted-on software patches as in the past. The use of an ESS 9038Q2M allows the native processing of DSD data streams not only via USB but also over the network. “DSD256 is already possible, PCM 24/384 would also be possible if it were offered,” enthuses Besser, who admits that some old-fashioned hi-fi fans might possibly think it’s a “coffee variety from Dallmayr.”

By switching from plain Wolfson DACs with 24-bit/192 kHz, as used in the A 30.3, to ESS Sabres, the entire digital section of the AS 30.3 can now shine with impressive specifications. And Besser no longer needs to emphasize to number-fixated testers and users that it’s not just about bits and bytes, but also about the analog periphery in a DAC. The ESS converter chip is specified with a theoretical resolution of 32-bit/768 kHz and could even process DSD512 natively. This promises a pole position at the hi-fi round table and future-proofing alike.

The connectivity of the AVM AS 30.3 fits perfectly into today’s times. In addition to antennas for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth or a LAN connection, there is even an HDMI input with Audio Return Channel (ARC) on the back of the safe-like processed aluminum housing. For those who value natural, high-purity sound with stereo spatiality over explosions from all corners in TV sound, adding two speaker boxes in the living room can cover all audio concerns.

But people today also love vinyl a little more every day. The AS 30.3 accommodates this trend with a phono input. AVM does not settle for the usual token phono input for MM cartridges, which require comparatively little amplification. With the streaming amplifier, even MC systems with their low output level can be used. Using included adapter plugs, you can even adjust the impedance of this phono input. But there are also real special extras for individual upgrades. In addition to black and silver, the housing can also be ordered in the classic Cellini design with a chrome front and chrome-plated knobs for source selection and volume control. It costs an extra $880, but also pleases traditionalists. And if the chic but compact and accordingly puristic RC 3 remote control as a supplement to the app does not offer enough operating comfort, you can order the system remote control. It also has buttons for direct access to favorites—such as playlists or internet radio stations. Speaking of which: The AS 30.3 supports Spotify Connect, Qobuz, Tidal Connect, HiResAudio, and internet radio as standard. The services can be expanded. Other highlights include two high-level inputs that can be switched to bypass the volume control for AV processors. In addition, the AVM supports Airplay 2 and Roon.

Brilliant Performance in Every Respect

Our test device was black, but it shone in the listening test brighter than the chrome front of the Cellini version. Tonal balance is self-evident for audio electronics, especially with a digital background, in these spheres, just like good manners in an exclusive golf club. What distinguishes the AS 30.3: In size, precision, and stability of imaging, the all-in-one hi-fi tower replacement grew worlds beyond its compact dimensions. To start, we connected the always ready-to-go Bowers & Wilkins 802 D4. This combination of super speaker and comparatively down-to-earth all-in-one proved so good that we felt no desire for experiments. The listening room not only filled with life, but the imaging was so vivid, stable, and precise that in the author’s notes, comments like “brilliant focus” and “amazing localization” can be found. Considering that he belongs more to the “glass is half empty” faction, this speaks volumes about the authenticity of the performance characterized by “super fine highs,” “deep, bone-dry basses,” and an “unbelievably high and deep soundstage” spatiality. From the pen of an Anglophile audiophile, a knighthood for the dynamic power kraut, whose somewhat overdone freshness kick, for example in some titles by Coldplay, is mildly overlooked.

The App Check

The RC X app is available for free for iOS and Android. It is clear and user-friendly with large cover display, and it also provides access to functions such as switching between the digital filters “Steep” and “Smooth” or tone control and balance. Direct source selection is also conveniently possible. The volume control could react a bit more directly.

AVM AS30.3 Report

Class-D amplifier with nearly linear frequency response in the audible range (top three curves in the lower diagram show the frequency response at 8/4/2 Ω). Distortion spectrum 1 kHz, 1 W: low background noise, little mains hum and harmonics (THD+N 0.012%, weighted signal-to-noise ratio 100 dB/10 V). The phono MM stage has more noise with system/cable simulation than usual (67 dB, with 1 kΩ termination 84 dB). The low-noise MC stage (SNR 77 dB) is flexibly adaptable to the cartridge via load plug (100/200/500/1000 Ω). Power amplifier: power per channel 8/4 Ω 137/130 W (sine). Music power 8/6/4/3/2 Ω: 175/210/240/260/230 W. Power consumption standby 0 W; operation 15 W; at 2x 1 W: 18 W; maximum 300 W. Audio Rating 6.9

Specs

List Price:
EUR 3590

Warranty Period:
4 years with registration

Dimensions (W × H × D):
43 × 11.5 × 35.5 cm

Weight:
6.9 kg

Connections

• CD/DVD/BD Drive: – / – / –
• Analog In/Out: Line, Phono / Pre, Fixed
• USB: • (available)
• Digital In (AES/coax/optical): – / • / •
• Digital Out (AES/coax/optical): – / • / –
• Network, HDMI: • / •

Network Functions

• Display / OSD: • / –
• Fast Forward / Rewind: • / •
• Extended Playlists (Queue): •
• Bluetooth / AirPlay: • / •
• Cover Display / Search: • / •
• Streaming Services: Qobuz, Spotify, Tidal
• Network / Web Radio / UPnP: • / • / •
• Internet Radio / Provider: Airable
• Supported Formats: WAV, MP (likely MP3), AAC, FLAC, DSD
• Required Server: DLNA/UPnP, Roon
• Gapless Playback: •
• Full App Control: •
• Transfers Entire Playlists: •
• Max. Sampling Rate: 32 Bit / 384 kHz
• Special Feature: Adjustable phono input impedance

Pros & Cons

+ Outstanding range of functions
+ Excellent sound
+ HDMI‐ARC connection
+ Replaces an entire hi‐fi tower yet takes up minimal space
– Volume control could respond more directly

Test Results

• Sound: 163 points
  • (On a notional 10‐point scale: approx. 8.15 / 10)
• Features (Ausstattung): Very good
• Operation (Bedienung): Very good
• Workmanship (Verarbeitung): Outstanding

Audio Benchmark

• Overall Rating: 163 points
  • (On a notional 10‐point scale: approx. 8.15 / 10)
• Price/Performance: Very good