AVM MP 30.3 Review

When it comes to hi-fi providers, the small town of Malsch in Baden is a rich biotope, and the small but fine high-end forge AVM based there is a big player. In the last issue, we tested the latest remix of Baden’s top technology. The AS 30.3 convinced across the board. The stereo streaming integrated amplifier not only offered excellent sound and could even move super speakers like the Bowers & Wilkins 802 D4 to a gripping performance; the X-Stream module, developed jointly with the streaming specialist Audivo based near Regensburg, also impressed in terms of functionality and operation. Such masterpieces are made possible by the modular design of the Baden components.

Thanks to this equally successful and efficient strategy, there was a reunion with the streaming section of the AS 30.3 from the March issue. However, AVM’s approach requires give and take. Harvey Keitel alias “The Wolf” might put it as in the cult film Pulp Fiction: “We’ve got an AS 30.3 plus a CD drive minus the amplifier section.” The new combination turns the streaming amp into a Roon-compatible media player with the secondary virtues of a preamp. Basically, equally puristic stereo systems can be built with it as with the AS 30.3—only with active instead of passive speakers.

The combination of streamer and CD player enables a wide variety of programs without a whole stack of hi-fi components. By the way, those who want to operate passive speakers but don’t want to do without an integrated CD drive can still find the right partner in the family: Thanks to the modular system, our AS 30.3 was a CS 30.3 without a CD drive. So pretty much everyone can find what they’re looking for in the AVM range, especially since there are also pre-power combinations in this segment.

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Approach with X

When using the streaming module, the AVM RC X app (see box) provides the best service. As already mentioned, the current generation of this technology was developed in close collaboration with Audivo. AVM benefited from the long friendship between managing director Udo Besser and the CEO of the Bavarian digital specialist. Unlike with AVM’s earlier streaming technology, the hardware platform now plays a dominant role compared to the software. The entire streaming engine is designed for longevity, and its computing power is dimensioned accordingly.

The software, as we already mentioned in the AVM test in the previous issue, ultimately only serves control purposes. The MP 30.3 supports a variety of formats and can be used extremely flexibly. For example, the new media player can play audio files not only from a NAS with a DLNA server but also supports Roon servers. The media player accepts formats such as WAV, MP3, WM, AAC, FLAC, ALAC, DSD, Ogg, and AIFF.

Fit for the Future

The modern ESS Sabre 9038Q2M DAC enables native playback of DSD256 and is far ahead of the current software offerings in PCM audio. Besser even promises, as with the AS 30.3: “PCM 24/384 would also work if it were offered.” The connectivity of the AVM MP 30.3 corresponds to that of the streaming integrated amplifier from the series only on the digital side. You have to do without high-level or phono inputs in this case. In addition to the highlight, an HDMI input with Audio Return Channel (ARC), there are two each of S/PDIF digital inputs and outputs. Interfaces include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, and USB A. With its analog outputs, the media player corresponds to the streaming integrated amplifier AS 30.3: It contains a regulated stereo preamplifier and a line output with a fixed level.

In the listening test, the AVM media player presented the same strengths as the streaming integrated amplifier AS 30.3 shortly before. It offered outstanding transparency combined with exceptional imaging. Focus, contour sharpness, and plasticity were absolutely top-notch. Added to this was an extremely neutral tuning with a solid, deep-reaching, and very clean bass foundation with dry, powerful punch.

CDs Also Play at Top Level

These positive qualities were fortunately expressed regardless of whether you chose CD or streaming as the source, although the latter could add a bit more in terms of transparency and imaging with high-resolution files. The great clarity and fine resolution, combined with remarkable microdynamics, made live recordings very authentic and lively. For example, with “Feel The Benefit” from the album “10cc Live And Let Live,” you felt right in the middle of the audience. Applause and shouts had the necessary intensity and definition to further enhance the already generous spatial feeling of the playback.

The App Check

The free AVM RC X app for iOS or Android was designed to be user-friendly in cooperation with Audivo. It not only controls streaming, supported by a large display of album covers. It also adjusts the volume (albeit slightly delayed) and allows for features like switching the digital filter characteristics. Tone control and balance can also be adjusted.

AVM MP 30.3 Report

Network player with fixed-level line output (output impedance 47 Ω) and 100-step adjustable pre-output (300 Ω). Output voltages 0 dB_FS: Line 2.6 V; Pre 2.8 V—maximum undistorted output voltage is already achieved at -18 VU. Clean frequency responses in DAC operation (PCM tone with 192/96/44.1 kHz sampling rate and filter mode “Smooth”). Treble boost when playing pre-emphasis coded CDs due to missing decoder (purple). Distortion spectrum at 1 kHz/0 dB_FS at 2 V output voltage: Top audio quality, very low noise floor, little mains hum, few harmonics; distortion plus noise (THD+N) 0.015% unweighted, weighted signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) 116 dB. Power consumption, standby 0.5-2 W, operation 10 W.

Specs

• List Price: €4,000
• Warranty: 4 years (with registration)
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 43 cm × 11.5 cm × 31 cm
• Weight: 6.9 kg

INTERFACES

• LAN/Wi-Fi: ● / ●
• Analog Out (XLR / RCA): ● / ●
• USB: ●
• Digital In (AES / Coax / Optical): – / – / ●
• Digital Out (AES / Coax / Optical): – / ● / ●
• HDMI: ●

FUNCTIONS

• Player Formats: CD, CDR
• Streaming Sample Rates: Up to 32 bit / 384 kHz
• DAC Sample Rates: Up to 32 bit / 384 kHz
• Bluetooth / aptX: ● / –
• MP3: ●
• Streaming Services: Qobuz, Spotify, Tidal, HighResAudio
• Internet Radio / Provider: ● / Airable
• DAB / DAB+: ● / ●
• FM / FM‑HD: – / –
• Variable Output Level: ●
• Full Control via App: ● (AVM X Remote)
• Remote Control: ●
• Special Features: Cellini chrome front available at extra charge

Conclusion

For all those who have nothing more to do with analog sources, the AVM MP 30.3 is the perfect compact sound solution for the rightly trending active speakers. Those who appreciate space-saving, living room-friendly high-end and active speakers but still want to listen to vinyl might be somewhat envious of the AS 30.3 with its high-quality phono input. Here, with the fully digital media player, due to the absence of any analog inputs, not even an external phono preamp with high-level outputs can help. But the easiest remedy can be provided with a turntable with a USB output like the Denon DP-450USB or the Sonoro Platinum.

PRO & CONTRA

Pros

• Top‑tier precision, transparency, and resolution
• User‑friendly, high‑performance app

Con

• No analog inputs

TEST RESULTS

• Sound: 139 points
  • (Approx. 9.9 / 10 on a notional 140‑point maximum)
• Features: Very good
• Operation (Ease of Use): Very good
• Build Quality: Outstanding

7Review BENCHMARK

• Overall Verdict: 139 points
  • (Approx. 9.9 / 10 on a notional 140‑point maximum)
• Price/Performance: Very good