AVM Ovation A 8.3 Tube Integrated Amplifier, Silver

The AVM Ovation A 8.3 is an integrated amplifier with a tube preamplifier, combining the Ovation 803 T tube line stage, a Class A/AB MOS-FET power stage and a built-in D/A converter in one chassis.

In its silver aluminium dress, it looks like a classic amplifier. Thanks to the tube stage, though, it sounds a touch warmer and rounder than the sober front suggests.

Why the A 8.3?

The difference from the A 6.3 sits solely in the preamplifier: instead of pure transistor technology, the 803 T tube line stage is used, with one double triode per channel. Behind it works the same powerful MOS-FET power stage with 20 transistors per channel on a 1000 VA toroidal transformer, good for up to 180 amps. It's built by hand at AVM in Malsch. Allow half a minute of patience: according to the manual, the power-up takes around 30 seconds longer because the tube wants to warm up before the first note.

What you get

Full connection variety: the converter accepts PCM up to 384 kHz / 32 bit and DSD128 over USB-B, plus two coaxial and two optical digital inputs and Bluetooth. Analogue-wise there's one balanced XLR and four RCA inputs, and an external phono stage for the turntable. Two switchable speaker pairs, adjustable pre-outs in XLR and RCA, and a fixed line-out are on board, while headphones are served by their own Class A stage at the 6.35 mm jack.

Who is the A 8.3 suited for – and who isn't it for?

The right choice if you want tube warmth in an integrated amplifier format without having to maintain a separate tube device. If you want to listen uncompromisingly neutral, or would rather put the extra cost into speakers, reach for the A 6.3: same power, same connections, same chassis, different fundamental tonality – the only way to tell them apart from the outside is the display. And if you expect network streaming or a CD drive built in, plan for both separately: the A 8.3 is a pure amplifier.

Our verdict

The A 8.3 takes the solid foundation of the A 6.3 and gives it character with the 803 T stage. In silver, an elegant staple for the rack, warmer and more relaxed in sound. Which speakers carry this tone best is something we're happy to work out with you – get in touch by phone, email or WhatsApp with HD Zürisee in Wädenswil.

"AVM manages to draw a superb sound from the integrated amplifier that almost turns the noble device's many other talents into a side note." – Philipp Schneckenburger, hifitest 7/2019

Technical data

• Type: Integrated amplifier with tube preamplifier
• Series: AVM Ovation
• Preamplifier: Ovation 803 T tube line stage, one 803 T double triode per channel
• Output power: 2 × 200 W at 8 Ω · 2 × 330 W at 4 Ω
• Power stage: Class A/AB high-current MOS-FET · 20 transistors per channel
• Current delivery: up to 180 A per channel
• Power supply: toroidal transformer with 1000 VA
• Power-up: approx. 30 seconds longer due to the tube stage's warm-up phase (display shows "waiting for tube warmup")
• Volume control: fully balanced, 256 steps
• Tone controls: bass, treble, loudness and balance adjustable via the menu
• D/A converter: PCM up to 384 kHz / 32 bit · DSD128 (via USB-B)
• Analogue inputs: 5 – 1 × XLR balanced · 4 × RCA
• Digital inputs: 5 – 2 × coaxial (S/PDIF) · 2 × optical (Toslink) · 1 × USB-B
• Bluetooth: 4.2
• Network / streaming: not available – connect a streamer externally
• CD drive: not available – connect a CD player externally
• Phono input: not available, not even as a module – an external phono stage is needed
• Speaker outputs: 2 pairs (A/B), individually switchable via the menu
• Output level: Pre-out XLR and RCA adjustable · Line-out RCA fixed (recording output)
• Headphone output: yes – 6.35 mm jack with its own Class A stage; the audio and speaker outputs are automatically disabled while in use
• Trigger outputs: 2 × 3.5 mm (10 V)
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 430 × 130 × 355 mm
• Weight: 22 kg
• Power consumption: max. 1500 W · standby under 0.5 W
• Finish: Aluminium Silver (Cellini front on request)
• Manufacturing: handmade at the AVM factory in Malsch (Germany)
• Warranty: 2-year AVM manufacturer's warranty · up to 4 years with product registration at avm.audio
• Scope of delivery: integrated amplifier, solid-metal RC 3 remote, power cable; delivered in an AVM Ovation flight case

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between the A 8.3 and the A 6.3?

Essentially only the preamplifier. The A 8.3 uses the Ovation 803 T tube line stage for a warmer, more relaxed fundamental tone, the A 6.3 a transistor preamplifier with a neutral, precise tuning. Output power, power stage, converter, connections, dimensions, weight and even the chassis are identical between the two models.

Do I need to service or replace the A 8.3's tube?

Not in everyday use. The 803 T works as a preamp tube under low load and is designed for long service life; a replacement is only due after very many operating hours. Only the start-up is noticeable: according to the manual, power-up takes about 30 seconds longer until the tube is warm.

Does the A 8.3 have a phono input?

No, and there's no phono module to retrofit either. For the turntable you need an external phono stage connected to one of the four RCA inputs. The advantage: you choose it to match your cartridge – MM and MC place very different demands. We help you put the combination together.

Does the Ovation DAC S module fit the A 8.3?

No, it's not intended for that. AVM lists the DAC module Ovation DAC S for the Ovation models CS, SD and MP of the .3 generation, not for the integrated amplifiers A 6.3 and A 8.3. Their USB and DAC assembly is modular, but an upgrade runs through AVM rather than a plug-in module.

How many years of warranty are there on the A 8.3?

Two years of manufacturer's warranty are a given; registration at avm.audio turns that into up to four years. Per the warranty terms, AVM covers parts and labour, and transport costs pass to the owner after six months. On request, we register the device right at purchase and handle the process should it ever be needed.

Why buy the AVM Ovation A 8.3 in silver from HD Zürisee?

Because the tube character should suit your room and speakers – something we advise on from years of practical experience rather than a brochure. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, you get the A 8.3 from an authorised AVM dealer, including warranty handling and setup by our technician, Mauri.

Goes well with

Matching partners can be found among the floorstanding speakers and bookshelf speakers, the cabling among cables & connectors. Network music comes from a streamer, vinyl additionally needs a phono preamplifier. If you're after the alternative without a tube, you'll find it among the integrated amplifiers.