AVM Evolution MP 3.3 Streaming Preamplifier, Cellini Chrome

The AVM Evolution MP 3.3 is a streaming preamplifier with CD drive, combining a network streamer, Pure CD drive, a double-quad DAC and an analog transistor preamp in a single unit.

The chrome-plated Cellini front turns the MP 3.3 into a real showpiece for your rack – and beneath that elegant look sits a complete source and preamp center for streaming, CD and digital sources, volume control included.

Why the MP 3.3?

AVM builds the Evolution series by hand at its own factory in Malsch, Germany, with a multi-day burn-in period and repeated final inspection. In the MP 3.3, the X-STREAM Engine® works alongside a Pure CD slot-in drive and a double-quad DAC: four ESS9028PRO converters per channel run in parallel, extracting every last bit of detail from each file. The preamp is purely transistor-based – tuned for maximum linearity and clarity. Tubes and a viewing window in the lid are reserved for the MP 5.3 in this line-up.

What you get

Streaming without any extra box: AirPlay 2, Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, Qobuz (our Hi-Fi partner since 2018), Tidal Connect, HighResAudio and internet radio run directly over LAN or Wi-Fi, plus Bluetooth 5.0 – high-resolution up to 384 kHz / 32-bit and DSD256. Digitally you take in HDMI ARC plus one optical and one coaxial input each; on the analog side you output balanced via XLR or via RCA, fixed or level-controlled as you choose. The MP 3.3 controls volume entirely in the analog domain. It's operated via the RC X app or the included RC 3 full-aluminum remote control.

Who is the MP 3.3 right for – and who isn't it for?

Ideal if you want streaming, CD and digital sources all from one unit and just want to add a power amp. Let's be honest: if you're after the warmer, tube-based sound, look at the MP 5.3 with its genuine Tube Line Stage. If you listen a lot through headphones, factor in a separate headphone amp – the MP 3.3 has no headphone jack. And the Cellini Chrome front comes at an extra cost; if you prefer something more understated, go for Black or Silver.

Do I need a separate power amp for the MP 3.3?

Yes. The MP 3.3 is a source and preamp, but not a power amp. You connect it to a power amp and speakers, or via the pre-out to active speakers. We're happy to help you find the combination that suits your room.

Our verdict

The MP 3.3 is the digital control center of the Evolution series: source and preamp in one, clean, versatile and transistor-precise. In Cellini Chrome, it also becomes an eye-catcher that wears its German craftsmanship on the outside. We'll help you work out which power amp and speakers suit it best – by phone, email or WhatsApp.

Technical Specifications

• Type: Streaming preamplifier with CD drive (preamp, streamer and D/A converter, no power amp)
• Series: AVM Evolution
• Preamp: analog, purely transistor-based line stage · volume controlled entirely in the analog domain
• D/A converter: Double-quad ESS 9028PRO · 4 converters per channel · up to 384 kHz / 32-bit PCM · DSD256
• CD drive: Pure CD slot-in · CD Audio and CD-R (Red Book standard)
• Streaming: X-STREAM Engine® · Spotify Connect · Qobuz · Tidal Connect MAX · HighResAudio · Roon Ready · AirPlay 2 · UPnP · internet radio · AVM RoomConneXion multiroom
• Network: LAN 100 Mbit/s · Wi-Fi 2.4 / 5 GHz (a/b/g/n/ac, two antennas)
• Bluetooth: 5.0 (A2DP, AVRCP 1.5)
• Analog inputs: none – the MP 3.3 is a purely digital and network source
• Digital inputs: HDMI ARC (up to 192 kHz / 24-bit) · 1 × coaxial S/PDIF (up to 192 kHz / 24-bit) · 1 × optical Toslink (up to 96 kHz / 24-bit), signal-sensing
• Digital outputs: 1 × coaxial · 1 × optical · level fixed or variable as chosen
• Analog outputs: pre-out 1 × balanced XLR and 1 × RCA · plus line-out
• Output level: line-out fixed 2.5 V · pre-out (XLR and RCA) variable, switchable to a fixed level if desired
• Headphone output: not available – for headphones you'll need a separate headphone amp
• Output impedance: RCA 47 Ω · XLR 94 Ω
• USB: USB 2.0 Type A for hard drives and sticks (FAT16 / FAT32 / NTFS)
• Trigger: 1 × trigger in (5–20 V) · 2 × trigger out (12 V, sequentially switched)
• Distortion: below 0.001%
• Signal-to-noise ratio: above 100 dB
• Frequency response: 0 Hz to above 100 kHz (−3 dB)
• Power consumption: standby below 0.5 W · network standby below 2 W · typically below 18 W · maximum 30 W
• Chassis: screwless aluminum with a closed lid – only the MP 5.3 has a tube window
• Control: RC X app (iOS / Android) · RC 3 full-aluminum remote control · RC 9 optional
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 430 × 122 × 330 mm
• Weight: 7.5 kg
• Finish: aluminum with Cellini Chrome front (also available in black and silver)
• Manufacturing: handmade, AVM factory Malsch (Germany)
• Warranty: 2 years + 2 years with online registration
• Included: AVM Evolution MP 3.3, two Wi-Fi/Bluetooth antennas, power cable, gloves, RC 3 wireless remote control

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the Cellini Chrome version and the standard version?

Technically, nothing. Cellini Chrome is the chrome-plated front variant available at an extra cost and is purely a matter of looks. Sound, connections and features are identical to the Black and Silver versions.

Is the MP 3.3 a CD player or a streamer?

Both – and more. It combines a Pure CD slot-in drive, a full streaming platform, a double-quad DAC and an analog preamp. That lets you drive a power amp directly, without a separate preamplifier.

Does the MP 3.3 have a tube preamp?

No. The MP 3.3 is purely transistor-based and has a closed aluminum lid. The Tube Line Stage with tubes and a viewing window in the lid is reserved for the MP 5.3. Sonically, that means neutral and precise rather than warm and velvety.

Can I connect headphones to the MP 3.3?

No, the MP 3.3 has no headphone jack. You solve this with a separate headphone amp connected to the variable pre-out or the fixed line-out. We're happy to tell you which one suits your headphones – it comes down to impedance and sensitivity.

Why buy the AVM Evolution MP 3.3 in Cellini Chrome from HD Zürisee?

Because a source with a preamp needs to match your power amp, speakers and room – and the chrome front needs to match your décor even more so. As an authorized AVM dealer in Wädenswil, we'll give you honest advice, set up your streaming and network, and have our own technician, Mauri, in-house. Get in touch by phone, email or WhatsApp.

Goes well with

You'll find the right power amp under Power Amps, matching speakers under Floorstanding Speakers. Wire it up with Speaker Cables and Power Cables; without a headphone jack, a Headphone Amp helps out.