AVM MP 30.3 Streaming Preamplifier, Cellini Chrome

The AVM MP 30.3 is a streaming preamplifier with a CD drive from the AVM 30.3 anniversary series, combining a CD player, network streamer and regulated preamplifier in one slim chassis.

The chrome-plated Cellini front turns the digital hub into a showpiece for the rack. Behind it works the same technology as in black and silver: CD, streaming, digital inputs and a regulated preamplifier that goes straight to the power amplifier.

Why the MP 30.3?

The 30.3 series is AVM's anniversary line, built by hand in Malsch. The MP 30.3 bundles the in-house X-STREAM Engine®, a slot-in CD drive to the Red Book standard and an analogue preamplifier with a gain factor of 1 over short signal paths. Three fewer devices in the rack, two fewer cable runs in the signal path – and in Cellini Chrome, a device you no longer hide away in a cabinet.

What you get

Streaming with no extra box: AirPlay 2, Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, Qobuz (our Hi-Fi partner since 2018), TIDAL Connect MAX, HighResAudio and web radio over LAN or Wi-Fi, plus Bluetooth 5.0 LE – high-resolution up to 384 kHz / 32 bit and DSD256. Web radio and files from the network or a USB stick run without any paid subscription too. Digitally, HDMI ARC, optical and coaxial are added, one each. Via the regulated pre-out you drive a power amplifier directly, while the fixed line-out remains free. Control is via the RC X app or the included RC 3 solid-aluminium remote. It's the front that's chrome-plated, not the connection panel: the back is identical across all three colour variants.

Who is the MP 30.3 suited for – and who isn't it for?

Ideal if CD and streaming are your main sources, you want to drive a power amplifier directly, and you also want your rack to make a statement. To be clear: the MP 30.3 has no analogue inputs and no headphone output. A turntable, tuner or headphones are left out – that's what the sister unit AVM PAS 30.3 is for (MM/MC phono and headphone amp, but without a CD drive). And the Cellini Chrome front costs extra, without changing the sound in any way.

Our verdict

CD, streaming and a regulated preamplifier in one chassis, neutrally tuned and built by hand – in Cellini Chrome with the confidence you're allowed to indulge in at this level of craftsmanship. What belongs behind it – power amplifier, speakers, cabling – we plan through with you: by phone, email or WhatsApp.

Technical data

• Type: Streaming preamplifier with CD drive
• Series: AVM 30.3 (anniversary series)
• Preamplifier: analogue · gain factor 1
• CD drive: slot-in · CD audio / CD-R (Red Book standard)
• Streaming: X-STREAM Engine® · up to 384 kHz / 32 bit · DSD256 · AirPlay 2 · Roon Ready · Spotify · Qobuz · TIDAL Connect MAX · HighResAudio · web radio
• Network: LAN 100 Mbit/s · Wi-Fi 2.4 / 5 GHz (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac)
• Bluetooth: 5.0 LE
• Analogue inputs: none
• Digital inputs: 1 × HDMI ARC (192 kHz/24 bit) · 1 × optical (96 kHz/24 bit) · 1 × coaxial (192 kHz/24 bit)
• Digital outputs: 1 × optical (96 kHz/24 bit) · 1 × coaxial (192 kHz/24 bit) · level fixed or regulated, selectable
• USB: 1 × USB-A (USB 2.0, 500 mA) for drives and sticks
• Output level: Pre-Out RCA regulated, 3 V at 1% THD (470 Ω) · Line-Out RCA fixed, 3.5 V at 1% THD (47 Ω)
• Headphone output: not available
• THD: less than 0.001%
• Signal-to-noise ratio: greater than 100 dB
• Frequency response: preamplifier less than 5 Hz to greater than 80 kHz · CD 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Operation: RC X app (iOS / Android) · RC 3 solid-aluminium remote
• Power consumption: operation less than 16 W · network standby less than 2 W · standby less than 0.5 W
• Power supply: 100–240 V / 50–60 Hz
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 430 × 115 × 310 mm
• Weight: 6.7 kg
• Finish: Aluminium with Cellini chrome front
• Manufacturing: handmade, AVM factory in Malsch (Germany)
• Warranty: 2 years + 2 years with registration
• Scope of delivery: MP 30.3 · 2 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth antennas · power cable · gloves · RC 3 remote

Frequently asked questions

What's different about Cellini Chrome compared with black and silver?

Technically, nothing. Cellini Chrome is the chrome-plated front variant, available for an extra charge, and is purely visual. CD drive, streaming, connections, preamplifier and sound are identical to the black and silver versions. The choice is made by your living room, not your ears.

What's the difference between the MP 30.3 and the PAS 30.3?

The MP 30.3 has a CD drive but no analogue inputs and no headphone output. The PAS 30.3 skips the drive but brings MM/MC phono, two high-level inputs and a headphone amplifier. Streaming, networking and HDMI ARC are the same on both.

What output level does the MP 30.3 deliver?

Two RCA outputs with different jobs: the pre-out is regulated and delivers up to 3 volts to a power amplifier, the line-out delivers a fixed 3.5 volts for recording or an integrated amplifier. Both digital outputs can also be run fixed or regulated, as you choose.

Do I need a power amplifier for the MP 30.3?

Yes. The MP 30.3 is a source and preamplifier, not an integrated amplifier. Via the regulated pre-out you connect it to a power amplifier – naturally the AVM MA 30.3 MK2 – and speakers, or alternatively directly to active speakers. The fixed line-out remains free.

Can I connect headphones or a turntable to the MP 30.3?

No, neither. The MP 30.3 has neither a headphone output nor analogue inputs. For vinyl and headphones, the AVM PAS 30.3 is the right unit in the same series – with MM/MC phono and a headphone amplifier on the front, but without a CD drive.

Why buy the AVM MP 30.3 in Cellini Chrome from HD Zürisee?

Because a device of this class needs to fit the power amplifier, speakers, network and setup – and that's exactly what we go through with you. As an authorised AVM dealer in Wädenswil, we set up streaming and multiroom, handle the warranty, and have our own technician, Mauri, in house.

Goes well with

Power belongs behind it: a matching power amplifier plus floorstanding speakers or bookshelf speakers. Speaker cables and RCA cables handle the connections, and a network cable keeps streaming stable.