AVM Ovation MP 8.3 Streaming Preamplifier, Silver

The AVM Ovation MP 8.3 is a streaming preamplifier with CD drive, whose analogue output stage runs on the AVM OVATION 803 T tube circuit.

In its silver aluminium dress it looks like a sober digital hub. The difference to its sibling model, the MP 6.3, doesn't sit in the feature list, but in a single stage just before the output.

Why the MP 8.3?

The 803 T tube line stage is the only documented difference to the MP 6.3. AVM itself describes the 8.3 models as harmonic and spacious, the 6.3 transistor versions as clear and precise – a matter of character, not a ranking. Day to day, the tube reveals itself through one small detail: according to the manual, switch-on takes around 30 seconds longer than with the MP 6.3 because of the warm-up phase. Ahead of it sits the same digital section: a TEAC Pure CD slot-in drive, PCM up to 384 kHz / 32 bit and DSD128 via asynchronous, galvanically isolated USB-B, two digital filters and selectable up-/downsampling. It's built at the AVM factory in Malsch, where the device is listed as a media player.

What you get

Full networking with tube character: Roon Ready, Apple AirPlay, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, HIGHRESAUDIO and UPnP music servers run over LAN or Wi-Fi, web radio and podcasts entirely without a paid subscription. On the digital input side there are two coaxial, two optical, one USB-B and one AES/EBU connection – six in total, individually counted, and no HDMI. A USB-A socket takes a stick or hard drive. Analogue output continues via XLR and RCA, either fixed or via the device's own control from 0 to 100 dB. Headphones and analogue sources stay out of the picture – there simply are no sockets for them.

Who is the MP 8.3 suited for?

The right choice if you want modern streaming but don't want to miss the tube's warmth at the output. Plain talk: if you listen uncompromisingly neutral, the MP 6.3 saves you money with no loss of function – the equipment is identical apart from the line stage. If you want to bring in vinyl or headphones, you need additional devices either way. Here, sound preference decides, not the spec sheet.

Our verdict

The MP 8.3 takes the versatile digital base of the MP 6.3 and gives it character with the 803 T stage. In silver, an elegant centrepiece of the system, warmer and more relaxed in tone, open-ended upward with the Ovation S-DAC. Which power amplifier and which speakers carry that best, we're happy to work out together with you at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil: +41 44 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Technical data

• Type: Streaming preamplifier with CD drive (AVM Ovation Media Player)
• Line stage: Tube, AVM OVATION 803 T
• CD drive: TEAC Pure CD, slot-in, Red Book standard
• Digital inputs: 2 × coaxial S/PDIF · 2 × optical Toslink · 1 × USB-B (asynchronous, galvanically isolated) · 1 × AES/EBU – no HDMI connection
• Further input: 1 × USB-A for storage media (stick / hard drive)
• Analogue inputs: none
• Digital outputs: 1 × coaxial S/PDIF · 1 × optical Toslink
• Analogue outputs: 1 × XLR balanced (pair) · 1 × RCA (pair)
• Output level: adjustable in VARIABLE mode (0–100 dB, 0.5 or 2 dB steps) or fixed in FIXED VOL mode · LINE OUT 2.5 V
• Headphone output: not present
• Max. sample rates: S/PDIF, Toslink and AES/EBU up to 192 kHz / 24 bit · USB-B up to 384 kHz / 32 bit (PCM) as well as DSD64 and DSD128 (5.6 MHz)
• Network streaming: HiRes up to 192 kHz / 24 bit
• Signal processing: 2 digital filters (SMOOTH / STEEP) · selectable up-/downsampling (44.1 kHz/16 bit – 192 kHz/24 bit)
• Tone controls: balance, treble, bass, scalable loudness (can be switched off)
• Network: LAN 10/100 · Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 / 5 GHz)
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.2
• Streaming: Roon Ready · Apple AirPlay · Spotify Connect · TIDAL Connect · Qobuz · HIGHRESAUDIO · UPnP music server · web radio · podcasts
• Trigger outputs: 2 × trigger output (3.5 mm jack) · input for external infrared control signal
• Control: front control panel · RC X app (iOS / Android) · remote controls RC 3, RC 8 and RC 9 as optional accessories
• Special feature: switch-on takes about 30 seconds longer due to the tube stage's warm-up phase
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 430 × 122 × 350 mm
• Weight: 12 kg
• Power consumption: standby < 1.2 W · network standby < 3.3 W · idle < 23 W · maximum 60 W
• Finish: Silver aluminium
• Manufacturing: AVM Audio, Malsch (Germany)
• Upgrade: D/A converter module AVM Ovation S-DAC (ESS9038PRO) retrofittable
• Warranty: 2 years + 2 years with online registration at AVM – warranty periods may vary by country of sale; we're happy to advise you for Switzerland
• Scope of delivery: device, 2 × Wi-Fi antenna, power cable – remote control not included

Frequently asked questions

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

Only in the analogue line stage: tube OVATION 803 T on the MP 8.3, transistor on the MP 6.3. AVM describes the tube version as harmonic and spacious, the transistor version as clear and precise. Drive, converter, connections, streaming, dimensions and weight are identical on both models.

How many digital inputs does the MP 8.3 have, and is there HDMI?

Six digital inputs, no HDMI. The connection list in the AVM manual names two coaxial S/PDIF, two optical Toslink, one asynchronous USB-B and one AES/EBU input. Added to that are a USB-A socket for storage media and an input for an external infrared control signal. The manual doesn't list an HDMI or ARC connection.

What output level does the MP 8.3 deliver, and do headphones fit?

The output level is switchable: in VARIABLE mode you adjust it on the device from 0 to 100 dB and drive a power amplifier or active speakers directly, in FIXED VOL mode it sits fixed at 2.5 volts at LINE OUT. The MP 8.3 has no headphone output – for that, you need a separate headphone amplifier.

How much power does the MP 8.3 use?

According to the AVM manual, less than 1.2 watts in standby and less than 3.3 watts in network standby, under 23 watts idling and a maximum of 60 watts. The tube line stage needs around 30 seconds of warm-up time, so the device starts up a little more slowly than the MP 6.3 with its transistor stage.

What's the difference between the MP 8.3 and the Ovation SD and CS models?

The CD drive and the power amplifier. The MP 8.3 has a TEAC Pure slot-in drive on board and is listed by AVM as a media player, the Ovation SD 8.3 is the streaming preamplifier without a drive but with a headphone amplifier, and the Ovation CS 8.3 is an all-in-one with a built-in power amplifier. Watch the model designation.

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

Because the tube character should suit the power amplifier, speakers and room – and that takes practical experience rather than brochure knowledge. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil you get the MP 8.3 from an authorised AVM specialist dealer, including streaming setup, warranty handling and our own in-house technician.

Goes well with

You'll find matching amplification among our power amplifiers, plus floorstanding speakers and decent cables for the connection between them. And if the conversion should later play in a higher class, it's worth a look at the D/A converters – that's also where the retrofittable Ovation S-DAC module is listed.