AVM Ovation SD 8.3 Streaming Preamplifier, Black

The AVM Ovation SD 8.3 is a streaming preamplifier with a tube line stage, combining a network player, D/A converter and analogue preamp stage in one chassis – without its own power amplifier and without a CD drive.

At AVM, “SD” stands for Streaming & DAC. The difference to the otherwise identical SD 6.3 sits behind the converter: on the 8.3, a tube stage takes over the signal path. In return, it takes a short while to warm up after switching on – good things take a moment, as they say.

Why the Ovation SD 8.3?

Because it replaces a complete source-and-preamp stage while giving it a signature of its own. HiRes streaming via AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, HighResAudio, Roon Ready, UPnP music servers, podcasts and web radio, a Quad-DAC up to 384 kHz/32-bit and DSD128, two analogue high-level inputs and six digital ones. The tube line stage delivers the warmer, more natural sound that AVM deliberately gives the 8-series model.

What you get

XLR and RCA in both directions, a fixed line out at 2.5 V, a regulated pre out up to 5.4 V, two 12 V switching outputs and a Class-A headphone amplifier via 6.3 mm jack. Plus multiroom and party-sync mode, Bluetooth 4.2 and the RC X app for iOS and Android. This finish comes with a black anodised aluminium front. Streaming services are optional – web radio, network files and USB run subscription-free.

Who is the Ovation SD 8.3 right for?

Plain talk: the SD 8.3 is not an integrated amplifier and not a CD player. Without a power amplifier or active speakers it stays silent, and for discs you need the Ovation MP 8.3. It's worth it for anyone running separate components who deliberately wants the tube as a tonal colour. Anyone chasing maximum measured values is better served by the transistor-equipped SD 6.3 – it measures cleaner.

Our verdict

The SD 8.3 isn't the “bigger” SD, it's the differently-voiced one: same connections, same converter, same 12-kilo chassis as the SD 6.3, just with a tube instead of a transistor in the line stage. If you already know you like tubes, there's not much to think over here. If you're unsure, don't make the decision from a datasheet – that's what we're here for at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil.

“The impressive spec sheet is one thing – the AVM Ovation SD 8.3 and MA 8.3 pre-/power-amp combination impresses above all with uncoloured naturalness and effortless authority.” – Sebastian Polcyn, FIDELITY online, March 2023 (test of the combination with the Ovation MA 8.3 power amplifier).

Technical Specifications

• Type: streaming preamplifier with D/A converter, tube line stage in the signal path
• D/A converter: Quad-DAC, PCM up to 384 kHz/32-bit, DSD128
• Streaming: AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, HighResAudio, Roon Ready, UPnP music servers, podcasts, web radio
• Multiroom: multiroom and party-sync mode
• Network: LAN 100 Mbit/s (hot-plug capable), Wi-Fi 2.4/5 GHz (802.11a/b/g/n/ac, 2 antennas), WPS
• Bluetooth: 4.2 (AVRCP 1.5, A2DP)
• Analogue inputs: 2 (1× XLR balanced, 1× RCA unbalanced)
• Input impedance: 10 kΩ (RCA), 20 kΩ (XLR)
• Digital inputs: 6 (2× S/PDIF coaxial up to 192 kHz/24-bit, 2× optical up to 96 kHz/24-bit, 1× AES/EBU, 1× USB-B up to 384 kHz/32-bit and DSD128)
• Further connections: 1× USB-A for storage media (FAT16/FAT32/NTFS, max. 500 mA), 2× 12 V switching output
• Analogue outputs: 1× XLR, 1× RCA pre out (variable), 1× RCA line out (fixed)
• Digital outputs: 1× S/PDIF coaxial up to 192 kHz/24-bit, 1× optical up to 96 kHz/24-bit
• Output level: line out 2.5 V (fixed), pre out 5.4 V at 1% THD (regulated)
• Output impedance: 47 Ω (RCA pre and line), 94 Ω (XLR)
• Headphone output: present – Class-A amplifier via 6.3 mm jack, 15 Ω output impedance, gain factor 3.0, up to 6.5 V at 1% THD, THD < 0.002%, signal-to-noise ratio > 97 dB
• Preamp THD: < 0.02%
• Frequency response (-3 dB): < 5 Hz to > 30 kHz
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 98 dB
• Crosstalk attenuation: > 100 dB between channels, > 87 dB between inputs
• Operation: RC X app (iOS/Android), RC 9 remote control available as an option
• Power supply: 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz
• Power consumption: < 1.2 W standby, < 3.3 W network standby, < 23 W idle, max. 60 W
• Upgrade option: AVM OVATION S-DAC converter module (ESS9038PRO with Bi-Quad output) – according to AVM retrofittable into the SD, MP and CS models of the .2 and .3 Ovation series
• Finish: black aluminium
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 430 × 122 × 350 mm
• Weight: 12 kg
• Warranty: 2 years, 4 years in total with online registration at AVM (warranty periods may vary by country of sale)
• Scope of delivery: Ovation SD 8.3, 2× Wi-Fi antenna, mains cable (RC 9 remote control available as an option)

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The line stage. The SD 8.3 routes the signal through a tube stage, the SD 6.3 stays fully transistor-equipped throughout. Measurement-wise this shows up in distortion and bandwidth: below 0.02% and 5 Hz to 30 kHz on the 8.3, below 0.001% and up to over 70 kHz on the 6.3. Converter, streaming and connections are identical.

Is the AVM Ovation SD 8.3 a CD player?

No, it doesn't have a drive. “SD” stands for Streaming & DAC. Anyone wanting to play CDs should get the Ovation MP 8.3: the same preamp with tube stage, but according to the AVM manual with an additional CD drive. Alternatively, you connect a separate drive to one of the digital inputs.

Do I need a power amplifier for the SD 8.3?

Yes. The SD 8.3 is a pure preamplifier and outputs its regulated signal via pre out or XLR, with up to 5.4 V. Behind it belongs a power amplifier or a pair of active speakers. Two 12 V switching outputs automatically wake the power amplifier along with it.

Is a remote control included with the SD 8.3?

No. According to the AVM manual, the scope of delivery comprises the unit, two Wi-Fi antennas and a mains cable. AVM explicitly lists the RC 9 with colour display as available as an option. Day to day, you mostly control the unit via the free RC X app or directly on the device.

Can I connect headphones to the SD 8.3?

Yes. There's a Class-A headphone amplifier on the front with a 6.3 mm jack, 15 Ω output impedance, gain factor 3.0 and up to 6.5 V output level at one percent distortion. That's enough for the vast majority of HiFi headphones. For extreme impedances, it's best to talk to us first.

Does the SD 8.3 support HiRes via USB?

Yes. According to the AVM manual, the USB-B input accepts PCM up to 384 kHz at 32-bit as well as DSD128, so you can connect a PC or Mac directly. Coaxial runs up to 192 kHz/24-bit, optical up to 96 kHz/24-bit. The USB-A port reads sticks and hard drives in FAT16, FAT32 and NTFS.

Can the converter be upgraded later?

Yes. AVM offers the OVATION S-DAC converter module, which according to the manufacturer can be retrofitted into the SD, MP and CS models of the .2 and .3 Ovation series. It's built around an ESS9038PRO with Bi-Quad output. We clarify the installation beforehand based on your serial number.

The product photos say “SD 8.2” – is that the right item?

Yes. Our photos are still from the previous generation and show “SD 8.2” on the display. What's offered and delivered is the current SD 8.3 in black with tube line stage and the specifications listed above. We'll replace them with new manufacturer photos as soon as they're available.

Why buy the AVM Ovation SD 8.3 at HD Zürisee?

Because with a tube unit, the whole chain decides the result. We've carried AVM for many years, know the matching power amplifiers and speakers, and set up network and multiroom with our own technician. Call us on +41 44 680 22 00, message us on WhatsApp at 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or email shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

The matching power amplifier can be found under Power amplifiers, plus Speakers and the Cabling. Anyone wanting to push the Class-A output to its limits should look at the Headphones nearby. More D/A converters and Streamers stand alongside, and for later, AVM has the OVATION S-DAC converter module ready.