AVM PAS 30.3 Streaming Preamplifier, Silver

The AVM PAS 30.3 is a streaming preamplifier from the AVM 30.3 anniversary series, combining network streaming, D/A conversion, MM/MC phono and headphone amplification in one analogue-controlled preamp.

In Silver, the PAS 30.3 looks sober and clean-lined – and brings together more sources than most integrated amplifiers: streaming, turntable, digital sources and TV sound via HDMI ARC. The volume is controlled entirely in the analogue domain.

Why the PAS 30.3?

The 30.3 series is AVM's anniversary line, hand-built in Malsch. The PAS 30.3 combines AVM's own X-STREAM Engine® with a selected ESS 9038Q2M converter and a full-fledged phono stage for MM and MC cartridges. The real trick lies in the volume control: it works entirely in the analogue domain, so a signal arriving as analogue is never digitised. Anyone who has heard what cheap digital pots do to the last quiet steps knows to appreciate that effort.

What you get

A wealth of sources in one chassis: streaming via AirPlay 2, Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, Qobuz (our HiFi partner since 2018), Tidal Connect MAX, HighResAudio, web radio and UPnP/DLNA, over LAN or Wi-Fi, plus Bluetooth 5.0 LE – high-resolution up to 384 kHz/32-bit and DSD256. Web radio and network files also run without a paid subscription. Add MM/MC phono for the turntable, two high-level RCA inputs (one switchable as a home-cinema throughput), one each of HDMI ARC, optical and coaxial, plus a USB-A port. Output comes via a regulated pre out and a fixed line out, both on RCA; the headphone output with 6.3 mm jack sits on the front. Plus a dimmable OLED display with proximity sensor, AVM RoomConneXion® multiroom, the RC X app and the included RC 3 wireless remote control.

Who is the PAS 30.3 right for – and who isn't it for?

The right choice if you want to bring vinyl and streaming together in a high-quality preamp, without a separate phono or streaming box on the side. Plain talk: the PAS 30.3 is a preamplifier, not an integrated amplifier – without a power amplifier (such as the AVM MA 30.3 MK2) and speakers, or without active speakers, it stays silent. Connections are RCA throughout; if you absolutely need a balanced XLR link to the power amplifier, this isn't the right unit, and you should look further into the Ovation line instead. Anyone wanting a CD drive in the same unit should get the AVM MP 30.3; anyone wanting everything including the power amplifier should get an integrated amplifier such as the AVM AS 30.3.

Our verdict

Streaming, a good converter, a genuine phono stage and headphone amplifier in a cleanly built, analogue-controlled preamp. In Silver, a timeless centrepiece for the chain that makes surprisingly many extra boxes redundant. We'll work out together which power amplifier and speakers suit it best – by phone, email or WhatsApp.

Technical Specifications

• Type: streaming preamplifier with phono (transistor)
• Series: AVM 30.3 (anniversary series)
• Preamp: volume controlled entirely in the analogue domain · THD below 0.001%
• D/A converter: selected ESS 9038Q2M · upsampling to 192 kHz/24-bit
• Phono: MM (40 dB) / MC (60 dB) · RIAA below 0.2 dB
• Streaming: X-STREAM Engine® · up to 384 kHz/32-bit · DSD256 · AirPlay 2 · Roon Ready · Spotify Connect · Qobuz · Tidal Connect MAX · HighResAudio · web radio · UPnP/DLNA
• Network: LAN 100 Mbit/s · Wi-Fi 2.4/5 GHz (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac)
• Bluetooth: 5.0 LE (A2DP, AVRCP 1.5)
• Analogue inputs: 2× high-level RCA (one switchable as home-cinema throughput) · 1× phono RCA MM/MC
• Digital inputs: 1× HDMI ARC (192 kHz/24-bit) · 1× optical (96 kHz/24-bit) · 1× coaxial (192 kHz/24-bit)
• Analogue outputs: 1× pre out RCA (variable) · 1× line out RCA (fixed) · no XLR connections
• Digital outputs: 1× optical · 1× coaxial (level-adjustable)
• USB: 1× USB-A for hard drives and sticks (FAT16/FAT32/NTFS)
• Output level: pre out RCA variable, max. 3 V (470 Ω) · line out RCA fixed, max. 3.5 V (47 Ω)
• Headphone output: present · 6.3 mm jack on the front · 80 Ω output impedance · max. 4.5 V
• Frequency response: below 5 Hz to above 80 kHz (-3 dB)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: above 100 dB (line outputs) · phono MM above 83 dB(A) · phono MC above 74 dB(A)
• Display: dimmable OLED display with proximity sensor
• Multiroom: AVM RoomConneXion®
• Operation: RC X app (iOS/Android) · RC 3 wireless remote control
• Power consumption: operation below 16 W · network standby below 2 W · standby below 0.5 W
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 430 × 115 × 320 mm
• Weight: 6.7 kg
• Finish: silver aluminium
• Manufacturing: handmade, AVM factory in Malsch (Germany)
• Warranty: 2 years + 2 years with registration
• Scope of delivery: PAS 30.3 · 2 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth antennas · mains cable · 3× 2 RCA termination plugs for phono · gloves · RC 3 wireless remote control

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The PAS 30.3 has MM/MC phono, two analogue high-level inputs and a headphone amplifier, but no CD drive. The MP 30.3, in turn, has a CD drive but neither analogue inputs nor a headphone output. Streaming, network and HDMI ARC are identical on both.

Is the PAS 30.3 the same as the PA 30.3?

No. The PA 30.3 lacks the network section: it does have MM/MC phono, digital inputs, Bluetooth and XLR connections, but no LAN, Wi-Fi, Roon Ready or AirPlay 2. The PAS 30.3 brings exactly that with its X-STREAM Engine®, plus HDMI ARC – in exchange, it works entirely with RCA.

Which cartridges does the phono stage support?

MM and MC. The built-in phono preamp offers 40 dB of gain for MM and 60 dB for MC, with a RIAA accuracy of under 0.2 dB. Matching RCA termination plugs for MC matching are included, so no separate phono preamp is needed.

How many digital inputs does the PAS 30.3 have?

Three, one for each connection type: an HDMI ARC input for the TV, an optical Toslink input and a coaxial S/PDIF input. On top of that, there's a USB-A port for sticks and hard drives. You can output digitally via optical or coaxial as you prefer, and the coaxial output is level-adjustable.

Does the PAS 30.3 have XLR connections?

No. Inputs, outputs and phono on the PAS 30.3 are all RCA – two high-level inputs, a regulated pre out and a fixed line out. If you need a balanced XLR link to the power amplifier, we'll tell you which AVM preamplifier can do that.

Can I connect headphones to the PAS 30.3?

Yes. There's a headphone output with a 6.3 mm jack and 80 ohm output impedance on the front. That lets you play the same range of sources – streaming, vinyl, digital inputs – quietly too, without switching on the power amplifier or buying an extra device.

Why buy the AVM PAS 30.3 at HD Zürisee?

Because a preamplifier with phono and streaming has to fit with the power amplifier, speakers, turntable and network – and that's exactly what we set up for you. As an authorised AVM dealer in Wädenswil we advise honestly, handle the warranty, and have our own technician, Mauri, in house.

Goes well with

Behind it belongs a Power amplifier, plus Floorstanding speakers or Bookshelf speakers. So the phono stage doesn't sit idle, you'll find the right source under Turntables and Cartridges – wired up with Phono cable and RCA cable.