AVM AS 30.3 Streaming Integrated Amplifier, Silver

The AVM AS 30.3 is a streaming integrated amplifier that combines network streamer, D/A converter, MM/MC phono stage, preamp and power amp in a single hand-built aluminium chassis.

This version has a brushed aluminium chassis in Silver – the classic that suits practically any décor and doesn't look out of place next to older equipment either. It's the entry point into AVM's 30.3 series and inherits more from its big brothers than its size suggests.

Why the AVM AS 30.3?

Because it replaces half a rack of gear without cutting corners anywhere. 2 × 125 watts into 4 Ω drive even demanding speakers, a selected ESS DAC (9038 Q2M) handles the digital side, and the AVM X-STREAM engine plays up to DSD256 and 384 kHz / 32-bit PCM. On top of that comes a full phono input, switchable between MM and MC – exactly what most compact all-in-ones leave out first.

It's built by hand in Malsch. You notice that less in the datasheet than in the details: screwless chassis, clean edge finishing, a dimmable OLED display that only wakes up as your hand approaches. A small showing-off moment you'll gladly take.

What you hear

The AS 30.3 sounds tidy rather than forward: voices sit cleanly centred, the bass stays dry and goes deep enough that you won't miss a subwoofer with bookshelf speakers. It doesn't push artificially, staying composed even at higher levels – no surprise at 125 watts per channel.

On the source side, everything's there: Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, HighResAudio, AirPlay 2, Roon Ready, UPnP, internet radio and Bluetooth 5.0. Your TV connects via HDMI ARC, which also controls the volume. You don't need a subscription for any of this: web radio, files from a NAS or USB stick, and your record collection all work without one.

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

For anyone who wants to shrink a full-fledged system down to a single unit without giving up vinyl. Straight talk: the AS 30.3 has no CD drive – its sister, the AVM CS 30.3, has a slot-in drive for that, or you can connect a CD player to the coaxial input. And if you're filling a very large room or driving particularly power-hungry speakers, look one series up instead. Honestly: for a normal living room, 2 × 125 watts is plenty.

Our verdict

The AS 30.3 is the most sensible way to reduce streamer, converter, phono stage and amplifier down to a single chassis – without the usual all-in-one compromise. Silver is the finish you'll still enjoy looking at in ten years. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, we'll tell you honestly which of the two 30.3 models suits your shelf.

Technical data

• Type: streaming integrated amplifier with MM/MC phono, no CD drive
• Output power: 2 × 125 W (1% THD, 4 Ω, 2 channels)
• D/A converter: selected ESS 9038 Q2M, upsampling to 192 kHz / 24-bit
• Streaming engine: AVM X-STREAM engine, up to DSD256 and PCM 384 kHz / 32-bit
• File formats: WAV, FLAC, ALAC, AIFF, DSD, MP3, WMA, AAC, Ogg
• Services: AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, HighResAudio, Roon Ready, UPnP, internet radio
• Phono input: 1× MM/MC switchable (MM 40 dB, MC 60 dB, RIAA equalisation < 0.2 dB)
• Analogue inputs: 2× line-level (RCA), switchable as home theatre pass-through
• Digital inputs: HDMI ARC, S/PDIF coaxial (192 kHz / 24-bit), S/PDIF optical (96 kHz / 24-bit), USB-A
• Outputs: pre-out (RCA), line-out (RCA, 47 Ω), 2× S/PDIF digital
• Output level: pre-out and digital outputs adjustable, plus a fixed line-out
• Headphone output: present, on the front (output impedance 80 Ω)
• Bluetooth: 5.0 LE (A2DP, AVRCP 1.5)
• Network: LAN 100 Mbit/s, Wi-Fi 2.4 / 5 GHz (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 2 antennas)
• Multiroom: AVM RoomConneXion
• Control: RC X app (iOS/Android), dimmable OLED display with proximity sensor
• Chassis: brushed silver aluminium, screwless
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 430 × 115 × 355 mm
• Weight: 6.9 kg
• Manufacturing: handmade at the AVM factory in Malsch (Germany)
• Warranty: 2 years, +2 years with online registration
• Scope of delivery: AVM AS 30.3, RC 3 full-aluminium remote control

Frequently asked questions

Does the AVM AS 30.3 have a CD drive?

No. The AS 30.3 is the streaming variant with no drive and a closed front. If you want to load CDs directly, its sister, the AVM CS 30.3 with a slot-in drive, is the right choice. Alternatively, connect a CD player to the coaxial or optical digital input.

Can I connect a turntable to the AVM AS 30.3?

Yes. The AS 30.3 has a full phono input that switches between MM and MC cartridges (40 or 60 dB gain respectively). So you don't need an external phono stage. It pairs especially well with AVM's Rotation turntables, but works with any good turntable.

Do I need a streaming subscription for the AS 30.3?

No, a subscription is purely optional. Internet radio, music files from a NAS or USB stick, TV sound via HDMI ARC and your vinyl records all work without any service. You can use Qobuz, TIDAL or Spotify, but you don't have to – the amplifier is just as enjoyable without them.

Which speakers suit the AVM AS 30.3?

With 2 × 125 watts into 4 Ω, it pairs well with most upmarket bookshelf and floorstanding speakers, such as our own Audition CB 2.3. Which speaker suits your room comes down more to floor area and placement than the datasheet – we're happy to talk it through with you.

Why buy the AVM AS 30.3 at HD Zürisee?

Because we have an experienced team with industry roots going back to the 1990s who'll tell you which 30.3 model really suits you – AS or CS, which speakers, which cabling. As an authorised AVM dealer in Wädenswil, we also handle setup and service. Get in touch by phone or WhatsApp.

Goes well with

You'll find matching speakers under speakers and bookshelf speakers, a turntable for the phono input under turntables, clean signal comes from cables, and a mains filter takes care of clean power.