AVM CS 30.3 Streaming Integrated Amplifier with CD, Black

The AVM CS 30.3 is a streaming integrated amplifier with an integrated slot-in CD drive that combines a network streamer, D/A converter, MM/MC phono stage, preamp and power amp in one hand-built aluminium housing.

Instead of a stack of components and a cable jungle, all you need is one unit on the shelf – here in the brushed black, screwless aluminium housing. It's the same amplifier as the AVM AS 30.3, with the CD drive added behind the front panel.

Why the AVM CS 30.3?

Because it answers a simple question: how do you get truly good sound into the living room without it turning into a rack of components? 2 × 125 watts at 4 Ω drive even demanding speakers with authority, a selected ESS DAC (9038 Q2M) converts the digital signals, and the AVM X-STREAM Engine plays up to DSD256 and 384 kHz / 32 bit PCM.

The crucial difference from the AS 30.3 is hidden behind the front: a slot-in drive for CD audio and CDR to Red Book standard. If you have a grown CD collection on the shelf, you don't need to digitise it or sell it. Both models bring the full MM/MC phono input – vinyl and silver disc on one unit, which is unusual today.

What you hear

The CS 30.3 sounds clean, controlled and surprisingly big for a unit this height. From CD it plays direct and effortless, streamed in hi-res a touch airier – you can judge the difference for yourself. Distortion below 0.005 % and a signal-to-noise ratio above 95 dB aren't marketing figures, they're what you hear as calm between the notes.

Nothing is missing on the source side: Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, HighResAudio, AirPlay 2, Roon Ready, UPnP, internet radio and Bluetooth 5.0. Your TV connects via HDMI ARC and controls the volume at the same time, and multiroom runs via AVM RoomConneXion. A subscription is never a requirement – CD, vinyl, web radio and files from a NAS are entirely sufficient.

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

For everyone who wants an uncompromising but compact complete solution: one unit, a pair of speakers, done. Honestly: if you never insert a CD, you're paying here for a drive you don't need – then the AVM AS 30.3 is the same unit without the slot. And if you're filling very large rooms or a difficult speaker load, you're better off with the bigger Evolution or Ovation CS models.

Our verdict

The CS 30.3 is the most compact honest complete system we've come across: streaming, CD and phono in one hand-built housing, without any of the three sources feeling like a concession. If you own CDs, get this instead of the AS 30.3 – the surcharge is exactly one drive. We're happy to work this out for your room at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil.

Technical data

• Type: streaming integrated amplifier with slot-in CD drive and MM/MC phono
• Output power: 2 × 125 W (1 % THD, 4 Ω, 2 channels)
• Distortion: < 0.005 %
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 95 dB
• CD drive: slot-in, CD audio and CDR to Red Book standard
• D/A converter: selected ESS 9038 Q2M, upsampling to 192 kHz / 24 bit
• Streaming engine: AVM X-STREAM Engine, max. 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, 470 Ω), line-out (RCA, 47 Ω), 2× digital S/PDIF
• Output level: pre-out and digital outputs adjustable, plus a fixed line-out
• Headphone output: present, on the front (80 Ω, 4.5 V output reserve)
• Bluetooth: 5.0 LE
• Network: LAN 100 Mbit/s, Wi-Fi 2.4 / 5 GHz (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 2 antennas)
• Multiroom: AVM RoomConneXion
• Operation: RC X App (iOS/Android), dimmable OLED display with proximity sensor
• Standby consumption: < 0.5 W
• Housing: brushed black aluminium, screwless
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 430 × 115 × 360 mm
• Weight: 6.9 kg
• Manufacturing: hand-built at the AVM factory in Malsch (Germany)
• Warranty: 2 years, +2 years with online registration
• What's included: AVM CS 30.3, RC 3 full-aluminium remote control

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between the AVM CS 30.3 and the AVM AS 30.3?

The CD drive. The CS 30.3 has a slot-in drive for CD audio and CDR behind the front panel, the AS 30.3 doesn't. The amplifier section, ESS DAC, streaming engine, MM/MC phono input and all other connections are identical on both models.

What CDs does the AVM CS 30.3 play?

The slot-in drive reads CD audio and self-burned CDR to Red Book standard. SACD or DVD aren't supported. High-resolution formats up to DSD256 reach the unit via network or USB, where the CS 30.3 is then far more flexible than any disc drive.

Can I connect a turntable to the CS 30.3?

Yes. The CS 30.3 has a full phono input that switches between MM and MC cartridges via a switch (40 and 60 dB respectively). You don't need an external phono stage. It plays especially harmoniously with AVM's own Rotation turntables, but works with any good turntable.

Can I connect my TV to the CS 30.3?

Yes, via HDMI ARC. The TV sound then runs through your stereo system, and the TV remote also controls the volume and standby of the CS 30.3. Two line-level inputs can additionally be switched as a home theatre pass-through, in case an AV receiver needs to join in.

Why buy the AVM CS 30.3 from HD Zürisee?

Because we know the whole CS line inside out and can tell you where jumping to the next series is worth it and where it isn't. As an authorised AVM dealer in Wädenswil, we sort out speaker choice, TV and network integration; Mauri sets it up on-site on request. Call us on 044 680 22 00.

Goes well with

You'll find the right speakers under Speakers and Bookshelf Speakers, a turntable for the phono input under Turntables, high-quality connections under Cables, and a mains filter supplies clean power.