AVM Evolution AS 3.3 Streaming Integrated Amplifier, Cellini Chrome

The AVM Evolution AS 3.3 is a top-class streaming integrated amplifier that combines network streaming, an ESS9028PRO double-quad DAC, an adjustable MM/MC phono stage and 2 × 350 watts of power amp output in one screwless aluminium housing.

It's the pure amplifier variant of the Evolution series – without a CD drive, but with a closed lid and power in focus. This Cellini version has a chrome-plated, hand-polished front complete with a chrome-plated rotary knob. Understatement is so yesterday.

Why the AVM Evolution AS 3.3?

No half measures here: 2 × 350 watts at 4 Ω (2 × 180 watts at 8 Ω) drive even full-sized floorstanding speakers effortlessly, plus switchable speaker outputs A and B for two pairs. The digital section is built on the selected ESS9028PRO – four converters work in parallel per channel. The result is an authority where the system never sounds like it's working hard, no matter how loud it gets.

The preamp works in pure transistor technology: distortion below 0.001 %, signal-to-noise ratio above 100 dB. Sober numbers – you notice them mainly in the fact that nothing happens between the notes.

What you get

Streaming runs via the AVM X-STREAM Engine up to DSD256 and PCM 384 kHz/32 bit, controlled via the RC X App: Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, HighResAudio, AirPlay 2, Roon Ready and internet radio. If you don't want a subscription, you're just as happy with internet radio, files from a network drive or USB stick, and vinyl. On the connection side everything that counts is there: HDMI ARC for the TV, coaxial and optical digital input, USB-A, three line-level RCA inputs and a balanced XLR input. On the front sits a 6.3 mm headphone output with its own amplifier.

The high-performance phono stage takes MM and MC – and the neat part: you set the load resistance and capacitance to match your cartridge in the app, instead of hunting for jumpers inside the housing. It plays especially harmoniously with AVM's own Rotation turntables.

Who is the Evolution AS 3.3 right for – and who isn't it for?

For everyone who wants an uncompromising all-in-one at high-end level, needs the power reserves for large speakers, and consciously treats themselves to the boldest front in the range on top. Honestly: if you want a CD drive built in, this isn't for you – that's what its sibling, the Evolution CS 3.3, is for. And if you'd rather your unit disappeared into the shelf, go for the brushed version in Black or Silver; Cellini Chrome wants to be seen.

Our verdict

Technically the Cellini is identical to the brushed versions – the difference is on the front, not in the circuitry. If you see your system as a piece of furniture and still want 2 × 350 watts, ESS conversion and an app-calibratable phono stage, you get both in one housing here.

Technical data

• Type: streaming integrated amplifier (without CD drive)
• Output power: 2 × 350 W (4 Ω) / 2 × 180 W (8 Ω)
• Preamp: transistor (pure transistor technology)
• Preamp distortion: < 0.001 %
• Preamp signal-to-noise ratio: > 100 dB
• D/A converter: ESS9028PRO double-quad (4 converters per channel), up to DSD256 / PCM 384 kHz / 32 bit
• Streaming (AVM X-STREAM Engine): AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, HighResAudio, Roon Ready, internet radio
• Supported formats: WAV, FLAC, ALAC, AIFF, DSD, MP3, AAC, WMA, Ogg
• Phono: MM/MC switchable, gain MM 40/50 dB, MC 60/70 dB, load resistance and capacitance adjustable
• Analogue inputs: 3 × RCA (line level), 1 × balanced XLR, 1 × phono (RCA)
• Digital inputs: HDMI (ARC), 1 × S/PDIF coaxial, 1 × optical, USB-A for storage media
• Outputs: speakers A & B (two pairs), pre-out RCA and XLR, line-out, 2 × digital (coaxial/optical, level optionally adjustable)
• Headphone output: 6.3 mm on the front, dedicated headphone amplifier, 7 V (1 % distortion)
• Bluetooth: 5.0
• Network: LAN 100 Mbit/s, Wi-Fi 2.4 / 5 GHz (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac), 2 antennas
• Operation: RC X App (iOS/Android), dimmable graphic display with touch and proximity sensor
• Housing: aluminium with chrome-plated, hand-polished Cellini front
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 430 × 122 × 350 mm
• Weight: 11 kg
• Power consumption: standby < 0.5 W, network standby < 2 W, idle < 16 W, max. 1000 W
• Warranty: 2 years, 4 years with online registration with the manufacturer
• Manufacturing: hand-built in Malsch, Germany

Frequently asked questions

What does the Cellini Chrome finish mean?

Cellini Chrome is AVM's most elaborate finish: a chrome-plated, hand-polished front with a matching rotary knob instead of the brushed aluminium baffle. Technically the Evolution AS 3.3 is identical to the Black and Silver versions – same power, same connections, same conversion.

Does the AVM Evolution AS 3.3 have a CD drive?

No. The AS 3.3 is the pure streaming amplifier variant with a closed housing lid. The slot-in drive is in its sibling, the Evolution CS 3.3. If you still want to play silver discs on the AS 3.3, connect a CD player or CD drive to the coaxial or optical digital input.

How much power does the Evolution AS 3.3 have?

The AS 3.3 delivers 2 × 350 watts at 4 Ω and 2 × 180 watts at 8 Ω. That drives even large, demanding floorstanding speakers with authority. If you use both speaker outputs A and B at the same time, the impedance per speaker must not drop below 8 Ω.

What's the difference between the AS 3.3 and the AS 5.3?

Power, converter, streaming and connections are identical on both. The difference lies solely in the preamp: the AS 3.3 is purely transistor-based and therefore very neutral, the AS 5.3 uses a tube line stage with a somewhat warmer character. A matter of taste, not of class.

Why buy the AVM Evolution AS 3.3 from HD Zürisee?

As an authorised AVM partner in Wädenswil, we'll tell you honestly whether the Cellini front works in your living room or overwhelms it – and which speakers suit the room. Our technician Mauri handles delivery, setup and service. Message us on WhatsApp at 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls).

Goes well with

You'll find powerful floorstanding speakers under Speakers, the right turntable under Turntables and high-quality connections under Cables.