AVM Evolution AS 3.3 Streaming Integrated Amplifier, Silver

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 version has a brushed aluminium housing in Silver, the classic AVM face.

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 and needs the power reserves for large speakers. 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 only listen quietly in a small room, with 2 × 350 watts you're paying for reserves you'll rarely use; often an AS 30.3 or a model from the Inspiration series is enough.

Our verdict

Silver is the classic at AVM: neutral on the shelf, neutral in sound. In return, the AS 3.3 delivers everything a large system otherwise splits across three units – streamer, converter, phono stage and a power amp with genuine reserves. If you prefer it warmer, take a look at the AS 5.3 with its tube preamp.

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: brushed aluminium, silver
• 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

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 sits 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 does the ESS9028PRO DAC bring to the AS 3.3?

It runs in a double-quad configuration, meaning four converters per channel. That lowers distortion and delivers a clean, natural playback of all high-resolution formats up to DSD256 and PCM 384 kHz/32 bit – whether from the network, a USB stick or a streaming service.

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?

We carry AVM as an authorised specialist dealer and have been in the industry long enough to know which units bring lasting joy in everyday use. From Wädenswil we advise you on room, speakers and operation, and take care of warranty and service. Get in touch at 044 680 22 00.

Goes well with

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