AVM Evolution AS 5.3 Streaming Integrated Amplifier, Black

The AVM Evolution AS 5.3 is a streaming integrated amplifier that combines a network player, D/A converter, a tube preamp stage, MM/MC phono and a 2 × 350-watt power amp in one chassis.

It's the tube model in the Evolution AS series – here in a black brushed-aluminium chassis, hand-built at the AVM manufactory in Malsch. A system that looks like a single unit and is operated like one, but carries the ability of a whole chain inside it.

Why the Evolution AS 5.3?

The heart of the unit is the Tube Line Stage: tubes made specially for AVM in the preamp stage, visible through a tinted glass window in the lid. They give the sound the warm, smooth character that AVM's larger models are known for – thanks to gentle circuitry with a lifespan of around 20,000 hours. The digital section runs on the ESS9028 PRO double-quad DAC (four converters per channel) and resolves up to 384 kHz / 32-bit as well as DSD256. Streaming runs via the AVM X-Stream Engine, controlled with the RC X App.

What you'll hear

Full, warm, transparent – with reserves you rarely need but are still glad to have. The 2 × 350 watts at 4 Ω drive even demanding, power-hungry speakers effortlessly, without ever sounding strained. Hand on heart: once you've heard how easily big dynamic swings come through here, you won't want to go back.

Who is the AS 5.3 for?

For anyone who wants an uncompromising stereo system in a single, elegant chassis – tube charm and modern streaming at once. Plain talk: if you just run Spotify over Bluetooth in the background, you're buying far too much unit here. And if you want to pop in a CD, the sister model Evolution CS 5.3 with its slot-in drive is the right choice – the AS 5.3 deliberately has no CD drive.

Our verdict

The AS 5.3 is the most honest way to shrink a big system down to one unit without shrinking it sonically. Tube for character, Class D for power, streaming for everyday use – that adds up to an amplifier you'll enjoy for a long time.

Technical data

• Type: streaming integrated amplifier with tube preamp stage (Class D power amp)
• Series: AVM Evolution
• Output power: 2 × 350 W at 4 Ω · 2 × 180 W at 8 Ω
• Preamp stage: Tube Line Stage with tubes made specially for AVM (approx. 20,000 operating hours), viewing window in the lid
• D/A converter: ESS9028 PRO double-quad DAC · 4 converters per channel · up to 384 kHz / 32-bit PCM · DSD256
• Formats: WAV, FLAC, ALAC, AIFF, DSD, MP3, AAC, WMA, Ogg
• Streaming: AVM X-Stream Engine · Spotify Connect · Qobuz Connect · Tidal Connect MAX · HighResAudio · Roon Ready · AirPlay 2 · web radio · AVM Multiroom
• Network: LAN 100 Mbit/s · Wi-Fi 2.4 / 5 GHz (a/b/g/n/ac, two antennas)
• Bluetooth: 5.0 LE (A2DP, AVRCP 1.5)
• Phono: MM and MC · gain MM 40 / 50 dB, MC 60 / 70 dB · termination resistance and capacitance adjustable in the app
• Analogue inputs: 3 × RCA high level · 1 × balanced XLR · 1 × phono (MM/MC)
• Digital inputs: HDMI ARC (up to 192 kHz / 24-bit) · 1 × coaxial S/PDIF (up to 192 kHz / 24-bit) · 1 × optical (up to 96 kHz / 24-bit) · USB-A for storage media
• Digital outputs: 1 × coaxial · 1 × optical · level fixed or adjustable
• Analogue outputs: pre-out RCA and XLR · line-out · speaker terminals A and B
• Output level: line-out fixed (2.5 V) · pre-out adjustable · digital outputs fixed or adjustable
• Headphone output: yes – 6.3 mm on the front, with its own headphone amp
• Distortion (THD): power amp under 0.005% · preamp under 0.025% · headphone amp under 0.001%
• Signal-to-noise ratio: preamp over 100 dB · power amp over 95 dB
• Frequency response: below 5 Hz to above 100 kHz (−3 dB)
• Power consumption: standby under 0.5 W · network standby under 2 W · idle under 16 W
• Operation: RC X App (iOS / Android) · graphic display with touchpoint sensor and proximity sensor · RC 5 aluminium remote optional
• Finish: Aluminium Black (brushed), screwless precision chassis
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 430 × 122 × 350 mm
• Weight: 11 kg
• Manufacture: handmade, AVM manufactory Malsch (Germany)
• Warranty: 2 years + 2 years with online registration

Frequently asked questions

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

The AS 5.3 has a tube preamp stage (Tube Line Stage), while the AS 3.3 works as a pure transistor unit and sounds more neutral. Power, connections and streaming are identical. On the 5.3, you can spot the tubes through the glass window in the lid – a matter of sonic taste, not of quality.

Does the AS 5.3 have a CD drive?

No. The AS 5.3 is the version without CD. If you want a built-in slot-in CD drive, go for the AVM Evolution CS 5.3 from the same series. That way you only pay for what you actually use.

Can I connect a turntable?

Yes. A full phono input for MM and MC cartridges is built in, with 40 / 50 dB for MM and 60 / 70 dB for MC. You set termination and capacitance via the display or the RC X App. You don't need a separate phono stage.

Can I connect headphones to the AS 5.3?

Yes. There's a 6.3 mm jack on the front with its own headphone amp, whose distortion is under 0.001%. So you don't need an extra unit in the rack for good over-ear headphones. 3.5 mm adapters fit too.

Do I need a paid subscription?

No. Services like Qobuz, Tidal or Spotify are optional, not required. The AS 5.3 also plays web radio, music files from your network or from USB, vinyl via phono, and sources via HDMI or the digital inputs.

Why buy the AVM Evolution AS 5.3 from HD Zürisee?

We're an authorised AVM dealer in Wädenswil and know the Evolution series inside out. We'll work out with you whether it's the 3.3 or the 5.3, and which speakers suit your room and taste, and our technician Mauri takes care of delivery and setup. Call us on 044 680 22 00 or message us on WhatsApp.

Goes well with

You'll find the matching speakers under Speakers, the turntable to go with it under Turntables, and quality connections under Cables.