AVM Evolution CS 3.3 Streaming Integrated Amplifier with CD, Cellini Chrome

The AVM Evolution CS 3.3 is a streaming integrated amplifier with a built-in CD drive that combines network streaming, ESS conversion, a calibratable MM/MC phono input and 2 × 350 watts of power amp output in one housing.

It's AVM's large all-in-one solution – here in the Cellini Chrome finish with a solid, hand-polished chrome front. Where the compact CS models stop, the Evolution CS 3.3 is just getting started, with genuine power reserves and balanced inputs.

Why the AVM Evolution CS 3.3?

The CS 3.3 is for everyone who wants a complete system in one unit, without skimping on power or connections. 2 × 350 watts at 4 Ω (2 × 180 watts at 8 Ω) drive even large floorstanding speakers with authority, and via outputs A and B even two pairs at once. The preamp works in pure transistor technology – clean, fast, neutral, with distortion below 0.001 % and a signal-to-noise ratio above 100 dB.

The digital section is built on a selected ESS9028PRO in double-quad configuration with four converters per channel, and the X-STREAM Engine streams in high resolution up to DSD256 and PCM 384 kHz/32 bit. The special feature for vinyl listeners: the phono stage is calibratable, with load resistance and capacitance adjustable precisely to your cartridge.

What you get

Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, HighResAudio and Roon run directly, AirPlay 2 and internet radio are built in – no subscription required. Plus balanced XLR and three RCA inputs, HDMI ARC for the TV, coaxial and optical digital, a slot-in CD drive, USB-A for storage media, Bluetooth 5.0 and a headphone output on the front. Control is via the free RC X App; a wireless remote (RC 3 / RC 8 or RC 9 / RC 10) is available as an accessory.

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

Hand on heart: the CS 3.3 in Cellini Chrome is for demanding listeners with larger rooms and good floorstanding speakers, who want a first-class, adjustable phono stage – plus a front that won't go unnoticed. For smaller rooms, the compact Inspiration CS 2.3 is enough. If you're after the warmer tube character, take a look at the equally powerful Evolution CS 5.3; if you'd rather have the unit sit discreetly on the shelf, go for Black or Silver.

Our verdict

Technically the Cellini is identical to the brushed versions – the extra cost buys handwork on the front, not watts. If the system is visible in the living room anyway, that's not wasted money: streaming, CD, phono and 2 × 350 watts stay exactly the same.

Technical data

• Type: streaming integrated amplifier with slot-in CD drive (all-in-one)
• 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
• CD drive: slot-in, CD-Audio and CD-R (Red Book)
• 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, 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 (regulated), line-out, 1 × coaxial and 1 × optical digital, 2 × trigger out
• Headphone output: on the front, output impedance 24 Ω
• Bluetooth: 5.0
• Network: LAN 100 Mbit/s, Wi-Fi 2.4 / 5 GHz (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac)
• Operation: RC X App (iOS/Android); wireless remote RC 3 / RC 8 or RC 9 / RC 10 available as an option
• Housing: aluminium with solid, hand-polished Cellini Chrome front
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 430 × 122 × 350 mm
• Weight: 11 kg
• Power consumption: standby < 0.5 W, max. 1000 W
• Warranty: 2 years, 4 years with online registration with the manufacturer
• What's included: unit, 2 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth antennas, power cable, gloves

Frequently asked questions

What does the Cellini Chrome finish mean?

Cellini Chrome is AVM's most elaborate finish: a solid, hand-polished chrome front instead of the brushed aluminium baffle. Technically the Evolution CS 3.3 is identical to the Black and Silver versions – same power, same connections, same conversion. The difference is purely visual.

What's the difference between the Evolution CS 3.3 and the CS 5.3?

Power, converter, connections and streaming are identical, both deliver 2 × 350 watts at 4 Ω. The difference lies solely in the preamp: the CS 3.3 uses a transistor preamp (neutral and precise), the CS 5.3 a tube preamp (warmer, rounder character).

Is a remote control included?

No. In the box you'll find the unit, two Wi-Fi/Bluetooth antennas, a power cable and gloves. The CS 3.3 is controlled via the free RC X App for iOS and Android. AVM offers the RC 3 / RC 8 and RC 9 / RC 10 wireless remotes separately as accessories.

Can I connect a turntable?

Yes. The phono input is designed for MM and MC cartridges and can be calibrated in load resistance and capacitance precisely to your system – ideal for high-quality cartridges that respond to clean matching.

Why buy the AVM Evolution CS 3.3 from HD Zürisee?

We're an authorised AVM specialist dealer in Wädenswil and advise you on whether the chrome front suits your interior, which speakers harmonise with it, and how the system should be positioned. Delivery and setup are handled by our technician Mauri. 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.