AVM Evolution CS 3.3 Streaming Integrated Amplifier with CD, Black

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, full-blown all-in-one solution – here in a black brushed aluminium housing. 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?

Honestly: the CS 3.3 is for demanding listeners with larger rooms and good floorstanding speakers, who want to keep their CD collection and also value a first-class, adjustable phono stage. If you have a smaller room, the compact Inspiration CS 2.3 gets you there more affordably. And if you're looking for the warmer, rounder character of a tube preamp, take a look at the technically equally powerful Evolution CS 5.3.

Our verdict

A single unit that replaces an entire chain – and never pretends at any point to be a compromise. Streaming, CD, phono, headphones and a power amp with genuine reserves in one screwless aluminium housing: if you want to save space and cable clutter without negotiating on sound, the CS 3.3 is the right choice.

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: brushed aluminium, black
• 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'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). Purely a matter of taste.

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, and in a particularly flexible way. 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.

Does it also drive large floorstanding speakers?

Yes. With 2 × 350 watts at 4 Ω and 2 × 180 watts at 8 Ω, the CS 3.3 has reserves for demanding speakers and larger rooms. Via outputs A and B you can connect two pairs; if both run at the same time, each speaker should have at least 8 Ω.

Why buy the AVM Evolution CS 3.3 from HD Zürisee?

We're an authorised AVM specialist dealer in Wädenswil and help you work out whether the CS 3.3 or the CS 5.3 suits your listening taste better. We find the right speakers to go with it, and our technician Mauri sets up the system, including the turntable, on site. Call us: 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.