AVM Evolution CS 3.3 Streaming Integrated Amplifier with CD, Silver

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 a silver brushed aluminium housing. Where the compact CS models reach their limits, the Evolution CS 3.3 is only just getting going, 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 making concessions 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 highlight for vinyl listeners: the phono stage is calibratable, with load resistance and capacitance fine-tuned 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 using their CD collection and also want a first-class, adjustable phono stage. For smaller rooms, the compact Inspiration CS 2.3 is enough. And if you prefer the warmer, rounder character of a tube preamp, reach for the equally powerful Evolution CS 5.3.

Our verdict

The CS 3.3 in Silver is the unassuming all-rounder: streamer, CD player, phono stage, headphone output and a power amp with serious reserves – all in one housing that doesn't shout on the shelf. If you want to replace a four-box chain with a single unit, you lose surprisingly little in the process.

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, silver
• 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 relies on a transistor preamp (neutral and precise), the CS 5.3 on a tube preamp (warmer, rounder). Which suits you better is 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, very flexibly in fact. The phono input suits MM and MC cartridges and can be calibrated in load resistance and capacitance precisely to your system – exactly what high-quality cartridges need.

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 brings enough reserves for demanding speakers and larger rooms. Via outputs A and B you can run 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?

As an authorised AVM partner in Wädenswil – with a seasoned specialist team and roots in the industry going back to the 1990s – we'll tell you honestly whether the CS 3.3 or the CS 5.3 suits your taste better. We match speakers and sources, and take care of delivery and setup on request. 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.