AVM Evolution CS 5.3 Streaming Integrated Amplifier with CD, Black Edition

The AVM Evolution CS 5.3 Black Edition is a streaming integrated amplifier with a CD drive that combines streamer, CD player, MM/MC phono stage, headphone amplifier and a 2 × 350 watt power amplifier in one chassis – in the all-black version with a revised tube board.

The Black Edition is AVM's answer to the question of what can still be improved on the CS 5.3. New board, new terminals, silver internal wiring, additional capacitors – and on the outside consistently black, right down to the controls. It is handcrafted in Malsch and, on request, can also be retrofitted to existing Evolution units of the .3 generation.

Why the AVM Evolution CS 5.3 Black Edition?

Because AVM has stepped up exactly where it matters for the sound: at the heart is a newly developed tube board with specially selected operational amplifiers, thin-film resistors in mini-MELF format and black tube sockets. The analogue line stage hardly amplifies at all (a factor of roughly 1:1), which is why such details are clearly audible there. Add pure silver internal wiring, four additional 2,200 µF capacitors stabilising the output stage and a new generation of output stage.

What you get

A whole system in one unit: streaming up to DSD256 and 32-bit/384 kHz with AirPlay, Qobuz Connect, Roon, Spotify, TIDAL Connect and HighResAudio, plus a CD drive, Bluetooth 5.0 and digital inputs including HDMI ARC. The phono stage handles MM and MC with adjustable termination, the headphone output sits on the front, and your speakers connect to the rhodium-plated AVM terminals. The power amplifier delivers 2 × 350 watts into 4 ohms and 2 × 180 watts into 8 ohms.

Who is the Black Edition suited for – and who not?

Straight talk: for anyone who wants a single unit instead of a rack, appreciates the tube charm in the line stage and deliberately likes it black. If you already have a CS 5.3 in mind, this is the more refined variant – the premium over the regular CS 5.3 is noticeable and a question of ambition, not necessity. If you don't need a CD drive, look at the Evolution units without a CD drive; if you prefer something more discreet, take the regular CS 5.3 in black or silver.

Our verdict

The CS 5.3 Black Edition is an all-in-one for people who don't want to wire things together yet won't accept compromises on the board. It is grown-up, powerful and looks as if it had been put in a tuxedo. We're happy to work out calmly with you at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil which speakers go with it.

Technical data

• Type: streaming integrated amplifier with CD drive (all-in-one)
• Edition: Black Edition: all black, emblem laser-engraved into the top cover
• Output power: 2 × 350 W (4 Ω), 2 × 180 W (8 Ω)
• Power amp distortion: < 0.005 %
• Preamplifier: Black Edition tube board (line stage, gain 1)
• Refinements: rhodium-plated AVM speaker terminals, pure silver wiring, 4 × 2,200 µF additional capacitors, new output stage generation
• Streaming: PCM up to 384 kHz / 32 bit, DSD256
• Streaming services: AirPlay, Qobuz Connect, Roon, Spotify, TIDAL Connect (MAX), HighResAudio
• File formats: WAV, MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC, ALAC, DSD, Ogg, AIFF
• CD drive: CD audio and CD-R (Red Book)
• Phono: MM (40/50 dB) and MC (60/70 dB), MC termination 100 Ω to 2 kΩ, MM capacitance 47 to 410 pF adjustable
• Digital inputs: coaxial (192 kHz/24 bit), optical (96 kHz/24 bit), HDMI ARC (192 kHz/24 bit), USB-A 2.0 for hard drives and sticks only
• Analogue inputs: RCA (50 kΩ) and XLR (40 kΩ)
• Output level: Pre-Out volume-controlled, max. 8.5 V; Line-Out fixed 2.5 V
• Digital outputs: coaxial (192 kHz/24 bit), optical (96 kHz/24 bit)
• Headphone output: yes, output impedance 24 Ω, max. 7 V
• Bluetooth: 5.0 (AVRCP 1.5, A2DP)
• Network: LAN 100 Mbit/s, WLAN 2.4 / 5 GHz (802.11a/b/g/n/ac), 2 antennas
• Control: trigger input 5–20 V, 2 × trigger output 12 V
• Power consumption: max. 1000 W, standby < 0.5 W, network standby < 2 W
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 430 × 122 × 350 mm
• Weight: 11 kg

Frequently asked questions

How does the Black Edition differ from the regular Evolution CS 5.3?

The Black Edition brings a newly developed tube board with specially selected operational amplifiers and mini-MELF resistors, rhodium-plated speaker terminals, pure silver wiring and four additional 2,200 µF capacitors. Visually it is entirely black with a laser-engraved emblem.

Can I upgrade an existing Evolution unit to the Black Edition?

According to AVM, yes: the upgrade is available for CS, AS, PAS and MP models of the .3 generation, is carried out at the factory in Malsch and requires shipping the unit. Whether it's worthwhile for your unit, we're happy to discuss with you.

Does the CS 5.3 Black Edition have a phono input and a headphone output?

Both are on board. The phono stage handles MM (40/50 dB) and MC (60/70 dB) with adjustable termination; the headphone output has 24 ohms output impedance and delivers up to 7 volts.

Which speakers suit the CS 5.3 Black Edition?

The power amplifier manages 2 × 350 watts into 4 ohms and 2 × 180 watts into 8 ohms – almost all floorstanders cope with that, including demanding ones. Which speaker suits your room and taste, we'll listen to together in Wädenswil.

Why buy the AVM Evolution CS 5.3 Black Edition at HD Zürisee?

Because we've carried AVM in Wädenswil for years, know the units in everyday use and know which speakers go well with them. We advise honestly, set up and have our own technician in Mauri. Call us (044 680 22 00) or message us on WhatsApp (076 534 22 00, text only, no calls).

Goes well with

You'll find matching speakers under speakers and bookshelf speakers, more units under streaming amplifiers. Power conditioners provide clean mains, plus the right speaker cables.