AVM Evolution MP 3.3 Streaming Preamplifier, Black

The AVM Evolution MP 3.3 is a streaming preamplifier with CD drive, combining a network streamer, Pure CD drive, a double-quad DAC and an analog transistor preamp in a single unit.

A source for almost everything, with volume control built right in: stream, pop in a CD, or feed in your TV via HDMI ARC. All you need after that is a power amp and speakers. The matte black, screwless aluminum front stays understated – the feature set doesn't.

Why the MP 3.3?

AVM builds the Evolution series by hand at its own factory in Malsch, Germany, with a multi-day burn-in period and repeated final inspection. In the MP 3.3, the in-house X-STREAM Engine® works alongside a Pure CD slot-in drive and a double-quad DAC: four ESS9028PRO converters per channel run in parallel, extracting every last bit of detail from each file. The preamp is purely transistor-based – tuned for maximum linearity and clarity. Tubes and a glass window in the lid are reserved for the MP 5.3 in this line-up; the MP 3.3 has a closed aluminum lid.

What you get

Streaming without any extra box: AirPlay 2, Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, Qobuz (our Hi-Fi partner since 2018), Tidal Connect, HighResAudio and internet radio run directly over LAN or Wi-Fi, plus Bluetooth 5.0 – high-resolution up to 384 kHz / 32-bit and DSD256. Digitally you take in HDMI ARC plus one optical and one coaxial input each; on the analog side you output balanced via XLR or via RCA, fixed or level-controlled as you choose. The MP 3.3 controls volume entirely in the analog domain. It's operated via the RC X app or the included RC 3 full-aluminum remote control.

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

Ideal if you want streaming, CD and digital sources all from one unit and just want to add a power amp. Let's be honest: if you're after the warmer, slightly velvety tube-based sound, look at its bigger brother, the MP 5.3, with a genuine Tube Line Stage. And if you listen mainly through headphones, you'll need a separate headphone amp – the MP 3.3 has no headphone jack. It plays deliberately transistor-clear and honest; that's a choice, not a compromise.

Do I need a separate power amp for the MP 3.3?

Yes. The MP 3.3 is a source and preamp, but not a power amp. You connect it to a power amp and speakers, or via the pre-out to active speakers. We're happy to help you find the combination that suits your room.

Our verdict

The MP 3.3 is the digital control center of the Evolution series: source and preamp in one, clean, versatile and transistor-precise. Handmade in Germany, designed as the heart of a serious pre/power amp combination. We'll help you work out which power amp and speakers suit it best – by phone, email or WhatsApp.

Technical Specifications

• Type: Streaming preamplifier with CD drive (preamp, streamer and D/A converter, no power amp)
• Series: AVM Evolution
• Preamp: analog, purely transistor-based line stage · volume controlled entirely in the analog domain
• D/A converter: Double-quad ESS 9028PRO · 4 converters per channel · up to 384 kHz / 32-bit PCM · DSD256
• CD drive: Pure CD slot-in · CD Audio and CD-R (Red Book standard)
• Streaming: X-STREAM Engine® · Spotify Connect · Qobuz · Tidal Connect MAX · HighResAudio · Roon Ready · AirPlay 2 · UPnP · internet radio · AVM RoomConneXion multiroom
• Network: LAN 100 Mbit/s · Wi-Fi 2.4 / 5 GHz (a/b/g/n/ac, two antennas)
• Bluetooth: 5.0 (A2DP, AVRCP 1.5)
• Analog inputs: none – the MP 3.3 is a purely digital and network source
• Digital inputs: HDMI ARC (up to 192 kHz / 24-bit) · 1 × coaxial S/PDIF (up to 192 kHz / 24-bit) · 1 × optical Toslink (up to 96 kHz / 24-bit), signal-sensing
• Digital outputs: 1 × coaxial · 1 × optical · level fixed or variable as chosen
• Analog outputs: pre-out 1 × balanced XLR and 1 × RCA · plus line-out
• Output level: line-out fixed 2.5 V · pre-out (XLR and RCA) variable, switchable to a fixed level if desired
• Headphone output: not available – for headphones you'll need a separate headphone amp
• Output impedance: RCA 47 Ω · XLR 94 Ω
• USB: USB 2.0 Type A for hard drives and sticks (FAT16 / FAT32 / NTFS)
• Trigger: 1 × trigger in (5–20 V) · 2 × trigger out (12 V, sequentially switched)
• Distortion: below 0.001%
• Signal-to-noise ratio: above 100 dB
• Frequency response: 0 Hz to above 100 kHz (−3 dB)
• Power consumption: standby below 0.5 W · network standby below 2 W · typically below 18 W · maximum 30 W
• Chassis: screwless aluminum with a closed lid – only the MP 5.3 has a tube window
• Control: RC X app (iOS / Android) · RC 3 full-aluminum remote control · RC 9 optional
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 430 × 122 × 330 mm
• Weight: 7.5 kg
• Finish: aluminum black (also available in silver and Cellini Chrome)
• Manufacturing: handmade, AVM factory Malsch (Germany)
• Warranty: 2 years + 2 years with online registration
• Included: AVM Evolution MP 3.3, two Wi-Fi/Bluetooth antennas, power cable, gloves, RC 3 wireless remote control

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the MP 3.3 a CD player or a streamer?

Both – and more. It combines a Pure CD slot-in drive, a full streaming platform, a double-quad DAC and an analog preamp. That lets you drive a power amp directly, without a separate preamplifier.

Does the MP 3.3 have a tube preamp?

No. The MP 3.3 is purely transistor-based and has a closed aluminum lid. The Tube Line Stage with tubes and a viewing window in the lid is reserved for the MP 5.3. Sonically, that means neutral and precise rather than warm and velvety.

Can I connect headphones to the MP 3.3?

No, the MP 3.3 has no headphone jack. You solve this with a separate headphone amp connected to the variable pre-out or the fixed line-out. We're happy to tell you which one suits your headphones – it comes down to impedance and sensitivity.

Which streaming services does the MP 3.3 support?

Directly integrated are Qobuz, Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, HighResAudio and internet radio, plus AirPlay 2, Roon Ready and Bluetooth. Internet radio and files from your home network also work without any paid subscription.

Why buy the AVM Evolution MP 3.3 from HD Zürisee?

Because a source with a preamp needs to match your power amp, speakers and listening habits – that's advice we give from practical experience. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, as an authorized AVM dealer, we set up your streaming and network, take care of the warranty, and have our own technician, Mauri, in-house. Get in touch by phone, email or WhatsApp.

Goes well with

You'll find the right power amp under Power Amps, matching speakers under Floorstanding Speakers. Wire it up with Speaker Cables and Power Cables; without a headphone jack, a Headphone Amp helps out.