AVM Evolution PH 3.3 Phono Preamplifier, Black

The AVM Evolution PH 3.3 is a modular phono preamplifier in pure transistor technology that amplifies MM and MC cartridges and can be adjusted precisely to almost any pickup system.

It's aimed at vinyl listeners with high-end ambitions who want to get the last ounce of music out of their turntable. Technically, the PH 3.3 borrows a lot from the flagship PH 8.3 – packaged in a screwless, 43 cm wide aluminum housing with AVM's typically understated elegance.

Why the PH 3.3?

Because the phono stage determines the success or failure of a vinyl system – it's what makes the tiny cartridge signal audible in the first place. The PH 3.3 offers five gain steps, six termination resistances for MC and six capacitance values for MM, plus a switchable subsonic filter, six selectable equalization curves and RIAA equalization accurate to ±0.2 dB. There are direct presets for AVM Cadenza systems by Ortofon. In short: precise tuning instead of an off-the-shelf compromise.

What you hear and what you get

A clean, low-noise and dynamic analog sound that reveals detail without pushing it at you. Separate RCA inputs for MM and MC, RCA and XLR outputs, a dimmable graphic display with proximity sensor, and a trigger input for integration into a larger chain. You handle all settings from the front of the unit or with the included IR remote control – no opening the housing, no jumper puzzle. And for anyone who wants more later: an integrated module slot accepts the high-quality phono modules from the bigger PH 8.3.

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

For anyone who has a good turntable and is looking for a phono stage that grows with them and truly adjusts everything. Plain talk: anyone who wants the characteristic warmth of a tube in the signal path is better off with the sibling model PH 5.3 – the PH 3.3 has no tube and deliberately goes for the neutral, spotlessly clean transistor line. And anyone who only puts on a record occasionally will also find leaner solutions in the AVM lineup.

Our verdict

The PH 3.3 is one of the most adaptable phono stages in its class – maturely tuned and future-proof thanks to its module slot. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we tune it together with you exactly to your cartridge; available in Black, Silver and as Cellini Chrom.

Technical specifications

• Type: modular phono preamplifier for MM and MC, pure transistor technology (no tube)
• Inputs: 1× MM (RCA), 1× MC (RCA)
• Outputs: 2× analog line-out (RCA and XLR)
• MM gain: 45 / 50 / 55 / 60 / 65 dB
• MC gain: 65 / 70 / 75 / 80 / 85 dB
• MC termination: 30 / 50 / 100 / 300 / 500 / 1000 Ω
• MM capacitance: 50 / 100 / 150 / 200 / 300 / 400 pF
• Equalization: RIAA (MM/MC, 20 Hz–20 kHz) ±0.2 dB, six selectable equalization curves
• Signal-to-noise ratio: MM > 84 dB(A), MC > 75 dB(A)
• Subsonic filter: switchable
• Presets: AVM Cadenza (by Ortofon)
• Expansion: module slot for PH 8.3 phono modules
• Headphone output: not present
• Display: dimmable graphic display with touchpoint and proximity sensor
• Operation: front panel or IR remote control RC 3 PH
• Control: trigger input 5–20 V
• Power consumption: max. 25 W, standby < 0.5 W
• Finishes: Aluminum Black, Aluminum Silver, Cellini Chrom
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 430 × 122 × 350 mm
• Weight: 8 kg
• What's included: PH 3.3, IR remote control RC 3 PH, power cable

Frequently asked questions

Which cartridges is the PH 3.3 suited for?

For MM and MC systems alike, with separate inputs for both. Via five gain steps, six MC termination resistances and six MM capacitances, you can adjust it to practically any pickup system. For AVM Cadenza cartridges by Ortofon there are ready-made presets for quick setup.

Does the AVM Evolution PH 3.3 have a tube?

No. According to AVM, the PH 3.3 works as a pure transistor unit and sounds correspondingly neutral and low-noise. The tube output stage sits in the sibling model PH 5.3. All other connection and performance data are identical between the two models – it's purely a matter of taste.

Can I upgrade the PH 3.3 later?

Yes. Via the integrated module slot, the high-quality phono modules from the bigger PH 8.3 can be retrofitted. That way you increase performance step by step without replacing the whole preamp. Which module is worthwhile depends on the cartridge.

How do I set the gain and termination?

Conveniently from the front of the unit or with the included IR remote control RC 3 PH – without opening the housing and without hunting for tiny switches. The subsonic filter can also be switched on this way. Which values suit your system is something we set up together right at handover.

Why buy the PH 3.3 at HD Zürisee?

Because a phono stage only shows its potential once it's tuned exactly to the cartridge. We tune it with you, advise on the whole vinyl chain, and handle service through our technician Mauri. As an authorized AVM dealer in Wädenswil, we're here for you – call or write.

Goes well with

The foundation of every analog chain: a high-quality turntable. For the rest of the system, matching floorstanding speakers and speaker cables will help you.