AVM MP 30.3 Streaming Preamplifier, Black

The AVM MP 30.3 is a streaming preamplifier with a CD drive from the AVM 30.3 anniversary series, combining a CD player, network streamer and regulated preamplifier in one slim chassis.

A source and preamp hub with no detours: load a CD, stream from the network, or feed in the TV sound via HDMI ARC. Behind it, all you need is a power amplifier and speakers. The matte black front stays understated – the feature set doesn't.

Why the MP 30.3?

The 30.3 series is AVM's anniversary line, built by hand in Malsch. The MP 30.3 bundles the in-house X-STREAM Engine®, a slot-in CD drive to the Red Book standard and an analogue preamplifier with a gain factor of 1 over short signal paths. That's exactly the point: instead of buying a CD player, streamer and preamplifier separately and connecting them with three sets of cables, everything sits in one chassis here – and the signal path gets shorter instead of longer.

What you get

Streaming with no extra box: AirPlay 2, Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, Qobuz (our Hi-Fi partner since 2018), TIDAL Connect MAX, HighResAudio and web radio over LAN or Wi-Fi, plus Bluetooth 5.0 LE – high-resolution up to 384 kHz / 32 bit and DSD256. Web radio and files from the network or a USB stick run without any paid subscription too. Digitally, you get HDMI ARC, optical and coaxial inputs, one each. Via the regulated pre-out you drive a power amplifier directly, while the fixed line-out remains free for a recording or an integrated amplifier. Control is via the RC X app or the included RC 3 solid-aluminium remote. The connection panel on the back is identical across all three colour variants – the colour only affects the front and lid.

Who is the MP 30.3 suited for – and who isn't it for?

Ideal if CD and streaming are your two main sources and you want to drive a power amplifier directly. To be clear, so there's no trouble when connecting: the MP 30.3 has no analogue inputs – a turntable, tuner or tape deck have no place here. And it has no headphone output. If you need vinyl and headphones, go for the sister unit AVM PAS 30.3 (MM/MC phono plus headphone amp, but without a CD drive) or add an external phono preamplifier. If you want everything including a power amplifier in one chassis, a CS all-in-one is the better fit.

Our verdict

The MP 30.3 is the slim digital hub of the 30.3 series: CD, streaming and a regulated preamplifier in one, neutrally tuned and cleanly built. If you have a collection of silver discs and still want to stream, this is the shortest route there – with no stack of devices. Which power amplifier and which speakers suit it best is something we're happy to work out together – by phone, email or WhatsApp.

Technical data

• Type: Streaming preamplifier with CD drive
• Series: AVM 30.3 (anniversary series)
• Preamplifier: analogue · gain factor 1
• CD drive: slot-in · CD audio / CD-R (Red Book standard)
• Streaming: X-STREAM Engine® · up to 384 kHz / 32 bit · DSD256 · AirPlay 2 · Roon Ready · Spotify · Qobuz · TIDAL Connect MAX · HighResAudio · web radio
• Network: LAN 100 Mbit/s · Wi-Fi 2.4 / 5 GHz (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac)
• Bluetooth: 5.0 LE
• Analogue inputs: none
• Digital inputs: 1 × HDMI ARC (192 kHz/24 bit) · 1 × optical (96 kHz/24 bit) · 1 × coaxial (192 kHz/24 bit)
• Digital outputs: 1 × optical (96 kHz/24 bit) · 1 × coaxial (192 kHz/24 bit) · level fixed or regulated, selectable
• USB: 1 × USB-A (USB 2.0, 500 mA) for drives and sticks
• Output level: Pre-Out RCA regulated, 3 V at 1% THD (470 Ω) · Line-Out RCA fixed, 3.5 V at 1% THD (47 Ω)
• Headphone output: not available
• THD: less than 0.001%
• Signal-to-noise ratio: greater than 100 dB
• Frequency response: preamplifier less than 5 Hz to greater than 80 kHz · CD 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Operation: RC X app (iOS / Android) · RC 3 solid-aluminium remote
• Power consumption: operation less than 16 W · network standby less than 2 W · standby less than 0.5 W
• Power supply: 100–240 V / 50–60 Hz
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 430 × 115 × 310 mm
• Weight: 6.7 kg
• Finish: Aluminium Black
• Manufacturing: handmade, AVM factory in Malsch (Germany)
• Warranty: 2 years + 2 years with registration
• Scope of delivery: MP 30.3 · 2 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth antennas · power cable · gloves · RC 3 remote

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between the MP 30.3 and the PAS 30.3?

The MP 30.3 has a CD drive but no analogue inputs and no headphone output. The PAS 30.3 skips the drive but brings MM/MC phono, two high-level inputs and a headphone amplifier. Streaming, networking and HDMI ARC are the same on both.

Do I need a power amplifier for the MP 30.3?

Yes. The MP 30.3 is a source and preamplifier, not an integrated amplifier. Via the regulated pre-out with up to 3 volts you connect it to a power amplifier – naturally the AVM MA 30.3 MK2 – and speakers, or alternatively directly to active speakers. The fixed line-out remains free for other use.

Does the MP 30.3 have a phono input or analogue inputs?

No, neither. The MP 30.3 accepts only digital sources and its own CD drive. For vinyl with a built-in phono stage, the AVM PAS 30.3 is the right choice; alternatively you add an external phono preamplifier, but then you need a device with an analogue input ahead of it.

Can I connect headphones to the MP 30.3?

No, it has no headphone output. If headphones are part of your daily routine, the AVM PAS 30.3 with its front-mounted headphone amplifier is the better choice – or you connect your own headphone amplifier to the fixed line-out.

How many digital inputs does the MP 30.3 have?

Three, one each: an HDMI ARC input up to 192 kHz / 24 bit, an optical input up to 96 kHz / 24 bit and a coaxial input up to 192 kHz / 24 bit. There's also a USB-A port for sticks and drives, plus LAN and Wi-Fi for the network.

Why buy the AVM MP 30.3 from HD Zürisee?

Because a source with a preamplifier only becomes enjoyable once the network, power amplifier and speakers work together cleanly – and that's exactly what we set up for you. As an authorised AVM dealer in Wädenswil, we advise from decades of practical experience, handle the warranty, and have our own technician, Mauri, in house.

Goes well with

Power belongs behind it: the right power amplifier plus floorstanding speakers or bookshelf speakers, depending on the room. Speaker cables and RCA cables handle the connections, and a network cable keeps playback stable instead of relying on Wi-Fi.