AVM MP 30.3 Streaming Preamplifier, Silver

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.

In silver, the MP 30.3 looks like a classic, uncluttered source hub – and that's exactly what it is. CD collection, network, TV sound via HDMI ARC: everything comes together here, and you adjust the volume right along with it. All that's missing behind it is a power amplifier and speakers.

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. Buy a CD player, streamer and preamplifier separately elsewhere and you collect three devices, three power cables and two extra cable runs. Here it's one box – and still no half-hearted compromise. Not to be confused with the AVM CD 30.3 from the same series: that one is a CD player and D/A converter with digital inputs but no network section – the MP 30.3 plays CDs too, but additionally brings streaming and the regulated preamplifier.

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, HDMI ARC, optical and coaxial are added, one each. Via the regulated pre-out you drive a power amplifier directly, while the fixed line-out remains free. Control is via the RC X app or the included RC 3 solid-aluminium remote. The connection panel on the back is identical across black, silver and Cellini Chrome – only the front and lid differ.

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 surprise when connecting: the MP 30.3 has no analogue inputs and no headphone output. A turntable, tuner and headphones are left out. If you need both, go for the sister unit AVM PAS 30.3 with MM/MC phono and a headphone amplifier – which in turn has no CD drive. If you want everything including a power amplifier in one chassis, a CS all-in-one is the better fit.

Our verdict

CD, streaming and a regulated preamplifier in one chassis, neutrally tuned, built by hand. In silver, a timeless centrepiece of the system that doesn't push itself into the foreground – it leaves that to the music. Which power amplifier and which speakers suit it best depends mostly on your room – tell us about it, 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 Silver
• 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.

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

The CD 30.3 is a CD player and D/A converter, the MP 30.3 additionally a streamer and preamplifier. Both play CDs, both accept digital sources. The MP 30.3, however, brings network streaming, HDMI ARC and a regulated preamplifier, and so drives a power amplifier directly.

Which power amplifier suits the MP 30.3?

The obvious choice is the AVM MA 30.3 MK2 from the same series, which AVM ships as a pair of mono power amplifiers. Basically, any high-quality power amplifier with an RCA input will do, as will a pair of active speakers. Which combination suits your speakers and your room is something we're glad to work out with you.

What output level does the MP 30.3 deliver?

The regulated pre-out delivers up to 3 volts and so goes straight to a power amplifier. The line-out delivers a fixed 3.5 volts, for instance for a recording or an integrated amplifier. Both are implemented as RCA; the digital outputs too can be run fixed or regulated.

Can I connect headphones or a turntable to the MP 30.3?

No, neither. The MP 30.3 has neither a headphone output nor analogue inputs – it only accepts digital sources and its own CD drive. For vinyl and headphones, the AVM PAS 30.3 in the same series is the right choice.

What resolution does the MP 30.3 handle?

Via the X-STREAM Engine®, formats up to 384 kHz / 32 bit and DSD256 are possible. The digital inputs accept HDMI ARC and coaxial up to 192 kHz / 24 bit, optical up to 96 kHz / 24 bit. The CD drive plays CD audio and CD-R to the Red Book standard.

Why buy the AVM MP 30.3 in silver from HD Zürisee?

Because a streaming device 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 give honest advice, 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. Speaker cables and RCA cables handle the connections, and a network cable keeps streaming stable.