AVM Ovation MA 8.3S Mono Power Amplifier Pair, Silver

The AVM Ovation MA 8.3S in silver is a pair of mono power amplifiers whose blocks each drive one channel with a tube input stage and 48 MOSFETs in the output.

Brushed aluminium in silver, a dimmed OLED display and a weight that demands respect when unpacking. It will not be a loud device – it will be a calm one that only draws attention when it takes your speakers firmly in hand.

Why the MA 8.3S?

The core of the S series is the new anode-follower tube stage at the input: AVM uses it for an ultra-wideband frequency response, documented from below 1 Hz to over 100 kHz (−3 dB). It is followed by a dual differential input stage, a fully DC-coupled signal path and current-source-stabilised power stages. The power supply consists of two toroidal transformers of 1000 VA each and 544,000 µF of filter capacitance per monoblock – everything is built by hand in Malsch, in Baden.

What you experience

A power amplifier that does not put its reserves on display but simply has them: over 600 watts into 8 ohms, over 1100 watts into 4 ohms and over 1800 watts into 2 ohms per block. A balanced XLR input and an RCA input accept the preamplifier signal, while the trigger input (5–20 V DC) and the AIR Trigger tie switching on and off to your AVM preamplifier. Neither a volume control nor source selection is built in – the MA 8.3S amplifies, nothing else.

Who is the MA 8.3S Silver for – and who is it not for?

For system builders who want to place their power amplifiers with separate channels, perhaps right behind the speakers, and prefer a silver look to match the rest of the system. Let's be honest: at 42 kilograms each and up to 3500 watts of connected load per block, the MA 8.3S calls for sensible planning of floor space and circuits. If you do not want that, the SA 8.3S stereo power amplifier is the better choice.

Our verdict

The MA 8.3S Silver combines tube smoothness at the input with plenty of control at the output and omits everything that does not belong to amplifying. Which preamplifier suits it and how to set up the blocks in your room is something we are happy to clarify with you in advance at HD Zürisee – by phone, message or WhatsApp.

Technical data

• Type: mono power amplifier (monoblock), Class A/AB, tube input stage (anode follower), MOSFET output stage
• Series: AVM Ovation S
• Sales unit: pair (two monoblocks)
• Power per monoblock: over 600 W / 8 Ω · over 1100 W / 4 Ω · over 1800 W / 2 Ω
• Gain: 30 (29.5 dB)
• Inputs: 1 × XLR (40 kΩ) · 1 × RCA (20 kΩ); sensitivity 2.1 V for 1000 W into 4 Ω
• Input stage: dual differential input stage, tube stage as anode follower
• Output stage: 48 MOSFETs, current-source stabilised, fully DC-coupled with automatic offset compensation
• Power supply: 2 toroidal transformers of 1000 VA each · 544,000 µF filter capacitance
• Distortion (25 W / 4 Ω): below 0.02 % · intermodulation below 0.01 %
• Signal-to-noise ratio (25 W / 4 Ω): over 94 dB(A)
• Frequency response: below 1 Hz to over 100 kHz (−3 dB) · power bandwidth 5 Hz to over 50 kHz
• Rise time: 10 µs (4 Ω) · slew rate over 15 V/µs
• Damping factor (8 Ω): over 400
• Volume control: not available – preamplifier required
• Control: trigger input 5–20 V DC · AIR Trigger (AVM Intelligent Remote) · dimmable OLED graphic display
• Mains voltage: 230 V / 50 Hz · max. 3500 W
• Power consumption: 120 W without signal · standby below 0.5 W
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 432 × 253 × 420 mm
• Weight: 42 kg per monoblock (84 kg per pair)
• Finish: silver aluminium
• Manufacturing: handmade, AVM Malsch (Germany)
• Warranty: 2 years, 4 years with online registration at AVM
• Included: 2 × Ovation MA 8.3S (pair), delivered in an AVM flight case

Frequently asked questions

Is the MA 8.3S supplied singly or as a pair?

At HD Zürisee the MA 8.3S comes as a pair, because for stereo you need two monoblocks. Each block amplifies one channel with its own power supply. The price on this page covers both units together.

Does the MA 8.3S have a volume control?

No. The MA 8.3S is a pure power amplifier with a fixed gain of 30. Volume and source selection are handled by a preamplifier or a streaming preamplifier in front of it. The signal arrives either balanced via XLR or unbalanced via RCA.

How heavy is the MA 8.3S and what does that mean for the setup?

AVM specifies 42 kilograms per monoblock, so 84 kilograms for the pair, at 432 × 253 × 420 mm. Plan for a rack or a floor that can carry the load, and get a second person to help with transport. With us you can discuss in advance where the blocks should go.

What warranty does the MA 8.3S have?

Two years from purchase; if you register the amplifiers online with AVM, that becomes four years. On request we take care of the registration together with delivery and are your contact in case of a warranty claim.

Why buy the AVM Ovation MA 8.3S at HD Zürisee?

Because with power amplifiers of this size it is not the data sheet that decides but the interplay with preamplifier, speakers and room. As a well-practised specialist team in Wädenswil with our own technician we advise you, deliver and set up. Write to us, call us or get in touch via WhatsApp.

Goes well with

• Preamplifiers – control centre and volume control in front of the monoblocks
• Floorstanding Speakers – the partners for this much control
• Cables & Connectors – XLR, speaker and mains cables
• Power Amplifiers – the comparison with the rest of the range