AVM Ovation PH 6.3 Phono Preamplifier, Silver

The AVM Ovation PH 6.3 is a modular phono preamplifier with a transistor output stage that accommodates up to four MM or MC cartridges at the same time.

Four empty slots on the back, a blue display on the front, a remote in your hand – that's all it takes to properly match four cartridges. The unit is built at the AVM manufactory in Malsch, and this version wears brushed aluminum in silver.

Why the Ovation PH 6.3?

Because a phono stage is only as good as its matching to the cartridge feeding it. The phono input stage amplifies MM by around 40 dB and MC by around 60 dB, and sensitivity can be fine-tuned per slot in five steps from −10 to +10 dB. MC termination impedance spans six steps from 30 to 1000 ohms, MM capacitance six steps from 50 to 400 pF. Six equalization curves also cover pressings older than the RIAA standard: TELDEC, NARTB, EMI, COLUMBIA and DECCA are available alongside RIAA, with better than ±0.1 dB accuracy. Signal-to-noise ratios of 79 dB for MM and 73 dB for MC show just how quiet the whole thing stays.

What you get

Separate power supplies for the individual stages, one of them strong enough to also power an AVM ROTATION turntable at 15 volts. Add a mains phase indicator, a subsonic filter at 30 Hz and 12 dB per octave, mono switching with phase reversal, and a display whose brightness you can dial down in four steps to a discreet minimum. Outputs are one fixed-level RCA pair and one fixed-level XLR pair. A flight case is included for transport. The input cards come separately – at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we put together the configuration to match your systems.

Who is the Ovation PH 6.3 for?

Plain talk: the PH 6.3 pays off if you run more than one cartridge, or want to wring the last bit of quietness and resolution out of a really good system. For a chain with a single MM cartridge, it's simply overkill. And if you're deliberately after some warmth, you should add the tube-equipped PH 8.3 to your shortlist.

Our verdict

Neutrality as a program: the PH 6.3 doesn't color the sound, it delivers exactly what the stylus and arm give it – quiet, fast, and with a depth of adjustment you'd otherwise only get with a soldering iron. Be honest, when did you last properly terminate your cartridge? Here you do it sitting down, with your thumb.

Technical specifications

• Type: modular phono preamplifier, transistor output stage
• Inputs: 4 slots for phono input cards (slot 1–4), each card provides 1 stereo input; cards not included
• Available input cards: MM RCA, MC RCA, MC XLR – freely combinable, up to 4 units
• Phono input stage gain (AVM spec): MM approx. 40 dB, MC approx. 60 dB – total gain to the output depends on the selected sensitivity
• Gain adjustment: 5 steps per slot from −10 to +10 dB in 5 dB increments; these correspond to the five selectable sensitivity values
• Sensitivity (1 kHz, Ua = 1 V): MC 55 / 100 / 170 / 315 / 550 µV; MM 0.5 / 0.9 / 1.6 / 2.8 / 5 mV
• Overload margin (1 kHz, 0 dB): MC 2.5 mV; MM 25 mV
• MC termination impedance: 30 / 50 / 100 / 300 / 500 / 1000 ohms – adjustable via front buttons or remote, stored per slot
• MM termination capacitance: 50 / 100 / 150 / 200 / 300 / 400 pF – same controls
• Signal-to-noise ratio: MM 79 dB / 85 dB(A); MC 73 dB / 77 dB(A)
• Equalization curves: 6 selectable – RIAA, TELDEC, NARTB, EMI, COLUMBIA, DECCA (accuracy better than ±0.1 dB)
• Subsonic filter: 30 Hz, 12 dB/octave, switchable
• Operating mode: mono/stereo switchable, including phase reversal
• Outputs: 1 × RCA pair (50 ohms) and 1 × XLR pair (100 ohms)
• Output level: fixed, not adjustable – max. 7 V on RCA, max. 14 V on XLR
• Headphone output: not available
• Trigger input: not available
• Additional connections: 15 V / 1.5 A supply jack for AVM ROTATION turntables (galvanically isolated), IR-EXT 3.5 mm, configuration port, mains phase indicator
• Display: blue VF graphic display, brightness in 4 steps (25 / 50 / 75 / 100 %)
• Power supplies: separate power supplies for the individual stages, including a high-power supply for the 15 V feed of an AVM ROTATION turntable
• Tube complement: none – pure transistor output stage
• Power supply: 100–240 V AC, 50–60 Hz
• Power consumption: max. 25 W; standby 0.45 W; off 0 W (auto-standby after 19.5 minutes)
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 431 × 130 × 390 mm
• Weight: 12 kg
• Finish: Aluminum Silver
• Warranty: 2 years; extendable by up to 2 additional years with free online registration at AVM
• What's included: phono preamplifier, power cable, RC 3 Phono remote control, instruction manual, transport flight case – input cards separate

Frequently asked questions

Do I absolutely need input cards for the AVM Ovation PH 6.3?

Yes, at least one. The base unit ships without cards; only the modules turn the four slots into phono inputs. MM RCA, MC RCA and MC XLR are available, freely combinable up to four units. We'll figure out which card suits your cartridge before you order.

How good is the PH 6.3's signal-to-noise ratio?

AVM states 79 dB or 85 dB(A) for the MM card and 73 dB or 77 dB(A) for the MC cards. At these values, the background noise between the grooves practically disappears. The separate power supplies for the individual stages also contribute to the quietness.

What outputs does the AVM Ovation PH 6.3 have?

Exactly two pairs: an RCA pair with 50 ohm output impedance and an XLR pair with 100 ohms. Both deliver a fixed level of up to 7 volts on RCA and 14 volts on XLR. There's no volume control or headphone output – that belongs downstream in a preamplifier.

Can the PH 6.3 power my AVM turntable?

Yes. On the back there's a galvanically isolated supply jack with 15 volts and 1.5 amps for turntables in the AVM ROTATION series. That saves a separate plug-in power supply and keeps the turntable's power decoupled from the mains line. The connector isn't intended for other turntables.

What's the difference between the PH 6.3 and the PH 8.3?

Only the output stage: transistor in the PH 6.3, tube with AVM-803-T technology in the PH 8.3. At AVM, the higher model number stands for the tube version, not more power. Modules, equalization curves, connections, display and operation are identical on both units.

How long is AVM's warranty on the Ovation PH 6.3?

Two years from the date of purchase. Anyone who registers the unit for free online at AVM gets up to two additional years. As an authorized dealer, we handle any warranty case for you, and our own technician takes care of service and installation – no need to ship the unit yourself.

Why buy the AVM Ovation PH 6.3 at HD Zürisee?

Because we don't just deliver the box – we go through the module choice with you, set the termination to match your cartridge, and handle the connection on site. As an experienced team with our own technician, we stay reachable after the purchase too. Just call: +41 44 680 22 00.

Goes well with

Comparable units are in Phono Preamplifiers. Find a matching cartridge under Cartridges, the turntable under Turntables, and the connection from the arm to the phono stage under Phono Cables – and if you want to browse the whole topic, click All Vinyl.