AVM Ovation SA 6.3 Stereo Power Amplifier, Black

The AVM Ovation SA 6.3 is a MOS-FET stereo power amplifier in Class-A/AB high-current design, delivering 2 × 200 watts at 8 ohms and 2 × 350 watts at 4 ohms.

A power amplifier has exactly one job: turning the preamplifier's signal into power without adding anything of its own. The SA 6.3 does this purely, in a 19-inch format and entirely without tubes – pure transistor technology from AVM's manufactory in Malsch.

Why the Ovation SA 6.3?

Because power and control come from the same source here. Each channel runs 20 high-current MOS-FETs delivering up to 180 amps of peak current. Behind them sit a 1000 VA toroidal transformer and three separate power supplies for the output stages, processor and input circuitry. The input stages are fully balanced and fully DC-coupled throughout. What that produces is in the datasheet: damping factor above 500, signal-to-noise ratio of 101 dB(A), distortion below 0.01 percent, frequency response from under 5 hertz to over 100 kilohertz. The high damping factor, by the way, is why a bass note stops here when the music stops – not two blinks of an eye later.

What you get

A pure power amplifier with one RCA and one XLR high-level input each, used alternatively, two bi-wire-capable speaker terminal pairs and a large, blue-lit graphic display. In the menu you set brightness, display mode, operating mode and speaker impedance, and can have the power being drawn shown on request. It's switched on and off at the unit or automatically via the AIR trigger as soon as the preamplifier wakes up. A handheld remote isn't included – a unit without volume control doesn't need one. This version has a front panel in black anodised aluminium.

Who is the Ovation SA 6.3 right for?

Plain talk: the SA 6.3 is a pure power amplifier. No volume control, no source inputs, no streaming. Without a preamplifier, it stays silent. Anyone looking for an all-in-one solution is better served by an integrated amplifier. But anyone building a pre-/power-amp chain, driving speakers with an awkward impedance curve and wanting an absolutely neutral power supplier is exactly right here. At 21 kilograms and 13 centimetres tall, it also fits into any serious rack.

Our verdict

The SA 6.3 is the sober one among AVM's large power amplifiers: no tube glow, no show, but measurements you'd otherwise look for a tier higher. It doesn't sound like it has a character of its own, it sounds like whatever's in front of it – and for a power amplifier, that's the highest possible compliment. If your preamplifier is good, you'll notice immediately. If it isn't, unfortunately, you'll notice that too.

Technical Specifications

• Type: MOS-FET stereo power amplifier, Class-A/AB high-current design, pure transistor circuit
• Power: 2 × 200 W at 8 Ω, 2 × 350 W at 4 Ω (AVM states no 2 Ω value)
• Output stage: 20 high-current MOS-FETs per channel, up to 180 A peak current
• Power supply: 1 × 1000 VA toroidal transformer, 3 separate power supplies
• Input stages: fully balanced, fully DC-coupled
• Inputs: 1 × RCA (stereo pair), 1 × XLR (stereo pair), high level – usable alternatively only
• Input impedance: 6.8 kΩ (RCA) / 14 kΩ (XLR)
• Speaker connection: 2 pairs of screw terminals, internally paralleled, bi-wire capable
• Damping factor: > 500
• Frequency response: < 5 Hz – > 100 kHz
• Distortion: < 0.01 % (25 W / 4 Ω)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 101 dB(A)
• Protection circuits: over-temperature and short-circuit
• Operation: blue-lit graphic display with power and peak display, menu for brightness, display mode, operating mode and speaker impedance, AIR trigger (AVM Intelligent Remote)
• Trigger: 3.5 mm switching input for the preamplifier's switching voltage
• Remote control: none – not included, no volume control on the unit
• Bridge mode: not provided by AVM (for mono operation: Ovation MA 6.3)
• Power supply (mains): 120/230 V, 50/60 Hz, max. power consumption 1000 W
• Standby: < 0.5 W
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 430 × 130 × 390 mm
• Weight: 21 kg
• Warranty: 4 years with registration
• Finish: black aluminium
• Scope of delivery: power amplifier, mains cable, trigger plug

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a preamplifier for the AVM Ovation SA 6.3?

Yes. The SA 6.3 is a pure power amplifier with no volume control and no source inputs. It needs a preamplifier, for example the AVM Ovation PA 8.3 or the SD 8.3. Connection is via RCA or XLR, either input can be used but only alternatively. We're happy to put together the right combination for you.

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

The SA 8.3 is the stronger and the warmer one: AVM states over 2 × 230 watts at 8 ohms, over 2 × 420 watts at 4 ohms and over 2 × 700 watts at 2 ohms for it, plus a tube input stage with 803-T double triodes, a dual-mono power supply and 24 instead of 20 MOS-FETs per channel. At 21 instead of 42 kilograms, the SA 6.3 remains the more compact – and with a damping factor above 500, the tighter solution.

Can the AVM Ovation SA 6.3 be bridged to mono?

No. AVM does not provide bridge mode for the SA 6.3; the manual describes no mono mode. Anyone wanting true monoblocks should get the Ovation MA 6.3. At AVM, more power to one pair of speakers means switching to mono power amplifiers, not flipping a bridge switch.

Can I connect two pairs of speakers to the SA 6.3?

Connect, yes; switch separately, no. According to the manual, the two terminal pairs are internally paralleled and intended for wiring a single speaker in bi-wiring. Two pairs run together at all times and halve the impedance – we'll check beforehand whether that suits your speakers.

Is a remote control included with the SA 6.3?

No. According to the manual, the scope of delivery consists of the power amplifier, mains cable and trigger plug. It's operated on the unit itself or automatically via the AIR trigger, which switches the power amplifier on and off together with the preamplifier. A handheld remote would have no job to do anyway on a power amplifier without volume control.

Why buy the AVM Ovation SA 6.3 at HD Zürisee?

Because a power amplifier is only as good as what's connected in front of and behind it. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, we match preamplifier, power amplifier and speakers to each other and deliver with our own technician. Call us on +41 44 680 22 00, message us on WhatsApp at 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or email shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

You'll find more power amplifiers in the overview, and the matching preamplifier under preamplifiers. Add the floorstanding speakers that can actually put this power to use, and the cabling to match.