AVM PAS 30.3 Streaming Preamplifier, Cellini Chrome

The AVM PAS 30.3 is a streaming preamplifier from the AVM 30.3 anniversary series, combining network streaming, D/A conversion, MM/MC phono and headphone amplification in one analogue-controlled preamp.

The chrome-plated Cellini front turns the switching hub into a showpiece for the rack. Behind it, the PAS 30.3 brings together streaming, vinyl, digital sources and TV sound in one chassis, and controls the volume entirely in the analogue domain.

Why the PAS 30.3?

The 30.3 series is AVM's anniversary line, hand-built in Malsch. The PAS 30.3 combines AVM's own X-STREAM Engine® with a selected ESS 9038Q2M converter and a full-fledged phono stage for MM and MC cartridges. What matters is the volume control: it works entirely in the analogue domain, so a signal arriving as analogue is never digitised. You can't tell that effort from the outside – the chrome front distracts from it anyway.

What you get

A wealth of sources in one chassis: streaming via AirPlay 2, Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, Qobuz (our HiFi partner since 2018), Tidal Connect MAX, HighResAudio, web radio and UPnP/DLNA, over LAN or Wi-Fi, plus Bluetooth 5.0 LE – high-resolution up to 384 kHz/32-bit and DSD256. Web radio and network files also run without a paid subscription. Add MM/MC phono, two high-level RCA inputs (one switchable as a home-cinema throughput), and one input each for HDMI ARC, optical, coaxial and USB-A. Output comes via a regulated pre out and a fixed line out, both on RCA; the headphone output with 6.3 mm jack sits on the front. Plus a dimmable OLED display with proximity sensor, AVM RoomConneXion® multiroom, the RC X app and the included RC 3 wireless remote control.

Who is the PAS 30.3 right for – and who isn't it for?

The right choice if you want to bring vinyl and streaming together in a high-quality preamp – and do it in the most refined shell. Plain talk: the PAS 30.3 is a preamplifier, not an integrated amplifier; without a power amplifier (such as the AVM MA 30.3 MK2) and speakers, or without active speakers, it stays silent. All connections are RCA, there are no balanced XLR links. Anyone wanting a CD drive in the same unit should get the AVM MP 30.3. And the Cellini chrome front costs extra, without changing anything about the sound.

Our verdict

Streaming, a good converter, a genuine phono stage and headphone amplifier in a cleanly built, analogue-controlled preamp – in Cellini Chrome, the unit you put right at the front of the rack. Handmade in Germany, designed as the heart of a serious pre-/power-amp chain. We'll work out together which power amplifier and speakers suit it best – by phone, email or WhatsApp.

Technical Specifications

• Type: streaming preamplifier with phono (transistor)
• Series: AVM 30.3 (anniversary series)
• Preamp: volume controlled entirely in the analogue domain · THD below 0.001%
• D/A converter: selected ESS 9038Q2M · upsampling to 192 kHz/24-bit
• Phono: MM (40 dB) / MC (60 dB) · RIAA below 0.2 dB
• Streaming: X-STREAM Engine® · up to 384 kHz/32-bit · DSD256 · AirPlay 2 · Roon Ready · Spotify Connect · Qobuz · Tidal Connect MAX · HighResAudio · web radio · UPnP/DLNA
• Network: LAN 100 Mbit/s · Wi-Fi 2.4/5 GHz (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac)
• Bluetooth: 5.0 LE (A2DP, AVRCP 1.5)
• Analogue inputs: 2× high-level RCA (one switchable as home-cinema throughput) · 1× phono RCA MM/MC
• Digital inputs: 1× HDMI ARC (192 kHz/24-bit) · 1× optical (96 kHz/24-bit) · 1× coaxial (192 kHz/24-bit)
• Analogue outputs: 1× pre out RCA (variable) · 1× line out RCA (fixed) · no XLR connections
• Digital outputs: 1× optical · 1× coaxial (level-adjustable)
• USB: 1× USB-A for hard drives and sticks (FAT16/FAT32/NTFS)
• Output level: pre out RCA variable, max. 3 V (470 Ω) · line out RCA fixed, max. 3.5 V (47 Ω)
• Headphone output: present · 6.3 mm jack on the front · 80 Ω output impedance · max. 4.5 V
• Frequency response: below 5 Hz to above 80 kHz (-3 dB)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: above 100 dB (line outputs) · phono MM above 83 dB(A) · phono MC above 74 dB(A)
• Display: dimmable OLED display with proximity sensor
• Multiroom: AVM RoomConneXion®
• Operation: RC X app (iOS/Android) · RC 3 wireless remote control
• Power consumption: operation below 16 W · network standby below 2 W · standby below 0.5 W
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 430 × 115 × 320 mm
• Weight: 6.7 kg
• Finish: aluminium with Cellini chrome front
• Manufacturing: handmade, AVM factory in Malsch (Germany)
• Warranty: 2 years + 2 years with registration
• Scope of delivery: PAS 30.3 · 2 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth antennas · mains cable · 3× 2 RCA termination plugs for phono · gloves · RC 3 wireless remote control

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Cellini Chrome and Black or Silver?

Technically nothing. Cellini Chrome is the chrome-plated front variant available at extra cost, and thus purely a matter of looks. Streaming, phono, converter, connections and sound are identical to the versions in black and silver. The decision is made in the living room, not in a listening test.

Is the PAS 30.3 an integrated amplifier or a preamplifier?

A preamplifier. The PAS 30.3 is a streaming preamplifier with phono and converter, but without a power amplifier. For music to come out of the speakers, you pair it with a power amplifier such as the AVM MA 30.3 MK2, or connect it directly to active speakers.

Which cartridges does the phono stage support?

MM and MC. The built-in phono preamp offers 40 dB of gain for MM and 60 dB for MC, with a RIAA accuracy of under 0.2 dB. Matching RCA termination plugs for MC matching are included, so no separate phono preamp is needed.

How many digital inputs does the PAS 30.3 have?

Three, one for each connection type: an HDMI ARC input for the TV, an optical Toslink input and a coaxial S/PDIF input. On top of that, there's a USB-A port for sticks and hard drives. You can output digitally via optical or coaxial as you prefer, and the coaxial output is level-adjustable.

Does the PAS 30.3 have XLR connections?

No. Inputs, outputs and phono on the PAS 30.3 are all RCA – two high-level inputs, a regulated pre out and a fixed line out. If you need a balanced XLR link to the power amplifier, we'll tell you which AVM preamplifier can do that.

Can I connect headphones to the PAS 30.3?

Yes. There's a headphone output with a 6.3 mm jack and 80 ohm output impedance on the front. That lets you play the same range of sources – streaming, vinyl, digital inputs – quietly too, without switching on the power amplifier or buying an extra device.

Why buy the AVM PAS 30.3 in Cellini Chrome at HD Zürisee?

Because a preamplifier with phono and streaming has to fit with the power amplifier, speakers and room – and that's exactly what we set up for you. As an authorised AVM dealer in Wädenswil, we put together the pre-/power-amp combination, handle the warranty, and have our own technician, Mauri, in house.

Goes well with

Behind it belongs a Power amplifier, plus Floorstanding speakers or Bookshelf speakers. For the phono stage, you'll find the right source under Turntables and Cartridges – wired up with Phono cable and RCA cable.