AVM PC 5.3 Mains Filter, Cellini Chrome

The AVM PC 5.3 is a top-class mains filter and power conditioner that combines twelve individually filtered outlets, a DC filter at the input and a galvanically isolated turntable connection in one chassis.

If the PC 3.3 is the clean solution for a stereo system, the PC 5.3 is the big one. The filter architecture is the same – central DC filtering at the input, a dedicated RF filter stage per outlet – but it supplies twice as many devices. On top of that comes a 15-volt power supply for turntables. The switchable OLED display keeps an eye on voltage, mains quality and load.

Why the PC 5.3?

Because it's not a filtered power strip, but a carefully thought-out power hub. Each of the twelve outlets has its own RF filter stage, so the devices don't contaminate each other. A DC filter at the input takes the hum out of toroidal transformers. The surge protection kicks in up to 6,000 A in 30 ms, plus active phase detection and a manually resettable RCD switch – sonic calm and safety in one chassis.

What you get

Room and reserves for a large system: four high-current outlets up to 16 A for power amps and hefty amplifiers, plus eight source outlets up to 2 A for all sources and preamps. All twelve outputs are Schuko sockets (CEE 7/3), the mains input is a 16 A IEC C20 inlet; the power cord is included. The galvanically isolated 15 V output (up to 4 A, max. 60 VA) powers turntables directly. Maximum 3,680 W at 230 V. This version has the chrome-plated Cellini front.

Who is the PC 5.3 suited for?

Honestly: the PC 5.3 is for fully-grown high-end setups, not the compact system in the bedroom. If you want to bring power amps, pre/power amp combos and several sources together cleanly and safely at one point, you get everything here – including turntable power. For a modest stereo system, the smaller PC 3.3 is plenty, and it filters just as well. And for Switzerland: the outlets are Schuko sockets, not T13 sockets – we'll work out together beforehand which power cords you need.

Our verdict

Twelve slots, each individually filtered, plus a protection package that saves an entire system in an emergency – and in Cellini Chrome, a device you don't need to hide, even though all it does is distribute power. The PC 5.3 isn't an upgrade over the PC 3.3, simply the larger edition of the same idea. If you need the slots, this is the one to get.

Technical data

• Type: Mains filter / power conditioner
• Supply voltage: 210 – 260 V AC / 50 – 60 Hz
• Mains input: 1 × IEC C20 inlet, 16 A
• High-current outlets: 4 × Schuko (CEE 7/3), rated up to 16 A
• Source outlets: 8 × Schuko (CEE 7/3), rated up to 2 A
• Source output fusing: 2 × 2 A slow-blow
• RF filtering: dedicated filter stage for every outlet
• DC filter at the input: yes
• DC output: 15 V DC ± 2%, up to 4 A (max. 60 VA), galvanically isolated – for turntables
• Surge protection: up to 6,000 A / 30 ms
• RCD protection switch: manually resettable
• Active phase detection: yes
• Display: OLED 256 × 64 px, switchable off
• Readout: voltage, mains quality & load
• Power consumption: < 7 W (operating), < 0.3 W (standby)
• Max. total power: 3,680 W at 230 V (max. 16 A)
• Finish: Cellini Chrome (chrome-plated front, premium-priced variant)
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 43 × 15 × 38 cm
• Weight: 13 kg
• Scope of delivery: power cord, Schuko plug to C19 coupler (1.6 m), gloves, documentation

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between the PC 5.3 and the PC 3.3?

Mainly the size. The PC 5.3 has four high-current and eight source outlets instead of two and four, plus a galvanically isolated 15 V output for turntables. The filtering is built the same way in both: DC filter at the input, dedicated RF filter stage per outlet.

What is the PC 5.3's 15 V output for?

It powers turntables directly with clean, regulated DC – galvanically isolated, up to 4 A and a maximum of 60 VA. That way you save a separate wall-wart and get a bit more calm out of your system. We're happy to check beforehand whether your turntable is compatible.

What sockets does the AVM PC 5.3 have?

All twelve outlets are Schuko sockets to CEE 7/3, not Swiss T13 sockets. The mains input is a 16 A IEC C20 inlet; a power cord with a Schuko plug to C19 coupler is included. We're happy to go through with you beforehand which device cables you'll need in Switzerland.

Does a power conditioner help at all with a clean mains supply?

Even in good mains supplies, interference is buzzing around – from switch-mode power supplies, LED lamps or neighbouring devices. The PC 5.3 filters it out and decouples your devices from one another. The result is usually a calmer, blacker background. We can't guarantee the degree, as it depends heavily on your installation.

Why buy the AVM PC 5.3 at HD Zürisee?

Because we have an experienced team in Wädenswil who know AVM and give you an honest assessment of whether the big PC 5.3 is worth it for your system, or whether the PC 3.3 is enough. We advise, deliver and install on site on request. Call us (044 680 22 00) or message us on WhatsApp (076 534 22 00, text only, no calls).

Goes well with

You'll find matching cabling under power cables and cables. The devices the PC 5.3 supplies with clean power are available under integrated amplifiers, power amplifiers, streamers and turntables. More on the topic in the mains filters & power conditioning overview.