AVM PC 5.3 Power Conditioner, Silver

The AVM PC 5.3 is a premium mains filter and power conditioner that combines twelve individually filtered outlets, a DC filter at the input and a galvanically isolated turntable connection in a single housing.

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, its own RF filter stage per socket – but it powers twice as many devices. It also adds 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 isn't a filtered power strip, but a properly thought-out power hub. Each of the twelve outlets has its own RF filter stage, so your components don't pollute 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 there's active phase detection and a manually resettable RCD switch – sonic calm and safety in one housing.

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 your sources and preamps. All twelve outlets are Schuko sockets (CEE 7/3), the mains input a 16 A IEC C20 inlet; the mains cable is included. The galvanically isolated 15 V output (up to 4 A, max. 60 VA) feeds turntables directly. Maximum 3,680 W at 230 V. This version comes in Silver.

Who is the PC 5.3 right 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 combos and several sources together cleanly and safely at a single point, you get everything here – including turntable power. For a modest stereo system the smaller PC 3.3 is easily enough, and it filters just as well. And for Switzerland: the outlets are Schuko sockets, not Swiss T13 sockets – we'll happily work out with you beforehand which mains cables you need.

Our verdict

Twelve outlets, each individually filtered, plus a protection package that can save an entire chain in an emergency, and a turntable power supply that saves you a wall-wart. The PC 5.3 isn't an upgrade over the PC 3.3, it's simply the bigger version of the same idea – in Silver, the unobtrusive partner for a silver AVM chain. If you need the outlets, 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
• Fusing of source outputs: 2 × 2 A slow-blow
• RF filtering: its own filter stage for every socket
• DC filter at 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 (operation), < 0.3 W (standby)
• Max. total power: 3,680 W at 230 V (max. 16 A)
• Finish: Silver
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 43 × 15 × 38 cm
• Weight: 13 kg
• What's included: mains cable Schuko plug to C19 connector (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 on both: a DC filter at the input, its own RF filter stage per socket.

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

It feeds turntables directly with clean, regulated DC power – galvanically isolated, up to 4 A and a maximum of 60 VA. That saves you a separate wall-wart and squeezes a bit more calm out of the chain. We're happy to check in advance whether your deck is compatible.

What outlets 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 mains cable with a Schuko plug to C19 connector is included. We're happy to go through with you in advance which device cables you'll need in Switzerland.

Does a power conditioner actually do anything on a clean mains supply?

Even on good mains supplies there's interference floating around – from switch-mode power supplies, LED lamps or neighbouring devices. The PC 5.3 filters it out and decouples your components from each other. 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 from HD Zürisee?

Because we've carried AVM in Wädenswil for years and can tell you from long experience 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 if you like. 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 the right cabling under Mains Cables and Cables. The components the PC 5.3 supplies with clean power are found under Integrated Amplifiers, Power Amplifiers, Streamers and Turntables. More on the topic in the Mains Filters & Power Conditioning overview.