AVM PH 30.3 Phono Preamplifier, Silver

The AVM PH 30.3 is a compact phono preamplifier that amplifies signals from MM and MC cartridges and equalises them to RIAA.

In Silver, the most understated solution for a link in the chain that's often overlooked: AVM's smallest phono stage, made in Malsch, in Baden, in a solid aluminium housing, with Class-A equalisation, switchable MM/MC operation, plug-on load adapters and a fixed subsonic filter. The power supply sits externally, so no transformer hum creeps into the signal.

Why the PH 30.3?

Because the most sensitive point in the whole system lies between the stylus and the amplifier. The PH 30.3 raises the tiny cartridge signal with low noise (40 dB for MM, 60 dB for MC) and equalises it precisely to RIAA – with a curve accuracy under ±0.3 dB. You handle MC matching with a plug-on load adapter, with no screwdriver and no hunting through DIP switches. The result: a quiet background, fine uncoloured detail. Small in size, serious in ambition.

What you get

A full-fledged phono stage for almost any cartridge: separate RCA inputs for MM and MC, switchable on the rear, plus its own RCA pair for the plug-on load adapters at 100, 200 and 1000 Ω, a ground terminal for the turntable, a subsonic filter against footfall and record warp, plus an external 24 V power supply. The equalisation is fixed to RIAA – selectable curves for historical pressings aren't offered here. RCA in, RCA out, done. This version comes in Silver.

Who is the PH 30.3 right for?

Plain talk: for anyone connecting a turntable to an amplifier without a phono input, or wanting a better phono stage than the built-in one – without putting a full-size unit in place. It isn't the right choice if a display, a remote control, a balanced XLR output or switchable equalisation curves are on your list: all of that is deliberately missing, and a headphone output too. Anyone needing that should look further at AVM's larger Evolution and Ovation PH models. For most systems, though, the PH 30.3 is dimensioned exactly right.

Our verdict

The PH 30.3 makes little fuss and gets a lot right. It needs hardly any space, is set up in five minutes, and gets exactly what you bought it for out of a good turntable. Honestly: skimping on the phono stage and then puzzling over how the records sound is an expensive detour. Which load adapter suits your system is something we're happy to work out with you by phone beforehand.

Technical Specifications

• Type: phono preamplifier (MM / MC switchable)
• Equalisation: Class-A
• Equalisation curve: RIAA (fixed) · no selectable curves
• Gain (MM): 40 dB at 1 kHz
• Gain (MC): 60 dB at 1 kHz
• Input impedance (MM): 47 kΩ / 220 pF (fixed)
• Input impedance (MC): 47 kΩ / 1 nF, adjustable via load adapter
• MC matching: plug-on load adapters 100 / 200 / 1000 Ω
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.3 dB)
• Frequency response (extended): 8 Hz – 100 kHz (±3 dB)
• RIAA curve accuracy: < ±0.3 dB
• Distortion: < 0.013 % (MM) / < 0.055 % (MC)
• Signal-to-noise ratio (MM): 72 dB / 82 dB(A) at 5 mV input voltage
• Signal-to-noise ratio (MC): 66 dB / 73.5 dB(A) at 0.5 mV input voltage
• Subsonic filter: present, fixed setting
• Inputs: 1× phono MM (RCA L/R) · 1× phono MC (RCA L/R) · 1× RCA pair for the plug-on MC load adapters · ground terminal (GND)
• Output: 1× RCA pair (L/R)
• Balanced connections (XLR): not present
• Output level: fixed, not adjustable · max. 6.5 V at 1 kHz · output impedance 47 Ω
• Headphone output: not present
• Display: not present (no display)
• Trigger input: not present
• Remote control: not present · operated via switches on the rear
• Power supply: external, 24 V DC
• Power consumption: 3.6 W in operation · 0.1 W standby
• Housing: solid extruded aluminium
• Finish: aluminium Silver
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 150 × 52 × 108 mm
• Weight: 0.5 kg (without power supply)
• Warranty: 2 years, 4 years with online registration with the manufacturer
• Scope of delivery: PH 30.3 · external 24 V power supply · load adapter plugs 100 / 200 / 1000 Ω

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a phono preamplifier like the PH 30.3 for my turntable?

Yes, if your amplifier has no phono input or your turntable has no built-in phono stage. The PH 30.3 amplifies and equalises the signal correctly to RIAA. AVM's Rotation-series turntables are supplied without an internal phono stage – in that case, the PH 30.3 is the right addition.

How many inputs does the PH 30.3 have?

Two signal inputs: one RCA pair each for MM and for MC, switched on the rear. Then there's a third RCA pair that doesn't take a source at all, but the plug-on MC load adapters, plus a ground terminal for the turntable. Output is via one RCA pair.

Are the MC load adapters included with the PH 30.3?

Yes. A set of load adapter plugs for 100, 200 and 1000 ohm is part of the scope of delivery. They're plugged onto their own RCA pair at the rear, with no tools needed. Anyone needing a different impedance can have matching plugs made – that's deliberately left open.

Does the PH 30.3 have an XLR output, a display or a headphone output?

No, none of that. The PH 30.3 outputs via one RCA pair at a fixed level, has neither balanced XLR jacks nor a display, no trigger input and no remote control. Headphones can't be connected directly either – for that, you need the amplifier behind it.

Can I select equalisation curves other than RIAA on the PH 30.3?

No. The equalisation is fixed to the RIAA curve, with a curve accuracy under ±0.3 dB. Old Decca, Columbia or Teldec curves can't be selected. For collections from around 1955 onward, RIAA is the standard – for anything earlier, we're happy to advise you on alternatives.

Why buy the AVM PH 30.3 in Silver at HD Zürisee?

Because the match to your cartridge decides the result. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, we choose MM or MC, plug in the matching load adapter and tune the PH 30.3 to your turntable and system – with a well-practised team and Mauri as our own technician. 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 turntable under Turntables, the cartridge under Cartridges and the cabling under Phono cable. The larger phono stages are under Phono preamplifiers, and the overview of the whole analogue chain is given by All Vinyl.