AVM RC 3 Infrared Remote Control for AVM Devices

The AVM RC 3 is AVM's infrared system remote control, used to operate the brand's amplifiers, preamplifiers, CD players and streamers.

Before buying, only one question matters: does it come with your device – or not? AVM handles that differently depending on the series. AVM includes it with the integrated amplifiers of the Ovation A line and the AVM 30 anniversary series. For the streaming models of the Ovation line – CS, SD and MP – as well as for Evolution and Inspiration, the manuals expressly list it as optional accessory. Housing machined from solid aluminum in silver, twelve buttons, no display, no menu, no pairing.

Why the RC 3?

Because it's far from included with every AVM device. For the Ovation models CS 6.3 and CS 8.3, SD 6.3 and SD 8.3, as well as MP 6.3 and MP 8.3, the AVM manuals list the RC 3 and the RC 8 as "optional accessory" – in the box there is app control, and even the larger RC 9 costs extra. The same goes for the Evolution models CS, AS and PAS 3.3 and 5.3, as well as for the Inspiration CS 2.3. Anyone who wants to operate their device the classic way from the sofa instead of via app therefore buys the RC 3 separately. The second reason is more mundane: the old one is gone. Experience shows it turns up again two weeks after you buy a replacement.

What you get

A full-fledged second or replacement remote control for your AVM system. It switches on and off, selects the input, adjusts the volume and operates the transport and radio functions – play, stop, skip, station. Transmission runs purely on infrared: no network, no dongle, no pairing, no firmware maintenance. On newer devices, "set IR control" in the menu just needs to be set to ON, otherwise the device simply doesn't listen. Power comes from two CR2032 button cells. For older AVM components, the RC 3 can be individually programmed on request.

Who is the RC 3 for?

Plain talk: for anyone with an infrared-capable AVM device who's missing the remote – because it never came with it, because it's gone missing, or because a second one is needed for a second room. That's exactly the normal case with the Ovation streamers CS, SD and MP, not the exception. It's not the right choice for the Ovation CS 8.3 S, which AVM ships with the RC 5, or for the phono preamplifier Ovation PH 8.3, which brings its own remote, the RC PH. Anyone who wants playlists, stations and cover art in hand is better served by the RC 9 or RC 10 – and anyone who only ever reaches for the app doesn't need one at all.

Our verdict

Not a device you'd proudly show off – but one that makes everyday life with a good system noticeably more pleasant. Solidly machined, clearly labeled, without frills. The only thing that matters is the question up front: does it fit your model? We clarify that beforehand, not afterward.

Technical specifications

• Type: infrared system remote control (accessory)
• Transmission: infrared (IR) – no radio link, no dongle, no pairing
• Requirement on the device: IR reception enabled ("set IR control" = ON)
• Housing: aluminum, machined from solid, silver finish
• Buttons: 12
• Functions: on/off (ON, OFF), input selection (INPUT), volume (VOLUME), play, stop, skip, station
• Included as standard with (per AVM manual): Ovation A 6.3 and A 8.3, AVM 30 series (A 30.3, PA 30.3, CD 30.3, AS 30.3, CS 30.3, PAS 30.3), Ovation A 6.2, Ovation PA 8.2, Evolution CD 3.2
• Optional accessory, not included (per AVM manual): Ovation CS 6.3 and CS 8.3, Ovation SD 6.3 and SD 8.3, Ovation MP 6.3 and MP 8.3, Evolution CS / AS / PAS 3.3 and 5.3, Inspiration CS 2.3
• Not applicable: Ovation CS 8.3 S (comes with the RC 5), Ovation PH 8.3 (comes with its own RC PH for gain, equalization curve and termination)
• Note on naming: some AVM scope-of-delivery lists say "radio remote control"; the same manuals list the RC 3 in the text as a classic infrared remote control and require "set IR control" to be set to ON
• Programmability: can be individually programmed for older AVM components on request
• Larger alternatives: AVM RC 8 (classic IR remote control), AVM RC 9 / RC 10 (radio with charging station and color display; AVM lists the RC 9 in the AVM 30.3 manual as no longer available)
• Batteries: 2 × lithium button cell CR2032, 3 V
• What's included: RC 3 remote control

Frequently asked questions

Which AVM devices does the RC 3 work with?

The RC 3 controls all infrared-remotable AVM devices – amplifiers, preamplifiers, CD players and streamers. It's included with the integrated amplifiers Ovation A 6.3 and A 8.3 as well as the AVM 30 series. For the Ovation models CS, SD and MP it's an optional accessory according to the manual, but it works just the same there.

Which AVM devices does the RC 3 not come with?

With the Ovation models CS 6.3 and CS 8.3, SD 6.3 and SD 8.3 as well as MP 6.3 and MP 8.3, plus the Evolution models CS, AS and PAS 3.3 and 5.3 and the Inspiration CS 2.3. The AVM manuals list the RC 3 there as an optional accessory. That's exactly why it's available separately.

Is the AVM RC 3 an infrared or a radio remote control?

Infrared. The manuals for the Ovation models CS, SD and MP explicitly describe the RC 3 and RC 8 as classic infrared remote controls and require the setting "set IR control" to be ON for reception. The term "radio remote control" in some scope-of-delivery lists is a translation error. Real radio links only appear starting with the RC 9 and RC 10.

Does the RC 3 fit the Ovation CS 8.3 S or the phono preamplifier PH 8.3?

No, these two devices have their own remote controls. AVM includes the RC 5 with the Ovation CS 8.3 S, and the RC PH with the phono preamplifier Ovation PH 8.3, for gain, equalization curve and termination. If in doubt, tell us your model and we'll check before you order.

What batteries does the AVM RC 3 need?

Two lithium button cells of type CR2032 with 3 volts. AVM recommends always replacing both together with the same type. The RC 3 needs no more maintenance than that: it works purely on infrared, without pairing, without network and without firmware updates – and it lasts a very long time on one set of cells.

Why buy the AVM RC 3 at HD Zürisee?

Because we tell you beforehand whether it fits your device. We've worked with AVM in Wädenswil for many years, and we know the series and the differences in what's included. That way you don't order a remote control your device doesn't even understand. Call us at 044 680 22 00 or write on WhatsApp to 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls).

Goes well with

Find the matching device under All Amplifiers, CD Players & CD Transports and Streamers & Network Players. More accessories are gathered under All Accessories.