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AVM (Audio Video Manufaktur) of Germany is a high-end audio company that you rarely hear about unless you attend some of the A/V shows in Europe. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to review the AVM Evolution AS 5.3 pre-amplifier and compare it to my Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista 600.2 analog pre-amplifier.

AVM Evolution AS 5.3 Streaming Preamplifier Front Angle View

Both use tube line stages; the MF uses Nuvistor tubes while the AVM uses more traditional 803T tubes that are promised to last at least 20,000 hours. Both units provide exceptional sound quality, but each has a different design philosophy.

The Basics:

The AVM Evolution AS 5.3 is a very flexible pre-amp in that it allows for both digital and analog inputs. It offers modular construction for longevity, ease of maintenance, and possible upgrades. The separate power supply helps maintain lower distortion and greater signal purity. In general, it has a warm analog sound quality with exceptional detail and clarity. Connectivity on the back includes three RCA and one XLR (pair) inputs as well as one coaxial, one optical, a USB A (2.0), phono, and HDMI (ARC). Bluetooth, WiFi, and Ethernet (10/100 Mbps/RJ45) connections are included. Also, it is equipped with the AVM X-STREAM Engine Hi Rez music streamer for AirPlay, Qobuz, Roon Ready, Spotify, TIDAL Connect MAX. Sampling rates include DSD256, 32-bit/384kHz (PCM), 24-bit/96kHz (Optical), 24-bit/192kHz (Coaxial/ARC). All of these features add up to great flexibility that should meet the demands of the most ardent audiophile.

AVM Evolution AS 5.3 Streaming Preamplifier and Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista 600.2 analog pre-amplifier

The Rundown:

The volume control features a high-precision, motor-driven design custom-made by AVM. The two knobs on the front are solid billet aluminum and feel solid and smooth in operation. The chassis is made from solid aluminum, and the design is exceptionally uncluttered and elegant looking. My review unit came with the Cellini Chrome finish (it cost about a grand more than the standard black or silver brushed aluminum), and it looks amazing! The OLED display screen can be dimmed and shows a progress bar and scrolls your streaming information. This unit looks and feels very high quality. Even the metal remote has a nice weight and design to it that complements the AS 5.3 pre-amplifier.

AVM Evolution AS 5.3 Streaming Preamplifier Specifications

*Streaming Amplifier (Class D) with 2 x 350 watts into 4 ohms

X-Stream Engine® for HiRes streaming, including DSD, controllable via the RC-X APP

Prepared for Spotify Connect, Qobuz Connect, Tidal Connect MAX, web radio (expandable)

Bluetooth 5.0, Airplay 2, ROON ready

High Performance Phono input with complete MM & MC customization

HDMI (ARC) input

2 digital inputs (SPDIF coax & optical)

USB A for external hard drives

3 RCA + 1 XLR high-level inputs

6.3 mm headphone output on front with dedicated headphone amp

Signal processing with ESS 9028 PRO Double-Quad DAC for max. 384/32 PCM and DSD 256

Product Name:

AVM Evolution AS 5.3

Product Type:

Streaming Preamplifier

MSRP:

$12,000 (add $1,000 for the Cellini Chrome finish)

Website:

https://avm.audio/

Company:

AVM

The Follow-Up:

So, where my Nu-Vista 600.2 offers a completely analog music reproduction system with a tube pre-amp stage, it doesn’t offer streaming or digital inputs. The AVM Evolution AS 5.3 offers flexibility for streaming and both digital and analog inputs. You could spend a few thousand on just a streaming device alone. Even then, you may not achieve the sound quality that the AS 5.3 provides. I’ll put the AVM AS 5.3 through its paces and let you know my impressions. Until then, look for my full review of this unit soon. For now, I’ll have to figure out how to take pictures of this Cellini finish without a self-portrait showing up!