AVM Evolution AS 5.3 Streaming Integrated Amplifier

The AVM Evolution AS 5.3 is a streaming integrated amplifier with a tube line stage in its preamplifier section, driving your speakers at 350 watts per channel into 4 ohms. Hi-res streaming, a phono stage for MM and MC cartridges and HDMI ARC for the TV share one screwless aluminum casing, handmade at AVM's factory in Malsch, Germany. It has no CD drive.

The AS 5.3 and the AS 3.3 are sister models. The AS 5.3 adds the tube line stage, and AVM states that all their other connectivity and performance specifications are identical.

Key Features of the AVM Evolution AS 5.3

• Tube Line Stage: Tubes custom-made for AVM sit in the preamplifier section. AVM's circuitry gives them a rated life of approximately 20,000 hours.
• 350 Watts Per Channel: 2 x 350 W into 4 ohms and 2 x 180 W into 8 ohms, with Speaker A and B outputs.
• ESS9028 PRO Double-Quad DAC: Four DACs per channel, playing up to 32-bit/384 kHz PCM and DSD256.
• X-Stream Engine Streaming: Spotify Connect, Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect MAX, AirPlay 2, Roon Ready and web radio, plus Bluetooth 5.0.
• MM and MC Phono Stage: A redesigned phono input whose settings you adjust in the AVM app, with seven MC load values and seven MM capacitance values.
• HDMI ARC: Your TV's sound plays through the AS 5.3 and your speakers.
• Analog Inputs and Preamp Outputs: Three RCA and one XLR line inputs, with RCA and XLR preamp outputs.
• Headphone Amplifier: A dedicated amplifier behind the 6.3 mm front-panel headphone jack.

What the Tube Line Stage Does in the AS 5.3

The AS 5.3 runs its preamplifier section through a tube line stage, using tubes custom-made for AVM and a tube stage AVM developed for them. AVM rates the tubes for approximately 20,000 hours. The tube stage is the only difference between the AS 5.3 and the all-transistor AS 3.3. AVM states that all other connectivity and performance specifications are identical.

In AVM's measurements for the analog preamplifier section, distortion is rated below 0.025% on the AS 5.3, against below 0.001% on the AS 3.3, with a -3 dB frequency response running from below 5 Hz to above 100 kHz.

350 Watts Per Channel and Two Speaker Pairs

The power amplifier section delivers 2 x 350 W into 4 ohms and 2 x 180 W into 8 ohms, with an input sensitivity of 1.2 V at full power. AVM rates its distortion below 0.005% and its signal-to-noise ratio above 95 dB. Speaker A and B outputs let you run two pairs of speakers.

The AS 5.3 runs on a 100 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz supply. It draws under 0.5 W in standby, under 2 W in network standby and under 25 W at idle, with a maximum consumption of 1,000 W.

ESS9028 PRO DAC and the X-Stream Engine

The digital section is based on the ESS9028 PRO Double-Quad DAC, which runs four DACs per channel. It plays PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz and DSD256.

Streaming runs on AVM's X-Stream Engine, controlled through the RC X app. It covers Spotify Connect, Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect MAX, web radio, AirPlay 2 and Roon Ready, along with AVM's multiroom function. The AS 5.3 connects by LAN or dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 and 5 GHz), and also has Bluetooth 5.0. A USB-A port reads external hard drives and USB sticks formatted FAT16, FAT32 or NTFS.

Phono Stage for MM and MC Cartridges

AVM redesigned the phono input stage for the AS 5.3, and every sound-relevant setting is adjusted in the AVM app rather than with switches. Moving-magnet gain is 40 or 50 dB and moving-coil gain is 60 or 70 dB, with RIAA equalization accurate to within 0.3 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.

Moving-coil loading offers seven resistance values: 100, 180, 220, 330 and 660 ohms, 1k and 2k ohms. Moving-magnet capacitance offers seven values from 47 to 410 pF. AVM rates the signal-to-noise ratio above 84 dB(A) for MM and above 75 dB(A) for MC.

Digital and Analog Connections

The AS 5.3 has coaxial and optical S/P-DIF inputs, accepting up to 192 kHz/24-bit on coax and 96 kHz/24-bit on optical. HDMI ARC accepts up to 192 kHz/24-bit, so a TV plays through the AS 5.3 and your speakers. It also has coaxial and optical digital outputs.

For analog sources there are three RCA and one XLR line inputs. XLR and RCA preamp outputs and a home cinema thruput are also on board. A trigger input (5 to 20 V) and two 12 V trigger outputs switch other components on with it, and AVM delays the second trigger output after the first to protect against current surges.

Headphones, Display and Control

A dedicated headphone amplifier drives the 6.3 mm jack on the front panel, with a 24-ohm output impedance. The dimmable graphic display uses touchpoint sensors and a proximity sensor. You control the AS 5.3 from the AVM RC X app or the included remote.

Silver, Black or Cellini Chrome

The AS 5.3 comes in aluminum silver or black, and in AVM's Cellini version, with a chrome front and polished knobs. Every AS 5.3 is handmade at the AVM factory in Malsch, Germany, and undergoes AVM's quality controls.

Who Is AVM?

AVM Audio Video Manufaktur has built hi-fi by hand in Germany since 1986, and its products are sold in more than 50 countries. The range runs from the AVM 30.3 series through the Inspiration and Evolution lines to Ovation S, and the Evolution line is where AVM pairs each transistor 3.3 model with a tube-stage 5.3 sister.

The Listening Room Difference

We're a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on exceptional service and relentless passion for hifi. Whether you're visiting in person or ordering online, we bring decades of experience, personalized service, and honest guidance to every interaction. We don't just ship boxes. We help build systems, answer your questions like real humans, and make sure every detail of your setup is right, from the cables to the final connection. Our passion is helping you get the most out of your gear, with support that lasts well beyond the sale.

AVM Evolution AS 5.3 Specifications