AVM Evolution PAS 5.3 Streaming Preamplifier

The AVM Evolution PAS 5.3 is a streaming preamplifier with a tube line stage built on 803T-type tubes. It combines AVM's X-Stream Engine, an ESS9028 PRO Double-Quad DAC, a phono stage for MM and MC cartridges and HDMI ARC in one aluminum housing, handmade at AVM's factory in Malsch, Germany. Pair it with the power amplifier of your choice.

The PAS 5.3 and the PAS 3.3 are sister models. AVM's Evolution 3.3 models are fully transistor-based, and the 5.3 models add a tube line stage.

Key Features of the AVM Evolution PAS 5.3

• Tube Line Stage: AVM uses specially selected and carefully tuned 803T-type tubes in the PAS 5.3.
• ESS9028 PRO Double-Quad DAC: Plays up to 32-bit/384 kHz PCM and DSD256.
• X-Stream Engine Streaming: AirPlay, Spotify Connect, Roon Ready, TIDAL Connect MAX, Qobuz, UPnP and web radio, plus Bluetooth 5.0 and AVM's RoomConneXion multiroom mode.
• MM and MC Phono Stage: Phono settings are remote controllable, with seven MC load values and seven MM capacitance values.
• HDMI ARC: Your TV plays through your system.
• Motor-Driven Volume Control: A high-precision, motor-driven volume control allows very small adjustments.
• RCA and XLR Inputs and Outputs: Analog inputs on RCA and XLR, with RCA and XLR outputs and a home theater thruput.
• RC 3 Aluminum Remote: Plus control from AVM's RC X app for iOS and Android.

The 803T Tube Line Stage

AVM builds the PAS 5.3 around specially selected and carefully tuned 803T-type tubes. AVM says the circuit topology minimizes harmonic distortion. The PAS 3.3 is the all-transistor version of the same preamplifier.

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

Streaming and the ESS9028 PRO DAC

Streaming runs on AVM's X-Stream Engine. It covers AirPlay, Spotify Connect, Roon Ready, TIDAL Connect MAX, Qobuz, UPnP and web radio, with AVM's RoomConneXion multiroom mode. The PAS 5.3 connects by LAN or dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 and 5 GHz), and also has Bluetooth 5.0.

The Double-Quad DAC plays PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz and DSD256. A rear USB-A port reads hard drives and USB sticks formatted FAT16, FAT32 or NTFS.

Phono Stage for MM and MC Cartridges

The PAS 5.3 has a phono input for moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges, and its phono settings are remote controllable. 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.

Connections

The rear panel carries a phono input, three RCA line inputs and an XLR input, with RCA line and preamp outputs and an XLR preamp output. The line output runs at 2.5 V. Coaxial and optical digital inputs accept up to 192 kHz/24-bit on coax and 96 kHz/24-bit on optical, and HDMI ARC accepts up to 192 kHz/24-bit. Coaxial and optical digital outputs are also on board.

A trigger input (5 to 20 V) and two 12 V trigger outputs switch your power amplifier and other components on with the PAS 5.3. AVM delays the second trigger output after the first to protect against current surges. A headphone amplifier with a 24-ohm output impedance is built in.

Housing, Power and Control

The solid aluminum housing shields the circuit from external interference. AVM gives the PAS 5.3 a separate power supply and a fully modular construction. It runs on a 100 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz supply, drawing under 0.5 W in standby and under 16 W at idle, with a maximum consumption of 25 W.

The PAS 5.3 comes with AVM's RC 3 aluminum remote control, and AVM's RC X app for iOS and Android runs it from your phone. It comes in aluminum silver or black, and in AVM's Cellini version with a chrome front panel.

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 PAS 5.3 Specifications