EVOLUTION PAS 5.3 at a glance

• AVM X-STREAM Engine® for HiRes Streaming incl. DSD, controllable via the RC X app
• Prepared for Spotify Connect, Qobuz, Tidal Connect, web radio (expandable)
• ROON ready
• Bluetooth 4.2
• Airplay (=Airplay2)
• HDMI (ARC) Input
• USB A for external hard drives (NTFS & FAT)
• AVM RoomConnneXion Multiroom function
• 2 digital inputs (SPDIF, optical)
• 5 analog inputs (1 XLR, 3 RCA and PHONO)
• Phono input optionally MM/MC with extensive customization controllable via app
• 2 digital outputs (SPDIF, optical), optional volume control
• 2 analog outputs (RCA & XLR), switchable between FIX Out and VARIABLE Out
• Volume control (completely analog)
• 1 analog line out RCA (fixed level)
• Home-Theatre.loop (selectable in menu)
• Signal processing with selected Double-Quad DAC for max. 384/32
• PCM (ESS 9028PRO) as well as DSD 256
• Tone control and parametric loudness with bypass function (also controllable via RC X app)
• Dimmable graphic display with touchpoint sensor and proximity sensor
• Extensive menu functions (individual input naming, etc.)
• Trigger in, ext. IR sensor, 2 x trigger out
• Minimum stand-by consumption
• Compact design: 43cm width, 33cm depth, 12cm height
• cabinet variants: Aluminum silver, aluminum black brushed or as CELLINI version with chrome front

The special feature of the PAS 5.3 is its Tube Line Stage, which is located in the preamp section of the unit. Based on tubes specially manufactured for AVM, a completely new tube stage was developed for the current EVOLUTION series, which fully brings out the sonic charm of AVM tubes. Thanks to AVM’s proprietary circuit technology, a remarkably long tube life is guaranteed (approx. 20,000 hours).

The PAS 5.3 and PAS 3.3 come with an extensive selection of connections and combine them with the versatile streaming functions of the AVM X-STREAM Engine®. In addition, both devices have a sensational phono preamplifier, whose settings can even be controlled via the RC X app for iOS and Android.

The PAS 5.3 differs visually from the PAS 3.3 by the glass pane in the casing cover. Through this darkened window, the tube stages are nicely observable at work. The PAS 3.3 operates as a purely transistor-based device. All other connection and performance data correspond to those of PAS 5.3. The most obvious distinguishing feature is the closed, brushed aluminum case lid.

The analog outputs (RCA & XLR) can also be controlled in volume – this control is completely analog. Analog and digital inputs can be switched to signal activation. This allows the signal to automatically switch on the PAS 3.3/5.3 as soon as a signal is detected at the activated inputs. Balanced and unbalanced inputs and outputs round out the extensive connection options.

Even purely sonically, the PAS 5.3 and PAS 3.3 have made a huge gain by using the newly conceived circuit concepts. The digital section was rethought from the ground up as part of the redesign, as this all-important part is based on the select ESS9028 PRO double-quad DAC. In terms of sound, this is also a clear gain, which is accompanied by a large amount of circuitry: In the PAS 5.3 and PAS 3.3, 4 DA converters per channel work in parallel. This effort sonically benefits all digital sources, so that all high-resolution formats can be reproduced perfectly and faithfully.