The German-made AVM OVATION A 8.3 Integrated Amplifier marries a tube preamplifer stage with Class A/AB high current MOS-FET output for a blended mix of old and new while adding a DAC and headphone amp for full featured functionality.
The OVATION A 8.3 has a host of input options for analog (4x RCA / 1x XLR) and digital (1x USB, 2x Optical, x2 Coax) sources as well as two sets of speaker terminals and a separate Class-A headphone amplifier. There are two PRE variable level Outputs (RCA / XLR) and a fixed RCA Line Out.
Inside hide a number of options including two digital filters (Smooth and Steep), defeatable tone controls (bass, treble, loudness), input attenuation, and more.
The AVM A 8.3 puts out 200 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms, 330 Watts into 4, and tips the scales at nearly 50 pounds of hulking power. The included aluminum remote weighs more than some switching amps.
From AVM:
The perfectly machined housing built of massive sheet aluminum is assembled without visible screws and bolts. A multi chamber layout of the housing protects the sensitive electronics from distracting influences which may deteriorate sound quality. Attention to detail is carefully exercised in every aspect. The chrome plated knobs are made of one single piece including their axels and are mounted in heavy duty ball bearings. Through the glass cover in the top plate of the CS 8.3, the glowing tubes are made visible and may be observed while producing their glamorous sound texture.
There’s much more to say about the AVM OVATION A 8.3, which will happen in the review proper. Stay tuned.
AVM OVATION A 8.3 Integrated Amplifier
Price: $16,995
Company Website: AVM
US Distributor’s Website: Bluebird Music
Specifications
Analog Inputs: 1 x XLR, 4 x RCA
Digital Inputs: 2 x S/PDIF Coax, 2 x S/PDIF Optical, 1 x USB B
Analog Outputs: 1 x Line/Fix Out XLR, 1 x Line/Fix Out RCA, 1 x Pre/Var Out RCA
Output Power: 2 x 330 W [4Ω]
Headphone Output: Class-A 6,35 mm
Speaker Outputs: 2 Pairs
DSD: DSD128 (5,6 MHz) via USB B
Inputs: Analog RCA, Analog XLR, Digital Coax, Digital Opto, USB B
Outputs: Analog RCA, Analog XLR, Headphone, Line/Fix Out, Loudspeaker, Pre/Var Out
Tone Control: Balance, Bass, Treble, scalable Loudness
Trigger Outputs: 2 x 3,5 mm
Tube Line Stage: A 8.3: OVATION 803 T
Bluetooth: HiFi Bluetooth (4.2 Standard)
Power Consumption: 1500 W max / < 0.5 W standby
Included Remote Control: RC 3 Aluminium Remote Control
Optional Remote Controls: RC 8 Remote Control
Finish: Aluminium Silver, Aluminium Black, CELLINI Chrome
Product Dimensions: 355 x 430 x 130 mm (L x W x H)
Product Weight: 22 kg
