Интегральные усилители — AVM Ovation A 8.3

The Ovation A 8.3 is a hybrid integrated amplifier from AVM, the German electronics manufacturer based in Malsch. Its preamplifier stage uses a pair of dual triodes of the Ovation 803 T type, while the output section is a high-current MOSFET circuit operating in Class A/AB. A digital section with its own DAC is built in, so the amplifier accepts both analogue and digital sources.

Key specs that matter

Per AVM the A 8.3 delivers 2 x 200 W into 8 ohm and 2 x 330 W into 4 ohm, produced by 20 transistors per channel. The amplification factor is 30, or 29.5 dB. Measured at 25 W into 4 ohm, total harmonic distortion is below 0.02 percent, intermodulation below 0.01 percent and signal-to-noise above 94 dB(A). The damping factor exceeds 400 into 8 ohm, the slew rate is above 15 V per microsecond and rise time into 4 ohm is 10 microseconds. Frequency response runs from 5 Hz to beyond 35 kHz at the -3 dB points. Sensitivity is 2.1 V on both input types, with 20 kOhm impedance on RCA and 40 kOhm on XLR. The amplifier weighs 22 kg.

Engineering and use context

There are five analogue inputs, one XLR and four RCA, and five digital inputs made up of one coaxial, two optical and one USB, plus Bluetooth 4.2. Signal processing reaches 384 kHz and 32 bit, with DSD128 accepted over USB. The architecture is dual mono with fully DC-coupled input stages, fed by a 1,000 VA toroidal transformer. A separate Class-A stage drives a 6.3 mm headphone jack. Other functions include a parametric loudness, tone control with a bypass and an AV bypass for home cinema use. Each source can carry its own name and sensitivity setting, and a large blue display shows the settings. The screw-free aluminium housing is finished in silver or black, with a Cellini front on request. Standby draw is under 0.5 W on a 230 V, 50 Hz supply. An RC 3 metal remote and an AVM flight case come with it, and warranty is four years after product registration.

Pairing

Two variable preamplifier outputs on XLR and RCA let the A 8.3 work as a preamplifier for a separate stereo power stage, and a fixed line-out feeds a recorder. With the AV bypass engaged, a multichannel processor can hand the left and right front signals to the amplifier at a fixed level, while the other channels of the cinema system are driven elsewhere. The rear carries two pairs of loudspeaker terminals.

Alternatives

AVM's Ovation A 6.3 is the companion integrated amplifier with the same power rating and a transistor preamplifier stage in place of the tubes.