PMC, AVM’s UK distributor, used The Indulgence Show for the UK debut of the new, German, AVM Ovation PA 8.2 Modular Preamplifier.

The PA 8.2, builds on the success of its predecessor the PA 8, is the perfect match for the company’s MA 8.2 and SA 8.2 mono and stereo power amplifiers. Featuring modular plug in cards, the user can select from phono or digital inputs, FM tuner and two variants of line level inputs. The output can also be switched between solid state or valve based, providing maximum user choice.

The PA 8.2 comprises of a honed chassis and the independent Plug-In Cards, which may be specified in any combination the customer chooses. The chassis unit features an AVM developed fully linear power supply, with three separate feeds for the analogue and digital domains of the unit. The chassis is also equipped with a smart control unit that manages all functions of the plug-in modules and the amplifier, automatically adapting the menu functions depending on the modules installed. PMC say that changing or adding modules on the rear side of the PA 8.2 is simple and can be done by the customer. All Ovation series Plug-In modules use individual voltage supplies. Non-operating modules are automatically muted, so for example, a Digital Card may be placed next to a highly sensitive Phono stage without experiencing any detrimental effects.

Five input modules are available: The Line Input module with one pair of balanced (XLR) and one pair of unbalanced (RCA/Cinch) inputs.  The Line Input Tone Module adds comprehensive tone control functionality. The Phono stage is designed for MM and MC systems and is conveniently configured via the menu on the front panel of the device. The DAC option includes the OVATION Ultra DAC which has 1 x USB (asynchronous), 2 x S/PDIF coaxial, 1 x S/PDIF optical inputs and supports PCM files up to 384kHz / 32 Bit, DSD files up to 5.6MHz (DSD128). The FM Tuner module adds FM technology combined with an RDS system.

The PA 8.2 also provides two output options. The Tube Output module features AVM 803 T Tube Technology while the Solid-State Output option is provided with AVM Ovation transistor technology. Both cards are equipped with a pair of balanced and a pair of unbalanced stereo outputs which can be even operated at the same time. They also both feature a high-end volume control unit placed at the very last stage of the signal path. The PA 8.2 now also features a Class-A headphone amplifier.

Ian Sutton, UK Divisional Director for PMC UK Distribution, welcomes the addition of the AVM PA 8.2, saying, “The stunning MA 8.2 and SA 8.2 power amplifiers from AVM now come into their own with the addition of the PA 8.2, one of the most comprehensive and flexible high performance pre-amps made today. We are delighted that AVM has chosen The Indulgence Show to launch the product and look forward to welcoming its managing director, Udo Besser, to London on Saturday when he arrives with the first production model of the PA 8.2.”

UK RRP of the PA8.2 will be £8,450

To see a video of Keith and Peter from PMC talking to Hifi Pig at The Indulgence Show click here.