AVM Inspiration CS 2.3 Streaming Integrated Amplifier with CD, Bronze Edition

The AVM Inspiration CS 2.3 Bronze Edition is a compact streaming integrated amplifier with a CD drive that combines a network player, D/A converter, MM/MC phono stage and a 2 × 140 watt power amplifier in a screwless aluminium case – in the anniversary version with a bronze front and black body.

For its 40th birthday AVM has dressed the CS 2.3 in bronze. Anyone who wants CD, vinyl, streaming and TV sound in a single device gets the most complete variant of the Inspiration line here – just with a front you won't share with every neighbour. The Bronze Edition is limited and available for a short time only.

Why the AVM Inspiration CS 2.3 Bronze Edition?

The CS 2.3 is the control centre for an entire system – in just 34 centimetres of width. 2 × 140 watts into 4 ohms give even full-size floorstanders enough drive, and the ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M converter delivers clean, natural reproduction. The slot-in drive plays your discs, the switchable MM/MC phono input takes your turntable, and via HDMI ARC the TV sound finally runs through the good system.

What you get

AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz and Roon work directly, and internet radio is built in – so even without a streaming subscription there's plenty to hear: CDs, vinyl, web radio, files from your home network. Control is via the free RC X app; the RC 3 and RC 9 radio remotes are accessories. There's no FM or DAB tuner inside.

Who is the Bronze Edition suited for – and who isn't it?

Straight talk: for anyone who wants a full-featured system in a small space – including CD and vinyl – and is looking for looks that start conversations. If you only stream from your phone these days, you're paying for a drive you'll never use; then the AS 2.3 Bronze is the more honest choice. And if you need the calibratable phono stage or more power for very large rooms, take a look at the Evolution line.

Our verdict

The CS 2.3 replaces an entire tower of components without you noticing what's missing while listening – and in bronze you can see that too. As a collector's piece with everyday usability, it's one of the most coherent anniversary editions. We'll gladly work out with you at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil which speakers suit it.

Technical data

• Type: compact streaming integrated amplifier with slot-in CD drive
• Edition: 40th Anniversary Edition, bronze front, black case, limited
• Amplifier principle: Class D
• Output power: 2 × 140 W (1% THD, 4 Ω)
• D/A converter: ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M
• Streaming engine: AVM X-STREAM Engine, PCM up to 384 kHz / 32 bit, DSD256
• CD drive: slot-in, CD audio and CD-R (Red Book)
• Streaming services: AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, HighResAudio, Roon Ready, internet radio
• Phono: MM (40 dB) / MC (60 dB) switchable, termination impedance via RCA plugs
• Digital inputs: 1 × HDMI ARC (192 kHz/24 bit), 1 × S/PDIF coaxial (192 kHz/24 bit), 1 × optical (96 kHz/24 bit), USB-A (for storage media only)
• Analogue inputs: 2 × high-level RCA, 1 × phono RCA
• Outputs: speaker terminals, pre-out, line-out, digital coaxial/optical
• Output level: pre-out volume-controlled, line-out (recording output) fixed
• Headphone output: yes, 3.5 mm jack on the front (80 Ω output impedance)
• Bluetooth: 5.0 LE
• Network: LAN 100 Mbit/s, Wi-Fi 2.4 / 5 GHz (802.11a/b/g/n/ac), 2 antennas
• Tuner: no FM/DAB receiver, internet radio integrated
• Operation: RC X app (iOS/Android); RC 3 (infrared) and RC 9 (colour display) remotes optionally available
• Case: screwless aluminium, bronze front, black body
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 340 × 92 × 325 mm
• Weight: 7.1 kg
• Warranty: 2 years, +2 years with online registration
• Scope of delivery: CS 2.3, power cord, 2 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth antennas, 2 × 3 RCA termination plugs for phono, gloves – without remote control

Frequently asked questions

How does the CS 2.3 Bronze Edition differ from the regular CS 2.3?

Only in looks: for the 40th anniversary the front wears a warm bronze while the case stays black. Amplifier, CD drive, phono stage and streaming match the standard CS 2.3. AVM makes the Bronze Edition in limited numbers and only for a limited time.

Does the CS 2.3 Bronze Edition play CDs and vinyl?

Yes, both. The slot-in drive plays CD audio and CD-R to the Red Book standard, and the switchable phono input takes MM and MC cartridges with 40 and 60 dB gain respectively. In most cases you won't need an external phono stage.

Is a remote control included?

No. The CS 2.3 is operated via the free RC X app for iOS and Android. If you'd rather hold something in your hand, order the RC 3 with infrared or the RC 9 with colour display as an accessory.

Does the CS 2.3 have a radio tuner?

None for FM or DAB. Radio comes via the built-in internet radio, which works without a subscription. If you want terrestrial reception, connect a separate tuner to a high-level input.

Can I connect my TV?

Yes, via HDMI ARC. That way the TV sound plays through your stereo system, and you control volume and standby with the TV's remote. A single cable is enough, and a soundbar becomes unnecessary.

Why buy the AVM Inspiration CS 2.3 Bronze Edition at HD Zürisee?

We are an authorised AVM dealer in Wädenswil and tell you honestly whether the CS 2.3 suits your room, your speakers and your record collection. Our technician Mauri handles delivery, set-up and service. Call us (044 680 22 00) or message us on WhatsApp (076 534 22 00, text only, no calls).

Goes well with

You'll find matching speakers under speakers, a turntable for the phono input under turntables, quality connections under cables, and the RC 3 and RC 9 remotes under accessories.