AVM Ovation CS 6.3 Streaming CD Receiver, Black

The AVM Ovation CS 6.3 is a streaming CD receiver that combines a network player, modular quad DAC, slot-in CD drive and a 2 × 500 watt power stage in one aluminium chassis.

It's the pure transistor variant of the large Ovation all-in-ones – here in a black brushed chassis with chrome-plated, solid-machined rotary knobs. It shares its chassis, front and controls with the CS 8.3; the difference between the two sits entirely on the inside. It's built by hand at the AVM manufactory and delivered in a rugged flight case. Understatement backed by 500 watts.

Why the AVM Ovation CS 6.3?

Because it replaces a complete chain without going quiet about it. 2 × 500 watts at 4 ohms and 2 × 250 watts at 8 ohms drive practically any speaker. The heart is a modular quad DAC up to 384 kHz / 32 bit and DSD128, which can be swapped as a plug-in module instead of replacing the whole device. The preamplifier works in pure transistor technology – and, at under 0.001 percent THD, measures even cleaner than the tube model CS 8.3. The spring-mounted slot-in Pure CD drive from TEAC plays your silver discs at the same level.

What you hear and get

A neutral, controlled sound that shows recordings as they are – still pleasantly unhurried after the third hour. The AVM X-STREAM Engine streams AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, HIGHRESAUDIO, Roon, UPnP and web radio; internet radio and files from your own network run with no subscription at all. Add a balanced XLR and RCA input, two optical and one coaxial digital input, USB-A and USB-B, Bluetooth 5.0, a Class A headphone amplifier on the front, and multiroom with party sync mode.

Who is the Ovation CS 6.3 suited for – and who isn't it for?

To be clear: the CS 6.3 is for listeners who want the best from an all-in-one – plenty of power, an upgradeable converter, high-end build quality, but please with no extra tonal colour from outside. If you're after the warmer tube sound, take the otherwise identical CS 8.3. If you need a built-in phono input, plan for an external phono stage – or look at the newer CS 8.3 S, which brings phono and an HDMI ARC input. And if you'd rather upgrade device by device anyway, separate components serve you better.

Our verdict

The CS 6.3 is the sensible route to big sound: one device, one power cable, one pair of speakers – and still not a hint of compact-system feeling. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we put together matching speakers, a phono stage and cabling for you.

What the trade press says: "The Ovation CS 6.3 really does offer everything in one, and at the highest level. The build quality is excellent as always, the technology is well thought out, powerful and delivers wonderful sound." – Philipp Schneckenburger, hifitest.de 6/2020.

Technical data

• Type: Streaming CD receiver / all-in-one (transistor preamplifier, Class D power stage)
• Output power: 2 × 500 W (4 Ω) / 2 × 250 W (8 Ω)
• Power stage: Class D with switch-mode power supply, gain factor 30, input sensitivity 1.2 V
• THD: < 0.001% (preamplifier), < 0.005% (power stage)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 98 dB (preamplifier), > 95 dB (power stage)
• Frequency response: < 0 Hz to > 70 kHz (manufacturer's figure)
• Preamplifier: transistor (solid state), no tubes
• D/A converter: modular quad DAC, upgradeable as a plug-in module
• Resolution: PCM up to 384 kHz / 32 bit, DSD128 (5.6 MHz) via USB-B
• CD drive: spring-mounted slot-in Pure CD drive from TEAC (CD audio and CD-R to the Red Book standard)
• Phono: no internal phono input
• HDMI: no HDMI ARC input (CS 8.3 S only)
• FM tuner: not built in, optional tuner module can be retrofitted (FM antenna input present)
• Streaming (AVM X-STREAM Engine): AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, HIGHRESAUDIO, Roon Ready, UPnP, web radio
• File formats: WAV, MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC, ALAC, DSD, Ogg, AIFF
• Network: LAN 100 Mbit/s, Wi-Fi 2.4 / 5 GHz (802.11a/b/g/n/ac), 1 antenna connection, WPS
• Multiroom: multiroom and party sync mode (via the RC X app with compatible AVM devices)
• Bluetooth: 5.0 (A2DP, AVRCP 1.5)
• Analogue inputs: 1 × XLR (balanced), 1 × RCA
• Input impedance: 10 kΩ (RCA), 20 kΩ (XLR)
• Digital inputs: 2 × S/PDIF optical (up to 96 kHz / 24 bit), 1 × S/PDIF coaxial (up to 192 kHz / 24 bit), 1 × USB-B (up to DSD128 / 192 kHz), 1 × USB-A (storage media)
• Digital outputs: 1 × S/PDIF optical, 1 × S/PDIF coaxial
• Analogue outputs: 1 × XLR Pre/Var Out, 1 × RCA Pre/Var Out, 1 × RCA Line/Fix Out, speaker terminals with gold-plated 4 mm banana sockets
• Output impedance (preamplifier): 47 Ω (RCA), 94 Ω (XLR)
• Output level: PRE OUT adjustable (headroom 5.4 V), LINE OUT fixed 2.5 V
• Headphone output: yes – 6.3 mm jack on the front, Class A amplifier, 15 Ω output impedance, headroom 6.5 V, THD < 0.002%, signal-to-noise ratio > 97 dB
• Control: RC X app for iOS and Android (included), 2 × 12 V trigger output (3.5 mm), IR input
• Power consumption: < 1 W standby, < 4 W network standby, < 35 W idle, max. 1000 W
• Power connection: 100–240 V, 50–60 Hz
• Chassis: brushed aluminium black, chrome-plated rotary knobs, multi-chamber construction
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 430 × 122 × 350 mm
• Weight: 13 kg
• Warranty: 2 years, 4 years with online registration at AVM
• Scope of delivery: device in the AVM Ovation flight case, Wi-Fi antenna, power cable, instruction manual (remote controls RC 9 with charging station available as an optional accessory)

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between the Ovation CS 6.3 and the CS 8.3?

Power, dimensions and weight are identical: 2 × 500 W at 4 ohms, 430 × 122 × 350 mm, 13 kg. The difference sits in the preamplifier. The CS 6.3 works with transistors and measures under 0.001 percent THD, the CS 8.3 uses a tube line stage with a warmer character.

Does the Ovation CS 6.3 have a phono input?

No, it has no internal phono input. For the turntable, an external phono stage connects to the RCA high-level input. Only the newer Ovation CS 8.3 S already brings phono along. We're happy to advise on which combination of cartridge and phono stage suits your deck.

Does the CS 6.3 also play CDs?

Yes. Inside sits a spring-mounted slot-in Pure CD drive from TEAC, which plays CD audio and burned CD-R to the Red Book standard, with no tray at all. Your collection remains a full-fledged source alongside streaming, USB, the digital inputs and Bluetooth. You save yourself a second device and another cable.

Can I connect headphones to the CS 6.3?

Yes. There's a 6.3 mm jack on the front with its own Class A headphone amplifier, 15 ohms output impedance and under 0.002 percent THD. That's not a side note but a proper output stage. A 3.5 mm adapter works without issue. We're happy to help figure out which headphones go well with it.

Is a remote control included?

No, a physical remote isn't part of the scope of delivery. The CS 6.3 is controlled via the free RC X app for iOS and Android. If you still want a physical remote in hand, order the programmable RC 9 with colour display and charging station as an accessory. The device ships in the AVM Ovation flight case.

Why buy the AVM Ovation CS 6.3 from HD Zürisee?

We're an authorised AVM dealer in Wädenswil and know the Ovation range inside out. We help you choose between the CS 6.3 and CS 8.3, find matching speakers and the right external phono stage – and our technician Mauri sets up the system for you on site. Call us at +41 44 680 22 00.

Goes well with

To turn the CS 6.3 into a full system: floorstanding speakers or bookshelf speakers, a turntable with matching phono preamplifier for vinyl, plus decent speaker cables and a pair of headphones for the late hours.