AVM Inspiration AS 2.3 Streaming Integrated Amplifier, Cellini Chrome

The AVM Inspiration AS 2.3 is a compact streaming integrated amplifier that combines a network player, D/A converter, MM/MC phono stage and a powerful 2 × 140-watt power amp in a Midi-sized chassis.

The Cellini version wears a chrome-plated, hand-polished front panel; the chassis itself stays aluminium in silver. This is the AS 2.3 for anyone who deliberately leaves understatement at the door.

Why the AVM Inspiration AS 2.3?

140 watts per channel, practically impedance-stable – no serious speaker will ruffle this compact amp. Conversion is handled by an ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M, the AVM X-STREAM Engine plays up to DSD256 and 384 kHz/32-bit; control runs via the free RC X app, with the RC 3 infrared remote available as an option. AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, Roon Ready, Bluetooth and internet radio are all built in. A streaming subscription is optional, never mandatory: vinyl, web radio and files from your own network all work without one.

What you get

A complete system minus speakers – in 34 centimetres of width. The phono input takes MM (40 dB) and MC (60 dB) and can be matched to your cartridge via the included RCA plugs. HDMI ARC brings TV sound onto the system, the headphone output sits on the front, and pre-out and line-out for future expansion sit at the back. The chrome front, by the way, isn't a sticker – it's hand-finished, and you can see it the moment light hits it.

Who is the Inspiration AS 2.3 right for – and who isn't it for?

Honestly: you buy this version because it's allowed to stand out. If you want a device that disappears into the shelf, go for black or silver – there's no technical difference. The AS 2.3 has no CD drive; its sibling CS 2.3 covers that. And for very large rooms with hard-to-drive floorstanders, AVM's next series up is where you should look.

Our verdict

Compact devices quickly get labelled the sensible choice. The AS 2.3 is the opposite: it sounds big, behaves like a grown-up – and in Cellini Chrome it looks like someone genuinely took their time over it.

What the trade press says

• Reference class, 5/5 stars – HiFi Test, 10/2022
• Highlight Award – stereoplay, 7/2023
• "Highlight" verdict, reference class – lite-magazin, 07/2022
• Highest test award – AREA DVD, 16.08.2022
• Recommended Award – HiFi Choice, 5/2023

"With many playback options and its compact format, AVM hits the nerve of the times." – lite-magazin, 07/2022

Technical data

• Type: Streaming integrated amplifier (no CD drive)
• 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
• Streaming services: AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, HighResAudio, Roon Ready, internet radio
• Phono: MM (40 dB) / MC (60 dB) switchable, loading 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), 1 × USB-A
• Analog inputs: 2 × line-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 (A2DP, AVRCP 1.5)
• 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 built in
• Control: RC X app (iOS/Android), rotary control and display with proximity sensor on the unit; RC 3 and RC 9 remotes available as options, not included
• Chassis: aluminium in silver, front chrome-plated and hand-polished (Cellini)
• Power consumption: under 16 W idle, under 0.5 W standby
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 340 × 92 × 325 mm
• Weight: 7.1 kg
• Warranty: 2 years, +2 years with online registration
• Manufacturing: handmade, Malsch (Germany)
• Included: AS 2.3, power cable, 2 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth antennas, 2 × 3 RCA loading plugs for the phono termination, gloves (no remote)

Frequently asked questions

What does Cellini Chrome mean at AVM?

Cellini refers to the chrome-plated, hand-polished front panel. The chassis behind it stays aluminium in silver – a silver chassis is normal on a Cellini unit, not a mistake. Technically, this AS 2.3 is identical to the black and silver versions.

Does the AVM Inspiration AS 2.3 have a CD drive?

No, the front stays closed. AVM deliberately left the drive out of the AS. If you want to play CDs, choose its sibling Inspiration CS 2.3 with a slot-in drive, or connect a CD player to the coaxial or optical digital input.

Which D/A converter does the AS 2.3 use?

A selected ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M. Together with AVM's X-STREAM Engine, it covers PCM up to 384 kHz/32-bit and DSD256. On the sockets: coaxial and HDMI ARC take 192 kHz/24-bit, the optical input 96 kHz/24-bit. An additional external converter adds nothing here.

Is a remote control included with the AS 2.3?

No, none is included in the box. The AS 2.3 is controlled via the free RC X app for iOS and Android, plus the rotary control and proximity sensor on the unit. The RC 3 infrared remote and the RC 9 with colour display are available as accessories – we're happy to order one along with your unit.

Do I need a streaming subscription for the AS 2.3?

No. Internet radio, Bluetooth, turntable, TV sound via HDMI ARC and music files from your home network all run at no ongoing cost. Services like Qobuz, TIDAL or Spotify are available if you want them, but you don't have to use them – the amplifier is complete without them too.

Can the compact AS 2.3 also drive large speakers?

Yes. The 2 × 140 watts into 4 ohms are delivered almost independent of impedance, so this Midi-sized chassis can drive full-size floorstanding speakers too. Where the limit lies depends on efficiency, impedance curve and room size – send us your speaker model and we'll place it for you.

Why buy the AVM Inspiration AS 2.3 in Cellini Chrome from HD Zürisee?

Because a chrome front looks different in a brochure than in your own living room – we'll help you judge that. Our specialist team on Lake Zurich matches speakers, sources and cabling to each other, and Mauri handles delivery and setup. Call us or write on WhatsApp.

Pairs well with

You'll find matching speakers under Speakers, the turntable for the phono input under Turntables, and the connections you'll need under Cables.