AVM Inspiration AS 2.3 Streaming Integrated Amplifier, Black

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.

It's built by hand in Malsch near Karlsruhe. AVM packs more high-end into this slim chassis than the footprint suggests – this version in brushed black-anodized aluminium.

Why the AVM Inspiration AS 2.3?

The 140 watts per channel are delivered practically impedance-stable – no serious speaker will ruffle the AS 2.3. Conversion is handled by an ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M, the AVM X-STREAM Engine streams up to DSD256 and 384 kHz/32-bit, and control runs via the free RC X app – AVM only supplies a hardware remote on request, none is included in the box. Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, AirPlay 2, Roon Ready, Bluetooth and internet radio are all on board – and if you don't want a subscription, you can simply use web radio, vinyl or local network files without one.

What you'll hear

A clear, powerful and smooth sound that places voices cleanly in the room and never gets congested even at volume. The phono stage is no afterthought input: it switches between MM (40 dB) and MC (60 dB), and you set the loading impedance yourself via the included RCA plugs to match your cartridge. TV sound runs in over HDMI ARC, and the headphone output sits on the front. And because the AS 2.3 stays cool and quiet, it's happy to sit somewhere you can actually see it.

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

Straight talk: the AS 2.3 is for anyone who wants uncompromising sound in a small footprint – a modern living room instead of a tower of gear. It deliberately has no CD drive; if you want to load silver discs, go for its sibling CS 2.3 or hook a player up to a digital input. And if you want to drive a very large room with hard-to-drive floorstanders, look one class up in the AVM range.

Our verdict

The Inspiration AS 2.3 is one of the few compact amps where you forget how small it is while you're listening. For most living rooms, it isn't the compromise – it's the solution, and a device you'll still enjoy using in ten years.

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

"The AVM AS 2.3 is a highly modern, fully integrated amplifier that can do everything you need for musical enjoyment." – HiFi Test, 10/2022

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: brushed aluminium, black
• 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

Does the AVM Inspiration AS 2.3 have a CD drive?

No. The AS 2.3 is deliberately built without a drive, and the front stays closed. If you want to play CDs directly, go for its sibling Inspiration CS 2.3 with a slot-in drive, or connect a CD player to one of the digital inputs. The amplifier and streaming section are built identically on both units.

How good is the AS 2.3's phono stage?

Very good. The phono input switches between MM at 40 dB and MC at 60 dB gain, and you set the loading impedance to match your cartridge via the included RCA plugs. An external phono preamp is unnecessary in most cases.

Which D/A converter does the AS 2.3 use?

An ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M. Together with the AVM X-STREAM Engine, it handles PCM up to 384 kHz/32-bit and DSD256. Via the digital inputs: coaxial and HDMI ARC up to 192 kHz/24-bit, optical up to 96 kHz/24-bit. So you won't need a separate external converter.

Is a remote control included?

No, a remote control isn't part of the package. AVM deliberately ships the AS 2.3 app-controlled: you handle streaming, multiroom and sound via the free RC X app for iOS and Android. If you'd like hardware control, order the RC 3 or the RC 9 with colour display separately.

Can the compact AS 2.3 also drive large speakers?

Yes. Despite its Midi format, it delivers 2 × 140 watts into 4 ohms almost independent of impedance and copes well with demanding floorstanding speakers. How far you can go depends on the speaker and room size – we're happy to work that out with you for your setup.

Why buy the AVM Inspiration AS 2.3 from HD Zürisee?

As an authorized AVM dealer in Wädenswil, we'll tell you honestly whether the compact AS 2.3 suits your room and speakers – or whether another model makes more sense. Our technician Mauri handles setup, cartridge matching and service. Get in touch by phone or WhatsApp.

Pairs well with

You'll find speakers at a matching level under Speakers, the right turntable for the phono input under Turntables, and the right connection under Cables.