AVM Inspiration AS 2.3 Streaming Integrated Amplifier, Silver

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.

This version comes in brushed aluminium in silver – the classic AVM look that fits into almost any living room without ever looking generic. It's built by hand in Malsch near Karlsruhe.

Why the AVM Inspiration AS 2.3?

Because a complete system is packed into a chassis barely wider than a ring binder. 2 × 140 watts are delivered practically impedance-stable, conversion is handled by an ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M, and the AVM X-STREAM Engine plays up to DSD256 and 384 kHz/32-bit. AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, Roon Ready, Bluetooth and internet radio are all on board; control runs via the free RC X app, and an infrared remote is available as an accessory on request.

What you experience

An amplifier that doesn't push itself into the foreground: clear, powerful, spacious – and still relaxed after two hours. The phono input switches between MM (40 dB) and MC (60 dB), and you set the loading impedance via the included RCA plugs. Via HDMI ARC, the AS 2.3 takes over TV sound, and the headphone output sits on the front. Hand on heart: most gear towers in the living room could look exactly like this – which is to say, not at all.

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

For anyone who wants a serious stereo system but has no room for a rack – and for ambitious second systems. Straight talk: no CD drive. If you regularly load discs, its sibling CS 2.3 serves you better. And if you want to fill a very large room with hard-to-drive floorstanders, look one series up in the AVM range.

Our verdict

The AS 2.3 in silver is the understated version of a very self-assured device. It delivers high-end sound without dominating the room – and answers the question of whether all-in-one always means compromise pretty clearly with no.

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

"Here we have a complete package in front of us that undoubtedly deserves the highest test award." – AREA DVD, 16.08.2022

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, silver
• 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's the difference between the AS 2.3 and the CS 2.3?

Just the CD drive. The CS 2.3 has a slot-in drive on the front, the AS 2.3 doesn't. Amplifier, converter, streaming section, phono stage and connections are identical on both units. If you no longer play CDs, the AS 2.3 simply saves you one component.

Which resolutions does the AS 2.3 play?

PCM up to 384 kHz and 32-bit, as well as DSD256, via the AVM X-STREAM Engine and the ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M. Via the digital inputs: coaxial and HDMI ARC up to 192 kHz/24-bit, optical up to 96 kHz/24-bit. That covers practically every high-resolution format sold today.

Can I connect headphones directly?

Yes. The front has a 3.5 mm jack output with 80 ohms output impedance. That's plenty for most models; for very low-impedance or particularly demanding headphones, we'll look together at whether a separate headphone amp helps more.

Does a remote control come with the AS 2.3?

No, none is included in the package. The AS 2.3 is controlled via the free RC X app for iOS and Android, or directly on the unit. If you'd rather hold something in your hand, add the RC 3 infrared remote or the RC 9 with colour display as an optional accessory.

Can the compact AS 2.3 also drive large speakers?

Yes. Even though the chassis is Midi-sized: 2 × 140 watts into 4 ohms, almost independent of impedance, are enough for the vast majority of floorstanding speakers. Things only get tight in very large rooms or with particularly inefficient speakers. Tell us your model and room size, and we'll let you know.

Why buy the AVM Inspiration AS 2.3 from HD Zürisee?

Because we've been seeing which devices hold up in everyday use since 1997 – and we'll tell you even when the answer is a different model. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil you get speaker matching, installation by Mauri and clean warranty handling. Write or call.

Pairs well with

You'll find matching speakers under Speakers, the turntable for the phono input under Turntables, and headphones for the front output under Headphones.