AVM Inspiration CS 2.3 Streaming Integrated Amplifier with CD, LaBleu

The AVM Inspiration CS 2.3 LaBleu 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 Class D power amp in an aluminum housing just 34 centimeters wide.

AVM itself calls the CS 2.3 a Compact Streaming CD Receiver – and that's exactly what it is: a full-fledged system in midi format. The LaBleu edition is the blue special finish, technically identical to Black, Silver and Cellini Chrom, but visually a different piece of furniture. Ideal for the modern living room where a stack of components simply has no place.

Why the AVM Inspiration CS 2.3 LaBleu?

Because first-class sound no longer has to cost shelf space. The Class D power amp delivers 2 × 140 watts at 4 ohms and reliably drives even demanding speakers. Conversion runs via the ESS Sabre 9038 Q2M with PCM up to 384 kHz/32 bit and DSD256, streaming via the AVM X-STREAM Engine. The solid aluminum housing dissipates heat on its own – the little one doesn't need a fan, and at 7.1 kilograms it fits practically anywhere.

What you hear and what you get

A composed, precise and pleasantly warm sound that puts voices and fine dynamics smoothly into the room. On the connections side, the CS 2.3 leaves hardly anything to be desired: phono for MM and MC, HDMI ARC for TV sound, slot-in CD drive, USB-A, S/PDIF coaxial and optical, LAN, WiFi and Bluetooth. Everything is operated via the free RC X app including multiroom and tone controls; no hardware remote control is included – the RC 3 with infrared and the RC 9 with color display are accessories. Streaming services are an option, not a requirement: CD, vinyl and web radio play without any ongoing costs.

Who is the CS 2.3 LaBleu for – and who isn't it for?

For anyone who wants versatility in the smallest format – and a unit that's also nice to look at. As an entry into AVM as much as a demanding second system. Honestly: anyone who wants to push a large, hard-to-drive floorstanding speaker to its limit in a 40-square-meter room is better off with the bigger sibling from the 30.3 series. And anyone who never puts in a CD is better off with the drive-less AS 2.3. For normal living rooms, the power is comfortably enough – and goes considerably further than its compact appearance suggests.

Our verdict

The CS 2.3 LaBleu is the charming all-rounder among the all-in-ones: tiny in footprint, big in sound, and in blue a real eye-catcher. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we find the matching speakers with you – and calmly explain how simple a complete system is allowed to be today.

What the trade press says

• Reference class, 5 out of 5 stars – HiFi Test, issue 9/2021

Technical specifications

• Type: compact streaming integrated amplifier with slot-in CD drive
• Amplifier principle: Class D
• Output power: 2 × 140 W (1% THD, 4 Ω)
• Distortion: < 0.005%
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 95 dB
• D/A converter: ESS Sabre 9038 Q2M
• 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, UPnP, internet radio
• CD drive: slot-in, CD audio and CD-R (Red Book)
• Phono: MM (40 dB) / MC (60 dB) switchable, input level 30 mV (MM) or 3 mV (MC), RIAA equalization < 0.2 dB, termination via included RCA connectors
• Digital inputs: HDMI ARC (192 kHz/24 bit), 1 × S/PDIF coaxial (192 kHz/24 bit), 1 × optical (96 kHz/24 bit), USB-A (storage media only)
• Analog inputs: 2 × high-level RCA, 1 × phono RCA
• Outputs: speaker, 1 × pre-out RCA, 1 × line-out RCA, 1 × S/PDIF coaxial, 1 × optical
• Speaker terminals: gold-plated 4 mm banana jacks
• Output level: pre-out adjustable, line-out fixed (recording output)
• Headphone output: present, 3.5 mm jack on the front (80 Ω output impedance, 4.5 V at 1% THD)
• Bluetooth: 5.0 LE
• Network: LAN 100 Mbit/s, WiFi 2.4 / 5 GHz (802.11a/b/g/n/ac), 2 antennas
• Tuner: no FM/DAB receiver, internet radio integrated
• Operation: RC X app for iOS and Android; remote controls RC 3 (infrared) and RC 9 (color display) available as options
• Housing: screwless aluminum, special Edition LaBleu (blue)
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 340 × 92 × 325 mm
• Weight: 7.1 kg
• Power consumption: < 0.5 W standby, < 2 W network standby, < 16 W idle
• Warranty: 2 years, +2 years with online registration
• What's included: CS 2.3 LaBleu, power cable, 2 WiFi/Bluetooth antennas, 2 × 3 RCA termination plugs for phono, gloves – without remote control

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between LaBleu and the regular CS 2.3?

Technically nothing. LaBleu is the special finish in blue, and features, connections and performance match the Black, Silver and Cellini Chrom finishes. So you get the full feature set plus a housing that deliberately stands out from the usual black and silver.

Is a remote control included with the CS 2.3 LaBleu?

No. In the box are a power cable, two antennas, the phono termination plugs and gloves. Control is via the free RC X app for iOS and Android. The RC 3 with infrared and the RC 9 with color display are accessories and can be ordered at any time.

How much space does the CS 2.3 need?

Very little. At 34 centimeters wide, 9.2 centimeters high, 32.5 centimeters deep and 7.1 kilograms, it's noticeably slimmer than a normal rack component and fits practically on any sideboard. A bit of air all around still doesn't hurt, though – the aluminum housing releases its heat to the outside.

Can I connect a turntable directly?

Yes. The CS 2.3 has a built-in phono stage, switchable between MM with 40 dB and MC with 60 dB gain. You set the termination via the included RCA connectors. So you don't need an external phono box, whether your cartridge is MM or MC.

Can I connect my TV?

Yes, via the HDMI ARC input. That routes the TV sound through the stereo system, while you keep controlling volume and standby with the TV remote. Together with CD, streaming and phono, the CS 2.3 thus becomes the central system for the whole living room.

Does the CS 2.3 need a streaming subscription?

No. CD, vinyl, web radio, Bluetooth and local network files all run without any subscription. Streaming services like Qobuz, TIDAL or Spotify are an option if you want them – they're not mandatory.

Why buy the CS 2.3 LaBleu at HD Zürisee?

Because an all-in-one is only as good as the speakers attached to it – and that's exactly where we advise you. As an authorized AVM dealer in Wädenswil, we find the right speaker match, Mauri takes care of installation and setup, and we handle the warranty cleanly. Just get in touch by phone or WhatsApp.

Goes well with

The ideal sonic partner for the little one: compact Bookshelf Speakers or slim Floorstanding Speakers, a Turntable for the vinyl side, matching Speaker Cables, and the RC 3 and RC 9 remote controls under Accessories.