AVM Inspiration CS 2.3 Streaming Integrated Amplifier with CD, Cellini Chrom

The AVM Inspiration CS 2.3 is a compact streaming integrated amplifier with CD drive that combines a network player, D/A converter, MM/MC phono stage and a 2 × 140-watt Class D power stage in one screwless aluminium chassis.

The Cellini version has a solid, chrome-plated, hand-polished front; the chassis behind it stays silver aluminium. If you want a system that's meant to be looked at as well as listened to, this is it.

Why the AVM Inspiration CS 2.3?

Because it replaces an entire chain: streamer, converter, CD drive, phono stage and power amp in one chassis. 2 × 140 watts at 4 ohms get even full-sized floorstanding speakers moving, and the ESS Sabre 9038 Q2M converts up to 384 kHz/32-bit and DSD256. Via HDMI ARC the CS 2.3 takes over the TV sound, via phono the turntable – two sources many all-in-ones simply leave out.

What you get

AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, Roon Ready and internet radio come built in, Bluetooth is there for a quick source too. A streaming subscription is optional, not required: CD, vinyl and web radio play with no ongoing cost. Control is via the free RC X app; a hardware remote is not included – the RC 3 with infrared and the RC 9 with colour display are accessories. The CS 2.3 has no FM or DAB tuner; radio comes from the internet.

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

Hand on heart: you don't buy Cellini Chrom for rational reasons, but because the look is worth something to you. Technically this unit is identical to the black and silver versions. If you need more power for very large rooms, or the calibratable phono stage of the Evolution range, look a class higher. And if you never insert a CD, the drive-less AS 2.3 is the more affordable option.

Our verdict

An all-rounder that doesn't feel like a compromise – and in Cellini Chrom doesn't look like a purely functional device either. When light hits the polished front, you understand why AVM goes to this effort. We'll put together the right speaker and cable chain to go with it at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil.

What the trade press says

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

Technical data

• 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 equalisation < 0.2 dB, termination via included RCA plugs
• 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 devices only)
• Analogue inputs: 2 × line-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 sockets
• Output level: pre-out variable, line-out fixed (recording output)
• Headphone output: yes, 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, 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 for iOS and Android; RC 3 (infrared) and RC 9 (colour display) remotes available as optional accessories
• Chassis: screwless silver aluminium, front chrome-plated and hand-polished (Cellini)
• 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
• Scope of delivery: CS 2.3, power cord, 2 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth antennas, 2 × 3 RCA termination plugs for phono, gloves – without remote control

Frequently asked questions

What does the Cellini Chrom finish mean?

Cellini is AVM's upgrade with a solid, chrome-plated, hand-polished front panel instead of the brushed aluminium fascia. The chassis behind it stays silver aluminium – that's intentional. Technically the CS 2.3 is identical to the black and silver versions.

Does the Inspiration CS 2.3 play CDs and vinyl?

Yes, both. The slot-in drive plays CD audio and CD-R to Red Book standard, and the phono input can be switched between MM (40 dB) and MC (60 dB). You set the termination via the included RCA plugs. That makes the CS 2.3 a genuine complete system, not just a streamer.

Does it come with a remote control?

No, there isn't one in the box. AVM includes the free RC X app with the CS 2.3, which covers the full feature set, including streaming, multiroom and sound settings. If you'd like a remote to hold, choose the RC 3 with infrared or the RC 9 with colour display as an accessory.

Can I connect headphones?

Yes. There's a 3.5 mm jack on the front with 80 ohm output impedance and 4.5 volts output. Most Hi-Fi headphones will play cleanly and loud enough on that. We're happy to talk through which headphones suit the CS 2.3 – the range is wide.

Can I connect my TV?

Yes, via HDMI ARC. That routes the TV sound through your stereo system, and volume and standby can be controlled with the TV's own remote. A single cable to the TV is all it takes, making a soundbar unnecessary.

Why buy the AVM Inspiration CS 2.3 in Cellini Chrom at HD Zürisee?

Because a chrome-plated front looks different in a catalogue than it does in your own living room – and because an all-in-one is only as good as the speakers connected to it. That's exactly where we advise you at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil; Mauri handles delivery and setup. Call us on 044 680 22 00 or message us on WhatsApp.

Goes well with

Find matching speakers under Speakers, a turntable for the phono input under Turntables, quality connections under Cables, and the RC 3 and RC 9 remotes under Accessories.