AVM Inspiration CS 2.3 Streaming Integrated Amplifier with CD, Black

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.

Unlike many all-in-ones, the CS 2.3 doesn't leave out anything a real music lover actually uses: CD, turntable, streaming and TV sound are all on board. This version has a black brushed-aluminium chassis.

Why the AVM Inspiration CS 2.3?

The CS 2.3 is the control centre for an entire system – in 34 centimetres of width. 2 × 140 watts at 4 ohms give even full-sized floorstanding speakers plenty of drive, and the ESS Sabre 9038 Q2M converter delivers clean, natural playback. The slot-in drive plays your discs, the switchable MM/MC phono input takes the turntable, and via HDMI ARC the TV sound finally runs through the good system instead of the TV's own tiny speakers.

What you get

AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz and Roon run natively, internet radio is built in – with no subscription required. Bluetooth is on hand for a quick source. Control is via the free RC X app for iOS and Android, which covers the full feature set. A hardware remote isn't included: the RC 3 with infrared and the RC 9 with colour display are accessories, ordered separately. There's no FM or DAB radio tuner, by the way – radio runs over the internet.

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

Plain talk: the CS 2.3 is for anyone who wants a full system in a small space – including CD and vinyl, not just streaming. 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 stream exclusively from your phone and never play a disc, you're paying here for a drive you won't use – then the AS 2.3 is the more honest choice.

Our verdict

The CS 2.3 is that rare kind of device that replaces an entire equipment rack without you noticing what's missing once the music starts. In black it all but disappears into the sideboard – until the music starts. Which speakers ultimately suit it is something we'll work out together, calmly, at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil.

What the trade press says

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

"The CS 2.3 streaming receiver from AVM is a winner." – 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 aluminium, black brushed
• 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

Which speakers suit the AVM Inspiration CS 2.3?

With 2 × 140 W at 4 ohms, the CS 2.3 drives most bookshelf and floorstanding speakers with ease. Which model suits your room sonically and visually is best worked out together – we carry a whole range of matching brands in-house.

Does the CS 2.3 come with a remote control?

No. The CS 2.3 is controlled via the free RC X app for iOS and Android, which covers the full feature set. If you'd still like something to hold, order the RC 3 with infrared or the RC 9 with colour display as an accessory – both are available separately.

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 switchable phono input takes MM and MC cartridges with 40 and 60 dB gain respectively. You set the termination via the included RCA plugs. You don't need an external phono stage.

Does the CS 2.3 have a radio tuner?

Not for FM or DAB. Radio runs via built-in internet radio, which works without a subscription – giving you access to far more stations than an antenna would. If you specifically want terrestrial reception, you'll need a separate tuner connected to the line-level input.

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 at HD Zürisee?

As an authorised AVM dealer in Wädenswil, we'll give you honest advice on whether the CS 2.3 or another model suits your room. We match speakers, sources and cabling to each other; delivery and setup are handled by our technician, Mauri. Call us on 044 680 22 00 or write to us.

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.