AVM Inspiration CS 2.3 Streaming Integrated Amplifier with CD, Silver

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 – here in brushed silver aluminium, AVM's classic finish.

Why the AVM Inspiration CS 2.3?

Because it turns five devices into one, without even taking up half a metre of shelf space. The Class D power stage delivers 2 × 140 watts at 4 ohms, the ESS Sabre 9038 Q2M converts up to 384 kHz/32-bit and DSD256, and the X-STREAM Engine pulls the music from the network. Add to that a slot-in drive for your CD collection, an MM/MC phono input for the turntable, and HDMI ARC for the TV. You rarely get more sources in this size of chassis.

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. 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?

Plain talk: it's built for anyone who wants a whole system in one device and still won't give up CD and vinyl. If you want to fill a very large room with hard-to-drive floorstanding speakers, or need the calibratable phono stage of the Evolution range, look a class higher. And if you never insert a disc, you're paying for a drive here – then the AS 2.3 is the more honest choice.

Our verdict

Silver is AVM's finish that never goes out of style: brushed aluminium, screwless, cleanly made. Sonically the CS 2.3 replaces an entire equipment rack without anything missing once you start listening – and that's rarer than the industry's brochures would have you believe. We'll plan together with you at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil what ultimately plays through it.

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 aluminium, brushed silver
• 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 copes just as well with bookshelf speakers as with slim floorstanders. What matters is less the wattage than the match to your room – we're happy to look at that together before you decide.

Does the CS 2.3 come with a remote control?

No. The box contains a power cord, two antennas, the phono termination plugs and gloves. The CS 2.3 is controlled via the free RC X app. The RC 3 with infrared and the RC 9 with colour display are accessories and can be ordered any time.

Does the Inspiration CS 2.3 play CDs and vinyl?

Yes, both. The slot-in drive reads CD audio and CD-R to Red Book standard, and the built-in phono stage amplifies MM by 40 dB and MC by 60 dB. You set the termination with the included RCA plugs. That makes a separate phono stage unnecessary.

Can I connect headphones?

Yes, there's a 3.5 mm jack on the front. It delivers 4.5 volts at 80 ohm output impedance and drives most Hi-Fi headphones with confidence. For very high-impedance models, a dedicated headphone amp can still be worth a look – we'll tell you honestly when that pays off.

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.

What's the difference between silver, black and Cellini Chrom?

Only looks. Silver and black are brushed aluminium, Cellini has a chrome-plated, hand-polished front panel. Technology, connections and performance are identical across all versions – so you choose based on your décor, not the sound.

Why buy the AVM Inspiration CS 2.3 at HD Zürisee?

As an authorised AVM partner in Wädenswil, we'll tell you honestly whether the CS 2.3 or another CS model suits your room. We match speakers, sources and cabling to each other; delivery and setup are handled by our technician, Mauri. Get in touch by phone on 044 680 22 00 or via 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.