AVM Ovation CS 6.3 Streaming CD Receiver, Cellini Chrome

The AVM Ovation CS 6.3 is a streaming CD receiver that combines a network player, modular quad DAC, slot-in CD drive and a 2 × 500 watt power stage in one aluminium chassis.

This version wears the optional Cellini chrome front – the most elaborate finish AVM offers for the Ovation range. Technically nothing changes, visually everything does: where other devices hide away, this one stands out. It's delivered in the AVM Ovation flight case.

Why the AVM Ovation CS 6.3?

Because a whole chain fits in one chassis with nothing skimped anywhere. 2 × 500 watts at 4 ohms and 2 × 250 watts at 8 ohms get even demanding speakers moving. The modular quad DAC converts up to 384 kHz / 32 bit and DSD128 and can later be swapped as a plug-in module. The preamplifier works in pure transistor technology and, at under 0.001 percent THD, measures even cleaner than the tube version CS 8.3. Add a spring-mounted slot-in Pure CD drive from TEAC for your silver discs.

What you hear and get

A neutral, controlled sound that adds nothing of its own. The AVM X-STREAM Engine brings AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, HIGHRESAUDIO, Roon, UPnP and web radio into your home – internet radio and files from your own server run without any subscription too. On the back wait a balanced XLR and RCA input, two optical and one coaxial digital input, USB-A and USB-B, plus Bluetooth 5.0, multiroom with party sync mode, and a Class A headphone amplifier on the front.

Who is the Ovation CS 6.3 suited for – and who isn't it for?

Honestly: the Cellini chrome front is an investment for the eyes, not the ears – sonically you get exactly the CS 6.3 in black or silver. If you want the warmer tube sound, take the CS 8.3. If you need phono built in, plan for an external stage, or look at the newer CS 8.3 S, which brings phono and an HDMI ARC input. And if you're planning a chrome front for a bright, reflective living room, it's worth going through the placement with us beforehand.

Our verdict

A device that brings the flagship's technology into the display case without becoming mere decoration. If you're already investing in a complete solution, you're allowed to treat yourself to the most beautiful front for it. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we work out the speakers, phono stage, cabling and placement with you.

What the trade press says about the technically identical CS 6.3: "The Ovation CS 6.3 really does offer everything in one, and at the highest level. The build quality is excellent as always, the technology is well thought out, powerful and delivers wonderful sound." – Philipp Schneckenburger, hifitest.de 6/2020.

Technical data

• Type: Streaming CD receiver / all-in-one (transistor preamplifier, Class D power stage)
• Output power: 2 × 500 W (4 Ω) / 2 × 250 W (8 Ω)
• Power stage: Class D with switch-mode power supply, gain factor 30, input sensitivity 1.2 V
• THD: < 0.001% (preamplifier), < 0.005% (power stage)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 98 dB (preamplifier), > 95 dB (power stage)
• Frequency response: < 0 Hz to > 70 kHz (manufacturer's figure)
• Preamplifier: transistor (solid state), no tubes
• D/A converter: modular quad DAC, upgradeable as a plug-in module
• Resolution: PCM up to 384 kHz / 32 bit, DSD128 (5.6 MHz) via USB-B
• CD drive: spring-mounted slot-in Pure CD drive from TEAC (CD audio and CD-R to the Red Book standard)
• Phono: no internal phono input
• HDMI: no HDMI ARC input (CS 8.3 S only)
• FM tuner: not built in, optional tuner module can be retrofitted (FM antenna input present)
• Streaming (AVM X-STREAM Engine): AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, HIGHRESAUDIO, Roon Ready, UPnP, web radio
• File formats: WAV, MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC, ALAC, DSD, Ogg, AIFF
• Network: LAN 100 Mbit/s, Wi-Fi 2.4 / 5 GHz (802.11a/b/g/n/ac), 1 antenna connection, WPS
• Multiroom: multiroom and party sync mode (via the RC X app with compatible AVM devices)
• Bluetooth: 5.0 (A2DP, AVRCP 1.5)
• Analogue inputs: 1 × XLR (balanced), 1 × RCA
• Input impedance: 10 kΩ (RCA), 20 kΩ (XLR)
• Digital inputs: 2 × S/PDIF optical (up to 96 kHz / 24 bit), 1 × S/PDIF coaxial (up to 192 kHz / 24 bit), 1 × USB-B (up to DSD128 / 192 kHz), 1 × USB-A (storage media)
• Digital outputs: 1 × S/PDIF optical, 1 × S/PDIF coaxial
• Analogue outputs: 1 × XLR Pre/Var Out, 1 × RCA Pre/Var Out, 1 × RCA Line/Fix Out, speaker terminals with gold-plated 4 mm banana sockets
• Output impedance (preamplifier): 47 Ω (RCA), 94 Ω (XLR)
• Output level: PRE OUT adjustable (headroom 5.4 V), LINE OUT fixed 2.5 V
• Headphone output: yes – 6.3 mm jack on the front, Class A amplifier, 15 Ω output impedance, headroom 6.5 V, THD < 0.002%, signal-to-noise ratio > 97 dB
• Control: RC X app for iOS and Android (included), 2 × 12 V trigger output (3.5 mm), IR input
• Power consumption: < 1 W standby, < 4 W network standby, < 35 W idle, max. 1000 W
• Power connection: 100–240 V, 50–60 Hz
• Chassis: aluminium with optional Cellini chrome front, multi-chamber construction
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 430 × 122 × 350 mm
• Weight: 13 kg
• Warranty: 2 years, 4 years with online registration at AVM
• Scope of delivery: device in the AVM Ovation flight case, Wi-Fi antenna, power cable, instruction manual (remote controls RC 9 with charging station available as an optional accessory)

Frequently asked questions

What does the Cellini chrome version mean?

Cellini Chrome is the optional chrome-plated front that AVM offers for the Ovation range. Technically, this CS 6.3 is identical to the silver and black versions – same power, same converter, same connections. The difference lies purely in the finish.

What's the difference between the Ovation CS 6.3 and the CS 8.3?

Not the power: both deliver 2 × 500 W at 4 ohms and 2 × 250 W at 8 ohms, both measure 430 × 122 × 350 mm and weigh 13 kg. The CS 6.3 has a transistor preamplifier, the CS 8.3 a tube line stage – neutral versus warm, not weak versus strong.

Does the CS 6.3 also play CDs?

Yes. The spring-mounted slot-in Pure CD drive from TEAC draws in the disc without a tray and plays CD audio as well as burned CD-R to the Red Book standard. Your CD collection stays an equal source alongside streaming, USB storage, the digital inputs and Bluetooth – with no extra device on the shelf.

Can I connect headphones to the CS 6.3?

Yes, via a 6.3 mm jack on the front. Behind it works its own Class A headphone amplifier with 15 ohms output impedance and under 0.002 percent THD – so no makeshift solution. A 3.5 mm adapter fits without issue. We're happy to tell you which headphones harmonise with it.

Is a remote control included?

No. AVM doesn't include a physical remote with the CS 6.3 – the flight case holds the device, Wi-Fi antenna, power cable and manual. Control is via the free RC X app. If you want a remote in hand, choose the programmable RC 9 with colour display and charging station as an accessory.

Why buy the AVM Ovation CS 6.3 from HD Zürisee?

As an authorised AVM partner in Wädenswil, we've supported the Ovation range for many years. We work out the front finish, speakers, external phono stage and placement with you, and our technician Mauri sets up the system at your home. Get in touch at +41 44 680 22 00 or via WhatsApp.

Goes well with

To match the CS 6.3: floorstanding speakers or bookshelf speakers, a turntable with a matching phono preamplifier for vinyl, and clean cables & connectors.