AVM Ovation CS 8.3 Streaming CD Receiver, Black Edition

The AVM Ovation CS 8.3 Black Edition is the special version of the streaming CD receiver that combines a network player, double quad DAC, slot-in CD drive, tube preamplifier and a 2 × 500 watt power stage in one chassis.

It's more than a paint job: for the Black Edition, AVM selects only the best two percent of the delivery batch for the ESS SABRE converter chips, uses tubes specially made for AVM of the T 83 type instead of the 803 triodes, temperature-stabilises the clock circuits, and feeds the revised multi-layer boards from no fewer than three separate, low-distortion power supplies. Add to that upgraded internal wiring, WBT speaker terminals, a chassis with controls in night black, and the Black Edition lettering.

Why the AVM Ovation CS 8.3 Black Edition?

Because it pairs the range's technical maximum with a consistently dark appearance. 2 × 500 watts at 4 ohms and 2 × 250 watts at 8 ohms drive practically any speaker with authority. The tube line stage gives the sound the warmer, smoother Ovation character, and the double quad DAC with ESS SABRE 9018 Reference converts up to 384 kHz / 32 bit and DSD128 – meaning twice as many converter chips as in the regular CS 8.3. A slot-in Pure CD drive from TEAC and a Class A headphone amplifier are naturally included too.

What you hear and get

A generous, warm sound that stays composed even at elevated volume. Add to that the AVM X-STREAM Engine with AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, HighResAudio, Roon, UPnP and web radio – CD, internet radio and network files run without any subscription too. Balanced XLR and RCA input, two optical and one coaxial digital input, USB-A and USB-B, Bluetooth 5.0 and multiroom with party sync mode are on board.

Who is the Black Edition suited for – and who isn't it for?

Plain talk: for listeners who want the best of the CS range and are willing to pay a premium for the double converter, selected components and the consistently black appearance. If you're mainly after the look, the regular CS 8.3 in black gets you there more cheaply – the wattage figures on the spec sheet are the same for both. If you like the neutral transistor sound, take the CS 6.3. There's no internal phono input or HDMI ARC input here either; only the CS 8.3 S brings both.

Our verdict

Not a sticker special edition, but the same flagship device in a suit that keeps a low profile on the shelf – with hand-picked converter chips, double DAC loading and three dedicated power supplies inside thrown in. If you want the flagship without a shiny centrepiece in the living room, this is the right choice. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we put together matching speakers, phono stage and cabling for you.

What the trade press says: "Here you get a bit more of everything that's characterised the brand's multifunction devices for years: gripping sound, first-class build quality, unbridled power and technical finesse." – Philipp Schneckenburger, lite-magazin.de, 10/2022.

Technical data

• Type: Streaming CD receiver / all-in-one (tube preamplifier, Class D power stage)
• Black Edition specification: double quad DAC instead of quad DAC, converter chips selected from the best two percent of the delivery batch, T 83-type tubes made specially for AVM (rated lifespan over 20,000 hours), temperature-stabilised clocks, three separate low-distortion power supplies with separate sections for digital and analogue, optimised multi-layer boards with improved shielding, upgraded internal wiring, WBT speaker terminals
• Output power: 2 × 500 W (4 Ω) / 2 × 250 W (8 Ω)
• THD: < 0.02% (preamplifier), < 0.005% (power stage)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 98 dB (preamplifier), > 95 dB (power stage)
• Frequency response (-3 dB): < 5 Hz to > 30 kHz
• Preamplifier: Ovation tube line stage with T 83 tubes, visible through the glass window in the lid
• D/A converter: double quad DAC with ESS SABRE 9018 Reference
• Resolution: PCM up to 384 kHz / 32 bit, DSD128 (5.6 MHz) via USB-B
• CD drive: 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)
• Display: large, blue-lit graphic display, dimmable (the white OLED graphic display is exclusive to the CS 8.3 S)
• 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), 2 antennas, WPS
• Multiroom: multiroom and party sync mode
• 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, WBT speaker terminals with 4 mm banana sockets
• Output level: PRE OUT adjustable (headroom 5.4 V at 1% THD), 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%
• Control: RC X app for iOS and Android (included), 2 × 12 V trigger output
• Power consumption: < 1 W standby, < 4 W network standby, < 35 W idle, max. 1000 W
• Chassis: hand-brushed aluminium in black, controls in night black, Black Edition lettering
• 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, 2 Wi-Fi antennas, power cable, gloves, instruction manual (remote controls RC 3 and RC 9 available as accessories)

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between the Black Edition and the regular CS 8.3 in black?

Technically: a double quad DAC instead of the quad DAC, converter chips from the best two percent of the delivery batch, specially made T 83 tubes instead of the 803 triodes, temperature-stabilised clocks, three separate power supplies, optimised boards and WBT terminals. Visually: chassis and controls in night black plus the Black Edition lettering.

Is the Black Edition more powerful than the regular CS 8.3?

No. Output power, dimensions and weight are identical: 2 × 500 W at 4 ohms, 2 × 250 W at 8 ohms, 430 × 122 × 350 mm, 13 kg. The difference lies in the converter loading, component selection, tube type, clock supply, power supplies and finish – not in the wattage figures.

Does the Black Edition have a phono input?

Not internally, no. For the turntable, an external phono stage connects to one of the high-level inputs. Only the newer Ovation CS 8.3 S has MM/MC phono built in from the factory. We're happy to advise you on which combination of cartridge and phono stage suits your deck.

Does the Black Edition also play CDs?

Yes. The 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. The CD stays an equal source alongside streaming, USB storage, the digital inputs and Bluetooth – with no second device in the rack.

Can I connect headphones to the Black Edition?

Yes. On the front sits a 6.3 mm jack with its own Class A headphone amplifier, 15 ohms output impedance and under 0.002 percent THD. A 3.5 mm adapter works without issue. Which headphones suit this device and your taste, we're happy to work out with you.

Does a remote control come with the Black Edition?

No. The scope of delivery includes the device in the flight case, two Wi-Fi antennas, power cable, gloves and the manual – a handheld remote is not included. It's controlled via the free RC X app; AVM offers the RC 3 and the RC 9 with colour display as accessories.

Why buy the AVM Ovation CS 8.3 Black Edition from HD Zürisee?

We're an authorised AVM specialist dealer in Wädenswil and have followed the Ovation range for years. We work out with you whether the Black Edition, standard version or Cellini Chrome suits your room, find the right speakers and the right external phono stage – and our technician Mauri sets up the system on site. WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls).

Goes well with

To turn the Black Edition into a full system: floorstanding speakers or bookshelf speakers, a turntable with a matching phono preamplifier for vinyl, plus speaker cables and a pair of headphones.