AVM Ovation CS 8.3 Streaming CD Receiver, Black

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

Visually it resembles the CS 6.3 – here in black brushed aluminium with chrome-plated knobs – but under the lid the AVM tubes OVATION 803 T work in the line stage, visible through the glass window in the top plate. That's exactly where its character comes from. It's delivered in the AVM Ovation flight case.

Why the AVM Ovation CS 8.3?

Because it packs a complete chain into a single unit without becoming modest about it. 2 × 500 watts at 4 ohms and 2 × 250 watts at 8 ohms drive practically any speaker with authority – exactly as much as the CS 6.3; at AVM, the higher number in the name doesn't stand for more watts, but for the tube. The modular quad DAC converts up to 384 kHz / 32 bit and DSD128 and can be swapped as a plug-in module. A slot-in Pure CD drive from TEAC and a Class A headphone amplifier are included.

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 – internet radio, CD 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 Ovation CS 8.3 suited for – and who isn't it for?

For listeners who want an uncompromising complete system in one chassis and prefer the warmer tube sound. Plain talk: if you're after the more sober, neutral character, take the CS 6.3 with transistor preamplifier – it actually measures better, at under 0.001 versus 0.02 percent THD. There's no internal phono input here, nor an HDMI ARC input for the TV; only the newer CS 8.3 S brings both, and it also has an OLED graphic display. And if you'd rather upgrade device by device anyway, you're better served with separate components.

Our verdict

The CS 8.3 is a living-room diplomat: it looks like one device, sounds like a whole system, and turns the sideboard back into a sideboard instead of a device rack. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we put together matching speakers, phono stage and cabling for you.

What the trade press says: "An outstanding representative of a rare breed. AVM's fully integrated high-end solution is unreservedly living-room-friendly and delights even the most demanding ears." – Michael Vrzal, FIDELITY online, 12/2020.

Technical data

• Type: Streaming CD receiver / all-in-one (tube preamplifier, Class D power stage)
• 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 AVM tubes OVATION 803 T (equivalent to the ECC83 type), visible through the glass window in the lid
• 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: 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, 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: brushed aluminium black, chrome-plated knobs
• 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, instruction manual (remote controls RC 3 and RC 9 available as accessories)

Frequently asked questions

What does the CS 8.3's tube preamplifier do?

It gives the sound a warmer, smoother character – the hallmark of the larger Ovation models. The OVATION 803 T tubes are visible through the glass window in the lid. It doesn't add power: the CS 8.3 delivers the same 2 × 500 watts at 4 ohms as its transistor sibling, the CS 6.3.

Does the Ovation CS 8.3 have a phono input?

Not internally, no. For the turntable, an external phono stage connects to one of the high-level inputs – one extra cable, nothing more. Only the newer CS 8.3 S has MM/MC phono built in from the factory. We're happy to advise you on the right combination of cartridge and phono stage.

Does the CS 8.3 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. Your collection stays a full-fledged source alongside streaming, USB, the digital inputs and Bluetooth – with no separate player in the rack.

Can I connect headphones to the CS 8.3?

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 – not a token solution, but a genuine output stage. A 3.5 mm adapter works. We're happy to help you find the right headphones for it.

Does a remote control come included?

No, a handheld remote isn't part of the scope of delivery. The flight case holds the device, two Wi-Fi antennas, power cable and manual; the CS 8.3 is controlled free of charge via the RC X app. AVM offers the RC 3 for basic functions and the programmable RC 9 with colour display as accessories.

What's the difference between the CS 8.3 and the newer CS 8.3 S?

The CS 8.3 S is the revised new edition: ESS 9038 PRO double quad DAC, white dimmable OLED graphic display, HDMI ARC input, USB-C, a built-in MM/MC phono input, 2 × 550 W at 4 ohms and 15 kg weight. The CS 8.3 remains the classic version with the modular, upgradeable quad DAC.

Why buy the AVM Ovation CS 8.3 from HD Zürisee?

We're an authorised AVM specialist dealer in Wädenswil and know the Ovation range inside out. We help you choose between tube and transistor, find the right speakers and the right external phono stage – and our technician Mauri sets up the system on site. Call us on +41 44 680 22 00.

Goes well with

To turn the CS 8.3 into a full system: floorstanding speakers or bookshelf speakers, a turntable with a matching phono preamplifier for vinyl, and decent speaker cables.