AVM Inspiration AS 2.3 + Audition CB 2.3 HiFi Set, Cellini Chrome

The AVM Inspiration AS 2.3 + Audition CB 2.3 HiFi set is a matched stereo system consisting of the compact AVM Inspiration AS 2.3 streaming integrated amplifier and a pair of AVM Audition CB 2.3 bookshelf speakers – here throughout in the Cellini Chrome finish.

Chrome-plated, hand-polished fronts on both amplifier and speakers turn this system into a piece of furniture. Both components come from the same factory in Malsch and are voiced to match each other. All you need is speaker cable and your music, streamed or from a turntable.

Why this set?

Because nothing here is thrown together: electronics and speakers come from the same manufacturing facility and are matched to each other – no hunting for components, no datasheet Tetris. 34 centimetres of width plus two compact speakers add up to a full-fledged stereo system with streaming and turntable connection, without gear towers or cable clutter. In Cellini Chrome, you also get the bonus of not having to hide it.

What you get

The AVM Inspiration AS 2.3 is the most compact streaming integrated amplifier in the AVM range: 2 × 140 watts, an ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M as converter and the in-house X-STREAM Engine – with AirPlay 2, Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, Qobuz (our Hi-Fi partner since 2018), TIDAL Connect, HighResAudio, web radio, Bluetooth and HDMI ARC for your TV. A paid subscription is never mandatory: internet radio, network shares and vinyl work just as well without one. On top of that, a switchable phono input for MM and MC cartridges – something many compact devices don't even offer. The two Audition CB 2.3 are compact 2-way bookshelf speakers with a 160 mm sandwich-cone woofer and a 30 mm fabric dome tweeter; their bass reflex port sits at the rear, so they want some clearance from the wall.

Who is this set right for – and who isn't it for?

Ideal as a high-quality complete system for small to medium living rooms – and thanks to the phono input, for vinyl listeners who like things a little more elegant too. Straight talk: the Inspiration AS 2.3 has no CD drive; if you play CDs, go for the set with the Inspiration CS 2.3. And the chrome finish costs extra without sounding a single decibel better – it's a question for the eye, not the ear.

Our verdict

This set is the lean entry into a genuine AVM system: a modern streaming amplifier with phono plus two cleanly matched speakers, handmade in Germany. In Cellini Chrome, it becomes a showpiece. Which placement sounds best in your room is something we're happy to work out together with you at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil – by phone, email or WhatsApp.

What the trade press says about the amplifier

• Reference class, 5 out of 5 stars – HiFi Test, issue 10/2022
• Overall verdict "Highlight", reference class – lite-magazin, 07/2022
• Highest test award, luxury-class streaming amplifier – AREA DVD, 16.08.2022

Technical data

• Amplifier: AVM Inspiration AS 2.3
• Type: Streaming integrated amplifier (compact, no CD drive)
• Output power: 2 × 140 W (1% THD, 4 Ω)
• D/A converter: ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M
• Streaming: AVM X-STREAM Engine, PCM up to 384 kHz / 32-bit, DSD256
• Streaming services: AirPlay 2, Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, HighResAudio, internet radio
• Phono: MM (40 dB) / MC (60 dB) switchable, loading impedance via RCA plugs
• Bluetooth: 5.0 LE (A2DP, AVRCP 1.5)
• Network: LAN 100 Mbit/s, Wi-Fi 2.4 / 5 GHz (802.11a/b/g/n/ac)
• Digital inputs: 1 × HDMI ARC (192 kHz/24-bit), 1 × S/PDIF coaxial (192 kHz/24-bit), 1 × optical (96 kHz/24-bit), 1 × USB-A (storage devices only)
• Analog inputs: 2 × line-level RCA, 1 × phono RCA
• Outputs: speaker terminals, pre-out (470 Ω), line-out (47 Ω), digital coaxial/optical
• Output level: pre-out adjustable, line-out fixed
• Headphone output: yes, 3.5 mm jack on the front (80 Ω output impedance)
• Control: RC X app (iOS/Android), dimmable display with proximity sensor; RC 3 and RC 9 remotes available as options, not included
• Power consumption: under 16 W idle, under 2 W network standby, under 0.5 W standby
• Amplifier dimensions (W × H × D): 340 × 92 × 325 mm
• Amplifier weight: 7.1 kg
• Speakers: AVM Audition CB 2.3 (pair)
• Design: 2-way bass reflex, bookshelf speaker
• Drivers: 160 mm sandwich-cone woofer, 30 mm fabric dome tweeter, crossover frequency 1850 Hz
• Bass reflex port: on the rear
• Frequency response: 37 Hz – 50 kHz
• Sensitivity: 88 dB (2.83 V / 1 m)
• Impedance: 4 Ω (minimum 3.6 Ω at 240 Hz)
• Power handling / max. SPL: 140 W, max. 102 dB
• Connection: bi-wire screw terminals for banana plugs, spades or bare wire
• Placement: adjustable foot on the rear, tilt adjustable
• Speaker cabinet dimensions (W × H × D): 170 × 285 × 220 mm
• Speaker front baffle (W × H): 220 × 330 mm
• Speaker weight: 4.5 kg each (manufacturer's figure)
• Finish in this set: amplifier in Cellini Chrome, speakers with chrome-plated front baffle (cabinet in high-gloss black or white)
• Manufacturing: handmade, AVM factory Malsch (Germany)
• Warranty: 2 years, +2 years with online registration
• Included: AVM Inspiration AS 2.3 in Cellini Chrome, a pair of AVM Audition CB 2.3 with chrome front baffle and magnetic fabric covers, power cable, 2 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth antennas, 2 × 3 RCA loading plugs for the phono termination, gloves (remote control and speaker cable not included)

Frequently asked questions

What's included in the AVM Inspiration AS 2.3 + Audition CB 2.3 HiFi set in Cellini Chrome?

The AVM Inspiration AS 2.3 streaming integrated amplifier in Cellini Chrome and a pair of AVM Audition CB 2.3 with chrome front baffle, plus power cable, two antennas, RCA loading plugs for phono and gloves. AVM doesn't include a remote control; control runs via the free RC X app. Speaker cable comes separately.

What does Cellini Chrome mean at AVM?

Cellini refers to the chrome-plated, hand-polished front panel. Technically it changes nothing: sound, connections and functions are identical to the other finishes. On the speakers, the cabinet stays in high-gloss black or white. The surcharge pays for handwork and looks – a deliberate choice for the eye.

Can I connect a turntable to this set?

Yes, with no extra device needed. The Inspiration AS 2.3 has a full phono stage built in, switchable between MM at 40 dB and MC at 60 dB. You plug in the right loading resistance for your cartridge via the included RCA adapters. An external phono preamp is therefore unnecessary.

How much clearance from the wall do the Audition CB 2.3 need?

A few centimetres should do it. The bass reflex port sits at the rear, directly above the bi-wire terminal. If the speaker stands too close to the wall, the bass gets boomy and muddy. On stands with some air behind them, it plays most cleanly – we'll plan the placement with you.

Why buy the AVM Inspiration AS 2.3 + Audition set in Cellini Chrome from HD Zürisee?

Because a chrome front looks different in a brochure than in your own living room – and because the system has to fit your room and listening habits. As an authorized AVM specialist dealer in Wädenswil, we set up streaming, network and phono, handle the warranty, and have Mauri as our own in-house technician. Get in touch by phone, email or WhatsApp.

Pairs well with

What's still missing is speaker cable. A turntable for the phono input, speaker stands for the right ear height, and a proper power cable all pair well with this set.