AVM Inspiration AS 2.3 + Audition CB 2.3 HiFi Set, Black

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.

Unbox, set up, connect – done. Amplifier and speakers 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 amplifier and speakers come from the same manufacturer and are matched to each other – no hunting for components, no datasheet Tetris. 34 centimetres of slim electronics plus two compact speakers add up to a full-fledged stereo system with streaming and turntable connection, without gear towers or cable clutter.

What you get

The AVM Inspiration AS 2.3 is the compact entry point into AVM's streaming integrated amplifiers: 2 × 140 watts, an ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M as converter and AVM's own 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. You don't need a subscription for this: internet radio, network shares and the turntable also work 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, whose bass reflex port sits on the rear – so they need some breathing room 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 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 if you already own an amplifier or speakers, buying the components separately makes more sense – a set where you don't need half of it isn't a saving.

Our verdict

This set is the lean, honest entry into a genuine AVM system: a modern streaming amplifier with phono plus two cleanly matched speakers, handmade in Germany, set up in minutes. 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)
• Speaker finishes: cabinet in high-gloss black or high-gloss white, front baffle in silver or chrome (surcharge)
• Manufacturing: handmade, AVM factory Malsch (Germany)
• Warranty: 2 years, +2 years with online registration
• Included: AVM Inspiration AS 2.3 in black, a pair of AVM Audition CB 2.3 with 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?

The compact AVM Inspiration AS 2.3 streaming integrated amplifier and a pair of AVM Audition CB 2.3 bookshelf speakers, 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.

Can I connect a turntable to this set?

Yes. The Inspiration AS 2.3 has a full phono input, switchable between MM at 40 dB and MC at 60 dB. You set the loading impedance to match your cartridge via the included RCA plugs. So you don't need an external phono stage.

What's the difference from the set with the AVM Inspiration CS 2.3?

Just the CD drive. The CS 2.3 has a slot-in drive on the front, the AS 2.3 doesn't. Amplifier, converter, streaming section and phono input are identical on both. If you play CDs, go for the CS 2.3 set; pure streamers and vinyl listeners do better with this set.

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

A few centimetres should do it. The bass reflex port sits on the rear, so bass quickly gets boomy right up against the wall. On stands or a free shelf with some air behind them, the speakers play most cleanly – we'll plan the right placement with you.

What room size does this set suit?

Small to medium living rooms. The compact Audition CB 2.3 play with surprising punch, and the amplifier's 2 × 140 watts into 4 ohms leave plenty of headroom. For very large rooms, we're happy to advise you on larger speakers from the AVM range.

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

Because a complete system should fit your room and your listening habits – we advise from real-world experience. 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.