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

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 in Silver and a pair of AVM Audition CB 2.3 bookshelf speakers.

In Silver, the combination looks classic and uncluttered. 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 the matching work is already done: amplifier and speakers come from the same workshop – no hunting for components, no datasheet Tetris. A 34-centimetre-wide electronics unit plus two compact bookshelf speakers add up to a full-fledged stereo system with streaming and turntable connection, without gear towers or cable clutter.

What you get

This set holds AVM's slimmest streaming integrated amplifier: 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 streaming subscription is an option here, not a condition – internet radio, network shares and vinyl work regardless. 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; the bass reflex port sits at the rear, so a little wall clearance does them good.

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 silver discs, 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 – in Silver, a timeless appearance. 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 (chrome available at a surcharge)
• Manufacturing: handmade, AVM factory Malsch (Germany)
• Warranty: 2 years, +2 years with online registration
• Included: AVM Inspiration AS 2.3 in Silver, a pair of AVM Audition CB 2.3 in high-gloss black or white as chosen, 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 streaming integrated amplifier AVM Inspiration AS 2.3 in Silver 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. You'll get speaker cable separately.

What colour do the speakers come in with the silver amplifier?

With a high-gloss cabinet in black or white and a silver front baffle. AVM doesn't offer a fully silver cabinet; the front baffle is also available chrome-plated at a surcharge. Paired with the silver amplifier, the silver front looks the most understated. We're happy to discuss beforehand what suits your room best.

Can I connect a turntable to this set?

Yes, directly. The phono input on the Inspiration AS 2.3 takes MM cartridges at 40 dB gain and MC cartridges at 60 dB, switched on the unit itself. You set the loading impedance via the included RCA plugs. You won't need a separate phono preamp for this set.

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 at the rear – too close to the wall and the bass turns thick instead of precise. On stands or a free shelf with some air behind them, the speakers play most cleanly. We'll plan the right placement for your room with you.

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

Because a complete system is only as good as how well it's matched to your room – and that's exactly where our advice starts. As an authorized AVM specialist dealer in Wädenswil, we handle network, streaming setup and phono matching, and Mauri delivers and installs. A call, an email or a WhatsApp message is all it takes.

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.