AVM Inspiration CS 2.3 Streaming CD Receiver

The AVM Inspiration CS 2.3 is a compact all-in-one streaming CD receiver: a slot-in CD drive, AVM's X-Stream Engine, an ESS 9038 Q2M DAC, a phono input for MM and MC cartridges, HDMI ARC and a 2 x 140 W amplifier in a 340 mm wide aluminum case. AVM says the amplifier technology was inspired by its Ovation CS 8.3.

Each unit is handcrafted at AVM's facility in Malsch, Germany.

Key Features of the AVM Inspiration CS 2.3

• 140 Watts Per Channel: 2 x 140 W into 4 ohms.
• ESS 9038 Q2M DAC: Plays up to 32-bit/384 kHz PCM and DSD256.
• X-Stream Engine Streaming: AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Roon Ready, TIDAL Connect MAX, Qobuz, UPnP and web radio, with multiroom and party sync modes.
• Slot-In CD Drive: Plays CD Audio and CD-R discs to the Red Book standard.
• MM and MC Phono Input: 40 dB of gain for MM and 60 dB for MC.
• HDMI ARC: Your TV's sound plays through the CS 2.3 and your speakers.
• Volume-Controlled Digital Outputs: Coaxial and optical outputs that follow the volume control.
• RC X App: AVM's app controls the CS 2.3, and software updates keep the streaming platform current.

Amplifier Inspired by the Ovation CS 8.3

The CS 2.3's amplifier delivers 2 x 140 W into 4 ohms, measured at 1% distortion with both channels driven. AVM says the new amplifier technology was inspired by the Ovation CS 8.3, and suits bookshelf speakers and medium-sized floor-standing speakers. AVM rates the power amplifier's distortion below 0.005% and its signal-to-noise ratio above 95 dB, with a -3 dB frequency response from below 5 Hz to above 80 kHz.

Streaming, the ESS 9038 Q2M DAC and CD

The digital section uses ESS's 9038 Q2M DAC. Streaming runs on AVM's X-Stream Engine, which handles DSD up to DSD256 and PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz and stays current through software updates. The CS 2.3 connects by LAN or dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 and 5 GHz), and has Bluetooth 5.0.

The slot-in CD drive plays CD Audio and CD-R discs to the Red Book standard. A rear USB-A port reads hard drives and USB sticks formatted FAT16, FAT32 or NTFS.

Phono, HDMI ARC and Connections

The phono input takes MM and MC cartridges, with 40 dB of gain for MM and 60 dB for MC and RIAA equalization accurate to within 0.2 dB. AVM rates its signal-to-noise ratio above 83 dB(A) for MM and above 74 dB(A) for MC.

HDMI ARC accepts up to 192 kHz/24-bit from your TV. Coaxial and optical digital inputs take up to 192 kHz/24-bit and 96 kHz/24-bit, and the coaxial and optical digital outputs follow the volume control. The rear panel also carries two RCA line inputs, RCA preamp and line outputs, and one pair of speaker terminals. A headphone output is built in.

Silver, Black or Cellini Chrome

The CS 2.3 comes in aluminum silver or black, or in AVM's Cellini version with a chrome front. Local suppliers make the housing components. It measures 340 x 92 x 325 mm and weighs 7.1 kg, and runs on a 100 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz supply.

Who Is AVM?

AVM Audio Video Manufaktur has built hi-fi by hand in Germany since 1986, and its products are sold in more than 50 countries. The range runs from the AVM 30.3 series through the Inspiration and Evolution lines to Ovation S. AVM developed the Inspiration line for living spaces, with compact designs and premium finishes.

More from AVM

For speakers, the AVM Audition CB 2.3 is AVM's compact 2-way bass reflex bookshelf speaker.

The Listening Room Difference

We're a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on exceptional service and relentless passion for hifi. Whether you're visiting in person or ordering online, we bring decades of experience, personalized service, and honest guidance to every interaction. We don't just ship boxes. We help build systems, answer your questions like real humans, and make sure every detail of your setup is right, from the cables to the final connection. Our passion is helping you get the most out of your gear, with support that lasts well beyond the sale.

AVM Inspiration CS 2.3 Specifications