AVM Inspiration CS 2.3

Founded in 1986, German company AVM has consistently supplied the Hi-Fi market with multifunctional products including CD Players, Turntables, Preamplifiers, and Power Amplifiers. Recent trends have seen the company begin to narrow that focus to integrated amplifiers – and expand their functional capacity

AVM integrated amplifiers are now network-connected, armed with a DAC and (for some models) - even a CD player. This multifunctional capacity naturally gives AVM’s products a competitive edge on the market. The company’s range is divided into three main series, catering to various preferences and budgets. These include the Inspiration, Evolution, and Ovation series. We’ve tested the Inspiration CS 2.3 model to see how it stacks up against similar products on the market.

Overview of the CS 2.3

With the ‘CS’ standing for ‘Compact Steamer’ – The AVM Inspiration CS 2.3 certainly lives up to its name. Standing at just 10 centimetres in height, the machine occupies the same space as that of a traditional integrated amplifier. While this would normally be unremarkable, the CS 2.3 offers much more than meets the eye.

With models available in Black, Silver, or Chrome aluminium finishes (with an additional cost for the latter), the CS 2.3 exudes an understated elegance. The Black model in particular boasts a discreet display and a nearly invisible CD-Player slot. The front panel features a user-friendly volume knob and three source selection buttons. Here, users can also find a 3.5mm headphone output at the bottom of the machine’s chassis.

The monochrome display allows for a complete view of the system’s information. It features five touch-sensitive located near the machine’s base, whose functions change dynamically based on the selected source and model. The buttons allow for direct control of various settings, and they’re complemented by additional adjustments available to be made through the AVM mobile app. For the most part though, all crucial settings can be adjusted directly on the CS 2.3

The machine’s rear panel hosts an array of connections, which are capable of accommodating both analogue and digital source inputs. These include ports for a fairly sophisticated phono input and accept most cartridge types. Supplied RCA plugs are also featured, along with a USB port, digital outputs, and an HDMI ARC input for connecting to a television display.

It’s crucial to emphasize that the CS 2.3 is, above all, an integrated amplifier. It delivers 140 watts of power per channel at 4 ohms. The compact size necessitates smaller speaker terminals, though they readily accept banana plugs. The digital-to-analogue conversion is handled by an ESS 9038Q2M chip, which is fairly standard for most DACs of quality. The CS 2.3 is capable of decoding files up to 32 bits at 384 kHz and reproducing DSD256 files. Some refinements from the flagship Ovation CS 8.3 model are directly incorporated into the CS 2.3.

Using the CS 2.3

While basic functions can be controlled using the front buttons or the aluminium remote, the key to unlocking the full potential of the CS 2.3 sits with the AVM X mobile app. The app facilitates an extensive range of adjustments – which from a user perspective, can a times be somewhat overwhelming. The CS 2.3 is immediately recognized by the app on its connection to a network - allowing for remote power control and more.

The main menu of the app lists all available sources and its internal applications. There is a separate submenu for physical sources (due to space constraints). Users can access content from a USB drive, shared folders on their personal network, internet radio, podcasts, and – of course – Qobuz. The app also incorporates Bluetooth and control for the integrated CD player. if a recognized CD is inserted, track information, including album and artist names, will also be displayed.

The app almost too in-depth. Although it allows for customization – the sheer amount of options available means that users can get easily lost in the system menus. For example - although an input gain setting exists for each source (in addition to a relative output volume setting) – there is no equalizer or calibration system. While the app does allow users to manage their Qobuz playlists, the extent of the editorial content is limited. Notably – a simple command such as ejecting a CD requires the user to go through several commands within the app, because there isn’t a dedicated button directly available on the device.

Qobuz is integrated as a native function into the AVM through the ‘Discover’ menu. This lists new releases by genre, and displays tracks with their covers. During playback, the app provides clear information about audio stream characteristics and bitrate, ensuring transparency about the sound quality.

Listening Experience

The advantage of all-in-one systems sits with its convenience. The CS 2.3 therefore has a simplified setup – and sits in the centre of our Dynaudio reference speakers. We used the AVM app to test the CS 2.3 thanks to its integration with Qobuz, while noting that the system’s compatibility with Roon adds an extra layer of flexibility to anyone’s listening experience.

The CS 2.3 imparts a somewhat vintage character to its sound reproduction—a departure from hyper-precision, in a good way. It leans towards warmth, emphasizing the upper-bass and lower-midrange frequencies. Bass guitars and double basses in particular, enjoy a more forward presence, which makes for an enhanced listening experience. The concentration of musical power at the centre of the sonic image, coupled with well-defined spatial relationships between voices and instruments, is noteworthy. Exploring tracks from Mayer Hawthorne’s soul-funk album For All Time reveals a pronounced presence and effective projection towards the listener.

One of the CS 2.3′s strengths lies in its ability to separate vocals from the rest of the recording. This is evident in the remastered edition of Call Off The Search by Katie Melua, where Melua’s distinctive voice is enriched with the intricate details of its intonation and phrasing. The system faithfully reproduces dynamic variations, which makes for a natural and expressive rendition. The overall effect on the music’s tone is a positive one. Instruments like brass and percussion also benefit. Their enhanced realism is accentuated by manufactured reverberations that mimic a live listening space.

The remastered edition of Prince’s Diamonds and Pearls Super Deluxe album demonstrates the CS 2.3′s capabilities extremely well. The amplifier allowed us to revel in a superb separation of vocals and instruments. The controlled, impactful bass extended into lower frequencies without compromising its quality – a function that showcases any amplifier’s quality and power. A subtle observation however is noted on the occasional slight truncation of some high frequencies. This was notable in certain tracks where cymbal parts were present.

When immersing ourselves in the grandeur of orchestral compositions, such as Bruckner’s Symphonie No. 0 performed by the Leipzig Orchestra Gewandhaus, the CS 2.3 excels in preserving the quality of individual instruments while also presenting them together as a cohesive musical wall of sound. The CS 2.3 offers a different listening experience compared to more analytical and precise devices, and makes for an engaging musicality that captivates without hesitation.

Conclusion

The AVM Inspiration CS 2.3 emerges as a fully formed network audio system. Although at times intricate, we find that it can be ultimately tamed into everyday use. While the integration with Qobuz isn’t quite as complete as we’d hope, the alternative use of Roon via the AVM X provides for some flexibility. The app becomes essential when making specific adjustments and accessing other sources, including the phono input, HDMI ARC, and CD player. The sonic signature, while far from neutral, makes for a distinctive quality. AVM offers the CS 2.3 as a powerful integrated amplifier, boasting top-tier musicality that envelops the listener with a realistic sense of presence.