AVM Audio Marks 40th Anniversary With Inspiration Series Bronze Edition AS 2.3 and CS 2.3

At the analogue end, both components lean on a high-current output stage that is clearly voiced for real-world loudspeaker loads rather than headline wattage figures. Forum discussions around the standard 2.3 models often point to their ability to stay composed into complex impedance curves, suggesting generous power supply reserves and conservative thermal design. The DAC choice, while familiar on paper, is implemented with AVM’s own analogue filtering and power regulation, which tends to shape the final sonic character more than the silicon itself. High-rate DSD compatibility is less about everyday use and more about demonstrating that the digital section isn’t the bottleneck in a modern mixed-source system.

The CS variant adds an interesting layer of old-meets-new pragmatism. Including a slot-loading optical drive from a specialist supplier signals that physical media still has a place, provided the mechanism is mechanically quiet and properly isolated. HDMI audio return and a configurable phono stage underline the concept of a true system hub, not a lifestyle box but a compact control center that can anchor both vinyl rigs and living-room setups. In that sense, the Bronze-Edition feels less like a spec-driven anniversary model and more like a curated snapshot of what AVM believes a contemporary integrated component should be after four decades in the game.