AVM CS 8.3 S All-in-One Streaming CD-Receiver

High-end all-in-one with tube stage and 2×550W amplification
The AVM Ovation CS8.3 S combines uncompromising sound quality with state-of-the-art technology. Since the 1990s, AVM has been developing and manufacturing high-end all-in-one systems. The latest generation, the 8.3 S, is based on the AVM X-Stream Engine® and integrates the S-DAC module. With this system, AVM presents a completely redesigned architecture that processes both digital and analog sources with the utmost precision.

Design and housing

The CS8.3 S's compact housing measures 43 cm wide, 33 cm deep, and 12 cm high. Constructed from solid aluminum, it features a screwless design and a symmetrical, minimalist aesthetic. The dimmable white OLED display provides a clear overview, while the optional Cellini model, with its chrome front and rotary knobs, offers the ultimate in elegance. Customization of color and knobs is also available.

Amplifier and power supply

The integrated amplifiers deliver up to 550 W per channel into 4 ohms. The new power supply supports this output through multi-stage filtering. Left and right output stages are powered separately, ensuring precise and unadulterated reproduction even from demanding speakers. A newly developed passive volume control guarantees consistent sound quality at all volume levels.

Digital signal processing

The S-DAC module is based on selected ESS9038 PRO double-quad DACs. Four DACs per channel operate in parallel to faithfully reproduce high-resolution formats up to 384kHz/32-bit PCM and DSD256. All digital sources benefit from this precision. All settings can be controlled via the RCX app, and older CS generations can be optionally retrofitted.

The system also offers HDMI ARC, digital inputs (2×SPDIF coaxial, 2× optical), USB-C audio, USB-A for external storage devices, Bluetooth 5.0, AirPlay 2, and Roon support. Two pairs of speakers can be switched independently, and the digital outputs can be used with volume control. Signal-sensitive inputs activate the device automatically upon receiving a signal.

Analog sources and phono stage

The newly developed high-performance phono input stage supports MM and MC cartridges. Impedance, capacitance, and gain can be individually adjusted, and the signals are processed entirely analogously. This allows the CS-8.3S to deliver perfect analog sound.

Operation and control

All functions can be controlled via the RCX app or the included RC5 remote control. In addition to standard buttons, the RC5 offers ten freely programmable convenience buttons that allow you to directly access your favorite songs, albums, or radio stations. The app also supports streaming services such as Spotify Connect, Tidal Max, Qobuz, as well as internet radio and local music collections.

Thanks to the RoomConneXion® multiroom function, you can manage and enjoy music in multiple rooms simultaneously. The interface is intuitive and clearly laid out, making even large music collections easy to manage.

High-end features at a glance

• Integrated, multi-stage filtered power supply for highest precision
• Signal-sensitive inputs and switchable speaker pairs
• Pure CD drive with slot-in for Red Book CDs
• Parametric tone control and loudness with bypass function
• Headphone output with discrete Class-A/B amplifier
• Dimmable OLED display with brightness and proximity sensors
• Minimal standby power consumption

Technical data

Power amplifiers (CS and AS models only)

• Amplification factor: 30
• Total harmonic distortion: < 0.005%
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 95dB
• Input sensitivity (2×550Ω, 4 ohms): 1.2ΩV
• Output power: 2×550W (4 ohms)

Pre-stage (analog)

• RCA input impedance: 10 kOhms
• XLR input impedance: 20 kOhms
• Output resistance PRE/LINE: 47 ohms
• Output resistance XLR: 94 ohms
• Amplification factor: 1
• Total harmonic distortion: < 0.002%
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 99dB
• Crosstalk attenuation (channels): > 102dB
• Crosstalk attenuation (inputs): > 88dB
• Input level (1% THD): 4.3V
• Output level PRE OUT (1% THD): 5.4V
• Output level LINE OUT: 2.5V
• Frequency response at -3dB: < 5Hz to > 30kHz

headphone amplifier

• Output resistance: 2.5 Ω
• Gain factor: 3.0
• Total harmonic distortion: < 0.002%
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 97dB
• Output level (1% THD): 9V

Preamplifier (Phono)

• Equalization RIAA (20?Hz-20?kHz): ±0.3dB
• MM gain: 40, 45, 50, 55dB
• MC gain: 55, 60, 65, 70dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) MM: > 84dB(A)
• Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) MC: > 75dB(A)
• Input level MM (1% THD, 40dB): 76mV
• Input level MC (1% THD, 60dB): 7.4mV
• Frequency response Line-Out: 11 Hz – 100 kHz
• Adjustable resistance values MC: 100, 180, 220, 330, 660, 1k, 2 kOhm
• Adjustable capacitance values (mm): 47, 100, 150, 200, 270, 310, 410 pF

CD player

• Playable formats: CD Audio, CDR (Red Book standard)

network

• LAN connection: 100Mbit/s (hot-plugging capable)
• Supported Wi-Fi standards: 2.4 / 5GHz, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
• Number of antennas: 2
• WPS: yes

Streaming

• Built-in DAC: AVM DAC-S (ESS9038 PRO)
• Maximum sampling rates: DSD256, 32-bit/384kHz PCM
• Streaming Services: AirPlay, Qobuz, Roon, Spotify, TIDAL MAX
• Supported file formats: WAV, MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC, ALAC, DSD, Ogg, AIFF

USB-A input

• Standard: USB 2.0
• Max. current: 500mA
• Supported formats: FAT16, FAT32, NTFS
• Note: For hard drives and USB sticks only.

USB-C input

• Standard: USB 2.0
• Voltage: 5V
• Supported devices: Windows PC, MacOS
• Supported formats: up to DSD256, 32-bit/384kHz PCM
• Note: Intended for use with devices such as PCs or Macs only.

Digital inputs (S/PDIF, coaxial/optical)

• Max. sampling rate OPTO: 96kHz / 24Bit
• Max. sampling rate COAX: 192kHz / 24Bit
• Minimum signal level at 192kHz (COAX): > 150mVpp
• Input impedance COAX: 75 ohms
• Deemphasis OPTO: Yes, automatically
• Note: Maximum digital cable length 3 m

Digital outputs

• Max. sampling rate OPTO: 96kHz / 24 bit
• Max. sampling rate COAX: 192kHz / 24 bit
• Output impedance COAX: 75 ohms
• Note: Maximum digital cable length is 3 m.

Bluetooth

• Standard: 5.0
• Supported profiles: AVRCP 1.5, A2DP

steering

• Trigger input: 5–20 Ω
• Trigger output (2×): 12V
• External IR input: available
• Note: Trigger connections with 3.5 mm mono jack, outputs sequential with 1 s delay

Power connection (CS and AS models only)

• Power supply: 100–240 V / 50–60 Hz
• Power consumption in standby mode: < 1 W
• Power consumption in network standby mode: < 4 W
• Power consumption at idle: < 35 W
• Maximum power consumption: 1000 W
• Power stage fuse: T 6.3 A

General

• Weight: 15 kg
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 430 × 122 × 350 mm
• Warranty: 2 years + 2 years with online registration