AVM INSPIRATION CS 2.3 User manual

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Instruction Manual
INSPIRATION CS 2.3

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Caution
(just a little advise to be careful)
This device contains a class 1 laser diode. Please do not open the housing or other
covers at any time, otherwise invisible laser light could damage your eyes. All
maintenance must be left to qualified service personnel.
Important notice: Fuses may only be exchanged with the identical type & value,
tempting with other than the original fuses will void all warranties.
Laser diode type: Ga-Al-As
Wavelength: 755 - 815 nm (25 °C)
laser power : max. 0,7 mW (continuous powe)
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT
LASER CLASS 1
Declaration of Conformity
We confirm that the device to which these operating instructions belong complies with
the EC directives valid at the time of printing for obtaining the mark. The necessary
tests have been carried out with positive results.
AVM Audio Video Manufaktur GmbH
Daimlerstraße 8
D-76316 Malsch
WWW.AVM.AUDIO
[e-mail]

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We welcome you to AVM!
We are pleased that you have chosen an audiophile masterpiece from AVM and thank
you for your trust. With the INSPIRATION CS 2.3, you have acquired a sonically
outstanding and versatile high-end component with a far-reaching range of functions.
In the following document, we would like to explain the use of your INSPIRATION
CS 2.3 All-in-One system in a comprehensive way and therefore ask you to take a little
time to study this manual in detail.
Please note: As the functionality of your INSPIRATION CS 2.3 can be extended in no
time by future software updates, it is naturaly that the present manual must also be
supplemented. The latest version of these operating instructions is therefore available
for free download from our website at www.avm.audio.
And finally, the most important thing: We at AVM and our dealers are always happy to
help you. If you have any questions, requests or suggestions, please contact us at any
time. And if you are satisfied with us: Feel free to recommend us to others.
Udo Besser – AVM Owner & Manging Director

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Table of contents
1 Setting up the CS 2.3 .................................................................................................................. 5
1.1 Scope of delivery ........................................................................................................................................... 5
1.2 Overview ......................................................................................................................................................... 5
1.3 Installation and cooling ............................................................................................................................... 6
1.4 Mains connection ......................................................................................................................................... 6
1.5 Connecting analog sound sources ........................................................................................................... 7
1.6 Connection of digital sound sources ........................................................................................................ 7
1.7 Connection of analog recording devices ................................................................................................. 8
1.8 Connection of digital recording devices ................................................................................................... 8
1.9 Operation with subwoofer .......................................................................................................................... 8
1.10 Connecting the speakers ............................................................................................................................ 8
1.11 RC 9 or RC 10 remote control .................................................................................................................... 8
1.12 RC X app for iOS and Android .................................................................................................................... 9
1.13 Network installation (LAN, WLAN) ............................................................................................................ 9
1.14 Software & Firmware Updates ................................................................................................................. 16
2 Operation of the basic functions ................................................................................................. 17
2.1 Initial power-up and self-test .................................................................................................................... 17
2.2 Switching the device on and off .............................................................................................................. 17
2.3 Choice of sound source ............................................................................................................................ 17
2.4 Volume adjustment .................................................................................................................................... 18
2.5 CD-Player ...................................................................................................................................................... 18
2.6 Bluetooth ...................................................................................................................................................... 19
2.7 Selecting the appropriate termination for the phono input ................................................................ 20
3 Advanced settings (MENU) ........................................................................................................ 21
3.1 Global settings ............................................................................................................................................ 21
3.2 Analog inputs ............................................................................................................................................... 22
3.3 Digital inputs (COAX, OPTO, ARC) ........................................................................................................... 22
3.4 Streaming input, CD player and USB 23 ................................................................................................. 23
3.5 Phono input 23 ............................................................................................................................................ 23
3.6 Bluetooth input, internet radio, airplay, podcast 24 .............................................................................. 24
3.7 Setup ............................................................................................................................................................. 24
3.8 Settings via the RC X App 29 .................................................................................................................... 29
3.9 Factory Reset (factory settings) .............................................................................................................. 31
4 Supplement ............................................................................................................................... 31
4.1 Care of the housing .................................................................................................................................... 31
4.2 Failure search .............................................................................................................................................. 31
4.3 Warranty conditions ................................................................................................................................... 31
5 Technical data .......................................................................................................................... 33

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1 Setting up the CS 2.3
1.1 Scope of delivery
• INSPIRATION CS 2.3 Compact Streaming CD Receiver
• 2 pcs. WLAN/Bluetooth antennas
• 1 Power cord
• 3 pairs RCA plugs for PHONO MC adjustment
• 1 pair of white gloves
• Optionally available RC 3 / RC 8 radio remote control
• Optionally available RC 9 / RC 10 RF/IR remote control with color display
NOTE: After unpacking please check the CS 2.3 unit, accessories for completeness and/or damages
which may have ocurred during transport and shipping. If the original packaging has already been
opened, please contact your specialist dealer. Often a dealer will prepare your new device for use in your
network before delivery. In addition, we deliver all of our network-capable devices with a current version
of the streaming software, which may, however, has to be updated again during the initial installation
(for details on updating the streaming software, please refer to Section 1.14).
1.2 Overview
In this manual, there are numbers behind the names of the individual elements, which refer to the
following drawings.

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1) In addition to WLAN (16), the CS 2.3 is equipped with another antenna for receiving Bluetooth signals (15). Both antennas are
identical and interchangeable, each one may be installed to both antenna connections (15/16).
1.3 Installation and cooling
The power amplifiers of your CS 2.3 need cooling. Therefore it is very important that the air intake from
below as well as the outflow of the heated air to the rear panel remains unobstructed. Make absolutely
sure that the CS 2.3 is placed as free as possible on a solid base. The ventilation slots on the underside
of the unit must not be closed to avoid overheating. In addition, the CS 2.3 should be protected from
direct sunlight.
1.4 Power connection
Connect the supplied power cable to the mains power connector (19) and to a grounded socket.
NOTE: Please leave the unit switched off for the time being (mains switch (17)) in zero position until you
have made all cable connections to the rest of the system. Additionally, please pay attention to the
phase labeled on the unit

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2IMPORTANT: The USB interface is only intended for USB sticks/thumb drives or hard disks.
1.5 Connecting analog sound sources
Connect analog signal sources to the analog inputs (32) using suitable cables. The left channel is
connected to the upper row of sockets, the right channel to the lower row of sockets.
1.5.1 Line level sources (RCA)
Connect the line sources to the RCA connector (32).
NOTE: Please leave the unit switched off for the time being (power switch (17)) in zero position until you
have made all cable connections of the entire system. In addition, pay attention to the phase
labeled phase.
1.5.2 Phono input
The record player (turntable) is connected to the phono input (33). Connect the grounding cable to the
ground connection (35). The phono input is suitable for MM-systems and/or MC cartridges. After
selecting the phono input, you may select the following in the MENU (menu key (6)) under the option
"Phono Pickup" the different systems MM or MC may be selected. Depending on the design principle of
the pickup system used, select either MM for electromagnetic cartridges (MM = Moving Magnet) or MC
for or electrodynamic cartridges (MC = moving coil). Whether your pickup system works according to
the MM or MC principle, please refer to the corresponding documentation of your turntable or cartridge.
Please note that with a 'loud' MC system, the MM setting may also be used.
For further set-up information, please refer to the operating instructions of your turntable or cartridge.
For the adjustment of capacitance with your MC pickup system please use for the RCA load plugs (see
section 2.7 for details). The suggested value (100, 200, 1000Ohms) is recommended by the
manufacturer of your cartridge.
1.6 Connecting digital sound sources
Connect digital signal sources to the digital inputs (23, 26, 27) using suitable cables.
1.6.1 Coaxial or optical digital inputs
Connect the supplied power cord to the mains power connector (18) and a grounded socket.
1.6.2 HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel)
When using an ARC-compatible TV, you only need a suitable HDMI cable for inputting audio signals
from the TV and for transmitting HDMI control signals. Simply connect your ARC-capable TV to the ARC
input (24) on your CS 2.3.
NOTE: The HDMI connection is an input only and does not play any visuals.
ATTENTION : Only stereo audio signals can be processed via the HDMI ARC. This means that you must
switch your source device (e.g. your TV) to the PCM audio track.
1.7 Connecting analog recording devices

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To operate an analog recording device, connect its inputs to the LINE analog output (31). Connect the
analog outputs of the recording device to one of the high level inputs (32).
1.8 Connecting digital recording devices
To operate a digital recording device, connect it to the optical or coaxial digital outputs (25, 26).
Depending on the selected sound source, the digital output carries the corresponding signal
(i.e. CD player, DIG OPT, DIG COAX, etc.).
1.9 Operation with subwoofer
You can connect an active subwoofer to the PRE OUT (30) connectors..
1.10 Connecting the loudspeakers
The speaker outputs of the CS 2.3 are equipped with gold-plated speaker terminals, capable of using
spade plugs or 4 mm banana jacks. To connect the loudspeakers you therefore need cables with the
appropriate corresponding plugs. These are connected to the speaker outputs (29) of the CS 2.3
connected. Please make sure to use speaker cables of good quality and with a sufficient diameter to
ensure best results. In case of doubt, contact your specialist dealer to recommend the best cable for
your loudspeakers in terms of sound quality.
When connecting the speakers, observe the correct polarity, the rede socket is for +, the black
socket for -. The red marked output sockets of the CS 2.3 must be connected to the red speaker
terminals or to the speaker terminals marked with a plus (+) sign. Right and left channel have to be
connected with the same polarity to the loudspeakers.
1.11 RC Remote Control
The optionally available RC 9 or RC 10 remote control allows you to control your AVM device
conveniently and comprehensively. Before both components can be used together, they must first be
paired with each other. This one-time process is called pairing and sets up a wireless connection
between the RC 9 remote control and your device (see section 1.11.1). A detailed description of the
entire functional scope of the RC 9 or RC 10 remote control can be found in a separate operating
manual at www.avm.audio.
Important notice: A RC Dongle will be required to operate the RC 9 or RC 10, please contact your
specialist dealer for this.
1.11.1 Pairing
Pairing is the process of establishing a wireless connection between an RC 9 / 10 remote control and
your device.
There are two ways to start the pairing process:
1. You can start pairing via the RC X app from AVM. You can find the Start Pairing option in the
Settings under the RC 9/10 Remote Control item. Once you have started the pairing process via the
app, you need to start the pairing process in the RC 9/10 remote control shortly after using the
navigation buttons as well.

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2. To start the pairing process without the RC X app, switch on the device via the power switch on the
power switch on the back of the device (31). Then navigate in the
menu of the RC 9 remote control, use the upper or lower navigation button to navigate to the
menu item Start Pairing, but without selecting it by pressing the Enter key.
First switch the device on again using the power switch on the rear panel (31) and then
immediately press the Enter key of the RC 9/10 remote control to start the pairing process.
After a short search process, the name of a successfully detected device is shown in the display of
the remote control and can be further adjusted via the input keys. In addition, it is possible to assign
one of four hotkeys to the device (details on how to use the hotkeys can be found in a separate
RC 9/10 user manual on the AVM website at www.avm.audio.) By pressing the Enter button on the
RC 9/10 again, the pairing process is completed.
1.12 RC X App for iOS and Android
The RC X App for iOS and Android turns your smartphone or tablet into a handy remote control and
offers a variety of intuitive functions for using all streaming-capable models from AVM with integrated
AVM X-STREAM Engine®. The RC X app is available for free download from the Apple App Store and the
Google Play Store.
1.13 Network installation (LAN, WLAN)
To use the extensive streaming and network functions such as Spotify Connect®, Apple AirPlay2, TIDAL,
QOBUZ, HIGHRESAUDIO, web radio, podcasts or music-server, your device must be connected to your
home network or the Internet via a router. For this purpose, you can choose between a wired LAN
connection via the network connection (22) or a wireless WLAN connection (WiFi) via the supplied
WLAN antenna. When mounting the supplied WLAN antenna onto the corresponding WLAN antenna
connector (16), please make sure that the antenna is straight aligned.
LAN VS. WLAN:
If you have the choice between a wired LAN or wireless WLAN connection, we generally recommend
using a wired LAN connection, which usually allows a higher bandwidth and is also less susceptible to
interference and more independent of the data traffic of your entire network.
NOTE: All AVM devices with integrated AVM X-STREAM Engine® prefer a wired network connection
(LAN)) and will automatically access it as soon as a network cable is installed on the device and the
WLAN connection is automatically switched off. For a smooth continuous operation via a wireless
WLAN connection, remove any connected network cable (LAN) from the network connector (23).
Otherwise, the device will re-establish a wired network connection even during operation, as this is
preferred to the WIFI by the device.
Proceed as described below to start the installation of a wired or wireless network connection.
1.13.1 Setting up a wired network connection (LAN)
All AVM devices with integrated AVM X-STREAM Engine® are hot-pluggable. That means that to
establish a wired network connection, it is not necessary to restart the AVM device or switch it off and
on again, but a network cable (LAN cable) can be connected during operation and a network connection
is established immediately.

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a) Connect the device to a router in your home network using a network cable (LAN cable) by
connecting the LAN cable to the network port of the AVM device (22) on one side and to a free port on
your router (LAN) or a network switch on the other side.
b) The device will automatically connect to your home network via the connected LAN cable and is
ready for use.
c) Make sure your smartphone or tablet is connected to the same network/WLAN as your AVM-
device and start the RC X app. After a short startup process, the RC X app will automatically search for
available AVM devices in your network and list them with their respective device name and IP address.
You can recognize an IP address by a sequence of numbers separated by several dots. An IP address
often starts with "192.168.xxx.x", for example.
d) Select an available device from the list by tapping on it and wait a short moment until a connection is
a short moment until a connection is established between your smartphone or tablet and the device.
is established.
NOTE: If you do not see an available device, check whether the network cable is installed correctly and
that the AVM device is on the same network/WLAN as your smartphone or tablet. Then drag the view in
the RC X app down a bit to search for available devices again. Please also note that the RC X app is only
compatible with AVM models with integrated AVM X-STREAM Engine®. A current model overview can
be found at: www.avm.audio/rc-x-app.
e) To check the network status, launch the RC X App and select the AVM device.
f) In the settings, call up the Network Info menu item. In the Wired section you can
view details about the network connection that has been made.