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AVM Audio Ovation CS 8.3 Black Edition
All-In-One CD Receiver · 2 x 500 W · Black Edition Chassis: Brushed aluminum in black with Black Edition logo on the top cover and all controls finished in midnight black lacquer · AVM X-STREAM Engine®: Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify® Connect, Roon Ready, TIDAL Connect MAX, QOBUZ, UPnP, Web Radio · Multiroom & Party Sync Mode · Bluetooth 5.0 · Quad DAC 384kHz/32bit ·
DSD128 · Slot-In Pure CD Drive · Class-A Headphone Amplifier · RC X App for iOS & Android
The benchmark for
sound and design
The Ovation CS 8.3 Black Edition is the flagship of our all-in-one device series and sets new standards in sound quality. Through the use of specially selected components and a striking night-black look, this edition stands out from the basic version. A prominent “Black Edition” lettering on the case lid makes the high-performance version immediately recognizable.
Andreas Günther,
Audio 2020
Here, there is diligent measuring, the most expensive components are being purchased. Here, soldering, polishing, and listening are done. In the end, components are produced that look extremely traditional and possess a wonderfully noble aura.
Perfection
in every detail
The X-STREAM Engine® in the CS 8.3 Black Edition receives all digital signals and forwards them to the specially developed tube stage, which is equipped with modified tubes. The ESS SABRE 9018 reference DACs and a high-precision voltage supply maximize performance and guarantee perfect channel separation. The CS 8.3 can process DSD128 signals (via USB-B) and offers advanced upsampling technology that eliminates jitter and ensures high sound fidelity.
Timeless luxury, limitless sound variety
The casing of the CS 8.3 Black Edition is made of solid, seamlessly joined aluminum and was manufactured without visible screws. The exclusive TEAC Pure-CD drive provides the best possible sound quality when playing CDs and can only be found worldwide in AVM products. The CS 8.3 is fully software and hardware upgradeable, which allows for long-term updates and expansions.
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Technical data
CS 8.3
Power amplifier | |
| Gain factor | 30 |
| Distortion factor | < 0.005% |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | > 95dB |
| Input sensitivity | 1.2V |
| Output power | 2x 500W (4Ω) / 2x 250W (8Ω) |
Preamplifier (analog) | |
| Input impedance (RCA) | 10kΩ |
| Input impedance (XLR) | 20kΩ |
| Output impedance (RCA: PRE, LINE) | 47Ω |
| Output impedance (XLR) | 94Ω |
| Gain factor | 1 |
| Distortion factor (6.3) | < 0.001% |
| Distortion factor (8.3) | < 0.02% |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | > 98dB |
| Crosstalk attenuation (channels) | > 100dB |
| Crosstalk attenuation (inputs) | > 87dB |
| Input headroom (1% THD) | 4.3V |
| Output headroom PRE OUT (1% THD) | 5.4V |
| Output level LINE OUT | 2.5V |
| Frequency response at -3dB (6.3) | < 0Hz to > 70kHz |
| Frequency response at -3dB (8.3) | < 5Hz to > 30kHz |
Headphone amplifier | |
| Output impedance | 15Ω |
| Gain factor | 3.0 |
| Distortion factor | < 0.002% |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | > 97dB |
| Output headroom (1% THD) | 6.5V |
CD-Player | |
| Playable formats | CD Audio, CDR (according to Red-Book standard) |
Network | |
| LAN connection (hot plug capable) | 100 Mbit/s |
| Supported WLAN/WiFi standards | 2.4/ 5GHz/ 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| Number of antennas | 2 |
| WPS | yes |
Streaming | |
| Max. sampling rates | DSD128, 32 Bit/384 kHz PCM |
| Streaming services | AirPlay, Qobuz, Roon, Spotify, TIDAL, HighResAudio |
| Supported file formats | WAV, MP3, WM, AAC, FLAC, ALAC, DSD, Ogg, AIFF |
Bluetooth | |
| Bluetooth standard | 5.0 |
| Supported Bluetooth profiles | AVRCP 1.5, AD2P |
USB-A Input | |
| USB standard | USB 2.0 |
| Max. current | 500 mA |
| Supported formats | FAT16, FAT32, NTFS |
| WARNING: | The USB input is exclusively for hard drives and USB sticks! |
USB-B Input | |
| USB standard | USB 2.0 |
| Supported formats | Up to DSD128 / 192 kHz with 24 Bit |
| WARNING: | The USB-B input is intended for direct connection with a PC or MAC! |
Digital inputs (S/P-DIF / Coaxial) | |
| Max. sampling/bit rate (OPTO) | 96 kHz / 24 Bit |
| Max. sampling/bit rate (COAX) | 192 kHz / 24 Bit |
| Min. signal level [Vpp] at 192kHz (COAX) | > 150 mVpp |
| Input impedance (COAX) | 75 Ω |
| Deemphasis (OPTO, COAX) | Yes, automatic |
| NOTE: | When using digital inputs |
Digital outputs (S/P-DIF / Coaxial) | |
| Max. sampling/bit rate (OPTO) | 96 kHz / 24 Bit |
| Max. sampling/bit rate (COAX) | 192 kHz / 24 Bit |
| Output impedance (COAX) | 75 Ω |
| NOTE: | When using digital outputs |
Control | |
| Trigger output (2x) | 12V |
| NOTE: | Please use a standard 3.5mm mono jack cable for the trigger connections. |
Power connection | |
| Power supply | 100V-240V / 50Hz-60Hz |
| Power consumption standby | < 1.0 Watt |
| Power consumption network standby | < 4 Watt |
| Power consumption idle | < 35 Watt |
| Power consumption (maximum) | 1000 Watt |
| Fuse used (power amplifier) | T 6.3A |
| Fuse used (preamplifier section) | 3x T3.125A |
General | |
| Weight | 13 kg |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 430 x 122 x 350mm |
| Warranty | 2 years + 2 years with online registration |
| (Warranty periods may vary in other distribution countries) | |
| We reserve the right to make changes to technical specifications and features. | |
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Technical data
CS 8.3
Regulatory Notice:
Used transmission frequency range:
WLAN 2.4 G: 2.412 – 2.472 GHz
WLAN 5: 5.150 – 5.350 GHz / 5.470 – 5.725 GHz
Bluetooth: 2.400 – 2.4835 GHz
Maximum transmission power:
WLAN 2.4 G: 20 dBm
WLAN 5: 15 dBm
Bluetooth: 6 dB
The device is intended for non-commercial users.
The Ethernet / LAN connection may only be connected to the home network
(Internal Building LAN Network) can be connected.
Dealers selling AVM Audio near you
AVM Ovation CS 8.3 Black Edition — flagship one‑box power and polish
The Ovation CS 8.3 Black Edition marries high-output Class D amplification with a valve-lined preamp to deliver both scale and musical warmth. Equipped to drive demanding speakers with 2x 500W (4Ω), it couples ESS Sabre conversion, full-network streaming (DSD128/384kHz PCM) and a slot-loading CD player in a single, impeccably finished chassis. Reviewers praise its authoritative dynamics and natural midband—Jamie Biesemans highlighted its control and clarity—while Jason Kennedy and The Ear applaud the thoughtful engineering, modular DAC approach and refined Black Edition component selection. Built to sit at the heart of a high-end living room, it suits listeners who want separates-level performance without separate boxes. For buyers seeking a future‑proof, high‑power integrated with an audiophile feature set, the CS 8.3 makes a compelling case.
Pros
- Huge, controlled dynamics from Pascal Class D modules combined with a tube preamp that adds musical refinement without sacrificing authority.
- Comprehensive one-box feature set — high-res streaming (Roon/Qobuz/Tidal), USB/optical/coax, balanced I/O and a slot-loading CD player — ready for modern listening needs.
- Exemplary build and Black Edition component selection (hand‑picked DAC chips and premium tubes) give tight tolerances, low noise and long-term reliability.
&
Cons
- Premium Black Edition pricing places it at the high end of the market and will be a significant investment for buyers.
- Onboard CD playback has a slightly sharper, more forward character compared with the streamer and the transport does not support SACD; analogue phono input is also absent.
Sound Quality
92/100
Dynamics
93/100
With Pascal Class D modules rated at very high power (2x500W @4Ω), reviewers report effortless, large-scale dynamics and excellent control — The Ear and hi-fi+ describe scale and dynamic power equivalent to sitting in a great seat at a concert and being able to drive 802 D3s without loss of composure. Comments such as being able to "wind up the volume... without the system losing composure" and the amp's muscular, controlled delivery support a top-tier dynamics score for its topology and power.
Soundstage Imaging
90/100
Imaging and staging are praised for focus and transparency: HiFi News describes convincing concert-hall scale with well-rendered solo piano and orchestra imaging, while The Ear notes the AVM's onboard streamer yields a more focused image than an external streamer. Reviewers report strong depth and stable images, delivering engaging spatial presentation across material.
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Build Quality
92/100
Build and finish receive high marks: aluminium casework with no visible fixings, a 'Chinese Wall' partition isolating supply and signal, and specially selected DAC chips and tubes for the Black Edition are all noted (hi-fi+, The Ear, HiFi News). Reviewers call the casework exemplary with tight tolerances and a high-end finish, and the Black Edition adds bespoke packaging and selected components.
Features Connectivity
94/100
Extremely well-featured: integrated streaming (X-Stream engine, Roon/Qobuz/Tidal/Spotify/AirPlay), high-quality ESS Sabre DAC, USB/optical/coaxial inputs, balanced XLR in/out, slot-loading CD transport, Wi‑Fi and Ethernet, and a headphone amplifier — reviewers emphasise the comprehensive one-box nature. Given this broad, high-end feature set (replaceable DAC/XMOS board noted by HiFi News), the unit rates at the top of the allowed features band.
Value for Money
90/100
Reviewers acknowledge a high price (~£14,950 / €15,950 for Black Edition) but consistently say the unit justifies that price: hi-fi+ and HiFi News say it would hold its own against separates of similar value and is hard to beat for what it offers. The sentiment is that the feature completeness, sound, and power make the cost a justified premium rather than an outright bargain.
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