The branding of the AVM CS 5.3 Network “Streamer” seems off to us. Especially because it’s really a network amplifier the includes a power amplifier, CD player, and MM/MC phono stage.

The $12,000 price tag doesn’t even seem that unreasonable when you consider all of the features, functionality, and likely sonic performance based on our experience with other AVM products. This is a high-end audio system — minus a turntable and pair of loudspeakers.

Minus the CD player and phono stage, one could purchase something from Hegel or Naim for a lot less money and have more funds available for a turntable, loudspeakers, and a CD player — but the gamble is that consumers will love the one-box configuration and not compare prices.

Bluebird Music, a distributor of high-performance audio products since 2000, is announcing the North American availability of the new AVM (Audio Video Manufaktur) CS 5.3 All-In-One Network Streamer.

To kick things off, Bluebird Music is showing the AVM CS 5.3 at the 2023 Axpona (Audio Expo North America) from April 14th-16th which is being held just outside of Chicago.

What the AVM CS 5.3 Offers

The AVM CS 5.3 occupies the middle position between AVM’s entry-level CS 2.3 and its flagship CS 8.3 all-in-one network streamers. 

The CS 5.3 includes all the features and connectivity of AVM’s CS 8.3 player (including wireless streaming and a built-in CD player) but adds an upgraded high-performance MM/MC phono stage with adjustable gain and loading. 

AVM also includes a tube line stage in the CS 5.3 to deliver resolution and tonal character that is rarely found in all-in-one components. 

Just as with the CS 2.3 and 8.3, the CS 5.3 provides an intuitive user interface via  AVM’s RC X APP. 

The AVM in-house developed X-Stream Engine®, can stream all high-res audio formats up to resolutions of PCM 384/32 and DSD (256). AVM claims that this platform is future-proof.

Tip: Available streaming services include Spotify, Qobuz, TIDAL Connect, webradio (upgradable)

The digital section of the CS 5.3 has been upgraded with the new ESS9028 PRO Double-Quad DAC. There are four DACs per channel in parallel which provides an improvement in sound quality. 

Physical Connectivity

• HDMI ARC
• 2 digital  (SPDIF Coax and Optical)
• USB A for external hard drives (NTFS & FAT)
• 3 RCA + 1 XLR line inputs, switchable as signal sensitive inputs, switchable as Hometheatre Thruput
• 2 Digital outputs (SPDIF/Optical.), also switchable to variable volume
• Speaker terminals (A/B)
• Front panel headphone output (6.3mm)

Wireless Connectivity

• Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth ver 4.2
• Airplay 2

Tip: The CS 5.3 is also ROON ready

AVM  Multiroom Audio: The CS 2.3 can be used with a whole house-house system with AVMN’s Multiroom and Party Sync features available through the RC X app. 

Amplification: The amplifier stage provides 180 watts of continuous power output into 8 ohms (A/B speaker connections provided).

Dimensions (WHD): 43 x 12 x 350 mm (1.69 x .47 x 13.8 -inches)

Weight: 12 kg (26.5 lbs)

Price and Availability 

The retail price of the CS 5.3 is $11,995 (US) and $15,995 (Canadian). and is available through the Bluebird Music dealer network in black or silver finishes.

Tip: A Cellini Chrome finish is available at extra cost by special order.

Related Reading

• AVM’s CS 8.3 Black Edition Streaming Receiver: Just Add Speakers

• AVM CS 2.3 Streaming Receiver Unveiled By Bluebird Music

• The Lumin P1 Network Music Hub Reaches U.S. Shores

• Best Digital Music Streamers

• More coverage from AXPONA 2023