One for all
Hi-Fi Choice|May 2023
German high-ender AVM wants to make top all-in-one performers. David Vivian takes a listen to its all-singing integrated amp
David Vivian
One for all

You know, the best ideas don’t die, they simply move with the times. Take the typically unlovely MDF and plastic music centre that graced many a teak dresser in the mid-to-late Seventies. Absurdly bulky, badly compromised and rubbish by the hi-fi standards of the day, the briefly fashionable turntable, cassette deck, tuner and amp all-in-one with add-on speakers (of highly dubious quality) was nevertheless an ace idea waiting for its time to come.

Not only has it come, it appears to be on course to conquer, the twin trends of convergence and convenience achieving maximum traction in this digital age. Whether we choose to embrace it or not, it’s given us a viable reason not to access our musical jollies via a coalition of individual components laced together with hard-to-hide cables. But even in a burgeoning market for high-performance plug ‘n’ play minimalism, AVM’s AS 2.3 is strikingly, almost inscrutably, sleek – a compact, screwless, flush-surfaced, feature-dense nugget of aesthetically neutral tech that looks great anywhere.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HI-FI CHOICEView all
Old boys network
Hi-Fi Choice

Old boys network

As the lineups start to emerge for this summer's festivals, Nigel Williamson investigates where the problem lies for the continuing dearth of female headliners

time-read
3 mins  |
May 2023
DESTINATION: LEITH
Hi-Fi Choice

DESTINATION: LEITH

Welcome to a friendly haven of Californian cool in the creative heart of a former Edinburgh port. Simon Berkovitch samples the sunshine on Leith

time-read
8 mins  |
May 2023
Core values
Hi-Fi Choice

Core values

Apple’s revamped HomePod smart speaker off ers attractive sound quality, but its Apple-centric focus remains frustrating for Cliff Joseph

time-read
4 mins  |
May 2023
Forty something
Hi-Fi Choice

Forty something

Creek Audio is celebrating its big four-o with the release of the new 4040 A integrated. Nick Tate lights the candles and listens in

time-read
5 mins  |
May 2023
One for all
Hi-Fi Choice

One for all

German high-ender AVM wants to make top all-in-one performers. David Vivian takes a listen to its all-singing integrated amp

time-read
5 mins  |
May 2023
Three for all
Hi-Fi Choice

Three for all

The 700 Series receives a helping of tech from the flagship 800 models. Ed Selley sees how the smallest speaker fares

time-read
2 mins  |
May 2023
All in one
Hi-Fi Choice

All in one

DAP, DAC, amplifier and streaming device, is there anything A&K’s new Acro can’t do? Cliff Joseph finds out

time-read
3 mins  |
May 2023
Wooden wonder
Hi-Fi Choice

Wooden wonder

Better known for its speakers, ELAC’s range of electronics now has a new flagship turntable. Ed Selley takes it for a spin

time-read
4 mins  |
May 2023
System matching
Hi-Fi Choice

System matching

Why finding the perfect synergy between your chosen integrated amplifier and favourite speakers holds the key to maximising your system’s potential

time-read
6 mins  |
May 2023
Game on!
Hi-Fi Choice

Game on!

At times the hi-fi and gaming industries might seem like they’re worlds apart, but Cliff Joseph reckons they both share a love of high-quality sound

time-read
3 mins  |
May 2023