Advance Paris may be an unfamiliar name to many despite the fact they have been around for nearly thirty years. Over this period they have grown from initially supplying their home territory in France, to now exporting to over forty countries and now to Audio T.

Aiming to produce high end audio at affordable prices, their product range encompasses: streamers, integrated and pre-power amplification, speakers (active and passive), CD players, CD transports, valve hybrid products, mini systems and WiFi/ Bluetooth accessories. Today, we’ll be looking at the PlayStream A1…

Introduction

There are three models in the PlayStream lineup (A7 / A5 / A1) of which the A1 is the most affordable. The PlayStream A1 HDMI is a connected integrated amplifier. Rated at 2x52W/6Ω in Class AB, the A1 has been designed with the ultimate goal of satisfying the discerning audiophile. It is an incredibly well appointed product, the list of its connection capabilities is a long one:

Wired or wireless streaming.
Digital inputs including USB
Analogue inputs.
Optical and coaxial digital inputs.
Phono (MM) input.
HDMI ARC.
Bluetooth.
Airplay.
Headphone

Design and technology

Of an all metal construction with a brushed black facia, the Playstream sports the look of a premium design. The LED display is blue and is relatively unobtrusive, it gives it a classy appearance and the blue illumination is a strong visual identifier for all Advance Paris products. The controls are metal which feel lovely to the touch.

With its impressive 52W per channel class AB amplification, it should be capable of driving most of speakers to reasonable levels quite happily.

Control

Although supplied with a remote control, the majority of end users are most likely to use the Advance Paris App. Streaming products can become a nightmare to use if the App is not intuitive and robust. The Advance Paris Advance PlayStream App is very, very similar to that found on WiiM (pronounced “Weem” in case you were wondering) products and is equally excellent; clear, easy to use and responsive.

Sound quality.

Plugging in a Rega Planar 3 and a pair of Acoustic Energy AE 309, the bulk of the listening was via Qobuz using the onboard decoding (most of the other major streaming services are also available).

Powering up the rather lovely illuminated power button I searched for ‘True Love Ways’ by Buddy Holly (from the original master hits). This exhibited an excellent mid range purity, The A1 is musically articulate, open and transparent.

Another of my ‘go to tracks’ is ‘Collage’ by Lady Blackbird; this highlighting the agile, tight clean bass along with a smooth treble and excellent sound staging.

The overall sonic signature is neutral and non fatiguing, which I think even the most discerning listeners will enjoy.

Running the Rega Planar 3 directly in to the phono input, I was very pleasantly surprised with the result. So many amplifier’s supplied phono stages seem to be a bit of an afterthought these days, but not this one. A spin of Yello’s ‘La Habanera’ from the One Second Album; was smoother than that of the Qobuz rendition of the same track. This is by no means a shabby performer and it is an engaging listen.

In conclusion

The Advance Paris PlayStream A1 represents phenomenal value for money. It is a “French Swiss Army Knife” of a product. It lacks for nothing.

For those looking for a complete home entertainment package that is sonically absolutely leagues ahead of even the most premium of soundbars, or for those customers who would like an excellent sounding amplifier, with all of the connectivity that they could possibly hope for (both wired and wireless), without blowing the budget, then this product is the perfect choice.

Advance Paris is now available in all Audio T stores, so expect to see more from us on these guys.

Thank you for reading.

Rob & Jon - Audio T Oxford

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