Introducing the Advance Paris X-i50BT

Is it new?

New Hi-Fi manufacturers are few and far between these days, so when one arrives with a range as extensive as the one Advance Paris has to offer, you have to stick your head above the parapet and take a look.

However, Advance Paris isn't exactly new. First created in 1995 to cater for the French market only, Advance Paris extended their range extensively in 2004 with an integrated amplifier and electronic components. Wanting to break free of their home market they expanded into a least 40 other countries in 2005.

Audio T Advances to Paris.

Today, Audio T has a near exclusive on Advance Paris products which range from streamers to valve amplifiers to all in one amp/streamers and CD players, the latter of which is resurgent in today's market.

Here at Manchester we are taking a look at the new Xi-50BT

It's an integrated amplifier that has Bluetooth and a phono input and utilises class A type technology, which basically runs at higher temps but offers excellent sound quality.

The first reaction to the Xi-50BT is the styling, Advance Paris are using perspex for the front fascia and a formed steel construction for the case work. Which looks and feels elegant and solid. Good start.

Around the back

The X-i50BT has what you could reasonably call a fair selection of analogue inputs, which include a turntable input. I can't imagine anyone being left wanting for more inputs in the analogue domain.

From a digital angle, the supplied Bluetooth aerial screws into the back and enables communication with smart devices, opening up endless possibilities for visitors to your home wanting to play their own music on your system.

Next up is the USB input, which in this instance, keeps things simple with offering MP3 playback. So if you've got a collection of USB sticks with MP3s on them which you may use in the car, you can stick them in the back of X-i50 as well.

And at the front

Conveniently, the X-i50 has a chrome volume dial which also operates as a multifunction jog wheel, this lets you access tone controls and a loudness feature, as well as cycling through the inputs. Also, the white glow from the back light on the dial against the black perspex fascia adds a premium look to the unit.

The testing

We put our unit through its paces by pairing it with the new WiiM Ultra streamer, a pair of Dynaudio Emit 10 sat on the Atacama Nexxus speaker stands.

Our playlist consisted of German electro/techno maestro Robag Wruhme, some instrumental ambience from Contours, an old school Manchester jazz collective, The Cinematic Orchestra and a little bit of classic funk from Parliament.

What's the consensus mon ami

Well, very good indeed! £500* gets you an amp that happily drives a pair of hefty speakers with aplomb. In general, the sound was detailed and engaging. The high bias mode helped for lower volume listening and across all our playlist the sound filled our demo room with ease.

The electro from Robag Wruhme was pacey, no flabbiness in the bass. The Contours “Elevation” album sounded airy and open. And George Clinton sounded like, well, George Clinton.

Are there other amps around the same price that sound as good? Well, there is a small selection in the same price bracket that either sound very different in terms of playback quality or have a fraction of the connectivity available. However, other integrated amps around the same price, beware!! we have a new kid on the block, and the X-i50BT means business!

But don’t just take our word for it. Contact your nearest Audio T today to book a demonstration.

Thanks for reading.

Munir

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