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Advance Paris A12 Classic Integrated Amplifier Review | AA Reports...
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.ย. 2024
- Adrian reviews the competitive, all-in-one Advance Paris A12 Classic Integrated Amplifier. Perhaps not as well known, Adrian insists this is a serious competitor at such a beginner-friendly purchase.
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Adrian's Reference Equipment:
Mclntosh MC 462 Quad Balance Power Amplifier
Mclntosh C2600 Tube Pre-Amp
Eminent Technology LFT 8 Speakers
Gustrad R26 Dac / Streamer
SW-10 Audio File Ethernet Switch
PS Audio Power Plant 15
VPI Scout Turn Table
Audio Technica Turn Table
Hana Blue Umami Blue MC Cartridge
PS Audio Stellar Phono Pre Amp
Kirmuss Audio Record Clearer
Morrow Speaker Cables
Morrow XLR/ RCA Cables
2-REL Ti Sub Woofers
Who is Adrian Alexander?
I began my journey at the tender age of 12. Initially, it was just a small snippet of sound, perhaps a simple melody or a voice recording.
In my teenage years, I experienced the revolution of cassette tapes and the joy of being duplicated and shared among friends. The 1980s brought the era of compact discs, before turn of the millennium marked a significant shift as the digital age fully embraced me and MP3s became the norm, where I became more portable, fitting into pocket-sized devices that could carry thousands of me at once. I was shared across the internet, downloaded, and streamed on various platforms.
In my 40s, the rise of streaming services took center stage, and I found myself being accessed from the cloud, eliminating the need for physical storage. My quality improved, and I became part of playlists, enhancing the daily routines of people around the globe.
As the years rolled on, technology continued to advance. I witnessed the emergence of high-resolution audio, immersive 3D sound, and the integration of artificial intelligence in audio processing. Now, at the age of 63, I reflect on a lifetime of melodies, spoken words, and ambient sounds. From the crackling vinyl records to the seamless streaming of today, I have been a witness to the ever-changing landscape of audio technology.
What Is The Absolute Sound?
The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, TH-cam and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.
#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound
I wanted to express my appreciation for your recent review of the Advance Paris A12 (It was actually cheapaudioman who first introduced me to Advance Paris).
As a fellow audiophile, I completely agree with your assessment of the A12's capabilities. Since acquiring it, I've been blown away by how it's transformed the sound of my Magnepan .7 speakers with MagnaRaiser 2. I have a MacMini running Roon/Tidal connecting via USB Audio directly to A12 and, Rega P3 with MC cart as sources.
The resolution you mentioned is outstanding. It's like rediscovering details in my music collection that were previously veiled. Additionally, the improvement in low-end articulation is simply phenomenal. It's so significant that I had to adjust my subwoofer crossover from 80Hz to 50Hz. But here's the real kicker - sometimes I find myself turning the subwoofer off entirely and simply reveling in the full dipole experience delivered by the Maggies. The detail and dynamics are simply outstanding, even without the added punch of the sub.
Thanks again for the fantastic review! And kudos to the Advance Paris engineers for creating such a remarkable integrated amplifier.
Wow -thank you for the kind words. I am glad to hear that the A12 had no problem with the Magenpan’s I used to own a pair loved them. I also had a pair of the risers which improved the sound as you mentioned I love the capabilities. Really glad to hear that there’s plenty of power to run all types of speakers. Thanks again for the kind words.
Those blue backlit VU meters are very slick. Love the retro look
They aren't blue like McIntosh, they closer to a violet
Love this product overview. Nice Job. In a world that is seen as comprised of a bunch of elitists that turn their noses up at components that are not at least six figures. Interest in this hobby I feel as waned since the 70's and 80's. The label Audiophile certainly garners derision. I am thrilled to see a company offer outstanding sound and features, at a price point that is a lot easier on the wallet. I am hoping products such as these will serve as a gateway for more people to get into and enjoy the hobby.
Thank you!
I prefer the look of Advance Paris over McIntosh
Me too
Just found your channel. I just restarted my audio journey again after about 40 years. I picked this A12 Classic up about few months ago and really enjoying it. While I got it for the price/feature aspect, I think it punches above the price range. Thanks for your overview, it helps me understand the feature better.
Good for you! Welcome back to the addiction/hobby😂 thanks for the kind words regarding the review
First Grate lamp I’ve ever seen with HDMI in and out very useful for integrating an old panel TV without multiple HDMI outputs into a stereo
Hdmi chips make tons of noise lol and the meters are not acurate !
Advance Paris A12 and My Connect 250 are amazing!!!
Can't wait to get mine.
Thanks for the video. I love the look of the amp. They had me at the meters and tubes, like the Mc they are emulating. Great inputs. My issue is with the tubes. My understanding from other reviews is that you can’t readily replace the tubes. The Tubes will need to be replaced. If you can’t easily replace the tubes, this will not be a reliable long-term piece of equipment.
You’re welcome
Valid point, but there are couple of screws in both sides and rear, pop the lid off and access. Not ideal but accessible. Additionally, these tubes are located in the line stage, which typically experiences way less wear than power tubes. In my experience with other hybrid amps, line stage tubes rarely need swapping.
Not that hard to replace and these input tubes last for many years - so not likely to have to replace them very often at all.
@@pauljoyquilter359 very good point I agree
I ordered mine from Germany for 1000 less I think I was the first guy to have one in the states
Nice review.
Thank you!
It’s no one’s JRDG Daemon…. It’s better!
As in, not $52,000 dollars! A fantastic report, and I see EXACTLY why you, and I both love the A12! I will gladly downsize to Integrated(s) from Advance, Pass Labs, Parasound, and even Audio by van Alstine, and Krell. No interest in statement bragging rights at all. You’ve been wonderful.
Thank you.🌹
Beautiful aesthetics. Just love love full range speakers on low wattage solid state amps though. Good luck on sales.
I sold my Mac and bought one. Very happy
Good for you! Tell me what you like about it the A1 12
Hello Adrian
Your excellent review piqued my interest in this amplifier, so I scheduled an audition at the local dealer and finally took it home. I am particularly pleased with the sound quality, not only with the special appearance and versatility. A big plus for the DAC, which is more forgiving with more modest recordings, so depending on the situation, I use the internal DAC or the one in the Eversolo A8. The phono stage and the headphone amplifier seem to me to be of a very good level. The speakers are Wharfedale Elysian 2 and the Rega Planar RP8 turntable with Nagaoka MP-300 phono cartridge. In conclusion, a million thanks 🙏🙂
This is great news. Thank you for the kind words. I am very happy for you. It’s a very nice unit. I really did enjoy reviewing this unit and I’m glad that you’re happy with it as well. If you don’t mind me asking, what were you using before? Look forward to your reply reply.
Is it OK to ask what dealer you purchased the unit from?
@@adrianalexander2651 I bought it from eaudio, a dealer from my beloved city, Bucharest. Before, I used a power Classé Sigma Amp 2 with Eversolo DMP A8 together with a phono preamp Simaudio 110 V2 connected to the analog input of A8, and for headphones (Meze 109 Pro because I'm a patriot 😀) a Chinese tube amplifier XDuoo TA-20 Addition. The sound was very good, but the A12 has that "je ne sais quoi" that won me over instantly and thanks to you, I went from being a very satisfied audiophile to a very happy one. Now I'm seriously thinking of buying the X-D500 transport CD, I used to have the Yamaha CDS 2100 but at the moment I'm using a bluray and it's not really the best solution.
@@adrianalexander2651 Hello, I tried to answer but for some reason the answer disappeared and I only noticed it today, probably I didn't click on the button. I bought the device from eaudio, a very good dealer from Bucharest. Until now I used a power amp, Classe Sigma Amp 2, and the Eversolo A8 was also used as a preamplifier to which I connected the Simaudio 110 V2 phono preamplifier, and for headphones (Meze 109 Pro, because I'm a patriot) a Chinese headphone amplifier on tubes, Xduoo TA 20 Plus. The sound was very good, but the A12 has that "je ne sais quoi" that, thanks to you, turned me from a very satisfied audiophile to a very happy audiophile. Sigma Amp 2 is a very good power, but A 12 gives me more joy, the feeling that I am in the same space with the artists is stronger. Now I'm thinking very seriously about buying the CD transport XD 500, I had a Yamaha CDS 2100 before which I had to part with a lot of regret, but I needed money at that moment. Now I use an entry level transport but I want much more and I think the XD 500 will be the right one.
You omitted to mention one of the best features of this amp - the High bias mode which gives you the first few watts in Class A mode - it makes a huge difference to the overall sound and takes it to another level that is way beyond its price point. I would pitch it against amps that are at least double the price.
Thanks for the clarification
Great job with the review I think you covered everything very well and I appreciate your take on this piece! Sharp reviewer
Thank you!
Better looking than a Mcintosh in my opinion 🤷🏻♂️ Beautiful unit👌
Excellent review! Nice job.
Thank you!
Toward the end, it was mentioned that this is a hybrid amp. Even though the tubes were visible early in the video through the glass window, I think it would be better to state that explicitly up front and mention that it has a tube preamp with a solid state Class A/B power amp section. Since there are apparently only two tubes, it appears that preamp rectification is solid state. Also, on the back of the unit there was switch for high bias (on/off), and would be interested to know exactly what that was for (after looking at the user manual it says "By switching the High Bias mode in ON mode, the sound is comparable to that of a Class A amplifier on the first watts of use").
I have listened extensively to the A10 and A12 - the High bias switch puts the amps in Class A mode for the first few watts (which is where most people will be listening most of the time) - it results in an even greater warmth and richness and improves the overall sense of space as well as improving the timing. I find it very foot tappy in this mode.
Very good point I appreciate it thank you
I have a 100-watt hybrid as well, and I use inefficient speakers (81db), and the sweet spot really shines after 60%. I really like that switch idea because I think you have too many watts in certain situations and this solves it. Speaker and Amp matching are the most important things in getting that sound we chase.
Wow... thank you! Really appreciate the recommendation- def gonna check this out. Want to pull the trigger on McIntosh, but... (fill in the obvious). This seem like a better jumping point with little to no downside.
Rock on!!!! Stunning amplifier for sure!
dont be ridiculous
i only have one problem but this in the back has many inputs and outputs, as i grew up when all formats were being released, i have to conect them all , like a open reel player , turntable, DAT deck, cd player, cassette deck and minidisc deck as i still use them in my car that is a old Mercedes coupé and the MD seems to be the best format to use in the car that i have a lot of compilations from every style of music i enjoy who are a lot, and temperature wise all get too hot but the minidisc seems to have more resistance to the heat, essencially i´ve been using a lot the cassette deck ,the cd player and turntable ,all others are in use but this i refer are in use everyday , nice video you do explain well all it´s functions
thank you for the kind words. I grew up in the '70s, so I understand what you’re saying.
@@adrianalexander2651you´re welcome , but i´m thankfull for your nice videos a lot better than other youtube channels, regards
all you show seems to have a high sound quality not average but highly well thought to a improve in sound quality that is always possible as our limit budget for hi-fi is lower or higher as today and in the past one always paid a lot of money to have the better sound available
I own the a12 it’s amazing
Lovely bit of kit, I am interested in the A10.
I see it has a record-out/line-out, but it does not appear to have a record-in and a monitor function (record in & out with a monitor button)? This could be used for adding a sound processor and switching that processor in or out as required.
$3800 is Affordable?? I guess if your comparing it to McIntosh it is.
This is absolute sound. $3000 speaker cables are a good deal 😊
You clearly haven't kept up with where hifi has gone...Prices for mediocre gear are now in ridiculous territory..If you want REALLY good sounding gear it will cost you a kidney.
I totally agree with your opinion, it's just reasonable price for its value and performance, not affordable price.
Mcintosh makes a basic (giggle) amp for $4500.00. It is strictly analog inputs and no meters, just a nice green glow.
Hope one day you try the mono power amps from Advance
Is there an adjustment on the VU meter from volume power to line level? so it'll bounce on lower volume.
Other than not being a well known brand, this literally has everything I want in a stereo integrated amp at reasonable price without being built in China.
I'll have to be Savage, it is build in China...
@gerlachsieders4578 that explains the value proposition. But then again I look at my Wharfedale Lintons with the union jack logo on the back while it says Made in China and realize we can't have it all.
This was enjoyable, but could you spend more time on specifics of sound, such as how cellos, violins, horns and other instruments sound. I'm not as concerned about 'features' as I am whether or not a component can produce triple-tonguing on Scheherazade, for example. Or whether or not is approaches the Absolute Sound mission statement: The sound of unamplified music occurring in an acoustic space .
Fair enough. I appreciate your take I will consider your suggestion. I appreciate the comment. Thank you.
Adrian: While McIntosh gear has balanced inputs (the C53) preamp, it reverts back to unbalanced inputs internally. Does the Advance model you demonstrate have balance inputs throughout? Good review.
Excellent review Adrian, very insightful. Yes, hybrid amps are very interesting, indeed the best of both worlds. I have my eyes on the very musical hybrid SV228 by the german brand Vincent Audio. If you have an opportunity to compare the two brands, I would applaud you. And I would like to point out that their entry hybrid model SV500 is more affordable than the A10 by AP.... All the best from the EU, Gerlach Sven.
Thank you!
Great review!
Thank you!
a very nice looking amplifier ,i have one Demidoff that seems a litle similar only by the colours this seems more complete as it´s VU meters are bigger and mine uses a type of VU meter that is even more ancient, but what matters is that this looks and mightsound perfect with the right speakers, if i needed one i would choose this but i´m more than satisfied with my equipment, this because my father passed away three years ago and all his hi-fi colection came to me as my sister and brother have more modern systems and had no interest in his components, what a amplifier looks perfect to me even better than the macintosh you showed that i have one entire macintosh system but from my father, before only had a MA530 (i think ,if memory doesn´t fail me) a receiver from early 70´s who sounds great with some 1970 altec lansing that were originally on my father´s home studio, the price must be high for this, but seems very good
Well done!
Thank you!
Wonder how it compares to Rogue Pharaoh II….
I’ve taken a look at Advanced Paris gear ⚙️ at last years Toronto Audiofest…I look forward to this years show .
Great product overview, and though in love with the A12, for my room the A10 will do just perfectly - and at $2500.00, nothing in my opinion can touch this. I'm just curious - for both the A12 and A10, are the HDMI outputs / input 2.1? How does CEC function if you've had multiple players hooked into either?
Thanks for the kind words I would like to review the A-10. I’m not quite sure about the HDMI question I’ll find out.
@@adrianalexander2651 Much appreciated. Too bad the front panel is plexiglass, not real glass - part of cost cutting I assume?
If you don't need the power and some of the additional features of the A12 the A10 actually has a much better DAC. The A10 uses an AKM AK4490 (32bit/768kHz) while the A12 a TI PCM 1796 (24bit - 192kHz).
*Advance Paris X-P700* + *X-A160 EVO* 👈👍👌 & *Advance Paris X-i1100* + *Martin Logan Motion 60XT*
In Germany they go for 1/2 the price
If you're in Germany, you are morally obliged to go for the hybrid amps by the german brand Vincent Audio...
@@gerlachsieders4578 I agree,
Dear Team from Absolute Sound , we know this magazine which reviews high class products. This product you reviewed ,which I owned was a huge disappointment , one of the worst items I had , I do own much gear. As well in higher class range. This product is not at all in the line your magazine has in his portofolio ,
You had a problem!
@raykuiper4979 Ok but also tell us why it is one of the worst
That is a nice amp.
Thank you!
Ooh, meters.
Can the tubes be replaced easily if one fails?
The tubes can replaced, but its a little bit of a pain to do so. The best way to replace the tubes is by disassembling the front front panel. Not impossible but time consuming.
Yes, I’m sure you can replace the tubes. I would’ve tried it, but it would’ve voided the warranty.
Do they make products for headphones? Or could you use this one with headphones?
This unit has headphone jacks on the front with adjustments for headphone impedance and gain on the back of unit.
I don't get it ! what is so advance in Paris ?
😂
Does not the A-12 include a DAC? If so, how did it compare to the Rose-130?
Yes it does have a build in DAC the highest bit rate was 192. The DAC won’t decode DSD files The hi-fi rose streamer is a different animal. The hi-fi rules 130 is a great sounding separate actually I’m doing a review on it and I’m about a month. Stay tuned.
Forget about the DACs in Advance Paris. They just sound bad. I have their flagship preamp XP-1200 which as a preamp is good i guess (i have nothing to compare it with besides an old Denon integrated amp), but as a DAC - hell no. Compared to 30 years old Denon DCD2560GL and new Technics SL-G700M2 it just lacks 50% of the music. Sounds deaf, soft and without dynamic as if the sound comes underneath a thick blanket. Connection is via optical port. Hope being helpful.
The A10 actually has a much better DAC. The A10 uses an AKM AK4490 (32bit/768kHz) while the A12 a TI PCM 1796 (24bit - 192kHz). The A10 also supports 2.8MHz (DSD64)-DOP/5.6MHz, (DSD128)-DOP/11.2MHz (DSD 256)-DOP via USB.
@@Rose9587 the hi-fi rose is a standalong P streamer only however, when I hooked up the DAC to the McIntosh, it sounded very good. The McIntosh deck does not decode and DSD. The highest will decode in is 192 KHZ but it wasn’t a bad sounding DAC I hope I answered your questions
Good looking Chinese integrated amplifier
Back looks more like an AVR or AV Processor
McIntosh made in USA so yes you will pay more so I don’t get stating the obvious that McIntosh is more expensive
What is the point ?
Which one will retain more value ?
How do you know it will “last a long time ?”
I am not saying it will or won’t and I don’t think anyone can say anything about that one way or another at this point in time
Way too early to talk about U.S. customer service one way or another
Fortunately we have choices, and this seems like it is worth considering in this price range if you are looking at this type of equipment, and on that we can agree
I have seen you do other reviews that were excellent
This just seemed more like a puff piece
CAM Channel has done a couple Advance Paris reviews and he has the A-10 as I recall
Advance Paris is a French brand? Simply being assembled in China or using components from China one doesnt say a Chinese Iphone or Chines Tesla. Hmmm. It's a connected World you can't avoid products from China, Most companies can't even Mcintosh using tubes and other parts from China.
Agreed, Let’s be honest, every single video of this brand has the tag like ‘Mcintosh killer’ or has something to do with mcintosh because that’s what the company has told every reviewer to write, just because this has tubes etc doesn’t mean it’s anything like a mcintosh, this amp is way more on the ‘Emotiva’ line of amps then anything like mcintosh. Clever branding, but overall a pretty cheap looking component, they do amps with built in CD players and mini components so more of a Everyman brand than the ‘high end ‘ brand they seem to be promoting themselves as, will be a great product for a lot of people and I’m sure they will succeed but I hate the ‘clickbait’ around this brand.
Great point about the hype. Though I too hate the click-bat titles I have seen, the reviews themselves call it a McIntosh killer not because of its sound or build quality but the meters having a similar look to a McIntosh. Reminder, McIntosh does use parts sourced from outside the U.S. Indeed, they do make a lot of their own parts, but they also need chips, tubes, and transistors from places like China, just like everyone else. Agreed we will need time to see, but we are talking primarily a solid-state piece here, whose assembly are overseen by its French owners, so I would not dismiss it as being not capable of running trouble free for a long period time. Think Prima Luna as an example European owned assembled in China brand that has a pretty good reputation for reliability (Especially being mostly full tube designs that are far more prone to have something going south.). The difference I see, will be parts availability down the road. This is also a consideration for many notable brands too. Try finding parts for a Marantz MA9s Mono versus a Mac MC501 Monoblock. Most likely you can get the Mac 501 up and going again while Marantz MA9s would be iffy. I suspect one of the reasons McIntosh components are expensive is the fact that they stockpile a large quantity of replacement parts in their warehouses. The money for maintaining such a large amount of overhead has got to come from somewhere. So, I suspect when you buy one, that is built into the cost of your new unit.
You need to look a little bit more of your us products. Most often they are made with Chinese parts… 😅😅😅
I have Advance Paris products and honestly i am pretty satisfied with build quality. Thick metal, rigid construction, tough joints with very low tolerance, separated shielded compartments for different sections, well designed pc boards with good layout etc. About components - i have never opened my gear and i don't understand so much but considering the quality of some buttons and switches, yes they are not expansive for sure. Maybe even cheap. And just to say - i have never seen any McIntosh in real so i can't speak about them. Anyway, pure aesthetically Advance Paris products look good and definitely catch eye.
Hello sir, a big fan of your content we can help you improvise it and take your views to the next level. Is this something worth a conversation
I’m open to getting better
@@adrianalexander2651 please send me your email
Please send me your email address
@@adrianalexander2651 please send me your email id
@@adrianalexander2651 please share your email id
What tubes does it come with?
12AT7 or the equivalent ECC81 - very common and standard preamp tubes
No bluetooth?
There is a Bluetooth option that requires a module. It’s an add-on very inexpensive.
@@adrianalexander2651 Inexpensive is relative. How much is it?
@@thelowprofile9767 I’m not sure, but if you’d like I can call one of the dealers and get a price for you. Does that work?
@@thelowprofile9767 Advance Paris X-FTB02 Bluetooth Receiver is $199
Won't power 20.7s! Looks like a AVR 😮
Why would you even consider this amplifier with 20.7s?? I’m not being a snob because if you couldn’t afford that Maggie then you couldn’t do better with your amplification components
Not really an amplifier that I would consider a good match for the bigger Maggies (which I own btw) - You really need bigger amps and preferably monoblocks. I can drive the smaller MG 1.7i and 2.7i with the A12, but would not try the 3.7i as the panel area is just too much for a modestly powered integrated to get a grip on.
What speakers have you used ?!??
Eminent Technology LFT 8 Speakers according to his list of reference equipment
PS audio, F10
Saw this in person, playing with those knobs, felt cheaply made. Plastic knobs, not real glass on the front face, was disappointed.
What have you expected for that money and with so many features. In China where it is made the price is 3 times lower.
totally rubbish products from this company
"... in the country Paris" hahaha. You probably mean the city of Paris right? It's the capital of a European country called "France".
Correct, totally my mistake😂
Made in china with cheap components and cheap looks for $3000. No thanks. It's not challenging anything.