[email protected] SUMMER CLOSURE FROM 28/07 TO 28/08: SHIPMENTS SUSPENDED. [email protected] SUMMER CLOSURE FROM 28/07 TO 28/08: SHIPMENTS SUSPENDED. [email protected] SUMMER CLOSURE FROM 28/07 TO 28/08: SHIPMENTS SUSPENDED. [email protected] SUMMER CLOSURE FROM 28/07 TO 28/08: SHIPMENTS SUSPENDED. [email protected] SUMMER CLOSURE FROM 28/07 TO 28/08: SHIPMENTS SUSPENDED. [email protected] SUMMER CLOSURE FROM 28/07 TO 28/08: SHIPMENTS SUSPENDED.
user

Your Cart

There's nothing here yet

Let's fix it right away.

CATALOG

Description

The Advance Paris A12 Classic represents the pinnacle of hybrid audio engineering, combining the musicality of vacuum tubes with the precision of solid state in an integrated amplifier that redefines the standards of high fidelity. With its 190 watts per channel and architecture Dual Mono, this French gem transforms every listening session into a deeply emotional experience, preserving every nuance of the original recording.

Proprietary hybrid technology combines a vacuum tube preamp stage with select ECC81/12AT7 tubes and a solid-state Class AB power amplifier with high-bias switching. This unique configuration delivers the warm musicality typical of vacuum tubes in the first crucial watts of operation, where most of the musical information is concentrated, while the power amplifier delivers clean power and exceptional dynamic control. The TI PCM 1796 digital converter handles Hi-Res formats up to DSD 5.6 MHz and PCM 32-bit/192 kHz, ensuring full compatibility with the most advanced digital sources.

Designed for the discerning audiophile seeking a complete and versatile system, the A12 Classic excels with any musical genre and speaker configuration. The adjustable MC High/MC Low/MM phono stage enhances the finest turntables, while multiple digital connections include XMOS asynchronous USB, HDMI with ARC, and optical/coaxial inputs. A dedicated headphone amplifier with dual outputs and independent controls allows for private listening sessions of the highest quality. Dual subwoofer outputs with selectable crossovers complete integration into sophisticated multi-channel systems.

Setup is a snap thanks to the intuitive control logic and universal compatibility with any analog or digital source. Dual speaker terminals allow for bi-wiring or the simultaneous connection of two pairs of speakers, while balanced XLR pre-outs allow for future expansion with dedicated power amplifiers. Optional Bluetooth aptX HD compatibility ensures audiophile-quality wireless streaming.

Advance Paris brings over two decades of expertise in designing premium Hi-Fi components to the A12 Classic, using selected components and a distinctive aesthetic with a thick methacrylate front panel and analogue VU-meters. The construction Dual Monoblock with dual 300 VA toroidal transformers and separate power supplies for each channel ensures perfect stereo separation and explosive dynamics. An investment that enhances any audiophile system, guaranteeing reference-level performance for decades.

Specifications

RMS power per channel 190 W
Amplification type ibrido
Reference load 8 ohm
Stadio phono MM+MC
Digital inputs USB Type B asynchronous XMOS, 2x HDMI, 1x AES/EBU XLR, 3x S/PDIF coaxial RCA, 3x Toslink optical, USB Type A
Valves used ECC81/12AT7
Analog inputs 2x balanced XLR, 5x unbalanced RCA, 1x MC/MM phono
Integrated DAC TIPCM1796
PCM max 32/192
DSD max 5.6
Dimensions (WxHxD) 430 x 195 x 455 mm
Weight 17.9 kg
Trim Thick methacrylate front panel
country of origin France
Crossover frequency 75/150 Hz

About the brand

Advance Paris has represented the excellence of French high fidelity since its founding in Paris in 1989. This prestigious French brand positions itself in the premium segment of the international hi-fi market, distinguishing itself with its innovative hybrid technology that combines the warmth of vacuum tubes with the precision of transistors, creating a unique sound appreciated by the most demanding audiophiles.

The story of Advance Paris stems from the passion of French engineers for high-quality music reproduction, aiming to democratize access to reference-level hi-fi without sonic compromises. The company's philosophy is based on three fundamental pillars: technological innovation, elegant French design, and affordability. Each product is conceived and developed in its Parisian workshops, where traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technologies merge to create audio electronics capable of thrilling even the most sophisticated listeners. The company has always believed that high fidelity should be an accessible pleasure, not an elitist luxury, maintaining exceptional value for money across all market segments. The constant search for innovative solutions has led Advance Paris to patent proprietary technologies that have revolutionized the way we conceive of modern hi-fi amplification.

Advance Paris's distinctive technologies include its revolutionary hybrid amplification, which uses tube preamp stages combined with Class AB power amplifiers, ensuring the characteristic "warm" sound of tubes with the dynamics and control of modern transistors. Proprietary MyConnect technology enables high-resolution wireless streaming, supporting formats up to 24-bit/192kHz and aptX HD Bluetooth connectivity. The French company's integrated amplifiers implement stabilized power supply circuits with Toro transformers.dali oversized, while the speakers use custom transducers developed in collaboration with prestigious European manufacturers.

The Advance Paris product range covers every need of the modern stereo system, from audiophile CD players to integrated amplifiers, from bookshelf speakers to digital streaming sources. Integrated amplifiers are the heart of the production, available in both transistor versions for those who prefer precision and control, and hybrid variants for lovers of tube sound. The /product-category/amplifiers/transistor-integrated-amplifiers/ category includes models such as the X-i75 and X-i125, while the hybrid line is available in the /product-category/amplifiers/tube-integrated-amplifiers/ section with the famous X-A220 and X-A160 models. For audiophiles who prefer separation, the /product-category/amplifiers/pre-power/ range offers reference pre- and power amplifier combinations.

The X Series represents the flagship line, characterized by minimalist design and reference performance. The Xi models include integrated amplifiers from 75 to 160 watts per channel, all equipped with MyConnect technology and multiple digital inputs. The A Series groups together products with hybrid technology, with power outputs from 80 to 220 watts and the option of pure Class A operation for the first watts. The Playstream range is dedicated to digital music enthusiasts, with high-quality network players and DACs available in the /product-category/sources/ category. The Advance Paris speakers, featured in the /product-category/speakers/floorstanding-speakers/ and /product-category/speakers/bookshelf-speakers/ sections, use high-density MDF cabinets and selected transducers to ensure tonal consistency with the in-house electronics.

The range also includes premium CD and SACD players, available in the /product-category/sources/cd-sacd-dvd-players/ category, designed with high-quality transports and tube output stages. For vinyl lovers, Advance Paris offers plug-and-play turntables in the /product-category/sources/turntables/ section, complete with pre-mounted cartridge and integrated MM/MC phono stage.

International recognition has not been lacking: the European audio press has repeatedly honored Advance Paris products with prestigious awards. French magazine "Diapason" awarded the Diamant d'Or to the X-A160 amplifier, while "What Hi-Fi?" UK awarded the ACT-300 loudspeakers Product of the Year. Italian critics, through publications such as "Suono" and "Audio Review," have consistently praised the value for money and musicality of French products.

Advance Paris's target audience includes discerning audiophiles and music enthusiasts seeking superior sound quality without a prohibitive investment. The price range is mid-to-high, with products ranging from €500 for entry-level speakers to €4000 for flagship amplifiers, while maintaining a competitive price-quality ratio compared to international competitors.

Italian distribution is handled by qualified importers who guarantee specialized technical assistance and original spare parts. The network of authorized dealers covers the main Italian cities, offering pre- and post-sales consulting and listening in a controlled environment. Italian customer service provides multilingual technical support and assistance with optimal system configurations.

Find out more on our blog

Tubes or Solid State: What Really Changes the Sound?

If you're about to buy your first Hi-Fi amplifier, you've probably stumbled upon the oldest debate in home audio: tubes or solid state? The internet is full of conflicting opinions, forums where discussions are held with almost religious fervor, reviews that…

The Basics: How Tubes and Transistors Work

An amplifier, whatever its technology, does one simple thing: it takes the weak signal coming from the source (turntable, streamer, CD player) and amplifies it enough to drive the speakers. How it does it changes everything.

Often paired with

  • Nuovo
    Mission 700

    Mission 700

    1.200 
    Diffusori da scaffale 1.690 
    ADD NOW
  • Nuovo
    Audio Technica AT-LP7X
    Giradischi
    ADD NOW

FAQ

TRANSISTOR INTEGRATED AMPLIFIERS

Advance Paris
A12 Classic

Ex-demo
1.800  3.300 

Availability

Condition

Notes by Audiocostruzioni

Ex-demo product.