The Advance Paris PlayStream A5 sits in the middle of Advance Paris’s PlayStream range, positioned between the entry-level PlayStream A1 and the flagship PlayStream A7. It is a Class AB integrated amplifier delivering 80W per channel into 8Ω (130W into 4Ω), combined with a comprehensive suite of streaming, radio and analogue sources in a single chassis. Designed in France, it carries the brand’s characteristically warm sonic signature while adding a high-bias mode that delivers Class A-like character on the first few watts of output.
Amplification
The power amplifier section is a Class AB design rated at 80W per channel into 8Ω and 130W per channel into 4Ω. A switchable high-bias function biases the initial watts closer to Class A operation, lending the output stage a warmer, more valve-like character during low-level listening. Tone and loudness controls are fitted but can be switched out of the signal path entirely for purist operation. The pre-amplifier section provides both pre-out and amp-in connections, allowing the PlayStream A5 to be used as a standalone preamplifier or to accept an external preamplifier source directly into the power stage.
Digital-to-Analogue Conversion
Digital-to-analogue conversion is handled by a Wolfson WM8740 DAC paired with an AKM AK4113 PCM transceiver. The coaxial S/PDIF input accepts signals up to 24-bit/192kHz PCM, while the three optical Toslink inputs support up to 24-bit/96kHz PCM. A front-panel USB Type-A port enables direct playback from USB storage devices formatted as FAT32 (up to 128GB).
Streaming and Radio
The PlayStream A5 integrates an Ethernet and Wi-Fi network player with DLNA and AirPlay support. A dedicated mobile app provides access to Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, vTuner and Napster, as well as networked playback from NAS drives and UPnP servers. Alongside streaming, the A5 includes both DAB+ digital radio and FM tuners. Bluetooth connectivity is provided via the included X-FTB01 module supporting aptX and AAC codecs, with an optional upgrade path to the X-FTB02 module for Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD.
Analogue Connectivity
The rear panel provides five line-level RCA inputs alongside a configurable MM/MC phono input, making the PlayStream A5 a natural hub for both turntable and digital sources. Outputs include dual speaker terminals, two RCA subwoofer outputs, a stereo record output, and dual 12V trigger outputs. The front panel carries both 6.3mm and 3.5mm headphone jacks.
Design
The chassis combines a brushed aluminium front panel with a methacrylate display panel, flanked by analogue VU meters. An alphanumeric display shows the active source, volume level and streaming metadata. A full-function remote control is included.
What the Press Says
- "It sounds terrific and will serve as a suitable upgrade for those of you running a sub-£1k amplifier." — The Audiophile Man, 8/10 (August 2025)
| Type | Streaming integrated amplifier (Class AB) |
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| Power Output (8Ω) | 80W per channel |
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| Power Output (4Ω) | 130W per channel |
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| Frequency Response | 20Hz – 80kHz (±3dB) |
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| THD | < 0.004% (1kHz / 24W) |
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| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 98dB |
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| DAC | Wolfson WM8740 / AKM AK4113 transceiver |
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| Digital Inputs | 1× coaxial S/PDIF (24-bit/192kHz), 3× optical Toslink (24-bit/96kHz), 1× USB-A |
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| Analogue Inputs | 5× RCA line-level, 1× MM/MC phono |
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| Outputs | 2× speaker terminals, 2× subwoofer RCA, 1× record out, pre-out, amp-in |
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| Headphone Outputs | 6.3mm and 3.5mm (front panel) |
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| Streaming | Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, vTuner, Napster |
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| Network | Ethernet, Wi-Fi (DLNA, AirPlay) |
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| Bluetooth | aptX / AAC (X-FTB01 included); aptX HD (X-FTB02 optional) |
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| Radio | DAB+ and FM |
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| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 430 × 135 × 370mm |
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| Weight | 8.1kg |
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| Power Consumption | 300W max |
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| AC Input | 230V 50/60Hz |
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