Advance Paris X-D500 CD Transport

The X-D500 sits within Advance Paris’s Classic Line as their dedicated CD transport, designed for listeners who prefer to pair a specialist transport with a separate digital-to-analogue converter. By omitting an internal DAC entirely, the X-D500 concentrates its engineering on a single task: extracting the most accurate digital signal possible from a compact disc.

Precision Transport Mechanism

At the heart of the X-D500 is a centred disc turntable housed within an encapsulated drive assembly. Advance Paris designed the mechanism for quiet operation with minimised vibration, using the shortest possible signal paths between the laser pickup and the digital output stage. The rigid chassis construction adds mechanical stability, reducing the external vibrations that can introduce jitter into the digital output.

Dual Toroidal Power Supply

The X-D500 uses two toroidal transformers rated at 15VA and 25VA respectively, each feeding separate circuit sections. This dual-transformer topology isolates the transport mechanism’s power draw from the digital output circuitry, reducing the risk of power-supply-induced noise reaching the signal path. Total power consumption is 16.1W, with standby draw below 0.5W.

Upsampling & Digital Outputs

Standard CD audio at 16-bit/44.1kHz can be upsampled internally to 24-bit/96kHz or 24-bit/192kHz before leaving the unit. Three digital outputs are provided: coaxial S/PDIF on RCA at 75Ω impedance, optical S/PDIF via TOSLINK, and a balanced AES/EBU connection on XLR at 110Ω impedance. The AES/EBU output is a notable inclusion at this price point, offering a professional-grade balanced digital link to compatible DACs.

Build & System Integration

Weighing 8.2kg net (9.6kg gross), the X-D500 is a solidly constructed unit finished in black with oversized isolation feet. An IR remote control is included. The transport is compatible with all current Advance Paris amplifiers and DACs, and pairs naturally with the X-i1100 integrated amplifier or the X-A220EVO and X-P500 pre/power combination for a complete Classic Line system.