The Advance Paris X-i1100 is the flagship integrated amplifier in the Classic Line range, designed in France to deliver both power and refinement in a single chassis. Rated at 220W per channel into 8Ω and 400W into 4Ω, it combines a preamplifier, power amplifier, high-resolution DAC and moving magnet phono stage, making it a comprehensive source-to-speaker solution for demanding hi-fi systems.
Amplification
The output stage uses a triple push-pull topology with three pairs of NJW0281G/NJW0302G bipolar transistors per channel, fed by a substantial 700VA toroidal transformer and 60,000µF of filter capacitance. A front-panel High Bias switch increases the idle current of the output transistors, allowing the X-i1100 to operate in pure Class A up to 45W per channel. Beyond that threshold the amplifier transitions seamlessly into Class A/B, delivering the body and finesse of Class A operation at normal listening levels without the heat and power demands of a fully Class A design.
Construction
The chassis is divided into five galvanically insulated compartments, separating the power supply, analogue preamplifier, digital section, and left and right power amplifier channels. This internal architecture minimises electromagnetic interference between stages and contributes to the X-i1100’s measured channel separation of over 75dB. The frame is built from rigid steel with aluminium side panels that also serve as heat dissipation surfaces.
Digital Section
The built-in DAC is based on the Burr Brown PCM1796 chip, supporting resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz. Digital signal processing is handled by X-Mos and Cirrus Logic chipsets. Seven digital inputs are provided: a USB input for direct computer audio, an AES/EBU balanced digital input, and six S/PDIF connections (four optical and two coaxial), covering virtually any digital source in a modern system.
Analogue Inputs and Outputs
On the analogue side, the X-i1100 offers six inputs: a moving magnet phono input for turntable connection, balanced and unbalanced CD inputs, a tuner input, two auxiliary inputs, and an Amp In direct input that bypasses the preamplifier stage for integration with external processors. Outputs include an unbalanced line-level recording output and a preamplifier output for connecting additional power amplifiers in a bi-amp or multi-room configuration.
Features
The front panel features a pair of analogue VU meters and a tone control offering ±10dB of adjustment. Maximum power consumption is rated at less than 700W, with standby consumption below 0.5W.