The Advance Paris X-i50BT sits within the Classic Line as the brand’s entry-level integrated amplifier, delivering 2 × 50W RMS into 8Ω (2 × 65W into 4Ω) from a compact chassis designed and engineered in France. It combines a generous analogue input count with built-in Bluetooth A2DP and a dedicated MM phono stage, making it a practical centrepiece for a modern compact hi-fi system.
Construction & Design
The X-i50BT uses a formed steel case topped with ventilation slats and a thick methacrylate front fascia that gives the unit a glossy, high-end appearance. A centrally positioned aluminium rotary encoder handles both volume and input selection, flanked by touch-sensitive source selectors illuminated by soft white LEDs. A four-segment blue LED matrix display shows the current volume level. Polished aluminium feet provide both isolation and a finishing touch to the compact 430 × 110 × 320mm form factor, which weighs just 6kg.
Amplification
Power is drawn from a toroidal transformer feeding the Class AB output stage. A rear-panel High Bias switch increases the standing current through the output transistors, biasing the amplifier closer to Class A operation for the first few watts — this is intended to improve linearity and reduce crossover distortion at typical listening levels. The amplifier is rated for speakers with impedances between 4Ω and 16Ω.
Connectivity
The rear panel offers eight unbalanced RCA analogue inputs: a dedicated Phono (MM, 47kΩ / 2.5mV), CD, Tuner, four Auxiliary, and a PC2 input. A USB Type-A port on the rear accepts USB memory devices for direct MP3 file playback. Bluetooth A2DP provides wireless streaming from smartphones, tablets, and computers via the included external antenna. Outputs include gold-plated speaker binding posts for a single pair of speakers, a front-panel 6.35mm headphone jack, a record output, and a pre-out. The pre-amplifier and power amplifier stages can be disconnected via a rear jumper, allowing the X-i50BT to be used as a standalone preamplifier or to integrate an external power amplifier.
Tone Control & Flexibility
A bypassable tone control circuit provides ±10dB of bass and treble adjustment via the remote control or the front-panel rotary encoder. The included full-system remote also handles source selection, volume, mute, balance, and display dimming.
| Type | Integrated amplifier |
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| Power Output (8Ω) | 2 × 50W RMS |
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| Power Output (4Ω) | 2 × 65W RMS |
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| Frequency Response (-3dB) | 10Hz – 30kHz |
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| Total Harmonic Distortion | < 0.15% |
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| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | > 85dB |
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| Channel Separation | > 70dB |
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| Input Impedance | 10kΩ (line) / 47kΩ (phono MM) |
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| Phono Input Level | 2.5mV |
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| Auxiliary Input Level | < 550mV |
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| Amplifier Input Level | < 1.25V |
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| Analogue Inputs | 1 × Phono (MM), 1 × CD, 1 × Tuner, 4 × Aux, 1 × PC2 |
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| Digital Inputs | 1 × USB Type-A (MP3) |
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| Wireless | Bluetooth A2DP |
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| Speaker Impedance | 4–16Ω |
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| Outputs | Speaker binding posts, 6.35mm headphone, record out, pre out |
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| Tone Control | ±10dB (bypassable) |
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| Pre/Power Separation | Yes (rear jumper) |
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| High Bias Mode | Yes (rear switch) |
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| Power Supply | Toroidal transformer, 230V |
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| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 430 × 110 × 320mm |
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| Weight | 6kg |
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| Included Accessories | Remote control, Bluetooth antenna |
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