Advance Paris X-P1200 Preamplifier

The Advance Paris X-P1200 sits at the top of the Classic Line as the brand’s reference stereo preamplifier. Designed and engineered in France, it is built around a true dual mono architecture — two independent preamplifier circuits housed in a single compartmentalised chassis, each with its own dedicated toroidal transformer and power supply. This complete separation of the left and right channels delivers exceptional channel separation (≥100 dB) and a wide, precisely focused stereo image. The X-P1200 is the natural partner for the X-A1200 mono power amplifier or a pair of X-A220 EVO monoblocks.

Dual Mono Power Supply

Each channel is fed by its own high-current toroidal transformer, isolated within a separate compartment of the chassis. Filtering is handled by four 12,000 µF / 150 V capacitors — two per channel — with additional choke filtering on the mains input. This architecture ensures that current demands on one channel cannot modulate the supply rail of the other, which is critical for maintaining dynamics and low-level detail at high listening levels.

Signal Path and Switching

All input and output switching is handled by relays rather than electronic switches, eliminating contact resistance and signal degradation. The analogue signal path uses Burr Brown operational amplifiers for symmetrisation and desymmetrisation of the balanced circuits, keeping the signal clean from input to output.

Analogue and Digital Connectivity

The X-P1200 offers nine analogue inputs per channel: CD, Tuner, three AUX inputs on RCA, a dedicated Phono MM input, a Phono MC input, plus balanced XLR inputs for CD Balanced and AUX Balanced. On the digital side, there are five inputs — a USB Type B (XMOS) for computer audio playback, two optical (TOSLINK) inputs, and two coaxial S/PDIF inputs. Digital-to-analogue conversion is handled by an Analog Devices AD1955 DAC with a signal-to-noise ratio of 123 dB, paired with a Cirrus Logic CS8416 digital audio receiver.

Outputs are available in both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA, with a trigger output for system integration. A front-panel headphone output is also provided. The MM phono stage offers 48 dB of gain, while the MC stage provides 64 dB, accommodating a wide range of cartridge types without the need for an external phono preamplifier.

Build and Design

The X-P1200 is a substantial unit, measuring 440 × 155 × 430 mm and weighing 14.2 kg. The front panel features a display showing the selected input and operating mode, flanked by machined aluminium controls for analogue source selection, digital source selection, and volume. The gloss black chassis and polished metalwork are consistent with the rest of the Advance Paris Classic Line.