By Advance Paris is not a household name in the United States for one simple reason: they never exported their product to the U.S. market until just recently. Advance Paris, based in France outside of Paris, as the name would suggest, started in 1995 as Advance Acoustic. Their name changed to Advance Paris in 2013. The Advance Paris product range includes speakers, separate audio amplifiers, preamplifiers, integrated amplifiers, and their MyConnect product line, which refers to their all-in-one category, meaning a one-box, all-inclusive component that connects to your speakers. However, Advance Paris takes it a step further by using the term “Audiophile All in One,” which is a confident claim. Reviewed here is their top model in the MyConnect line: the MyConnect 250, which packs a lot of functionality that blends traditional and new technology into one svelte package. Join me as I explore and evaluate what the MyConnect 250 has to offer and determine if the Audiophile All in One moniker is justified.
What Makes the Advance Paris MyConnect 250 Audiophile All in One So Special?
- The Advance Paris MyConnect 250 Audiophile All in One is unique in this category compared to traditional products offered today. With an FM and DAB (Digital Audio Broadcast) tuner, streamer, DAC (digital to analog converter), and a built-in Compact Disc player, all feeding a tube preamplifier, and finally a solid-state Class-AB amplifier, the MyConnect 250 is truly a chameleon.
- You read the above paragraph correctly: the MyConnect 250 uses a tube preamplifier design, which is a testament to its out-of-the-box design. The tubes are ECC81 dual triode models and are user-replaceable. Advance Paris estimates tube life to be between 3,000 and 5,000 hours before any sonic deterioration.
- An old-school, powerful Class-A/B solid-state amplifier complements and continues the retro theme of the tube preamplifier. At 190 watts per channel at eight ohms, and 280 watts at four ohms, the MyConnect 250 provides enough power to handle both easy and difficult speaker requirements alike. The amplifier is a balanced dual mono design, with each channel harnessing its toroidal power supply for enhanced right and left separation. In addition, and something you don’t see often, especially with an all-in-one product like the MyConnect 250, is an amplifier bias control. On the back panel, a switch changes the amplifier’s Class-A bias from its standard first four watts to nine watts. That is a lot of Class-A bias, as nine watts will take you far. More on this later in the listening section.
- The MyConnect 250 stature and appearance are hard to miss. Its 17-inch-wide gloss black front plate, along with its right and left lighted blue VU meters that flank a centered clear window showcasing the twin tube preamplifier, is not subtle. At almost eight inches of height, and 18 inches of depth, the MyConnect 250 screams, “Look at me!” It is quite the conversation piece to say the least – it is just badass, I have to say.
- The MyConnect 250 offers extreme connectivity options that allow you to grow your system with ease. There are too many connection options to list here and. besides, you can read about them on the Advance Paris website, but to highlight the ones that caught my eye:
- There are two HDMI inputs, one of them with Audio Return Channel (ARC). Additionally, there is one digital AES/EBU input.
- One AES/EBU digital input, along with the usual optical and coaxial digital inputs, allows the MyConnect 250 to grow as needed.
- One phonograph (turntable) input with three settings: moving coil high, moving coil low, and moving magnet will accommodate a variety of turntables.
- There are two XLR analog inputs for sources that offer XLR outputs. Think high-end CD Player, or external DAC.
- Analog preamplifier outputs in both RCA and XLR options allow you to use the MyConnect 250 as a preamplifier, bypassing the internal power amplifier.
- Two subwoofer outputs with selectable crossover control on the rear panel provide additional configuration choices.
- Three sets of loudspeaker outputs that accommodate up to three zones for multi-room or even outdoor wired connectivity.
- Advance Paris uses a built-in streaming module and their Advance Playstream proprietary mobile app, available on both Apple and Android App stores for free.Worth noting: there is no redundancy with streaming paths. If you want Spotify, you will use the Connect path with the Spotify app. If Tidal or Qobuz is your preference, the Advance Playstream app is the only way to proceed (no Tidal or Qobuz Connect). The streamer module connects to the internal DAC using I2S connectivity and uses a carefully selected power supply.
- The Advance Paris MyConnect 250 utilizes the PCM1796 DAC chip from Texas Instruments. The PCM 1796 is a proven DAC chip that is capable of processing DSD files in their native format. While not the latest of DAC chipsets, it benefits from major advancements that have occurred in the industry. According to Advance Paris, they chose the PCM 1796 carefully to work well with the tube preamplifier within the MyConnect 250.
- The Advance Paris MyConnect 250 supports two headphone outputs on the front panel.Each output has selectable impedance and gain settings on the back panel.
- The Advance Paris MyConnect 250 connects to the Internet with wired Ethernet or wirelessly.
- Bluetooth connectivity is available if the optional module is purchased. I think Advance Paris makes this feature optional because they know most consumers of the MyConnect 250 won’t use it. I would never connect this unit via Bluetooth – pure blasphemy.
- The Advance Paris MyConnect offers Apple AirPlay 1. Although outdated compared to the current AirPlay 2 codec, I would never use either version on a component like the MyConnect 250, but it is there for convenience.
Why Should You Care About the Advance Paris MyConnect Audiophile 250 All in One?
For those seeking authentic high-end sound in a simpler configuration, the Advance Paris MyConnect 250 presents an elegant solution by combining modern streaming and DAC technology with traditional tubes for preamplification and Class-A/B amplifier output. Top it off with a built-in tuner and CD player, and you have one unique component. It leaves you thinking it is possible to have it all with simplicity.
Some Things You Might Not Like About the Advance Paris MyConnect 250 Audiophile All in One …
- While the firmware of the MyConnect can be updated, additional streaming services cannot be added. As streaming services evolve, the MyConnect 250 won’t be able to keep pace. A workaround, if it were ever to be an issue, is to use an external streamer or streamer DAC. There are many low-cost offerings, such as the Bluesound Node or Node Nano. Either one of these units can connect digitally or by RCA analog outputs, which would bypass the internal DAC of the MyConnect. The point is that you have options that allow the owner to take advantage of MyConnect 250’s excellent downstream electronics.
- The Advance Paris MyConnect 250 has something of a dated streamer functionality, with an older Apple AirPlay 1 codec, no Roon-ready integration, and limited streaming options by today’s streaming standards. As I indicated in the previous bullet point, an external streamer solves the issue. However, I did use the MyConnect 250 extensively, and unless you have a unique and extreme need, the AdvancePlayStream app worked well.
Listening to the Advance Paris MyConnect 250 Audiophile All in One …
I connected the Advance Paris MyConnect 250 to a pair of Focal Kanta No. 2 speakers. At the time of this review, I was coming off a review of the Orchard Audio PecanPi+ Premium streamer, connected through my significantly more complicated and expensive system, consisting of a Pass Labs preamplifier and Class-A amplifiers. I had been listening to various songs, but one song kept running through my acoustic memory: “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” Qobuz FLAC 44.1 kHz 16 bit, by Shaboozey from his 2024 album Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going and, since it was so fresh in my memory, I played it through the MyConnect 250. The sound was different. I’m not sure if it was better, but it was definitely not worse. The two main observations were smoothness in upper frequencies, such as cymbals and tambourines, and vocals had a different character. I have to chalk this up to the tube preamplifier. Tubes do sound different, especially when they sit in the preamplification stage. Listeners will need to determine if the sonic quality is right for them. I must give Advance Paris credit, because this is a type of sound I could get used to.
I moved on to a track called “Jazz Variants” (Tidal FLAC 16/44.1) by the O-Zone Percussion Group, on their 1996 La Bamba album. What a group of musicians these guys are. The sound was clear and crisp, likely a testament to the recording quality, which the Advance Paris MyConnect 250 fully leveraged. Again, smoothness in those upper frequencies was paramount. There are no vocals on this track, or any of the tracks on this album, for that matter, and there does not need to be, as the musicians can play it out just fine. My full-stack system had a more expansive soundstage that wrapped slightly more around the speakers. But we are talking about a set of electronics that adds up to over five times the cost of the MyConnect 250. Yet, those upper registers reproduced by Advance Paris MyConnect 250 continued with their sweet smoothness and left a lasting impression.
After focusing on these two tracks, I switched the amplifier of the Class-A bias to “high” on the back panel and played the same two tracks, as well as others, of course. In some instances, I would swear I could hear a difference. At other times, I was uncertain. Volume level had an impact on the higher bias efficacy on my ears. On another note, I did not notice an increase in heat on the higher bias setting. While the MyConnect 250 was lightly warm to the touch, it was physically way less hot than my Pass Labs monoblocks.
Will the Advance Paris MyConnect 250 Audiophile All in One Keep Its Value?
The Advance Paris MyConnect uses legacy design to achieve its sonic capabilities: Tubes and Class-A/B amplification, with a lean toward higher Class-A bias. Some things never get old, and these designs have proved themselves over decades. Streaming will change over time for the industry. Advance Paris provides the basics that will take you far. If something changes on the streaming front, consider adding a modern streamer and/or DAC. The bones of the MyConnect 250, the parts that make it special, remain intact, making it a staple component that will last for many years. Additionally, the price point for all that the MyConnect 250 offers is quite competitive and adds value, compared to similar products.
What Is the Competition for the Advance Paris MyConnect 250 Audiophile All in One?
The HIFI Rose RS520 wireless network streamer and integrated amplifier (buy at Crutchfield) retails for $3,695. While you can read the full review of the HiFi Rose RS520 here, in short, it possesses state-of-the-art Gallium Nitride Class-D (GaN) amplification, which has been coined “Class-AD” by some the audio community due to its Class-A sound characteristics from a Class-D amplifier. Additionally, the streamer utilizes the Rose Connect app and operating system, which is robust. Fit and finish are exquisite, featuring a stunning full front touchscreen with thick aluminum panels for the enclosure. It lacks the FM/DAB tuner and CD player. However, there is a lot of value here, and it is worth looking at.
T+A Caruso R (Receiver) $4,275 is very close in feature set and price to the Advance Paris MyConnect 250. Both units have a tuner and a CD player, and they are priced essentially the same. Alternatively, the T+A Caruso uses Class-D amplification with digital volume control. Future Audiophile published a review on the T+A Caruso All In One, which is the Caruso version that includes built-in speakers, but is very similar to the R version. While I cannot speak to the sound characteristics personally, I have had experience with some T+A components and would tell you that Caruso R should be a must-consider.
The NAD M33 and upcoming M33 V2 (updated version two), BluOS streaming DAC amplifier is another alternative at a much higher price point of $6,499. This component is another contender without a tuner or CD player, but you gain Dirac Live room correction. Amplification is Class-D, using the Purifi Eigentakt amplifier technology that provides 200 watts per channel at eight ohms, and almost doubles that output at four ohms. The NAD M33 also offers the sophisticated BluOS operating system and app for streaming, and a digital preamplifier with extensive connectivity. You can read our full review of the NAD M33 here.
Final Thoughts on the Advance Paris MyConnect 250 Audiophile All in One …
On the Advance Paris website, in the description section of the MyConnect 250, the first sentence explains, and I quote, “The MyConnect is designed for the music lover who doesn’t want to fill their living room with electronics.” That comment stuck with me because my room is filled with a ton of gear to accomplish their tasks, and the MyConnect 250 cut through all that noise and got to the point with its signature sound that was compelling and decadent.
The Advance Paris MyConnect 250 is a component that fills a need and does it well – it is a winner. If you love the sound of tubes, having a tube preamplifier will give you a substantial taste of that quality. Additionally, if you like the sound of Class-A amplification, the MyConnect provides a considerable experience on that front. When you combine both these characteristics, a one-of-a-kind product emerges. Suppose you’re looking for a one-box solution that combines the qualities of legacy electronics. In that case, the Advance Paris MyConnect 250 is the only option I am aware of. I must agree, the Advance Paris does live up to the manufacturer’s claim of Audiophile All in One.
