Advance Paris, formerly known as Advance Acoustic, is a French audiophile brand with roots dating back to 1995. The company initially debuted with a line of speakers before eventually changing its name to Advance Paris in 2013 and shifting its focus to high-quality audiophile components. Having never actually experienced any Advance Paris products in person (they’ve only been distributing in the U.S. market since the early 2020s), I wasn’t sure what to expect when Future Audiophile founder/publisher, Jerry Del Colliano, texted me to let me know I’d be reviewing an integrated amp– from France of all places – that falls somewhere between the budget and mid-tier price brackets.
The amplifier arrived on my doorstep in Chicago on a blustery early spring afternoon, and I wasted no time unboxing it. After wading through layers of packing peanuts and Styrofoam, I uncovered a sleek, modern-looking unit with a deep black glass faceplate, featuring only a signature silver front-centered control knob and an illuminated power button. A sturdy, full-sized amplifier (4.7 inches tall, just under 16 inches wide, and 12.6 inches deep), and weighing around 19 pounds, the Advance Paris X-i75 came with plenty of clean A/B power: 75 watts per channel into eight ohms and 110 watts per channel into four ohms, which is more than enough for most listening applications.
Once set up and connected to my excellent ELAC BS312.2 bookshelf speakers with a JET 6 tweeter, I was instantly impressed by its superb sound reproduction. I also used the X-i75 to test the fantastic GoldenEar BRX Reference Bookshelf Speakers (review pending), and I thoroughly enjoyed having an amplifier capable of adequately powering two very different bookshelf speakers (the ELACs are four ohms, while the GoldenEars are eight) with plenty of power and finesse. With so many integrated Class-A/B amplifiers available today at various price points, each offering something unique, the question arises: where does the uniquely French X-i75 Integrated Amplifier fit in? Let’s explore this question and many more in the review ahead.
What Makes the Advance Paris X-i75 Integrated Amplifier So Special?
- The Advance Paris X-i75 features a high-resolution Wolfson 8740 DAC, which is one of the better DAC chipsets found in higher-end gear. Instrument separation, detail, and soundstage were on full display with the X-i75, and overall sound quality and performance were much better than expected at this price range.
- The Advance Paris X-i75 boasts an elegant, modern aesthetic that’s rare in this price range. It’s stylish enough to display proudly on a media cabinet, TV stand, or bookshelf, and would no doubt score high on the Wife Approval Factor (WAF) scale. The sleek black glass front, accented with refined touches of silver, gives it a premium, high-end look. It’s one of the best-looking integrated amplifiers I’ve seen in the $1,000 to $1,200 category, especially when so many competitors in this range lean toward a more utilitarian, rack-friendly design. Typically, you’d have to spend twice as much – or more – to get this level of visual appeal. But the Advance Paris X-i75 dares to be different, and I’m totally feeling it.
- On the back of the unit, the Advance Paris X-i75 integrated amplifier has a toggle switch for “Hi Bias” mode, which essentially enables Class-A operation on the first few watts of power, versus traditional Class-A/B. This increases overall heat output, so make sure your amplifier is well-ventilated when utilizing this feature, but it also makes for a warmer, fuller sound, reminiscent of classic beefier Class-A amplifiers. I preferred this mode during my listening tests, as it produced a weightier sound profile overall and brought enough character to my listening sessions, without being excessively warm or dark.
- The Advance Paris X-i75 integrated amp has a good amount of connectivity options, including seven line-level inputs and a phono input for a moving magnet turntable, as well as a headphone jack on the front panel. There are also amplifier in and preamp out connections, as well as a fixed-level record out, presumably for a recorder or cassette player. Digital inputs include one optical/Toslink and two coaxial inputs, as well as USB-A and USB-B, the latter of which can support up to 192 kHz. And while Bluetooth is not built in, there is an input for an optional Bluetooth receiver module, which can be added for an additional cost (more on that later).
- For audiophiles who prefer the option to add a subwoofer, the Advance Paris X-i75 has a subwoofer out. Bass performance was quite impressive without a subwoofer, even when using my selection of compact bookshelf speakers, but I liked the option of simply being able to plug and play for additional low end. I don’t know a single audiophile in 2025 who would prefer to wire in a subwoofer the old-fashioned way (speaker level), so having a sub-out is much appreciated.
- The remote control that comes with the Advance Paris X-i75 is impressively well-designed and feels high-end, both in form and function. Its glossy black plastic body, accented with silver trim, gives it a premium look that matches the amplifier itself. Functionally, it’s fully loaded, with dedicated buttons for each input and tone control, making navigation and customization a breeze. While the Hi Bias mode still requires a manual switch on the back of the unit, just about everything else can be adjusted with ease from the comfort of your couch. Switching inputs, adjusting tone, and fine-tuning settings felt intuitive and refreshingly user-friendly, and I was able to achieve all of the above from the couch, which is always a plus.
Why Should You Care About the Advance Paris X-i75 Stereo Amplifier?
For a little over $1,000 USD, you’re getting an integrated amplifier with a decent selection of inputs and high-quality internals in a sleek, sexy package. It offers high-quality internal components and a sleek, modern design that looks far more expensive than its price tag suggests. Advance Paris clearly set out to do something different here – and they pulled it off. The X-i75 feels like a hybrid: part integrated amplifier, part high-end stereo receiver. It’s a sophisticated yet semi-affordable piece of gear that would complement just about any setup, and it’s especially ideal for audiophiles seeking a powerful, full-bodied stereo sound in an elegant, all-in-one package. I have a soft spot for versatile gear that doesn’t fit neatly into one category, and the X-i75 absolutely fits that mold.
Some Things You Might Not Like About the Advance Paris X-i75 Stereo Amplifier
- The lack of built-in wireless connectivity, including Bluetooth, feels like a significant oversight. It’s 2025 – audiophiles investing over a thousand dollars in an integrated amplifier expect a certain level of modern convenience. Given Advance Paris’ attention to detail, it’s surprising that Bluetooth – or even WiFi – wasn’t incorporated into the design. While the company offers the X-FTB01 Bluetooth Receiver as an optional add-on for $150, it raises the question: why not just integrate Bluetooth or wireless streaming capabilities from the start, even if it meant a slight price increase? Advance Paris would be wise to pay attention to both its competitors and chatter online, which clearly indicates that modern audiophiles want some form of wireless streaming at this price point.
- The Advance Paris X-i75 is handsome but is a magnet for fingerprints and mild scratches.Audiophiles with kids are strongly advised to place the X-i75 far out of reach of wandering and/or sticky hands, as the faceplate is quite delicate and could be easily damaged. “Rugged” is not typically a word I would associate with French audiophile components, and that is certainly the case here. The Advance Paris X-i75 belongs in a safe spot away from any and all hazards, so as to preserve its elegant appearance.
- The Advance Paris X-i75 comes with only a two-year warranty. At this price point, and for a brand still establishing itself in the U.S. market, a more generous warranty could make the X-i75 a more compelling choice for consumers. Competing brands like Rotel and Emotiva offer five- and three-year warranties, respectively, so there’s certainly room for Advance Paris to improve in this area.
Listening to the Advance Paris X-i75 Stereo Amplifier
I powered my ELAC BS312.2 bookshelf speakers, as well as the GoldenEar BRX Reference bookshelf speakers I am currently reviewing (see future review), and took advantage of the included subwoofer output by connecting my trusty vintage Sunfire eight-inch subwoofer.
One of the things I’ve always appreciated about Class-A/B amplifiers is their ability to handle treble at higher volumes with minimal audible edginess or irritation, especially compared to earlier Class-D designs. To put this to the test, I cued up “S P E Y S I D E,” a standout track from Bon Iver’s April 2025 dual-disc release SABLE, fABLE. The song, a minimalist, stripped-down piece reminiscent of frontman Justin Vernon’s earliest work, still delivers a wealth of sonic detail, particularly in the mid and high frequencies. Right away, I was struck by the clarity and brightness of the acoustic guitars’ crisp, plucky character that felt remarkably lifelike. Vernon’s signature falsetto only appears briefly in this track, but when it does, the Advance Paris X-i75 captures its texture beautifully. Even his contrastingly low and middle vocal registers came through with warmth and nuance, thanks to the amplifier’s ability to accurately deliver rich and full tone. In the final third of the song, a delicate string line emerges, weaving through Vernon’s vocals with finesse, and the amp’s dynamic capability shone as the song tapered off gently, closing with a simple reverbed guitar chord.
Switching things up entirely, I wanted to see how the Advance Paris X-i75 would handle something with a bit more thump and sparkle, so I cued up Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra” off her latest album, Mayhem. This track is pure, unfiltered Gaga: over the top, theatrical, and made to be cranked to 11. The Advance Paris X-i75 delivered solid bass performance, though I found myself occasionally reaching for my subwoofer’s onboard controls, since the amp doesn’t offer internal bass management or a low-pass filter. Still, the energy of the track came through loud and clear, with fantastic dynamic punch and a soundstage that really opened up the room. The amp handled the track’s chaotic energy with control and clarity, keeping the layers of synth, vocals, and momentum tight and engaging. This listening session proved that the Advance Paris x-i75 can do just about everything, whether it’s a somber, intimate acoustic track or an upbeat, bass-heavy dance or house music experience.
Will the Advance Paris X-i75 Hold Its Value?
As I mentioned earlier, Advance Paris just recently began distribution in the United States. Therefore, there isn’t a huge footprint in our market. That said, the amplifier is clearly aimed at the mid- to high-end consumer base, and offers a wide range of features and an excellent DAC typically only found in higher-end components. There are limited U.S. reviews and some chatter online about Advance Paris products, and most appears quite positive. This positions them well for long-term viability and resale value. However, it may take a decade or so for the brand to establish itself and gain widespread recognition in the U.S. audiophile community, so don’t expect to find a ton of these units on Facebook Marketplace or even eBay anytime soon.
What Is the Competition for the Advance Paris X-i75 Integrated Amp?
The Emotiva TA2 Stereo Preamp/DAC/Tuner with Integrated Amplifier is an all-in-one solution that does a lot for $1,099. It features an FM tuner, a built-in AptX HD Bluetooth Receiver, a heavy-duty toroidal transformer, and Class-A/B output circuitry that can produce 135 watts RMS per channel at eight ohms and 200 watts RMS per channel at four ohms. Like the Advance Paris X-i75, it has a subwoofer (with a crossover fixed at 90 Hz) output as well. The Advance Paris amp wins hands down in the looks department, but for the same amount of money, one might consider the BasX TA2 due to its versatility and slight edge in sheer power and built-in wireless/Bluetooth connectivity.
For just $100 more, the $1,200 Cambridge CXA81 Mk II (buy at Crutchfield) offers 80 watts per channel and is equipped with a high-performance ESS ES9018K2M SABRE32 DAC, balanced XLR inputs, a toroidal transformer, and built-in Bluetooth aptX HD. It is also Roon-tested (learn more about Roon from reviewer Brian Kahn), enhancing connectivity and versatility for audiophiles with large digital music libraries. While the Cambridge CXA81 Mk II boasts some impressive features, its simple, clean design isn’t very exciting and doesn’t quite match the elegant, high-end aesthetic of the Advance Paris X-i75, but it would be a fine choice for an audiophile looking to spend around the same amount of money.
Another interesting competitor in this price range is the Rotel A12 MKII (buy at Crutchfield). This 60-watts-per-channel Class-A/B amplifier stands out due to its inclusion of a premium Texas Instruments 32-bit/384kHz DAC, five unbalanced RCA inputs, and a dedicated phono input for turntables with moving magnet cartridges, as well as two optical and two coaxial digital inputs (up to 24-bit/192 kHz resolution). Rotel’s products are known for their reliability and are backed by a generous five-year warranty and a 60-day return period, giving consumers extra breathing room while deciding whether the product will remain a permanent fixture in their listening spaces. Available in black or silver, the Rotel A12 MKII delivers solid performance, albeit with slightly less power, from a time-tested brand that is sure to last a lifetime.
Final Thoughts on the Advance Paris X-i75 Integrated Amplifier …
The Advance Paris X-i75 integrated amplifier offers a unique combination of high-end sound reproduction, sleek aesthetics, and solid performance at a price that sits comfortably in the mid-tier price range. Featuring a high-resolution Wolfson DAC and a solid range of traditional physical connectivity options, the Advance Paris X-i75 is a solid choice for audiophiles seeking both capable Class-A/B power and a little extra panache in their audio equipment. And while it lacks wireless and Bluetooth connectivity, its sound quality, especially in Hi Bias mode, far outperforms its price tag and delivers an incredibly warm and dynamic listening experience, reminiscent of classic Class-A amps, and rivaling much more expensive modern integrated amplifiers. If Advance Paris continues producing eye-catching, category-bending products like the X-i75, it could quickly establish itself as a long-term player in the U.S. market – that’s a good thing for the audiophile community, and something I very much look forward to.
