To celebrate its 30th anniversary, Advance Paris has unveiled the Apex 30th Edition series, comprising the A8, A10 and A12 hi-fi amplifiers, as well as the ACD Apex CD player. All these models share the French brand’s signature sound philosophy: a hybrid architecture combining tubes and transistors. This approach combines the warmth and harmonic richness of tubes with the rigor and power of solid-state output stages. ECC81/12AT7 tubes (and Raytheon 5744 for the CD player) provide a natural, lively musical texture, while transistors ensure a stable current reserve and remarkable dynamic precision. This technical foundation is complemented by an anniversary aesthetic: a black finish, backlit VU meters, and limited series production, marking the maturity of a brand that places musicality at the heart of every design.
Advance Paris A12 Apex 30th Edition
The Advance Paris hi-fi A12 Apex 30th Edition amplifier is the flagship of the range and is a synthesis of the manufacturer’s expertise. With 190W per channel into 8 Ω and 292W into 4 Ω, delivered by a dual independent toroidal power supply, it is aimed at the most demanding speakers. Its hybrid architecture combines two ECC81/12AT7 tubes for preamplification and a class AB power section, with a High-Bias mode allowing extended class A operation. The result is a smooth, nuanced and authoritative sound.
Connectors
Digital inputs
- (3x) Optical: 24-bit/192kHz PCM
- (3x) coaxial: 24-bit/192kHz PCM
- (1x) USB audio 24-bit/192kHz PCM – DSD64 – DSD128
- HDMI eARC: PCM Stereo
- AES-EBU: 24-bit/192kHz PCM
Analog inputs
- RCA LINE level (5x) – MM/MC PHONO level (1x) + GROUND
- XLR line level (2x)
Analog outputs
- REC-OUT (x1), PRE-OUT (x1) RCA – (1x) XLR, SUB-OUT (x2)
- Headphone connectors: 6.35mm jack, 3.5mm mini-jack
Advance Paris A10 Apex 30th Edition
Positioned at the center of the series, the A10 Apex 30th Edition stereo amplifier features Advance Paris’s signature hybrid design, with two ECC81/12AT7 tubes for preamplification and class AB amplification delivering 130W per channel into 8 Ω and 198W into 4 Ω. The High-Bias mode allows class A operation over a wider range, offering smoother timbres and a more mellow rendering at low volume. The 380 VA toroidal transformer power supply guarantees stable current and unconstrained dynamics, making this amplifier remarkably at ease with any acoustic load.
Connectors
Digital inputs
- (3x) Optical: 24-bit/192kHz PCM
- (1x) Coaxial: 24-bit/192kHz PCM
- (1x) USB audio 24-bit/192kHz PCM – DSD64 – DSD128
- HDMI eARC: PCM Stereo
Analog inputs
- RCA LINE level (5x) – MM PHONO level (1x) + GROUND
- XLR line level (1x)
Analog outputs
- RCA: REC-OUT (x1), PRE-OUT (x1), SUB-OUT (x2)
- Headphone connector: 6.35mm jack
Advance Paris A8 Apex 30th Edition
The A8 Apex 30th Edition hi-fi amplifier takes the principles of its larger counterparts in a more compact format without compromising on musicality. With 76W per channel into 8 Ω and 110W into 4 Ω, it delivers sufficient power for most domestic speakers. The ECC81/12AT7 tube preamplifier section ensures a warm, natural reproduction, while the transistor power section guarantees bass control and rhythmic precision. A High-Bias mode extends the class A operating range for a smoother sound, while maintaining the dynamic reserve required for intense listening sessions.
Connectors
Digital inputs
- Optical: 24-bit/192kHz PCM
- Coaxial: 24-bit/192kHz PCM
- USB audio: 24-bit/192kHz PCM – DSD64 – DSD128
- HDMI eARC: PCM Stereo
Analog inputs
- RCA LINE level (7x)
- PHONO MM level (1x)
- MASS
Analog outputs
- RCA : REC-OUT (x1)
- PRE-OUT (x1)
- SUB-OUT (x1)
- Headphone connector: 6.35mm jack
Advance Paris ACD Apex 30th Edition
The Advance Paris ACD Apex 30th Edition CD player has been designed as the ideal companion to the amplifiers in the series. It shares the same anniversary aesthetic and sound philosophy, built around a Raytheon 5744 micro-tube output stage. These tubes deliver a fluid, nuanced and organic sound reproduction, enhancing the richness of the CD format. This player highlights the precision and stability of dedicated mechanics, reminding us of the value of physical media in today’s digital world.
Connectors
RCA analog output
- THD+N: 0.005% (1kHz @ 0dB FS)
- Signal-to-noise ratio: -106 dBrA (1kHz @ 0dB FS)
- Frequency response (+/-0.4dB): 20Hz – 20kHz
- Maximum output voltage: 2V RMS
XLR analog output
- THD+N: 0.0055% (1 kHz @ 0dB FS)
- Signal-to-noise ratio: -105 dBrA (1kHz @ 0 dB FS)
- Frequency response (+/-0.4 dB): 20Hz – 20kHz
- Maximum output voltage: 4V RMS
Digital outputs
- TOSLINK Optics
- Coaxial RCA
USB input for USB stick
- MP3 / FLAC / 16-bit/44kHz
With the Apex 30th Edition series, Advance Paris pays tribute to three decades of French audiophile engineering. The A8, A10 and A12 amplifiers embody a coherent vision of sound: a balance between analog warmth and digital precision, controlled power and universal connectivity. The ACD CD player completes the package with elegance, offering music lovers a faithful and refined source. More than a simple celebration, this series marks the continuity of a philosophy focused on musical emotion, technical excellence and the beauty of authentic sound.
