Audio T Verdict
The Advance Paris X-i50BT offers an unusually generous selection of analogue connections for an amplifier at this price, together with built-in Bluetooth, moving-magnet phono and a useful High-Bias operating mode.
Its 50W-per-channel output is backed by a toroidal transformer, while High-Bias operation gives the amplifier a fuller and more muscular character over its first watts before greater output is required.
With six line inputs, PRE OUT, AMP IN, fixed REC OUT, USB MP3 playback and a front headphone connection, it is a flexible choice for an affordable vinyl, CD and wireless music system.
Advance Paris X-i50BT Integrated Amplifier with Bluetooth
The Advance Paris X-i50BT is a stereo integrated amplifier combining conventional analogue source connections with built-in Bluetooth, moving-magnet phono and selectable High-Bias operation.
It can accommodate a turntable, CD player, tuner and several additional line-level sources, while its internal Bluetooth receiver provides convenient wireless playback from compatible phones, tablets and computers.
Separate preamplifier and power-amplifier connections also provide useful options for expanding or integrating the system in the future.
50W Per Channel into 8 Ohms
The X-i50BT delivers 50W RMS per channel into an 8-ohm loudspeaker load.
This makes it suitable for a broad range of compatible standmount and compact floorstanding loudspeakers, particularly in small and medium-sized rooms.
The final suitability of any amplifier and speaker combination will depend on loudspeaker sensitivity, impedance behaviour, room size, listening distance and preferred volume.
65W Per Channel into 4 Ohms
Output rises to 65W RMS per channel into a 4-ohm load.
The amplifier is specified for loudspeakers with a nominal impedance of 4 ohms or higher.
Speakers with unusually difficult impedance curves should be auditioned with the amplifier before purchase.
Match the Amplifier to Your Loudspeakers
Power figures alone cannot show how an amplifier and loudspeaker will perform together.
An Audio T demonstration can establish whether the X-i50BT provides the tonal balance, control and listening level required by your chosen speakers.
Selectable High-Bias Mode
A rear-panel High-Bias switch increases the standing bias applied to the amplifier’s output stage.
When enabled, Advance Paris describes the amplifier as behaving in a manner comparable with Class A over its first watts before moving into normal higher-output operation.
This can give the amplifier a warmer, fuller and more substantial presentation at everyday listening levels.
Allow Adequate Ventilation
The X-i50BT produces more heat when High-Bias mode is selected.
Install it on a stable equipment shelf with clear space around its ventilation openings and do not position another component directly on top.
It should not be installed inside a sealed cabinet or placed on a soft surface that restricts airflow.
Toroidal Power Transformer
The amplifier uses a toroidal power transformer.
Toroidal transformers are commonly used in high-quality Hi-Fi amplifiers because they can provide useful current delivery while producing a relatively low external magnetic field.
The power supply supports the amplifier, preamplifier, Bluetooth and control sections.
Built-In Bluetooth
Bluetooth reception is built into the X-i50BT, so no separate receiver module is required.
Compatible smartphones, tablets and computers can send music wirelessly to the amplifier once paired.
A detachable rear antenna should be fitted securely to provide the strongest practical reception.
AAC and aptX Codec Support
The published Bluetooth specification includes AAC and aptX.
The codec used during playback depends on the formats supported by both the amplifier and the transmitting device.
aptX can provide improved wireless audio quality when used with a compatible source, while AAC provides useful compatibility with many mobile devices.
Simple Wireless Playback
Select the Bluetooth input using the front multifunction control, then open the Bluetooth settings on the source device and choose the X-i50BT.
Once paired, music selection, playlists and basic playback are controlled through the connected phone, tablet or computer.
The main listening level should be adjusted using the amplifier.
Begin with the Volume Low
Reduce the amplifier volume before starting Bluetooth playback or changing between source devices.
Increase the source and amplifier levels gradually to avoid an unexpectedly loud signal.
Bluetooth Rather Than Network Streaming
The X-i50BT is a Bluetooth amplifier rather than a Wi-Fi or Ethernet network streamer.
Streaming applications run on the paired phone, tablet or computer, which sends the resulting audio to the amplifier over Bluetooth.
Direct Spotify Connect, AirPlay, internet radio and NAS access are not built in, but a separate network player can be connected to one of the line inputs.
Six RCA Line Inputs
Six stereo RCA line inputs provide plenty of room for conventional analogue sources:
- CD
- Tuner
- AUX 1
- AUX 2
- AUX 3
- AUX 4
These inputs can accommodate products such as CD players, external streamers, DACs, cassette decks, radio tuners and other equipment with a normal line-level analogue output.
Moving-Magnet Phono Stage
A dedicated stereo phono input allows a turntable fitted with a compatible moving-magnet cartridge to connect directly.
The published specification gives an input level of 2.5mV and an input impedance of 47k ohms.
A grounding terminal is provided for turntables fitted with a separate earth lead.
Moving-Coil Cartridges
The official manual specifies a moving-magnet phono input and does not document a moving-coil selector.
A low-output moving-coil cartridge will normally require a suitable external phono stage or step-up device.
PRE OUT for System Expansion
A variable stereo PRE OUT allows the X-i50BT to feed a compatible external power amplifier.
The X-i50BT can continue to provide source selection, phono amplification, Bluetooth reception and volume control while the external amplifier drives the loudspeakers.
This provides a useful upgrade route if additional power is required later.
AMP IN Power-Amplifier Input
The stereo AMP IN connection provides direct access to the X-i50BT’s power-amplifier section.
It can be used with a compatible external preamplifier, controller or AV receiver fitted with suitable variable preamplifier outputs.
Volume must be controlled by the connected upstream component when AMP IN is in use.
Removable PRE OUT and AMP IN Jumpers
The PRE OUT and AMP IN sockets are linked by removable U-shaped jumpers during normal integrated-amplifier operation.
These jumpers complete the connection between the X-i50BT’s internal preamplifier and power-amplifier sections.
Switch the amplifier off before removing or replacing the jumpers.
Keep the Original Jumpers Safe
The amplifier will not operate normally as an integrated amplifier if the PRE OUT and AMP IN jumpers are removed without an alternative connection being made.
Store them securely if an external preamplifier or power amplifier is being used.
Fixed REC OUT
A fixed-level stereo REC OUT can feed a compatible cassette deck, MiniDisc recorder or other recording device.
The output level does not follow the main volume control.
REC OUT must not be connected directly to a power amplifier because it does not provide variable listening-level adjustment.
USB-A MP3 Playback
A USB-A input allows compatible MP3 files to be played from suitable USB storage or a compatible portable player.
The manufacturer does not publish support for FLAC, WAV, AAC or other lossless file formats through this connection.
The USB input should therefore be treated as a convenient MP3 playback facility rather than a high-resolution computer-audio interface.
No USB-B Computer Audio
The X-i50BT does not provide a USB-B input for direct Windows computer or Mac audio.
A computer can connect wirelessly through Bluetooth or through a separate DAC connected to one of the amplifier’s line inputs.
One Pair of Speaker Outputs
One stereo set of binding posts connects the X-i50BT to a conventional pair of passive loudspeakers.
The terminals accept:
- Properly prepared bare speaker cable
- Pin connectors
- Compatible spade connectors
- 4mm banana plugs
Switch the amplifier off before connecting or disconnecting loudspeaker cables.
Maintain Correct Speaker Polarity
Connect the right amplifier channel to the right loudspeaker and the left channel to the left loudspeaker.
Positive must connect to positive and negative to negative on both channels.
Reversing the polarity of one speaker can weaken central stereo imaging and reduce bass performance.
6.35mm Headphone Output
A front 6.35mm stereo headphone socket accommodates compatible conventional wired headphones.
Reduce the volume before connecting or removing headphones and begin listening at a low level.
Electrostatic headphones normally require a separate specialist energiser and cannot be driven directly.
Bass, Treble and Loudness Controls
The front multifunction control provides access to bass and treble adjustment of approximately plus or minus 10dB.
A loudness setting provides additional tonal compensation for low-volume listening, while balance adjustment changes the relative level of the left and right channels.
Small adjustments are normally preferable to extreme settings.
Direct Bypass Mode
The BPA bypass setting removes the bass, treble and loudness controls from the active signal path.
When bypass is enabled, the signal follows a more direct route through the amplifier.
When bypass is switched off, the tone and loudness controls become available through the operating menu.
Front Multifunction Control
The central rotary control handles volume adjustment, source selection and menu operation.
The front display shows the volume level, selected input and relevant balance or tone settings.
Individual source indicators make it easy to see which input is active.
No Conventional Digital Inputs
The X-i50BT does not provide optical, coaxial, HDMI or USB-B digital inputs.
A television, CD transport or other digital-only source will require an external DAC or another component that can provide a compatible analogue output.
No Subwoofer Output
A dedicated subwoofer output is not specified.
A compatible active subwoofer may be connected using its high-level speaker inputs or through another manufacturer-approved arrangement, depending on the subwoofer.
Audio T can advise on the safest connection for the chosen model.
Installation and Equipment Support
The X-i50BT measures 430mm wide, 110mm high and 320mm deep, with a published net weight of 6kg.
Place it on a stable, level Hi-Fi rack or equipment shelf with adequate ventilation.
Allow additional room behind the published cabinet depth for the mains lead, Bluetooth antenna, interconnects and speaker cables.
Key Features
- Stereo integrated amplifier
- 50W RMS per channel into 8 ohms
- 65W RMS per channel into 4 ohms
- Selectable High-Bias operating mode
- Toroidal power transformer
- Built-in Bluetooth receiver
- AAC Bluetooth support
- aptX Bluetooth support
- Detachable Bluetooth antenna
- Six stereo RCA line inputs
- Moving-magnet phono input
- 47k-ohm phono input impedance
- Turntable grounding terminal
- Variable stereo PRE OUT
- Stereo AMP IN
- Removable PRE OUT and AMP IN jumpers
- Fixed-level stereo REC OUT
- USB-A MP3 playback
- One stereo pair of speaker terminals
- 4-ohm minimum loudspeaker impedance
- Bare-wire, pin, spade and banana-plug compatibility
- Front 6.35mm headphone output
- Bass and treble adjustment
- Stereo balance control
- Loudness function
- Direct bypass mode
- Front multifunction control
- Information display and source indicators
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Advance Paris X-i50BT?
It is a stereo integrated amplifier with built-in Bluetooth, moving-magnet phono, six line inputs and selectable High-Bias operation.
How powerful is it?
It delivers 50W RMS per channel into 8 ohms and 65W RMS per channel into 4 ohms.
What does High-Bias mode do?
It increases the output-stage bias so that the amplifier behaves in a manner comparable with Class A over its first watts.
Does High-Bias mode make it hotter?
Yes. The amplifier requires clear ventilation, particularly when High-Bias mode is enabled.
Does it have Bluetooth built in?
Yes. No separate receiver module is required.
Which Bluetooth codecs does it support?
The published specification lists AAC and aptX.
Does it have Wi-Fi or Spotify Connect?
No. Streaming applications run on the paired Bluetooth device, or a separate network player can be connected through a line input.
Does it have a phono stage?
Yes. The official manual specifies a moving-magnet phono input with 47k-ohm loading.
Can it be used with a moving-coil cartridge?
A moving-coil setting is not documented. A suitable external phono stage or step-up device will normally be required.
How many line inputs does it have?
It provides six stereo RCA line inputs, labelled CD, Tuner and AUX 1 to AUX 4.
Can it play music from USB storage?
Yes. The USB-A input supports compatible MP3 playback.
Does it support FLAC through USB?
FLAC support is not specified by Advance Paris for this input.
Can a computer connect through USB?
No. The amplifier does not provide USB-B computer audio. A computer can connect through Bluetooth or a separate DAC.
Can it be used with an external power amplifier?
Yes. A variable stereo PRE OUT is provided.
Can it be used purely as a power amplifier?
Yes. Remove the PRE OUT and AMP IN jumpers and connect a suitable variable preamplifier output to AMP IN.
What happens if the PRE OUT and AMP IN jumpers are removed?
The internal preamplifier and power-amplifier sections are disconnected. The amplifier will not operate normally unless an appropriate external connection is made.
Does it have a recording output?
Yes. A fixed-level stereo REC OUT is provided.
How many pairs of speakers can it power?
It provides terminals for one conventional stereo loudspeaker pair.
What is the minimum speaker impedance?
Advance Paris specifies loudspeakers with a nominal impedance of 4 ohms or higher.
Does it have a headphone output?
Yes. A front 6.35mm stereo headphone socket is provided.
Does it have tone controls?
Yes. Bass, treble, balance and loudness controls are available, together with a direct bypass mode.
Does it have optical or coaxial inputs?
No. Digital-only sources require a separate DAC or a compatible analogue output.
Does it have HDMI ARC?
No. HDMI connectivity is not provided.
Does it have a dedicated subwoofer output?
No dedicated subwoofer output is specified.
How large and heavy is it?
It measures 430mm wide, 110mm high and 320mm deep, with a published net weight of 6kg.
Related Advance Paris Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Independent advice from experienced Hi-Fi specialists
- X-i50BT and loudspeaker system matching
- In-store demonstrations at participating branches
- Moving-magnet cartridge compatibility advice
- Bluetooth pairing and setup guidance
- PRE OUT and AMP IN integration support
- Speaker-cable and interconnect recommendations
- Equipment-rack and ventilation advice
- Click and Reserve from participating stores
- Nationwide UK delivery on eligible products
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or discuss matching the Advance Paris X-i50BT with your turntable, sources and loudspeakers.