Audio T Verdict
The Advance Paris X-i75 is a remarkably well-equipped integrated amplifier, combining useful power with extensive analogue and digital connectivity.
Its 75W-per-channel output, selectable High-Bias mode, moving-magnet phono stage and asynchronous USB DAC make it a flexible foundation for vinyl, CD and computer-based systems.
Audio T Brighton found the X-i75 and matching X-CD7 particularly well suited, producing a vibrant and flavourful performance with impressive bass weight and musical drive.
Advance Paris X-i75 Integrated Amplifier
The Advance Paris X-i75 is a stereo integrated amplifier designed to accommodate both traditional Hi-Fi sources and modern digital equipment.
Alongside its moving-magnet phono input and seven conventional line inputs, it provides optical, coaxial, USB-A and asynchronous USB-B connections.
Separate PRE OUT and AMP IN sockets, a dedicated subwoofer output and optional Bluetooth reception also provide useful routes for system expansion.
75W Per Channel into 8 Ohms
The X-i75 delivers 75W RMS per channel into an 8-ohm loudspeaker load.
This provides useful power for a broad range of compatible standmount and floorstanding loudspeakers, particularly in small and medium-sized listening rooms.
The suitability of any amplifier and speaker combination will depend on speaker sensitivity, impedance behaviour, listening distance and preferred volume.
110W Per Channel into 4 Ohms
Output rises to 110W RMS per channel into 4 ohms.
This increase indicates that the amplifier can provide additional current when connected to a more demanding loudspeaker load.
Advance Paris specifies loudspeakers with a nominal impedance of 4 ohms or higher.
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-i75 provides the control, tonal balance and listening level required by your chosen speakers.
Class A/B Amplification
The X-i75 uses a conventional Class A/B power-amplifier design.
This approach provides useful output and current delivery without generating the constant heat associated with a high-powered pure Class A amplifier.
A toroidal power transformer supplies the amplifier, preamplifier and digital circuits.
Selectable High-Bias Mode
A rear-panel High-Bias switch increases the standing bias applied to the output stage.
When enabled, Advance Paris describes the amplifier as behaving in a manner comparable with Class A over its first watts before progressing into normal Class A/B operation.
This provides higher-bias operation at everyday listening levels while retaining the amplifier’s full power when required.
Allow Adequate Ventilation
The amplifier produces additional heat when High-Bias mode is enabled.
Install it on a stable equipment shelf with clear space around its ventilation openings.
Do not place another component directly on top or install the X-i75 inside a sealed cabinet.
Seven RCA Line Inputs
The X-i75 provides seven stereo RCA line-level inputs:
- CD
- Tuner
- AUX 1
- AUX 2
- AUX 3
- AUX 4
- PC2
These can accommodate compatible CD players, network streamers, external DACs, cassette decks, radio tuners and other sources with conventional analogue outputs.
Moving-Magnet Phono Stage
A separate stereo phono input allows a turntable fitted with a compatible moving-magnet cartridge to connect directly.
The published phono specification gives a 2.5mV input level and 47k-ohm loading.
A grounding terminal is provided for turntables fitted with a separate earth lead.
Moving-Coil Cartridges
The official datasheet and manual identify a moving-magnet phono stage and do not document an MM/MC selector.
A low-output moving-coil cartridge will normally require a suitable external phono stage or step-up device.
Two Coaxial Digital Inputs
Two coaxial S/PDIF inputs allow compatible digital sources to use the X-i75’s internal digital conversion.
Suitable equipment may include a CD transport, network player or another source with a coaxial digital output.
Use a purpose-designed 75-ohm coaxial digital cable rather than one half of a normal stereo RCA interconnect.
Optical Digital Input
One optical Toslink input is provided for a compatible television, CD player, games console or network streamer.
A television may need to be configured for stereo PCM rather than bitstream or multichannel audio.
The X-i75 does not contain Dolby or DTS surround decoding.
Wolfson WM8740 USB DAC
The official datasheet identifies a Wolfson WM8740 converter together with an XMOS asynchronous USB interface.
The USB-B input supports compatible computer audio up to 24-bit/192kHz.
This allows a Windows computer, Mac or compatible Linux system to be connected directly without requiring a separate USB DAC.
Asynchronous USB-B Computer Audio
The rear USB-B input is intended for computer audio.
An asynchronous connection allows the amplifier’s audio interface to control the timing of the data stream rather than relying entirely on the computer’s clock.
A compatible driver may be required for some Windows installations. Complete the USB connection before switching on the amplifier.
USB-B Is Not for Memory Sticks
The rear USB-B socket is for a compatible computer.
USB memory devices should be connected to the separate USB-A input.
USB-A MP3 Playback
A front USB-A input allows compatible MP3 music files to be played from suitable USB storage or a portable player.
The manufacturer does not publish a clear maximum storage capacity or comprehensive compatibility list.
The connection should therefore be treated as a convenient MP3 playback facility rather than a replacement for a full network streamer.
Optional Bluetooth Reception
Bluetooth is not built into the standard X-i75.
The dedicated rear socket accepts a compatible Advance Paris Bluetooth Direct Digital receiver, including:
- X-FTB01 with aptX
- X-FTB02 with aptX HD and additional codecs
The optional receiver passes the recovered digital signal into the amplifier so that conversion is handled by the downstream audio circuitry.
5V Accessory Output
A rear 5V DC output can power a compatible low-voltage accessory such as the Advance Paris WTX-500 Bluetooth receiver.
This can reduce the need for an additional mains adaptor when adding a suitable external wireless receiver.
Only equipment with compatible voltage, current and polarity requirements should be connected.
Variable PRE OUT
A variable stereo RCA PRE OUT allows the X-i75 to feed a compatible external power amplifier.
The X-i75 can continue to provide source selection, phono amplification, digital conversion and volume control while the external amplifier drives the loudspeakers.
This provides a useful upgrade path where additional power is required later.
AMP IN Power-Amplifier Input
The stereo RCA AMP IN connection provides direct access to the X-i75’s power-amplifier section.
It can be connected to a compatible external preamplifier, controller or AV receiver with variable front-channel outputs.
Volume must be controlled by the connected upstream component when AMP IN is being used.
Removable PRE OUT and AMP IN Jumpers
The PRE OUT and AMP IN sockets are joined by removable U-shaped jumpers during normal integrated-amplifier operation.
These complete the connection between the internal preamplifier and power-amplifier sections.
Switch the amplifier off before removing or replacing them.
Keep the Original Jumpers Safe
The amplifier will not operate normally as an integrated amplifier if the jumpers are removed without an alternative connection between PRE OUT and AMP IN.
Fixed REC OUT
A fixed-level stereo REC OUT can feed a compatible cassette deck, MiniDisc recorder or other analogue recording device.
The output does not follow the amplifier’s main volume or tone controls.
REC OUT must not be connected directly to a power amplifier because it provides no variable listening-level control.
Dedicated Subwoofer Output
A mono RCA output allows a compatible active subwoofer to be connected.
The subwoofer must contain its own amplification.
Crossover frequency, gain and phase should be adjusted using the controls provided by the subwoofer.
One Pair of Speaker Outputs
The X-i75 provides one stereo pair of high-current loudspeaker binding posts.
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 socket accommodates compatible conventional wired headphones.
Reduce the volume before inserting or removing headphones and begin listening at a low level.
Electrostatic headphones normally require a separate specialist energiser and cannot be driven directly.
Tone, Balance and Loudness Controls
The central multifunction control provides access to bass, treble and stereo balance adjustment.
A loudness function provides additional tonal compensation for low-volume listening.
Tone adjustment is available over an approximate range of plus or minus 10dB.
Direct Bypass Mode
The BPA bypass setting removes the bass, treble and loudness adjustments from the active signal path.
This provides a more direct operating mode where tonal correction is not required.
The preferred setting will depend on the loudspeakers, room acoustics, recording and listening level.
Supplied System Remote
A system remote control is supplied for volume, source selection and other operating functions.
It can also control selected compatible Advance Paris source components.
Keep the front infrared receiver unobstructed for reliable operation.
No Built-In Network Streaming
The X-i75 does not contain Ethernet, Wi-Fi or direct streaming-service integration.
A separate network player can connect through one of the analogue, optical, coaxial or USB inputs.
This allows the streaming source and control platform to be chosen independently.
No HDMI Connection
HDMI ARC and eARC are not provided.
A compatible television can instead connect through the optical digital input using stereo PCM output.
Installation and Equipment Support
The X-i75 measures 430mm wide, 120mm high and 320mm deep, with a published net weight of 8.6kg.
Place it on a strong, level Hi-Fi rack or equipment shelf with enough room for ventilation.
Allow additional clearance behind the cabinet for the mains lead, speaker cables, interconnects and optional Bluetooth receiver.
Key Features
- Class A/B stereo integrated amplifier
- 75W RMS per channel into 8 ohms
- 110W RMS per channel into 4 ohms
- Selectable High-Bias mode
- Toroidal power transformer
- Seven stereo RCA line inputs
- Moving-magnet phono stage
- Turntable grounding terminal
- Two coaxial digital inputs
- One optical digital input
- Asynchronous USB-B computer-audio input
- Wolfson WM8740 USB conversion
- XMOS USB interface
- Compatible PCM playback up to 24-bit/192kHz through USB-B
- USB-A MP3 playback
- Optional X-FTB01 or X-FTB02 Bluetooth receiver
- 5V accessory power output
- Variable stereo PRE OUT
- Stereo AMP IN
- Removable PRE OUT and AMP IN jumpers
- Fixed-level stereo REC OUT
- Mono active-subwoofer output
- One stereo pair of loudspeaker 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
- System remote control included
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Advance Paris X-i75?
It is a 75W-per-channel stereo integrated amplifier with analogue and digital inputs, moving-magnet phono, USB computer audio and selectable High-Bias operation.
How powerful is it?
It delivers 75W RMS per channel into 8 ohms and 110W RMS per channel into 4 ohms.
What does High-Bias mode do?
It increases the standing bias so that the amplifier behaves in a manner comparable with Class A over its first watts.
Does High-Bias mode produce more heat?
Yes. Clear ventilation around the amplifier is essential when High-Bias mode is enabled.
Does it have a phono stage?
Yes. The official datasheet and manual identify a moving-magnet phono stage.
Can it be used with a moving-coil cartridge?
A moving-coil setting is not documented. A compatible external phono stage or step-up device will normally be required.
How many analogue line inputs does it have?
It provides seven stereo RCA line inputs, plus the separate moving-magnet phono input.
How many digital inputs does it have?
It provides two coaxial inputs, one optical input and one asynchronous USB-B computer-audio input.
Can I connect a computer?
Yes. The USB-B input supports compatible computer audio up to 24-bit/192kHz.
Can it play music from a USB memory stick?
Yes. The USB-A input supports compatible MP3 playback.
Does it include Bluetooth?
Bluetooth is optional rather than built in. A compatible X-FTB01 or X-FTB02 receiver can be added.
Does it have Wi-Fi or Spotify Connect?
No. A separate network player can be connected through one of its analogue or digital inputs.
Can it be used with an external power amplifier?
Yes. A variable stereo PRE OUT is provided.
Can it be used as a power amplifier?
Yes. Remove the PRE OUT and AMP IN jumpers and connect a suitable variable preamplifier output to AMP IN.
Does it have a subwoofer output?
Yes. One mono RCA output is provided for a compatible active subwoofer.
How many pairs of loudspeakers can it power?
It provides terminals for one conventional stereo loudspeaker pair.
What is the minimum loudspeaker 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 provided, together with a direct bypass mode.
Does it have HDMI ARC?
No. A compatible television can instead connect through the optical input using stereo PCM.
How large and heavy is it?
It measures 430mm wide, 120mm high and 320mm deep, with a published net weight of 8.6kg.
Related Advance Paris Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Independent advice from experienced Hi-Fi specialists
- X-i75 and loudspeaker system matching
- In-store demonstrations at participating branches
- Moving-magnet cartridge compatibility advice
- USB computer-audio setup guidance
- Bluetooth accessory compatibility checks
- PRE OUT and AMP IN integration support
- Subwoofer connection and setup advice
- Speaker-cable and interconnect recommendations
- Equipment-rack and ventilation guidance
- 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-i75 with your turntable, digital sources and loudspeakers.