Audio T Verdict
The Advance Paris X-i1100 is an exceptionally powerful and extensively equipped integrated amplifier, built to control demanding loudspeakers while accommodating an unusually broad selection of analogue and digital sources.
Its formal specification of 200W RMS per channel into 8 ohms rises to 400W into 4 ohms, supported by a 700VA toroidal transformer, 60,000µF power-supply reservoir and a triple push-pull output stage for each channel.
With moving-magnet phono, balanced XLR, USB computer audio, AES/EBU, six S/PDIF inputs, PRE OUT, AMP IN, Speaker A and B outputs and selectable High-Bias operation, the X-i1100 can form the centre of a serious and remarkably flexible Hi-Fi system.
Advance Paris X-i1100 Integrated Amplifier
The Advance Paris X-i1100 combines a high-current stereo integrated amplifier, analogue preamplifier, moving-magnet phono stage and 24-bit/192kHz digital-to-analogue converter in one substantial enclosure.
It can connect conventional analogue sources, a balanced source, a turntable, a Windows computer or Mac, and numerous optical, coaxial and AES/EBU digital components.
Separate PRE OUT and AMP IN connections also allow its preamplifier and power-amplifier sections to be incorporated into a larger or more specialised system.
200W RMS Per Channel into 8 Ohms
The formal Advance Paris specification rates the X-i1100 at 200W RMS per channel into an 8-ohm loudspeaker load.
This provides substantial headroom for musical peaks and allows the amplifier to work without continually operating near its maximum output.
Its power reserves are particularly useful with larger loudspeakers, lower-sensitivity designs, greater listening distances and systems installed in substantial rooms.
400W RMS Per Channel into 4 Ohms
Output rises to 400W RMS per channel into a 4-ohm load.
The significant increase in available output as impedance falls demonstrates the current-delivery capability of the amplifier and its power supply.
Successful matching will still depend on the loudspeaker’s complete impedance curve, electrical phase behaviour, sensitivity, room size and intended listening level.
Match the Amplifier to Your Loudspeakers
Power figures alone cannot determine how an amplifier and loudspeaker will perform together.
An Audio T demonstration can establish whether the X-i1100 provides the tonal balance, control, scale and listening level required by your chosen speakers.
Class A/B Amplification
The X-i1100’s main power-amplifier section operates in Class A/B.
This allows it to provide substantial continuous and peak output without producing the constant heat and power consumption associated with an amplifier delivering hundreds of watts in pure Class A.
The output stage uses complementary transistor devices to amplify the positive and negative halves of the music signal.
Selectable High-Bias Mode
A rear-panel High-Bias switch increases the standing bias applied to the amplifier’s output stage.
With High-Bias enabled, Advance Paris describes the first watts as operating in a manner comparable with Class A before the amplifier progresses into conventional Class A/B as greater power is required.
This allows higher-bias operation at lower output levels while retaining the substantial reserves of the main power stage.
High-Bias Produces Additional Heat
The X-i1100 will run warmer when High-Bias mode is selected.
It must therefore be installed with clear space around its top and sides, allowing warm air to escape freely.
Do not place it inside a sealed cabinet, on a soft surface or directly beneath another component that obstructs its ventilation openings.
700VA Toroidal Transformer
A substantial 700VA toroidal transformer forms the foundation of the X-i1100’s linear power supply.
It supplies the energy required by the preamplifier, digital section, control electronics and high-current stereo output stages.
Toroidal transformers are frequently used in high-performance amplifiers because they can deliver considerable current while maintaining a relatively low external magnetic field.
60,000µF Power-Supply Reservoir
The power supply provides 60,000µF of filtering and energy-storage capacity.
The reservoir capacitors store energy between mains cycles and help maintain stable supply rails when the amplifier is reproducing sudden dynamic peaks.
This considerable reserve supports the X-i1100’s ability to double its formal output from 200W per channel into 8 ohms to 400W into 4 ohms.
Triple Push-Pull Output Stage
Each amplifier channel uses three complementary pairs of high-current bipolar output transistors in a triple push-pull arrangement.
Advance Paris identifies the output devices as NJW0281G and NJW0302G transistors.
Sharing the output demand across several devices helps distribute electrical and thermal load across the amplifier stage and its large heatsinks.
Rigid Five-Section Chassis
The internal chassis is divided into five principal compartments.
This construction separates the high-current power supply, analogue preamplifier, digital circuitry and left and right power-amplifier sections.
The compartmentalised steel structure also provides a rigid foundation for the heavy transformer, heatsinks and circuit assemblies.
Burr-Brown PCM1796 DAC
Digital-to-analogue conversion is handled by a Burr-Brown PCM1796 DAC.
The converter processes compatible PCM signals with resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz through the supported digital connections.
This allows compatible digital source equipment to connect directly without requiring a separate external DAC.
XMOS USB Computer Audio
A rear USB-B input allows a compatible Windows computer, Mac or Linux computer to be used as a digital music source.
The USB section uses an XMOS interface and supports compatible PCM audio up to 24-bit/192kHz.
Mac and Linux systems may operate without a separate driver, while a compatible Advance Paris driver may be required for some Windows installations.
USB-B Is for Computer Audio
The USB-B connection is intended for a computer rather than a USB memory stick, portable drive or phone-charging cable.
Select the X-i1100 as the computer’s audio-output device after completing the required driver and sound settings.
Four Optical Digital Inputs
Four optical Toslink inputs allow a wide selection of compatible digital sources to use the X-i1100’s internal DAC.
Suitable equipment may include televisions, CD players, network streamers, games consoles and other sources with stereo optical output.
A connected television or video source may need to be configured for stereo PCM rather than bitstream or multichannel audio.
Two Coaxial Digital Inputs
Two coaxial S/PDIF inputs are provided for compatible digital sources such as a CD transport or network player.
Use a purpose-designed 75-ohm coaxial digital cable rather than one half of a normal stereo analogue RCA interconnect.
Compatible PCM signals can be converted by the X-i1100’s internal Burr-Brown DAC.
AES/EBU Digital Input
A balanced AES/EBU digital input is provided on an XLR connection.
This professional-style digital interface is found on selected CD transports, studio equipment, network players and high-performance digital sources.
AES/EBU carries digital audio and must not be confused with the separate balanced XLR analogue input.
Cirrus Logic Digital Receiver
The conventional AES/EBU, optical and coaxial digital inputs are handled through a Cirrus Logic CS8416 receiver stage before conversion by the PCM1796 DAC.
The USB-B connection uses its own XMOS-based computer-audio interface.
This provides dedicated signal handling for the different types of digital connection.
Balanced XLR Analogue Input
A stereo balanced XLR input is provided for a compatible source component.
Balanced transmission can improve rejection of external electrical interference, particularly where longer interconnects are required between the source and amplifier.
The XLR sockets carry analogue audio and are separate from the single AES/EBU digital XLR input.
Four RCA Line Inputs
Four conventional stereo RCA line inputs are provided for compatible analogue sources:
These inputs can accommodate equipment such as CD players, network streamers, external DACs, cassette decks and radio tuners with normal line-level analogue outputs.
Moving-Magnet Phono Input
A dedicated stereo phono input allows a turntable fitted with a compatible moving-magnet cartridge to connect directly.
A grounding terminal is provided for turntables fitted with a separate earth lead.
The current official product description identifies this as a moving-magnet input. Moving-coil compatibility should not be assumed from the ambiguous wording used in an older specification table.
Moving-Coil Cartridges Require a Suitable Phono Stage
A low-output moving-coil cartridge will normally require a compatible external phono stage or step-up device.
Audio T can confirm cartridge compatibility and recommend the appropriate phono connection.
AMP IN Power-Amplifier Input
The stereo RCA AMP IN connection provides direct access to the X-i1100’s power-amplifier section.
This allows it to be used with a compatible external preamplifier or with the front-channel preamplifier outputs of an AV receiver or processor.
The AMP IN function must be enabled through the amplifier’s menu before use.
Home Cinema Integration
AMP IN allows the X-i1100 to drive the front-left and front-right loudspeakers within a compatible home cinema system.
The AV receiver or processor then controls the volume, channel levels and surround processing, while the X-i1100 supplies power to the main stereo loudspeakers.
Channel calibration should be completed carefully through the connected home cinema equipment.
Variable PRE OUT
A stereo RCA PRE OUT allows the X-i1100 to feed a compatible external power amplifier.
The X-i1100 can continue to provide source selection, digital conversion, phono amplification and volume control while a separate amplifier drives the loudspeakers.
This also provides a route for future system expansion or specialist bi-amplification arrangements.
Configurable REC OUT and SUB OUT
A separate stereo RCA output can be configured for recording or active-subwoofer use.
In REC OUT mode, it provides a fixed-level signal for a compatible cassette deck, recorder or other recording device.
When configured for subwoofer use, it can feed a compatible active subwoofer. The two operating modes share the same output connection and are not intended for simultaneous use.
Speaker A and Speaker B Outputs
The X-i1100 provides selectable Speaker A and Speaker B connections.
This allows either loudspeaker pair to be selected through the operating menu.
Speaker A also provides additional terminals to assist with compatible bi-wiring arrangements.
Using Two Loudspeaker Pairs
The combined electrical load becomes more demanding when two loudspeaker pairs are connected or selected together.
Compatibility depends on the nominal impedance and real impedance behaviour of both pairs.
Speak to Audio T before using two loudspeaker pairs simultaneously where the resulting load is uncertain.
Speaker-Cable Connections
The high-current binding posts accept several common connection types:
- Properly prepared bare speaker cable
- Pin connectors
- Compatible spade connectors
- 4mm banana plugs
Switch the amplifier off before connecting or disconnecting loudspeaker cables and ensure that no loose conductor strands bridge adjacent terminals.
Maintaining 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 for both channels.
Reversing the polarity of one loudspeaker 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.
Inserting a headphone plug mutes the connected loudspeakers.
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 and Treble Controls
The X-i1100 provides bass and treble adjustment of up to approximately plus or minus 10dB.
These controls can help compensate for room acoustics, loudspeaker positioning, recording balance or personal preference.
Small adjustments are normally preferable to extreme settings.
Balance and Loudness
Stereo balance adjustment allows the relative level of the left and right channels to be changed.
A loudness function can provide additional tonal compensation when listening at low volume.
These settings are controlled through the amplifier’s menu and remote control.
Tone-Control Bypass
A bypass setting removes the bass, treble and loudness adjustments from the active signal path.
This provides a direct operating mode where tonal correction is not required.
The preferred setting will depend on the room, loudspeakers, recording and listening level.
Dual VU Meters
Two large illuminated VU meters dominate the front panel.
They provide a visual indication of activity in the left and right amplifier channels and contribute to the distinctive styling of the Classic Line.
The meters should be treated as visual guides rather than precision test instruments.
Adjustable Display Illumination
The display and meter illumination can be adjusted to suit the listening environment.
This is useful when the amplifier is used in a dark room or as part of a home cinema system.
Changing the illumination does not alter the amplifier’s audio performance.
Automatic Standby
An automatic power-down function can place the amplifier into standby after an extended period without operation.
The feature helps reduce unnecessary power consumption and can be adjusted through the system settings where supported.
Published standby consumption is below 0.5W.
Infrared Remote Control
The supplied remote provides access to volume, source selection, tone settings, balance, speaker selection, display brightness and other operating functions.
Some buttons may also control compatible Advance Paris source components.
Keep the front infrared receiver unobstructed for reliable operation.
No Built-In Network Streaming
The X-i1100 does not contain Ethernet, Wi-Fi or an integrated network-streaming platform.
A separate network player can connect through a line-level analogue input, balanced XLR, optical, coaxial, AES/EBU or USB-B, depending on the source.
This allows the network source to be selected independently according to the required services and control platform.
No Built-In Bluetooth
Bluetooth reception is not listed as a built-in feature of the X-i1100.
A compatible standalone Bluetooth receiver can be connected through one of the available analogue or digital inputs where wireless playback is required.
No HDMI Connection
The X-i1100 does not include HDMI ARC or HDMI eARC.
A compatible television can instead be connected through one of the optical digital inputs, with its audio output configured for stereo PCM.
No USB Memory Playback
The rear USB-B input is for computer audio.
It is not intended for music stored on a USB memory stick or portable hard drive.
A compatible network player, computer or separate USB media source is required for stored music files.
Installation and Equipment Support
The X-i1100 measures 430mm wide, 210mm high and 476mm deep, with a published net weight of 21.4kg.
It requires a strong, stable and level Hi-Fi rack or amplifier platform capable of safely supporting its weight.
The published depth does not include the additional space required for mains, speaker, analogue, digital and USB cables.
Allow Generous Ventilation
The X-i1100’s power output, large transformer and High-Bias operation can generate considerable heat.
Provide clear space around the top and sides and do not place another component directly over the ventilation openings.
Direct stacking with another amplifier or other heat-producing component is not recommended.
Key Features
- High-current stereo integrated amplifier
- 200W RMS per channel into 8 ohms
- 400W RMS per channel into 4 ohms
- Class A/B power-amplifier design
- Selectable High-Bias operation
- Class A-like operation over the first watts in High-Bias mode
- 700VA toroidal transformer
- 60,000µF power-supply filtering capacity
- Triple push-pull output stage for each channel
- NJW0281G and NJW0302G bipolar output transistors
- Rigid five-section internal chassis
- Burr-Brown PCM1796 DAC
- Compatible PCM conversion up to 24-bit/192kHz
- XMOS-based USB-B computer-audio input
- Four optical Toslink inputs
- Two coaxial S/PDIF inputs
- One balanced AES/EBU digital input
- Balanced XLR analogue input
- Four stereo RCA line inputs
- Moving-magnet phono input
- Turntable grounding terminal
- Stereo RCA AMP IN
- Variable stereo RCA PRE OUT
- Configurable REC OUT or active-subwoofer output
- Speaker A and Speaker B connections
- Additional Speaker A terminals for compatible bi-wiring
- Bare-wire, pin, spade and banana-plug compatibility
- Front 6.35mm headphone output
- Headphone connection mutes the loudspeakers
- Bass and treble adjustment
- Stereo balance control
- Loudness function
- Tone-control bypass
- Dual illuminated VU meters
- Adjustable display illumination
- Automatic standby
- Infrared remote control included
- Standby consumption below 0.5W
- 21.4kg net weight
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Advance Paris X-i1100?
It is a high-power stereo integrated amplifier with analogue and digital inputs, USB computer audio, a moving-magnet phono stage and an internal Burr-Brown DAC.
How powerful is it?
The formal specification lists 200W RMS per channel into 8 ohms and 400W RMS per channel into 4 ohms.
Why do some descriptions state 220W?
The manufacturer’s headline description quotes 220W into 8 ohms, while its formal specification table gives 200W RMS. This page uses the conservative formal RMS figure.
What type of amplification does it use?
It uses Class A/B amplification with a selectable High-Bias mode.
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 before progressing into Class A/B.
Does High-Bias make the amplifier hotter?
Yes. Clear ventilation around the top and sides is essential.
What transformer does it use?
It uses a 700VA toroidal transformer.
How much power-supply capacitance does it have?
Advance Paris specifies 60,000µF of filtering and reservoir capacity.
What DAC does it use?
It uses a Burr-Brown PCM1796 digital-to-analogue converter.
What is the maximum supported PCM resolution?
The digital section supports compatible PCM signals up to 24-bit/192kHz.
Can I connect a computer?
Yes. A rear XMOS-based USB-B input is provided for compatible Windows, Mac and Linux computers.
Can it play music from a USB memory stick?
No. The USB-B connection is for computer audio rather than USB storage.
How many optical inputs does it have?
It provides four optical Toslink inputs.
How many coaxial inputs does it have?
It provides two coaxial S/PDIF inputs.
Does it have AES/EBU?
Yes. One balanced AES/EBU digital input is provided.
Does it have a balanced analogue input?
Yes. It provides a stereo balanced XLR analogue input.
Does it have a phono stage?
Yes. The current official description identifies a moving-magnet phono stage.
Can it be used with a moving-coil cartridge?
A moving-coil setting is not confirmed. Use a compatible external phono stage or step-up device where required.
Can it be used with an external power amplifier?
Yes. A variable stereo RCA PRE OUT is provided.
Can it be used purely as a power amplifier?
Yes. AMP IN provides access to the power-amplifier section when enabled through the operating menu.
Can it be used in a home cinema system?
Yes. A compatible AV receiver or processor can feed AMP IN for the front-left and front-right loudspeakers.
Can an active subwoofer be connected?
Yes. The configurable REC OUT and SUB OUT connection can be placed into subwoofer mode.
Can the recording and subwoofer outputs be used together?
They share the same configurable connection, so the two functions are not intended for simultaneous use.
How many pairs of speakers can it connect?
It provides selectable Speaker A and Speaker B connections. Speaker A also has additional terminals for compatible bi-wiring.
Which speaker-cable connections are supported?
The binding posts accept properly prepared bare wire, pins, compatible spades and 4mm banana plugs.
Does it have a headphone output?
Yes. A front 6.35mm stereo headphone socket is provided.
Are the loudspeakers muted when headphones are connected?
Yes. Inserting a headphone plug disconnects the speaker output.
Does it have tone controls?
Yes. Bass, treble, balance and loudness settings are provided, together with a bypass mode.
Does it include Bluetooth?
No built-in Bluetooth receiver is specified.
Does it include Wi-Fi streaming?
No. A separate network player can be connected through one of its analogue or digital inputs.
Does it have HDMI ARC?
No. A compatible television can instead connect through an optical input using stereo PCM output.
How large and heavy is it?
It measures 430mm wide, 210mm high and 476mm deep, with a published net weight of 21.4kg.
Related Advance Paris Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Independent advice from experienced Hi-Fi specialists
- X-i1100 and loudspeaker system matching
- In-store demonstrations at participating branches
- Moving-magnet cartridge compatibility guidance
- USB computer-audio setup support
- Balanced XLR and RCA connection advice
- External DAC and digital-source comparisons
- Home cinema AMP IN integration guidance
- Subwoofer and external power-amplifier 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-i1100 with your sources, turntable and loudspeakers.