Audio T Verdict
The Advance Paris X-P1200 is a comprehensively equipped reference preamplifier built around a genuine dual-mono architecture, with independent left and right audio circuits and separate power supplies.
Its extensive connectivity covers moving-magnet and moving-coil turntables, balanced and unbalanced analogue sources, optical and coaxial digital equipment, plus computer audio through XMOS USB-B.
Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs make it a natural partner for a wide range of power amplifiers, although it has been designed particularly with a pair of Advance Paris X-A1200 monoblocks in mind.
Advance Paris X-P1200 Dual-Mono Preamplifier
The Advance Paris X-P1200 is a stereo preamplifier designed to control the sources and listening level within a separate pre and power amplifier system.
It combines extensive analogue connectivity, separate moving-magnet and moving-coil phono inputs, an internal 24-bit/192kHz DAC and balanced and unbalanced preamplifier outputs.
The X-P1200 does not contain a power-amplifier stage, so it must be connected to a separate stereo power amplifier, two monoblocks or compatible active loudspeakers.
True Dual-Mono Architecture
The X-P1200 is effectively constructed as two mono preamplifiers within a single enclosure.
The left and right channels use independent preamplifier circuits and separate power-supply sections, reducing the amount of circuitry shared between the two audio channels.
This approach is designed to improve channel separation, stereo imaging and the preamplifier’s ability to preserve small spatial details within a recording.
Two Toroidal Transformers
Two toroidal transformers provide independent power for the left and right preamplifier sections.
Separating the channel power supplies reduces the opportunity for activity in one channel to influence the other.
The mains input also uses choke and capacitor filtering to help provide a stable supply to the sensitive audio and digital circuits.
Four 12,000µF Power-Supply Capacitors
The power supply includes four 12,000µF capacitors rated at 150V.
These provide a combined 48,000µF of filtering and energy storage across the dual-mono supply arrangement.
Voltage regulation is handled by integrated circuits mounted on heatsinks to assist stable operation.
Relay-Based Source Switching
The analogue inputs and outputs are switched using relays.
This approach keeps the source-selection contacts close to the signal connections and avoids routing every audio signal through a conventional front-panel selector.
High-quality Burr-Brown operational amplifiers are used when balanced and unbalanced signal conversion is required.
Nine Analogue Source Selections
The X-P1200 provides nine analogue source selections:
- Phono MM
- Phono MC
- Tuner RCA
- CD RCA
- CD balanced XLR
- AUX balanced XLR
- AUX 1 RCA
- AUX 2 RCA
- AUX 3 RCA
This provides separate connections for two balanced source components, five conventional line-level RCA sources and a turntable using either the MM or MC phono input.
Two Balanced XLR Inputs
Two stereo balanced XLR inputs are provided and labelled CD and AUX.
They can be used with compatible CD players, DACs, network players and other source components fitted with balanced analogue outputs.
Balanced transmission can provide improved rejection of external interference, particularly where longer interconnects are required.
Five Unbalanced RCA Line Inputs
Five conventional stereo RCA line inputs are provided:
- Tuner
- CD Unbalanced
- AUX 1
- AUX 2
- AUX 3
These are suitable for source equipment with a normal line-level analogue output, including CD players, streamers, external DACs, tuners and cassette decks.
Use a Line-Level Input for Analogue Sources
Do not connect the optical or coaxial output from a digital source to an RCA analogue input.
Digital outputs must be connected to one of the X-P1200’s dedicated optical, coaxial or USB digital inputs.
Separate MM and MC Phono Inputs
The X-P1200 provides separate RCA connections for moving-magnet and moving-coil turntable cartridges.
Connect the turntable to the input matching the fitted cartridge:
- PHONO MM for a compatible moving-magnet cartridge
- PHONO MC for a compatible moving-coil cartridge
A grounding terminal is provided for turntables fitted with a separate earth lead.
48dB MM and 64dB MC Gain
Advance Paris publishes phono gain figures of 48dB for moving magnet and 64dB for moving coil.
The higher MC gain is intended to accommodate the lower output produced by a typical moving-coil cartridge.
Cartridge output, loading requirements and system gain should still be checked before purchase, particularly with unusually low-output moving-coil designs.
Check Cartridge Compatibility
Advance Paris does not publish detailed resistance and capacitance loading figures for the two phono inputs.
Audio T can check the specification of your cartridge and advise whether the internal phono stage or a separate specialist phono stage is the better match.
Analog Devices AD1955 DAC
Digital-to-analogue conversion is handled by an Analog Devices AD1955 DAC.
The AD1955 uses a multibit sigma-delta architecture with digital interpolation filters and differential current outputs.
Compatible PCM signals up to 24-bit/192kHz can be handled through the supported digital connections.
Cirrus Logic CS8416 Digital Receiver
The optical and coaxial inputs are handled through a Cirrus Logic CS8416 digital receiver before conversion by the AD1955 DAC.
The receiver accepts the incoming S/PDIF signal and passes the recovered digital audio to the converter.
Two Optical Digital Inputs
Two optical Toslink inputs allow compatible digital source equipment to use the X-P1200’s internal DAC.
Suitable sources may include a television, CD player, network streamer or games console with stereo optical output.
A television may need to be configured for stereo PCM rather than Dolby Digital, DTS or another multichannel format.
Two Coaxial Digital Inputs
Two coaxial S/PDIF inputs are provided for compatible CD transports, network players and other digital sources.
Use a purpose-designed 75-ohm coaxial digital cable rather than one half of a conventional stereo analogue interconnect.
XMOS USB-B Computer Audio
A rear USB-B input allows a compatible Windows computer, Mac or Linux computer to be used as a digital source.
The USB interface is supplied by XMOS, with digital-to-analogue conversion handled by the internal AD1955 DAC.
Some Windows installations may require a compatible driver. Complete the driver installation and USB connection before switching on the preamplifier where required.
USB-B Is for Computer Audio
The USB-B connection is not intended for a USB memory stick, portable hard drive or phone-charging cable.
Music files are played by the connected computer, with the X-P1200 selected as its audio-output device.
Balanced XLR Preamplifier Output
A stereo pair of balanced XLR outputs allows the X-P1200 to connect to a compatible stereo power amplifier or pair of monoblocks.
Balanced connections can be particularly useful where the power amplifiers are positioned close to the loudspeakers and longer interconnects are required from the preamplifier.
Unbalanced RCA Preamplifier Output
A stereo RCA output is provided for power amplifiers and active loudspeakers fitted with conventional unbalanced inputs.
Connect the left and right outputs to the corresponding inputs on the downstream amplifier.
Begin with the volume low when using the X-P1200 with a new power amplifier or active loudspeaker system.
XLR or RCA Output
The balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs provide alternative ways of connecting the power amplifier.
The preferred option will depend on the design of the power amplifier, cable length and complete system.
An Audio T demonstration can help compare the two connection methods where both are available.
Matching X-A1200 Monoblocks
The X-P1200 has been developed as the natural control partner for two Advance Paris X-A1200 mono power amplifiers.
The left preamplifier output connects to the monoblock powering the left loudspeaker, while the right output connects to the amplifier powering the right loudspeaker.
Balanced XLR connections can be used throughout the system.
Compatible with Other Power Amplifiers
The X-P1200 is not restricted to Advance Paris power amplifiers.
It can be connected to a suitable stereo power amplifier, pair of monoblocks or active loudspeakers with compatible RCA or XLR inputs.
Input sensitivity, gain, impedance and connection type should be considered when selecting the partnering equipment.
3.5mm Headphone Output
A front 3.5mm stereo headphone socket is provided for 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 energiser and cannot be driven directly.
Trigger Control
A trigger connection allows the X-P1200’s power state to be coordinated with compatible power amplifiers or control equipment.
This is particularly useful with a pair of monoblocks, allowing the connected amplifiers to switch on and off with the preamplifier.
Trigger connections carry control voltage rather than an audio signal and require a suitable trigger cable.
Front-Panel Operation
The front panel provides separate buttons for analogue and digital source selection, together with a central display and rotary volume control.
The display shows the active source and recalls the previously selected input when the preamplifier is switched on again.
The supplied remote control provides convenient operation from the listening position.
No Power-Amplifier Stage
The X-P1200 does not contain speaker amplification or loudspeaker terminals.
It must be connected to a separate power amplifier or compatible active loudspeakers before it can drive a listening system.
No Valve Stage Specified
Advance Paris does not identify the X-P1200 as using valves in its preamplifier or output stages.
Its design instead focuses on dual-mono separation, independent power supplies, relay switching and balanced and unbalanced analogue circuitry.
No Network Streaming or Bluetooth
Ethernet, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth reception are not built in.
A network player or Bluetooth receiver can be connected through one of the available analogue or digital inputs.
This allows the streaming platform and services to be selected independently from the preamplifier.
No HDMI Connection
HDMI ARC and HDMI eARC are not provided.
A compatible television can instead be connected through an optical input, with its audio output set to stereo PCM.
Installation and Equipment Support
The X-P1200 measures 440mm wide, 155mm high and 430mm deep, with a published net weight of 14.2kg.
Place it on a strong, stable and level Hi-Fi rack with sufficient ventilation around the cabinet.
Allow additional rear clearance for the mains lead, digital cables, analogue interconnects and trigger connection.
Key Features
- Reference stereo preamplifier
- True dual-mono construction
- Independent left and right preamplifier circuits
- Two toroidal power transformers
- Four 12,000µF/150V power-supply capacitors
- 48,000µF combined filtering capacity
- Mains choke and capacitor filtering
- Relay-based source switching
- Burr-Brown operational amplifiers
- Nine analogue source selections
- Separate MM and MC phono inputs
- 48dB moving-magnet phono gain
- 64dB moving-coil phono gain
- Turntable grounding terminal
- Five stereo RCA line inputs
- Two stereo balanced XLR inputs
- Two optical digital inputs
- Two coaxial digital inputs
- XMOS USB-B computer-audio input
- Analog Devices AD1955 DAC
- Cirrus Logic CS8416 digital receiver
- Compatible PCM processing up to 24-bit/192kHz
- Stereo balanced XLR preamplifier output
- Stereo unbalanced RCA preamplifier output
- Front 3.5mm headphone output
- Trigger control
- Front analogue and digital source selectors
- Central information display
- Remote volume and source control
- 10Hz to 150kHz published frequency response
- Less than 0.01% published distortion
- At least 110dB signal-to-noise ratio
- At least 100dB channel separation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Advance Paris X-P1200?
It is a dual-mono stereo preamplifier with analogue and digital inputs, separate MM and MC phono connections, an internal DAC and balanced and unbalanced outputs.
Does it power passive loudspeakers?
No. A separate power amplifier or compatible active loudspeakers are required.
Is it a true dual-mono design?
Yes. The left and right channels use independent preamplifier circuits and separate power supplies.
How many transformers does it use?
It uses two toroidal transformers.
Does it have a phono stage?
Yes. Separate moving-magnet and moving-coil phono inputs are provided.
What is the phono gain?
Advance Paris publishes 48dB for moving magnet and 64dB for moving coil.
Does it have balanced inputs?
Yes. Two stereo balanced XLR inputs are provided for CD and AUX sources.
How many RCA line inputs does it have?
It provides five conventional stereo RCA line inputs, in addition to the separate MM and MC phono inputs.
What DAC does it use?
It uses an Analog Devices AD1955 digital-to-analogue converter.
What is the maximum supported PCM resolution?
The internal digital section supports compatible PCM signals up to 24-bit/192kHz.
Can I connect a computer?
Yes. An XMOS USB-B input is provided for compatible Windows, Mac and Linux computers.
Can it play from a USB memory stick?
No. The USB-B input is designed for computer audio rather than USB storage.
How many optical inputs does it have?
It provides two optical Toslink inputs.
How many coaxial inputs does it have?
It provides two coaxial S/PDIF inputs.
Does it have balanced outputs?
Yes. A stereo balanced XLR preamplifier output is provided.
Does it also have RCA outputs?
Yes. A stereo unbalanced RCA preamplifier output is also provided.
Can it be used with other brands of power amplifier?
Yes, provided the power amplifier has compatible RCA or XLR inputs and suitable gain and input sensitivity.
Which Advance Paris amplifier is the matching partner?
The X-P1200 has been designed particularly for use with a pair of Advance Paris X-A1200 monoblocks.
Does it have a headphone output?
Yes. A front 3.5mm stereo headphone socket is provided.
Does it contain valves?
No valve stage is specified by Advance Paris for the X-P1200.
Does it have Bluetooth?
No. A separate Bluetooth receiver can be connected through a compatible analogue or digital input.
Does it have network streaming?
No. A separate network player is required.
Does it have HDMI ARC?
No. A television can instead use one of the optical inputs with stereo PCM output.
Does it have subwoofer outputs?
Dedicated subwoofer outputs are not specified.
How large and heavy is it?
It measures 440mm wide, 155mm high and 430mm deep, with a net weight of 14.2kg.
Related Advance Paris Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Independent advice from experienced Hi-Fi specialists
- Preamplifier and power-amplifier matching
- In-store demonstrations at participating branches
- MM and MC cartridge compatibility guidance
- Balanced XLR and RCA connection advice
- USB computer-audio setup support
- Internal and external DAC comparisons
- Monoblock and active-loudspeaker integration
- Interconnect and equipment-rack recommendations
- 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-P1200 with your sources, cartridge and power amplifier.