Audio T Verdict
The Advance Paris X-A160 EVO is a substantial stereo power amplifier designed for systems that require greater control, current delivery and dynamic headroom than a typical integrated amplifier can provide.
It delivers 160W per channel into 8 ohms and 240W per channel into 4 ohms, while selectable High-Bias operation allows the first watts to behave in a manner comparable with Class A before the amplifier progresses into Class A/B.
Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs, a powerful toroidal transformer, high-current output transistors and switchable VU-meter illumination make it a natural partner for the Advance Paris X-P700 or another suitably equipped preamplifier.
Advance Paris X-A160 EVO Stereo Power Amplifier
The Advance Paris X-A160 EVO is a two-channel power amplifier designed to drive a conventional stereo pair of passive loudspeakers.
It contains no source selector, phono stage, digital-to-analogue converter or conventional volume control. Instead, it receives a variable stereo signal from a separate preamplifier, streaming preamplifier, compatible DAC or AV processor.
The amplifier then supplies the power required to drive the left and right loudspeakers.
160W Per Channel into 8 Ohms
The X-A160 EVO delivers 160W RMS per channel into an 8-ohm loudspeaker load.
This provides useful headroom for musical peaks and allows the amplifier to work with a broad range of standmount and floorstanding loudspeakers.
Greater amplifier power can be particularly useful with lower-sensitivity speakers, larger listening rooms and systems used at greater listening distances.
240W Per Channel into 4 Ohms
Output increases to 240W RMS per channel into 4 ohms.
The increase in available power as loudspeaker impedance falls demonstrates the amplifier’s ability to deliver additional current into a more demanding load.
Successful system matching will still depend on the loudspeaker’s complete impedance behaviour, sensitivity, room size and required listening level.
Arrange a Loudspeaker Demonstration
Power figures alone cannot show how a power amplifier and loudspeaker will perform together.
An Audio T demonstration can establish whether the X-A160 EVO provides the control, tonal balance, scale and listening level required by your chosen speakers.
Class A/B Amplification
The X-A160 EVO’s main output stage operates in Class A/B.
This design allows the amplifier to deliver substantial continuous and peak power without producing the constant heat and power consumption associated with a high-output pure Class A amplifier.
The amplifier automatically manages the transition between its output devices as the signal changes.
Selectable High-Bias Mode
A rear-panel High-Bias switch increases the standing bias applied to the output stage.
When High-Bias is selected, Advance Paris describes the amplifier as providing Class A-like operation over its first watts before progressing automatically into Class A/B as more power is required.
This allows listeners to combine higher-bias low-level operation with the greater output reserves of the Class A/B power stage.
High-Bias Ventilation Requirements
The amplifier produces more heat when High-Bias mode is enabled.
Advance Paris recommends approximately 5cm of clear space at each side and 10cm above the amplifier.
All ventilation openings must remain unobstructed. Do not install the X-A160 EVO inside a sealed cabinet or place another component directly on top of it.
High-Current Output Transistors
The power-amplifier stage uses high-current NJW0281G and NJW0302G complementary bipolar output transistors.
These are the same transistor types referenced by Advance Paris for its earlier MAA 1000 power amplifier.
The output stage is designed to provide the current required by demanding loudspeaker loads while maintaining control during large musical changes.
Substantial Toroidal Transformer
The current Advance Paris specification lists a 700W toroidal transformer.
The transformer supplies the amplifier’s audio and control circuits and provides the foundation for its 160W-per-channel output.
Toroidal transformers are widely used in high-quality Hi-Fi amplifiers because they can provide substantial current while producing a relatively low external magnetic field.
Linear Power Supply
The X-A160 EVO uses a conventional linear power supply rather than a compact switch-mode design.
The official technical information identifies four 10,000µF, 80V reservoir capacitors within the power-supply filtering.
These capacitors store energy for the output stage and help maintain stable supply rails during sudden musical peaks.
Compartmentalised Chassis
The amplifier uses a rigid, compartmentalised internal chassis.
The separate sections help isolate the power supply, audio circuitry and other internal assemblies from one another.
This arrangement also strengthens the enclosure and provides a stable foundation for the heavy transformer, heatsinking and amplifier components.
Balanced XLR Inputs
A stereo pair of balanced XLR inputs allows the X-A160 EVO to connect to a compatible balanced preamplifier, DAC or processor.
Balanced transmission can provide improved rejection of external interference, particularly when longer interconnects are required between the preamplifier and power amplifier.
The XLR input impedance is specified at 38k ohms.
Unbalanced RCA Inputs
A stereo pair of unbalanced RCA inputs is also provided.
These can be used with a conventional preamplifier, streamer or DAC fitted with variable RCA outputs.
The RCA input impedance is specified at 20k ohms.
RCA or XLR Input Selection
A rear-panel selector determines whether the amplifier uses its balanced XLR inputs or unbalanced RCA inputs.
The two connection types are alternatives and should not be used simultaneously.
Switch the amplifier off before changing the selector or connecting and disconnecting interconnects.
Requires a Separate Preamplifier
The X-A160 EVO is a power amplifier and does not provide conventional source selection or listening-level control.
It should normally be connected to a compatible component with a properly implemented variable output, such as:
- A dedicated stereo preamplifier
- A streaming preamplifier
- A compatible DAC with safe volume control
- An AV receiver or processor with front-channel preamplifier outputs
Do Not Connect an Uncontrolled Fixed Output
Connecting a fixed-level source directly to a power amplifier can produce an immediate and dangerously high listening level.
Confirm that the connected source provides a safe variable output before switching on the X-A160 EVO.
Matching Advance Paris X-P700 Preamplifier
The Advance Paris X-P700 is a natural control partner for the X-A160 EVO.
It provides source selection, volume control, balanced and unbalanced outputs, analogue and digital inputs, headphone amplification and a configurable phono stage.
The two components also share complementary full-width styling and illuminated VU meters.
Compatible with Other Preamplifiers
The X-A160 EVO is not restricted to an Advance Paris preamplifier.
It can be used with another suitable preamplifier, streamer, DAC or processor fitted with compatible variable RCA or XLR outputs.
Output level, gain structure, connector wiring and grounding should be considered when choosing the partnering component.
Home Cinema Integration
The X-A160 EVO can power the front-left and front-right loudspeakers in a compatible home cinema system.
The front-channel preamplifier outputs from an AV receiver or processor connect to the X-A160 EVO’s RCA or XLR inputs.
Volume and channel calibration are then controlled by the AV equipment.
Trigger connections can coordinate the power state of the power amplifier with the rest of the system.
Trigger Input and Output
A 12V trigger input allows compatible equipment to switch the X-A160 EVO on and off remotely.
A trigger output can pass the control signal to another suitable component.
This can be particularly useful in a pre and power amplifier system or home cinema installation containing several components.
Trigger connections carry control voltage rather than audio and require suitable trigger cables.
Speaker Terminals
One stereo set of high-current binding posts connects the X-A160 EVO to the left and right passive loudspeakers.
The terminals accept:
- Properly prepared bare speaker cable
- Pin connectors
- Compatible spade connectors
- 4mm banana plugs
Advance Paris specifies loudspeakers with a nominal impedance of 4 ohms or higher.
Maintaining Correct Speaker Polarity
Connect the right-channel amplifier terminals to the right loudspeaker and the left-channel terminals 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.
Switch the amplifier off before connecting or disconnecting speaker cables.
Dual Illuminated VU Meters
Two large illuminated VU meters dominate the front panel.
The meters provide a visual indication of the left and right channel output into an 8-ohm reference load.
They also integrate the signal over a short period to give an indication of average amplifier activity.
The meters are visual guides rather than precision measuring instruments.
Switchable Meter Illumination
A rear-panel control allows the VU-meter lighting to be switched off.
This can be useful in a dark listening room or when the amplifier is incorporated into a home cinema installation.
Switching off the illumination does not affect the amplifier’s audio performance.
Front Standby Control
A front-panel standby button switches the amplifier between standby and normal operation when the rear master-power switch is on.
The button illuminates red in standby and white when the amplifier is operating.
A short start-up delay allows the internal power supply and protection circuits to establish normal operating conditions.
Low Standby Consumption
Published standby power consumption is below 0.5W.
For extended periods without use, the amplifier can be switched off at the rear and disconnected from the mains supply.
Automatic Mains-Voltage Selection
The X-A160 EVO is designed to operate from compatible 115V or 230V mains supplies.
The official manual describes automatic voltage selection.
The rear master-power switch should be in the off position before the mains cable is connected.
Wide 10Hz to 80kHz Bandwidth
The published frequency response extends from 10Hz to 80kHz at the manufacturer’s stated limits.
This extends beyond the conventional audible range and allows the amplifier to reproduce the full audio spectrum without an abrupt roll-off within the listening band.
Published Distortion and Noise
Advance Paris publishes distortion below 0.07% and a signal-to-noise ratio above 120dB.
Channel separation is specified at greater than 80dB.
Performance within a complete system will also depend on the preamplifier, source components, cable routing, grounding, loudspeakers and mains environment.
Not a Monoblock Amplifier
The X-A160 EVO is a stereo power amplifier containing left and right channels in one enclosure.
One X-A160 EVO is therefore sufficient to power a conventional stereo loudspeaker pair.
Listeners wanting separate mono amplifiers can consider a pair of Advance Paris X-A220 EVO monoblocks or the larger X-A1200.
No Bridged Mode Specified
Advance Paris does not specify a user-selectable bridged or mono operating mode for the X-A160 EVO.
It should be used as a conventional two-channel stereo power amplifier.
Do not attempt to bridge the outputs unless Advance Paris provides specific authorised instructions.
No Built-In Source Facilities
The X-A160 EVO does not contain:
- A network streamer
- Bluetooth reception
- A phono stage
- A digital-to-analogue converter
- USB audio
- HDMI connectivity
- A headphone output
These functions must be provided by the connected preamplifier or source equipment.
Installation and Equipment Support
The current Advance Paris and Audio T listings give dimensions of 440mm wide, 160mm high and 430mm deep.
The amplifier weighs 19kg and requires a strong, level Hi-Fi rack or amplifier platform.
The published depth does not include the additional space required for the mains lead, XLR or RCA interconnects, trigger cables and speaker cables.
Allow Adequate Rear Clearance
Allow sufficient space behind the amplifier so that heavy or stiff cables are not sharply bent or forced against a wall or cabinet panel.
Do not allow analogue interconnects to rest directly against mains cables where this can be avoided.
Keep speaker-cable connections secure and ensure no loose conductor strands can bridge adjacent terminals.
Key Features
- High-current stereo power amplifier
- 160W RMS per channel into 8 ohms
- 240W RMS per channel into 4 ohms
- Class A/B power-amplifier design
- Selectable High-Bias mode
- Class A-like operation over the first watts in High-Bias mode
- 700W-rated toroidal transformer
- Linear power supply
- Four 10,000µF, 80V reservoir capacitors
- High-current NJW0281G and NJW0302G output transistors
- Rigid compartmentalised chassis
- Stereo balanced XLR inputs
- Stereo unbalanced RCA inputs
- Rear RCA and XLR input selector
- 38k-ohm balanced input impedance
- 20k-ohm unbalanced input impedance
- One stereo pair of loudspeaker terminals
- 4-ohm minimum loudspeaker impedance
- Bare-wire compatibility
- Pin-connector compatibility
- Spade-connector compatibility
- 4mm banana-plug compatibility
- 12V trigger input and output
- Dual illuminated VU meters
- Switchable meter illumination
- Front-panel standby control
- Automatic 115V or 230V mains selection
- Standby consumption below 0.5W
- Maximum published consumption below 500W
- 10Hz to 80kHz published frequency response
- Distortion below 0.07%
- Signal-to-noise ratio above 120dB
- Channel separation above 80dB
- 19kg net weight
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Advance Paris X-A160 EVO?
It is a two-channel stereo power amplifier designed to connect to a separate preamplifier or compatible variable-output source.
How powerful is it?
It delivers 160W RMS per channel into 8 ohms and 240W RMS per channel into 4 ohms.
Is it a stereo amplifier or monoblock?
It is a stereo power amplifier. One unit powers both the left and right loudspeakers.
Does it operate in Class A?
The main design is Class A/B. High-Bias mode provides Class A-like operation over the first watts before the amplifier progresses automatically into Class A/B.
Does High-Bias mode produce more heat?
Yes. Advance Paris recommends approximately 5cm of clearance at each side and 10cm above the amplifier.
What transformer does it use?
The current Advance Paris specification lists a 700W toroidal transformer.
Why do some documents mention an 800VA transformer?
An older datasheet contains conflicting 800VA and 700VA references. This page uses the current product-page and manual specification of 700W.
Which output transistors are used?
Advance Paris identifies high-current NJW0281G and NJW0302G complementary bipolar transistors.
Does it have balanced inputs?
Yes. It has a stereo pair of balanced XLR inputs.
Does it also have RCA inputs?
Yes. A stereo pair of unbalanced RCA inputs is provided.
Can the RCA and XLR inputs be used together?
No. A rear-panel selector determines which input type is active.
What are the input impedances?
The balanced XLR input is specified at 38k ohms and the unbalanced RCA input at 20k ohms.
Does it have a volume control?
No. Listening level must be controlled by the connected preamplifier, streamer, DAC or processor.
Can I connect a CD player directly?
Only if the CD player provides a properly implemented variable output. A normal fixed-level CD output should be connected through a preamplifier.
Can I connect a streamer directly?
Yes, where the streamer has a safe variable output and suitable volume control. Fixed-level output should be connected through a preamplifier.
Which preamplifier is the natural partner?
The Advance Paris X-P700 is the closest matching partner, although other compatible RCA or XLR preamplifiers can also be used.
Can it be used in a home cinema system?
Yes. Connect the front-channel preamplifier outputs from a compatible AV receiver or processor to the X-A160 EVO.
Does it have trigger connections?
Yes. Trigger input and output connections allow compatible equipment to coordinate power operation.
How many pairs of loudspeakers can it power?
It provides terminals for one conventional stereo pair of passive loudspeakers.
What is the minimum speaker impedance?
Advance Paris specifies loudspeakers with a nominal impedance of 4 ohms or higher.
Which speaker-cable connections are supported?
The terminals accept properly prepared bare wire, pin connectors, compatible spades and 4mm banana plugs.
Can the VU-meter lights be switched off?
Yes. A rear-panel control switches the meter illumination off when required.
Can the amplifier be bridged?
Advance Paris does not specify a bridged operating mode. It should be used as a conventional stereo power amplifier.
Does it include a DAC or streamer?
No. It is a dedicated analogue power amplifier.
What is the published frequency response?
The published frequency response is 10Hz to 80kHz.
What is the signal-to-noise ratio?
Advance Paris specifies a signal-to-noise ratio above 120dB.
How much power does it use in standby?
Published standby consumption is below 0.5W.
How large is it?
The current published dimensions are 440mm wide, 160mm high and 430mm deep.
Why do some documents state a depth of 420mm?
An older manual and datasheet list 420mm. This page uses the current Advance Paris and Audio T measurement of 430mm.
How much does it weigh?
The published net weight is 19kg.
Related Advance Paris Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Independent advice from experienced Hi-Fi specialists
- Pre and power amplifier system matching
- In-store demonstrations at participating branches
- Loudspeaker power and impedance guidance
- Balanced XLR and RCA connection advice
- Home cinema power-amplifier integration
- Equipment-rack and ventilation advice
- Speaker-cable and interconnect 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-A160 EVO with your preamplifier, loudspeakers and listening room.