Audio T Verdict
The Advance Paris X-Stream 9 brings several source components together in one sensibly sized enclosure. It can stream music over your home network, play CDs and USB storage, receive DAB/DAB+ and FM radio, connect directly to a computer and act as a DAC for additional digital equipment.
Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs make it suitable for a wide range of integrated amplifiers and preamplifiers, while the selectable fixed or variable output provides additional system flexibility.
Bluetooth requires an optional receiver, but with Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Spotify Connect, AirPlay, DLNA and the Advance PlayStream app already included, the X-Stream 9 remains an impressively comprehensive digital source.
Advance Paris X-Stream 9 Universal Music Source
The Advance Paris X-Stream 9 combines a network music streamer, CD player, digital-to-analogue converter, USB music player and DAB/DAB+/FM tuner in one component.
It is designed to connect to an integrated amplifier, preamplifier or compatible active loudspeaker system, providing access to physical discs, internet streaming, radio broadcasts, computer audio and music stored around the home.
The X-Stream 9 does not contain a power amplifier or loudspeaker terminals.
Network Music Streaming
The X-Stream 9 connects to a home network through wired Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
Once connected, it can access compatible streaming services, internet radio and music libraries stored on a computer, network drive or NAS.
A wired Ethernet connection will usually provide the most consistent performance, particularly where the Wi-Fi signal is weak or the network carries a large amount of traffic.
Advance PlayStream App
Network playback is controlled through the Advance PlayStream app for compatible iOS and Android phones and tablets.
The app provides access to music browsing, playlists, internet services, network shares, device settings and compatible multiroom functions.
Available services and features can change as the app, streaming providers and product firmware are updated.
Spotify Connect and Streaming Services
Spotify Connect allows the X-Stream 9 to be selected as a playback device directly from the Spotify app.
Advance Paris also documents access to Qobuz and other supported services through the PlayStream platform.
Individual subscriptions may be required, and availability can depend on the app version, firmware, account type and country.
Internet Radio
The network platform provides access to a wide selection of local, national and international internet radio stations.
Internet radio requires an active broadband connection and does not use the supplied DAB/FM antenna.
AirPlay and DLNA
AirPlay compatibility allows audio to be sent from suitable Apple products and applications over the home network.
DLNA compatibility allows the X-Stream 9 to access compatible music libraries and media servers on the same network.
AirPlay 2 is not identified in the current manufacturer specification, so compatibility should be treated as standard AirPlay unless Advance Paris confirms otherwise.
Compatible Multiroom Playback
The Advance PlayStream platform supports multiroom playback with compatible products connected to the same network.
Different devices can be managed through the app, allowing music to be played in more than one room.
Available grouping and playback options will depend on the connected products and current app software.
Integrated CD Player
A front-loading CD mechanism allows an existing disc collection to be played without adding a separate CD player.
The transport uses a Tamul servo system with a 16-bit processor and 24-bit DSP to manage disc reading and playback.
Supported disc types include conventional audio CDs, CD-R and CD-RW, together with compatible MP3 and WMA recordings.
CD Transport Controls
The front panel and remote provide access to normal disc functions including:
- Play and pause
- Stop
- Disc eject
- Previous and next track
- Forward and reverse search
The current manufacturer specification confirms uninterrupted playback between compatible CD tracks.
Cirrus Logic CS4398 DAC
The current Advance Paris specification identifies a Cirrus Logic CS4398 digital-to-analogue converter.
The DAC handles the X-Stream 9’s internal digital sources and compatible equipment connected through its optical and coaxial inputs.
An older operating manual refers to a different DAC, so the CS4398 listed by Advance Paris on the current product page has been used here.
Three Optical Digital Inputs
Three optical Toslink inputs allow additional digital equipment to use the X-Stream 9’s internal DAC.
Compatible sources may include:
- Televisions
- CD transports
- Games consoles
- Network players
- Other digital audio sources
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 digital sources.
Use a purpose-designed 75-ohm digital coaxial cable rather than one half of a conventional stereo RCA interconnect.
XMOS USB-B Computer Audio
A rear asynchronous XMOS USB-B input allows a compatible Windows computer or Mac to be connected directly.
Advance Paris specifies high-resolution computer playback including DSD through the USB interface, although the current product page does not publish a precise maximum DSD rate.
A compatible driver may be required for Windows computers. Mac computers may operate without additional driver software.
USB-B Is for Computer Audio
The rear USB-B connection is designed for a computer rather than a USB memory stick or portable hard drive.
Music storage should be connected to the separate USB-A port or accessed across the network.
USB-A Storage Playback
The USB-A connection supports compatible music stored on a USB memory device or FAT32-formatted hard drive.
The official operating instructions list support for:
The manual specifies FAT32 drives up to 128GB. Larger libraries are better stored on a compatible NAS and accessed through the network player.
DAB and DAB+ Digital Radio
The integrated DAB/DAB+ tuner provides access to compatible digital radio broadcasts available in your area.
Station choice and reception quality depend on local coverage and antenna positioning.
FM Radio
A conventional FM tuner is also included for analogue radio reception.
The supplied antenna connects to the rear FM/DAB socket and should be positioned for the strongest practical signal.
Optional Bluetooth Reception
Bluetooth is not built into the standard X-Stream 9.
A dedicated Bluetooth Direct Digital port accepts either of the following optional receivers:
The optional receiver passes the Bluetooth signal digitally into the host component rather than using a separate analogue interconnect.
Bluetooth Receiver Sold Separately
The product name on the existing Audio T page may suggest that Bluetooth is included.
An X-FTB01 or X-FTB02 module must be purchased separately if Bluetooth playback is required.
Balanced XLR Analogue Outputs
A stereo pair of balanced XLR outputs allows the X-Stream 9 to connect to a compatible integrated amplifier, preamplifier or active loudspeaker system.
Balanced transmission can improve rejection of external electrical interference, particularly where longer interconnects are required.
Unbalanced RCA Analogue Outputs
A conventional stereo RCA output is provided for amplifiers without balanced XLR inputs.
Connect it to a normal line-level input labelled CD, AUX, Line or another suitable source name.
Do not connect the X-Stream 9 to a turntable phono input.
Fixed or Variable Output
The analogue outputs can be configured for fixed-level or variable operation.
Fixed output is normally used when an integrated amplifier or preamplifier controls the listening level.
Variable output allows the X-Stream 9’s own volume control to adjust the level supplied to compatible downstream equipment.
Take Care with Variable Output
Reduce the X-Stream 9’s volume before connecting it directly to a power amplifier or active loudspeakers.
Confirm that variable mode is active before beginning playback.
Optical and Coaxial Digital Outputs
One optical Toslink and one coaxial S/PDIF output allow a compatible external DAC, digital amplifier or recorder to be connected.
Using a digital output bypasses the X-Stream 9’s internal analogue output stage and allows the connected component to perform digital-to-analogue conversion.
Trigger Input and Output
Trigger input and output connections allow compatible equipment to coordinate power operation.
The X-Stream 9 can follow the power state of a suitable amplifier or send a control signal to another compatible product.
Automatic Standby
An automatic power-down setting can place the X-Stream 9 into standby after approximately 30 minutes without an audio signal.
The function can be adjusted through the system settings.
No Built-In Amplifier
The X-Stream 9 is a source component rather than an all-in-one music system.
It does not contain speaker amplification, loudspeaker terminals, a phono input or a headphone output.
A compatible amplifier and loudspeakers are required to complete the system.
Installation and Equipment Support
The X-Stream 9 measures 430mm wide, 110mm high and 309mm deep, with a published net weight of 4.8kg.
Place it on a stable, level Hi-Fi rack or shelf and keep the front clear so that the CD tray can open fully.
Allow additional space behind the unit for the Wi-Fi antenna, radio antenna, mains lead, network cable and audio connections.
Key Features
- Universal digital music source
- Network music streamer
- Wired Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity
- Advance PlayStream control app
- Spotify Connect
- Qobuz and compatible app-based services
- Internet radio
- AirPlay compatibility
- DLNA network playback
- Compatible multiroom operation
- Integrated CD player
- CD, CD-R and CD-RW playback
- Compatible MP3 and WMA disc playback
- DAB and DAB+ digital radio
- FM radio
- Cirrus Logic CS4398 DAC
- Three optical digital inputs
- Two coaxial digital inputs
- XMOS asynchronous USB-B computer input
- DSD-capable computer audio
- USB-A music storage playback
- MP3, WAV, FLAC, ALAC and AAC USB support
- Balanced XLR analogue outputs
- Unbalanced RCA analogue outputs
- Selectable fixed or variable analogue output
- Optical digital output
- Coaxial digital output
- Optional X-FTB01 or X-FTB02 Bluetooth receiver
- Trigger input and output
- Infrared remote operation
- Automatic standby
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Advance Paris X-Stream 9?
It is a network streamer, CD player, DAC, USB music player and DAB/DAB+/FM tuner in one source component.
Does it contain an amplifier?
No. It must be connected to an integrated amplifier, preamplifier and power amplifier, or compatible active loudspeakers.
Does it have Bluetooth built in?
No. Bluetooth requires the optional X-FTB01 or X-FTB02 receiver.
Does it support Spotify Connect?
Yes. The X-Stream 9 can be selected as a playback device from the Spotify app.
Does it support Qobuz?
Qobuz is documented through the Advance PlayStream platform. Service availability may depend on the current app, firmware and region.
Does it support AirPlay?
Yes. Standard AirPlay compatibility is specified. AirPlay 2 is not currently confirmed.
Can it play music from a NAS?
Yes. Compatible network shares and DLNA music libraries can be accessed through the PlayStream platform.
Can it play CDs?
Yes. It supports audio CD, CD-R and CD-RW, plus compatible MP3 and WMA recordings.
What DAC does it use?
The current Advance Paris product page identifies a Cirrus Logic CS4398 DAC.
How many optical inputs does it have?
It provides three optical Toslink inputs.
How many coaxial inputs does it have?
It provides two coaxial S/PDIF inputs.
Can I connect a computer?
Yes. The asynchronous XMOS USB-B input supports compatible Windows and Mac computer audio, including DSD playback.
Can it play from a USB memory stick?
Yes. The USB-A input supports compatible MP3, WAV, FLAC, ALAC and AAC files.
Does it have digital outputs?
Yes. One optical and one coaxial digital output are provided.
Does it have balanced outputs?
Yes. It provides a stereo pair of balanced XLR analogue outputs.
Can its volume be adjusted?
Yes. The analogue output can be configured for variable operation, or set to fixed level for use with a conventional amplifier.
Does it include DAB+ radio?
Yes. DAB, DAB+ and FM tuners are built in.
Is network playback completely gapless?
The current manufacturer specification notes a brief interruption between network tracks. Compatible CD playback is listed as uninterrupted.
How large is it?
It measures 430mm wide, 110mm high and 309mm deep.
How much does it weigh?
The current published net weight is 4.8kg.
Related Advance Paris Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Independent advice from experienced Hi-Fi specialists
- Streamer and amplifier system matching
- In-store demonstrations at participating branches
- Home-network and Wi-Fi setup guidance
- Streaming-service and app support
- USB computer-audio advice
- Balanced XLR and RCA connection guidance
- Internal and external DAC comparisons
- Bluetooth accessory compatibility checks
- Digital and analogue cable 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 connecting the Advance Paris X-Stream 9 to your amplifier, home network and digital sources.