Audio T Verdict
The Advance Paris PlayStream A5 combines a powerful Class A/B integrated amplifier with high-resolution network streaming, DAB+/FM radio, a versatile MM and MC phono stage and extensive analogue and digital connectivity.
Its 80W-per-channel output, High-Bias mode, PCM1796 DAC, two subwoofer outputs and separate PRE-OUT and AMP-IN connections give it considerably more flexibility than many conventional streaming amplifiers.
It is a compelling one-box foundation for a system built around streaming, vinyl, radio and separate digital sources, particularly for listeners who want substantial connectivity without adding several different components.
Advance Paris PlayStream A5 Streaming Amplifier
The Advance Paris PlayStream A5 is a connected stereo integrated amplifier combining network music playback, radio reception, digital-to-analogue conversion and conventional analogue amplification.
It can stream music through Ethernet or Wi-Fi, receive FM and DAB+ radio, play music from USB storage and connect a wide range of analogue and digital source equipment.
Add a suitable pair of passive loudspeakers and the PlayStream A5 can form the centre of a comprehensive modern Hi-Fi system.
Class A/B Amplification
The PlayStream A5 uses a traditional Class A/B power-amplifier design rather than the Class D amplification frequently found in compact streaming systems.
Advance Paris rates the amplifier at 80W per channel into an 8-ohm load and 130W per channel into 4 ohms.
This provides sufficient power for a wide range of compatible standmount and floorstanding loudspeakers.
The final suitability of any amplifier and loudspeaker combination will depend on speaker sensitivity, impedance behaviour, room size, listening distance and preferred volume.
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 PlayStream A5 provides the tonal balance, control and listening level required by your chosen speakers.
Selectable High-Bias Mode
A rear-panel High-Bias switch changes the operating bias of the amplifier’s output stage.
When enabled, Advance Paris describes the first few watts as behaving in a manner comparable with Class A before the amplifier transitions into normal Class A/B operation as more power is required.
High-Bias mode increases heat generation, so the amplifier requires clear ventilation around its top and sides.
PCM1796 Digital-to-Analogue Converter
The current Advance Paris and Audio T specifications identify the internal DAC as a PCM1796.
It processes signals received through the optical and coaxial digital inputs, together with supported network and USB sources.
This allows compatible digital equipment to connect directly without requiring a separate external DAC.
Ethernet and Wi-Fi Network Streaming
The PlayStream A5 connects to a home network through either its RJ45 Ethernet socket or supplied Wi-Fi antenna.
A wired Ethernet connection is recommended where practical because it can provide a particularly stable connection to the home router.
Wi-Fi provides greater installation flexibility where running a network cable is impractical.
The network player can access supported streaming services, internet radio and compatible music libraries stored on computers or network-attached storage devices.
Advance PlayStream App
The Advance PlayStream app is available for compatible iOS and Android devices.
It provides access to network music, supported streaming services, internet radio, playlists, favourites and compatible multiroom functions.
The control device and the PlayStream A5 must be connected to the same home network.
Spotify Connect
Spotify Connect allows the PlayStream A5 to be selected as the playback device from within the Spotify app.
Once playback begins, the amplifier receives the stream through its own network connection rather than relying on a continuous Bluetooth connection from the phone.
A compatible Spotify account and internet connection are required.
Supported Streaming Services
Advance Paris lists services including Spotify, Qobuz, TIDAL and Deezer through the PlayStream platform.
Internet-radio services are also available through the network player.
Streaming-service availability, subscription requirements and maximum playback quality can change over time, so continued support should be confirmed where a particular service is essential.
Subscriptions Are Not Included
Most premium music services require a separate subscription.
The available catalogue, features and playback quality are controlled by the individual service provider.
AirPlay and DLNA Compatibility
AirPlay support allows compatible Apple devices and computers to send music to the PlayStream A5 through the home network.
DLNA compatibility allows the amplifier to access suitable music libraries shared by computers, media servers and network-attached storage devices.
Advance Paris does not specify AirPlay 2, Chromecast or Roon Ready certification for this model.
Compatible Multiroom Playback
The PlayStream platform supports compatible multiroom operation with other suitable Advance Paris network products.
Compatible devices can play different music in separate rooms or be grouped for synchronised playback.
Multiroom reliability will depend on the home network and the capabilities of the connected products.
USB-A Music Playback
A USB-A connection allows music to be played from a compatible USB memory stick or portable storage device.
Published file support includes:
The manual specifies FAT32 storage with a capacity of up to 128GB. Larger music libraries are better stored on a compatible NAS drive and accessed through the network player.
Built-In DAB+ Radio
The integrated DAB and DAB+ tuner provides access to compatible digital radio broadcasts.
When first selected, the tuner can scan for available stations and store the services it finds.
Reception quality depends on local transmitter coverage, building construction and antenna position.
Built-In FM Radio
A conventional FM tuner is also included for analogue radio broadcasts.
Automatic station scanning and preset storage can be controlled with the supplied remote.
The supplied antenna should be positioned for the strongest available reception.
Five RCA Line Inputs
The PlayStream A5 provides five conventional stereo RCA line inputs, identified through the source menu as CD and AUX1 to AUX4.
These inputs can accommodate compatible equipment such as:
- CD and SACD players
- External network streamers
- Cassette decks
- Radio tuners
- External DACs
- Separate phono stages
Each connected component must provide a normal line-level analogue output.
Configurable MM and MC Phono Stage
A separate stereo phono input allows a compatible turntable to connect directly.
The phono stage supports three cartridge settings:
- Moving magnet
- High-output moving coil
- Low-output moving coil
A grounding terminal is provided for turntables fitted with a separate earth lead.
Advance Paris does not publish detailed loading or capacitance figures for the PlayStream A5 phono input, so cartridge compatibility should be confirmed before purchase.
Select the Correct Phono Setting
Choose MM, MC High or MC Low before playing a record.
An incorrect setting may result in an excessively quiet or loud signal and unsuitable electrical loading for the cartridge.
Three Optical Digital Inputs
Three optical Toslink inputs allow compatible digital sources to use the PlayStream A5’s internal DAC.
Optical connections are commonly found on televisions, games consoles, CD players and network streamers.
The published specification supports compatible PCM signals up to 24-bit/96kHz through the optical inputs.
A television may need to be configured for stereo PCM rather than bitstream or multichannel audio.
Coaxial Digital Input
One coaxial S/PDIF input is provided for a compatible CD transport, network player or other digital source.
The published specification supports compatible PCM signals up to 24-bit/192kHz.
Use a purpose-designed 75-ohm digital coaxial cable rather than one half of a conventional analogue RCA interconnect pair.
Optional Bluetooth Reception
Bluetooth is not built into the standard PlayStream A5.
Bluetooth playback requires one of the separately available Advance Paris receiver modules:
- X-FTB01 with aptX
- X-FTB02 with aptX HD and additional supported codecs
The optional module connects directly to the dedicated rear-panel Bluetooth socket and passes the digital signal to the amplifier’s internal DAC.
Stereo PRE-OUT
A variable stereo RCA PRE-OUT allows the PlayStream A5 to feed a compatible external power amplifier.
This allows the A5 to continue handling network streaming, source selection, digital conversion and volume control while a separate amplifier drives the loudspeakers.
It also provides a route for future system expansion.
AMP-IN Power-Amplifier Input
The stereo RCA AMP-IN connection provides direct access to the PlayStream A5’s power-amplifier section.
It can be used with a compatible external preamplifier, audio controller or AV receiver fitted with front-channel preamplifier outputs.
When AMP-IN is active, the listening level must be controlled by the connected preamplifier or processor.
Home Cinema Integration
AMP-IN allows the PlayStream A5 to drive the front-left and front-right loudspeakers in a compatible home cinema system.
This makes it possible to use the same main speakers for dedicated stereo listening and multichannel film sound.
Channel levels must be calibrated carefully through the AV receiver or processor.
Fixed REC-OUT
A fixed-level stereo REC-OUT can feed a compatible cassette deck, recorder or other recording device.
The record-output level does not follow the main volume control.
REC-OUT must not be connected directly to a power amplifier because it does not provide variable volume adjustment.
Two Subwoofer Outputs
Two RCA outputs allow one or two compatible active subwoofers to be connected.
The connected subwoofers must contain their own amplification.
Crossover frequency, gain, phase and positioning should be adjusted using the controls provided by the subwoofer and through careful listening in the room.
One Pair of Passive Loudspeakers
The PlayStream A5 provides one stereo set of binding posts for a conventional pair of passive loudspeakers.
The terminals accept properly prepared bare cable, suitable spade connectors, pin connectors and compatible 4mm banana plugs.
Advance Paris specifies loudspeakers with a nominal impedance of 4 ohms or higher.
The second set of speaker terminals shown in the shared A5/A7 manual applies only to the larger PlayStream A7.
Maintaining Correct Speaker Polarity
Connect the amplifier’s right-channel terminals to the right loudspeaker and the left-channel terminals 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 imaging and reduce bass performance.
Switch the amplifier off before connecting or disconnecting speaker cables and ensure that no loose conductor strands bridge adjacent terminals.
Two Headphone Outputs
The front panel provides both 6.35mm and 3.5mm stereo headphone connections.
This allows many conventional wired headphones to connect without requiring an adapter.
Electrostatic headphones normally require a separate specialist energiser and cannot be driven directly.
Reduce the volume before inserting or removing headphones and begin listening at a low level.
12V Trigger Connections
Trigger outputs allow suitable external equipment to coordinate its power state with the PlayStream A5.
This can be useful when the PRE-OUT is connected to an external power amplifier or another compatible component.
Trigger connections carry control voltage rather than audio and require suitable trigger cables.
Tone, Balance and Loudness Controls
The system menu provides bass, treble, stereo balance and loudness adjustment.
These controls can help compensate for room acoustics, speaker positioning, recording balance or low-volume listening.
A bypass option removes the tone adjustments from the signal path when they are not required.
Automatic Standby
An automatic power-down function can place the amplifier into standby after approximately 30 minutes without operation.
The feature can be disabled through the system menu where required.
Authorised Firmware Updates
A dedicated upgrade connection is provided for operating-system and firmware maintenance.
The manual identifies this connection for authorised dealer or service use.
Do not install unofficial files or interrupt the power supply while an authorised update is taking place.
Illuminated VU Meters
Two illuminated VU meters dominate the PlayStream A5’s gloss-black front panel.
The meters provide a visual indication of amplifier activity and give the A5 the distinctive neo-retro appearance associated with Advance Paris.
The central display and multifunction control provide access to source selection, volume and system settings.
No Built-In CD Player
The PlayStream A5 is a streaming amplifier and radio tuner but does not contain an integrated CD mechanism.
A separate CD player or transport can be connected through a compatible analogue, optical or coaxial input.
No HDMI Connection
The PlayStream A5 does not include HDMI ARC or HDMI eARC.
A compatible television can instead be connected through one of the optical digital inputs or a suitable analogue output.
HDMI ARC is available on the larger PlayStream A7.
PlayStream A5 or PlayStream A7?
The A5 is the middle model within the PlayStream amplifier range.
The PlayStream A7 increases output power, adds HDMI ARC and provides a second set of loudspeaker terminals.
The A5 remains an excellent choice where one speaker pair, optical television audio and its 80W-per-channel output meet the system requirements.
Installation and Ventilation
The PlayStream A5 measures 430mm wide, 135mm high and 370mm deep, with a published net weight of 8.1kg.
Place it on a stable, level equipment shelf with enough space for the amplifier and its rear-panel connections.
Keep all ventilation openings clear, particularly when High-Bias mode is enabled.
Do not install the amplifier inside a sealed cabinet or directly beneath equipment that blocks rising warm air.
Key Features
- Connected stereo integrated amplifier
- Class A/B amplification
- Selectable High-Bias mode
- 80W per channel into 8 ohms
- 130W per channel into 4 ohms
- PCM1796 digital-to-analogue converter
- Ethernet network connection
- Wi-Fi network streaming
- Advance PlayStream app control
- Spotify Connect
- Supported Qobuz, TIDAL and Deezer integration
- Internet radio
- AirPlay compatibility
- DLNA network playback
- Compatible multiroom operation
- USB-A music-file playback
- MP3, WAV, FLAC, ALAC and AAC USB support
- FAT32 USB storage support up to 128GB
- Built-in DAB and DAB+ tuner
- Built-in FM tuner
- Five stereo RCA line inputs
- Configurable MM, MC High and MC Low phono stage
- Turntable ground terminal
- Three optical digital inputs
- Optical PCM support up to 24-bit/96kHz
- One coaxial digital input
- Coaxial PCM support up to 24-bit/192kHz
- Optional X-FTB01 or X-FTB02 Bluetooth receiver
- Variable stereo PRE-OUT
- Stereo AMP-IN
- Fixed-level REC-OUT
- Two active-subwoofer outputs
- Speaker terminals for one passive loudspeaker pair
- Bare-wire, pin, spade and banana-plug compatibility
- Two wired headphone outputs
- 6.35mm and 3.5mm headphone sockets
- 12V trigger control
- Bass, treble, balance and loudness adjustment
- Tone-control bypass
- Automatic standby
- Dual illuminated VU meters
- Remote control included
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Advance Paris PlayStream A5?
It is a stereo integrated amplifier with built-in Ethernet and Wi-Fi streaming, DAB+/FM radio, digital-to-analogue conversion and a configurable MM/MC phono stage.
How powerful is it?
It is rated at 80W per channel into 8 ohms and 130W per channel into 4 ohms.
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 allows the amplifier to operate in a manner comparable with Class A over its first few watts before transitioning into normal Class A/B operation.
What DAC does it use?
The current Advance Paris and Audio T specifications identify a PCM1796 DAC.
Does it have built-in music streaming?
Yes. It connects through Ethernet or Wi-Fi and is controlled through the Advance PlayStream app and supported services.
Does it support Spotify Connect?
Yes. It can be selected as a playback device from within the Spotify app.
Does it support AirPlay?
Yes. AirPlay compatibility is specified for suitable Apple devices on the same network.
Does it support AirPlay 2?
AirPlay 2 is not specified for the PlayStream A5.
Can it play music from a NAS drive?
Yes, provided the library is shared through a compatible network-media system and is visible to the PlayStream A5.
Can it play music from a USB memory stick?
Yes. Supported formats include MP3, WAV, FLAC, ALAC and AAC.
Does it have DAB+ and FM radio?
Yes. Both DAB/DAB+ and FM tuners are built in.
Does it have a phono stage?
Yes. It can be configured for moving-magnet, high-output moving-coil or low-output moving-coil cartridges.
How many analogue inputs does it have?
It provides five stereo RCA line inputs plus a separate configurable phono input.
How many digital inputs does it have?
It provides three optical Toslink inputs and one coaxial S/PDIF input.
Does it have USB-B computer audio?
No. Its USB connection is USB-A for compatible music storage rather than a USB-B computer-audio input.
Does it have Bluetooth built in?
No. Bluetooth requires the separately available Advance Paris X-FTB01 or X-FTB02 receiver.
Does it have HDMI ARC?
No. A television can be connected through an optical input. HDMI ARC is available on the PlayStream A7.
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. AMP-IN provides direct access to the A5’s power-amplifier section.
Can it be used in a home cinema system?
Yes. A compatible AV receiver or processor can feed the AMP-IN connection for the main front-left and front-right speakers.
How many subwoofers can be connected?
One or two compatible active subwoofers can be connected through the two RCA subwoofer outputs.
How many pairs of speakers can it power?
The PlayStream A5 provides terminals for one conventional 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.
Does it have headphone outputs?
Yes. Both 6.35mm and 3.5mm wired headphone sockets are provided.
Does it include a CD player?
No. A separate CD player or transport can be connected through a compatible analogue or digital input.
How large and heavy is it?
It measures 430mm wide, 135mm high and 370mm deep, with a published net weight of 8.1kg.
Related Advance Paris Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Independent advice from experienced Hi-Fi specialists
- PlayStream A5 and loudspeaker system matching
- In-store demonstrations at participating branches
- Home network and streaming setup guidance
- Turntable and cartridge compatibility advice
- DAB, FM and antenna setup support
- External power-amplifier and AMP-IN guidance
- Subwoofer selection and integration 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 PlayStream A5 with your loudspeakers, turntable and home network.