Audio T Verdict
The Advance Paris X-FTB01 is a simple plug-in upgrade for compatible Advance Paris amplifiers, preamplifiers and network players that have the company’s dedicated Bluetooth port.
Bluetooth 4.2 and aptX support provide convenient wireless playback from a compatible smartphone, tablet or computer, while the direct digital connection allows the host component to handle digital-to-analogue conversion through its own internal DAC.
It is an ideal choice for anyone who owns compatible Advance Paris equipment and wants straightforward Bluetooth reception without adding a separate receiver, power supply or analogue interconnect.
Advance Paris X-FTB01 aptX Bluetooth Receiver
The Advance Paris X-FTB01 is a compact Bluetooth receiver designed specifically for compatible Advance Paris products fitted with a dedicated Bluetooth or Bluetooth Direct Digital port.
Once installed, it allows music and other audio to be played wirelessly from a compatible smartphone, tablet, portable music player or computer.
The X-FTB01 is not a universal Bluetooth adaptor. It does not connect to a conventional RCA, optical, coaxial or USB input and must be used with suitable Advance Paris equipment.
Bluetooth 4.2
The official Advance Paris technical sheet identifies the X-FTB01 as a Bluetooth 4.2 receiver.
It receives audio from a compatible transmitting device and passes the digital signal into the connected Advance Paris component.
Bluetooth performance will depend on the transmitting device, room, distance, walls, furniture and nearby wireless equipment.
aptX Bluetooth Audio
The X-FTB01 supports the aptX Bluetooth codec.
aptX can provide improved wireless audio performance when the transmitting smartphone, tablet or computer also supports the codec.
The source and receiver must both support aptX for it to be used. Compatibility should therefore be checked against the specification of the transmitting device.
Bluetooth Direct Digital Connection
The X-FTB01 connects to Advance Paris’s proprietary Bluetooth Direct Digital port.
Rather than providing its own conventional analogue output, the module passes the received digital signal directly into the compatible host component.
Digital-to-analogue conversion and subsequent audio processing are then handled by the DAC and analogue circuitry inside the connected Advance Paris product.
No Separate Audio Cable Required
The module plugs directly into the dedicated Bluetooth socket on the compatible Advance Paris component.
It does not require a separate RCA, optical or coaxial connection between the receiver and amplifier.
This keeps the installation compact and avoids adding another external box to the system.
Check Compatibility Before Ordering
The X-FTB01 only works with Advance Paris equipment fitted with the appropriate proprietary Bluetooth port.
A normal USB socket or generic Bluetooth symbol does not guarantee compatibility. Check the product manual or speak to Audio T before ordering.
Compatible Advance Paris Ranges
Advance Paris specifies compatibility with suitable products from the following ranges:
- Classic Line
- MyConnect
- PlayStream
- Smart Line
The individual product must have the dedicated BT or Bluetooth Direct Digital port. Compatibility should not be assumed solely because a product belongs to one of these ranges.
Compatible Product Examples
Advance Paris products documented with an appropriate X-FTB01-compatible connection include selected models such as:
- A10 Classic integrated amplifier
- A12 Classic integrated amplifier
- MyConnect 250 all-in-one system
- PlayStream A5 streaming amplifier
- PlayStream A7 streaming amplifier
- WTX-StreamTubes network player
- X-Stream 9 digital source
- X-P700 preamplifier
This is not necessarily a complete list. Product revisions and compatibility can change, so the connection fitted to the individual unit should always be checked.
Simple Plug-In Installation
Switch the compatible Advance Paris product off before fitting the X-FTB01.
Insert the module carefully into the dedicated Bluetooth port, making sure that the connector is correctly aligned and fully seated.
Do not force the module into the socket or attempt to connect it to an unsuitable port.
Switch the Equipment Off First
Advance Paris instructs users to switch the host component off before connecting the X-FTB01.
Installing or removing the module while the equipment is operating could interrupt playback or risk damage to the connector.
Select the Bluetooth Input
After installing the module, switch on the Advance Paris component and select its Bluetooth input.
The exact source name and selection method will depend on the connected amplifier, preamplifier or network player.
Refer to the host product’s operating instructions where the Bluetooth source does not appear automatically.
Pairing the X-FTB01
Open the Bluetooth settings on the smartphone, tablet or computer that you want to use.
Select X-FTB01 when it appears in the list of available Bluetooth devices.
After a few seconds, the source device should establish a connection with the receiver.
No Pairing PIN Required
The official operating instructions state that no PIN code is normally required during pairing.
If a source device requests additional confirmation, check that the correct X-FTB01 connection has been selected and repeat the pairing process.
Blue Status Indicator
The blue LED flashes while the X-FTB01 is waiting for a Bluetooth connection.
Once pairing has been completed successfully, the light remains steadily illuminated.
The indicator provides a quick visual confirmation of whether the module is waiting for a source or already connected.
Playback from a Smartphone or Tablet
Once paired, open the preferred music, radio, podcast or audio application on the source device and begin playback.
The audio will be transmitted to the X-FTB01 and reproduced through the connected Advance Paris component and Hi-Fi system.
Available applications and services are determined by the smartphone or tablet rather than by the Bluetooth receiver.
Computer Playback
The X-FTB01 can also pair with a compatible Windows computer or Mac fitted with suitable Bluetooth audio capability.
Select the X-FTB01 as the computer’s Bluetooth audio-output device before beginning playback.
Codec use and connection behaviour will depend on the computer’s hardware, operating system and installed Bluetooth drivers.
Control from the Source Device
Music browsing and basic playback are handled through the paired phone, tablet or computer.
The source device normally controls:
- Music and application selection
- Play and pause
- Track selection
- Playlist selection
- Initial Bluetooth output level
The main listening level should then be adjusted carefully using the connected Advance Paris amplifier or preamplifier.
Begin with the Volume Low
Reduce the amplifier volume before starting playback or changing between Bluetooth source devices.
Increase the source and amplifier levels gradually to avoid an unexpectedly loud signal.
Changing to Another Source Device
When changing between smartphones, tablets or computers, disconnect or disable Bluetooth on the currently paired device first.
Open the Bluetooth settings on the new source and select X-FTB01 from the available connections.
Simultaneous playback from several source devices is not specified.
Reconnecting After Moving Out of Range
If the source is moved outside the available Bluetooth range, the wireless connection will be lost.
Return the source device to a suitable position, open its Bluetooth settings and select the X-FTB01 again.
The practical range will vary according to the source device, room and surrounding interference.
20Hz to 20kHz Published Frequency Response
The official Advance Paris datasheet gives a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz.
This covers the conventional audible frequency range.
Overall system performance will also depend on the Bluetooth codec in use, source material, transmitting device, host component, amplifier and loudspeakers.
X-FTB01 or X-FTB02?
The X-FTB01 is the standard aptX receiver in the Advance Paris range.
The X-FTB02 is the higher-specification alternative and adds aptX HD support for compatible transmitting devices.
Both modules require a compatible Advance Paris Bluetooth port. The most appropriate version will depend on the source device, host equipment and required codec support.
No aptX HD Support
The X-FTB01 is specified with standard aptX.
Advance Paris does not list aptX HD for this model.
Listeners specifically requiring aptX HD should consider the compatible X-FTB02 receiver instead.
Not a Universal Bluetooth Receiver
The X-FTB01 has no conventional stereo RCA output and cannot be connected directly to an arbitrary amplifier’s AUX or CD input.
It is intended only for compatible Advance Paris equipment with the proprietary receiver socket.
For an amplifier without this connection, a standalone Bluetooth receiver with a suitable analogue or digital output will be required.
Not a Bluetooth Transmitter
The X-FTB01 receives Bluetooth audio from a compatible source device.
It is not designed to transmit sound from an amplifier, television, CD player or turntable to Bluetooth headphones or wireless speakers.
Not a Network Streamer
The X-FTB01 is a Bluetooth receiver rather than an Ethernet or Wi-Fi network player.
It does not independently connect to Spotify Connect, Qobuz, TIDAL, internet radio or a NAS drive.
The paired smartphone, tablet or computer remains the source and sends the resulting audio to the module over Bluetooth.
Compact Plug-In Design
The X-FTB01 measures only 55mm wide, 13mm high and 28mm deep.
Its small dimensions allow it to connect directly to the rear of compatible Advance Paris equipment without occupying an additional equipment shelf.
The official net weight is 10g, with a published gross packaged weight of 20g.
Protect the Module and Connector
The compact module should not be used as a handle or subjected to sideways pressure while installed.
Allow enough clearance behind the host product so the receiver is not pressed against a wall, rack panel or other cable.
Switch the equipment off before removing the module and pull it carefully from the connector without twisting.
Key Features
- Plug-in Bluetooth receiver for compatible Advance Paris equipment
- Bluetooth 4.2
- aptX Bluetooth audio support
- Bluetooth Direct Digital connection
- Uses the internal DAC of the compatible host component
- No separate analogue interconnect required
- Compatible with selected Classic Line products
- Compatible with selected MyConnect products
- Compatible with selected PlayStream products
- Compatible with selected Smart Line products
- Suitable for compatible smartphones
- Suitable for compatible tablets
- Suitable for compatible Windows computers and Macs
- No pairing PIN normally required
- Flashing blue pairing indicator
- Steady blue connected indicator
- 20Hz to 20kHz published frequency response
- Compact 55 × 13 × 28mm dimensions
- 10g net weight
- No separate control application required
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Advance Paris X-FTB01?
It is a plug-in Bluetooth 4.2 receiver with aptX for compatible Advance Paris products fitted with a dedicated Bluetooth port.
Will it work with any amplifier?
No. It only works with compatible Advance Paris equipment containing the proprietary BT or Bluetooth Direct Digital socket.
Can it connect to an RCA input?
No. The X-FTB01 does not provide conventional RCA analogue outputs.
Does it support aptX?
Yes. Standard aptX compatibility is specified.
Does it support aptX HD?
No. aptX HD is available from the compatible Advance Paris X-FTB02 module.
Which Bluetooth version does it use?
The official technical sheet specifies Bluetooth 4.2.
How do I install it?
Switch off the compatible Advance Paris product and insert the module carefully into its dedicated Bluetooth port.
Does it require a separate audio cable?
No. It connects directly to the proprietary socket on the host product.
Does it use its own DAC?
The module provides a direct digital connection so that conversion is handled by the compatible Advance Paris host component.
How do I pair my phone?
Select the Bluetooth input on the Advance Paris component, open the phone’s Bluetooth settings and choose X-FTB01.
Does pairing require a PIN?
No PIN is normally required.
What does the blue light mean?
A flashing blue LED indicates that the module is waiting for a connection. A steady blue LED confirms successful pairing.
Can I use it with a tablet?
Yes, provided the tablet supports compatible Bluetooth audio.
Can I use it with a computer?
Yes. It can pair with a compatible Bluetooth-equipped Windows computer or Mac.
Can several devices play through it simultaneously?
Simultaneous playback is not specified. Disconnect the current device before pairing another source.
Does it support Spotify Connect?
No. Spotify can play on the paired source device and send its audio over Bluetooth, but the X-FTB01 does not connect directly to Spotify.
Does it have Wi-Fi?
No. It is a Bluetooth receiver rather than a network streamer.
Can it play music directly from a NAS drive?
No. A compatible phone, tablet or computer must play the music and transmit it over Bluetooth.
Can it send audio to Bluetooth headphones?
No. It is a Bluetooth receiver, not a transmitter.
What is the published frequency response?
The official datasheet gives a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz.
How large is it?
It measures 55mm wide, 13mm high and 28mm deep.
How much does it weigh?
The published net weight is 10g.
Related Advance Paris Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Independent advice from experienced Hi-Fi specialists
- Advance Paris product compatibility checks
- Help choosing between the X-FTB01 and X-FTB02
- Bluetooth pairing and setup guidance
- Advice on Bluetooth and network-streaming alternatives
- In-store demonstrations at participating branches
- Click and Reserve from participating stores
- Nationwide UK delivery on eligible products
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to confirm that the Advance Paris X-FTB01 is compatible with your equipment.