Audio T Verdict
The Advance Paris X-FTB02 is a compact plug-in upgrade for compatible Advance Paris amplifiers, preamplifiers and network players fitted with the company’s dedicated Bluetooth port.
Its support for AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX Low Latency and aptX HD gives it broad source compatibility, while aptX HD can transmit 24-bit audio from a suitably equipped phone, tablet or computer.
The received signal remains digital until it reaches the DAC inside the connected Advance Paris component, avoiding the additional conversion stage used by a conventional analogue Bluetooth adaptor.
Advance Paris X-FTB02 aptX HD Bluetooth Receiver
The Advance Paris X-FTB02 adds Bluetooth reception to compatible Advance Paris products fitted with a dedicated Bluetooth Direct Digital port.
Once installed, it can receive music and other audio wirelessly from a compatible smartphone, tablet, portable music player or computer.
The module connects directly to the host component rather than using a conventional RCA, optical, coaxial or USB audio cable.
aptX HD Bluetooth
The X-FTB02 supports the aptX HD Bluetooth codec.
aptX HD is designed to transmit 24-bit audio over a compatible Bluetooth connection while preserving more information than standard Bluetooth codecs.
The transmitting device must also support aptX HD. When it does not, the connection will use another codec supported by both the source and receiver.
Source Compatibility Matters
Installing the X-FTB02 does not automatically guarantee aptX HD playback.
The phone, tablet or computer must also support aptX HD and have the codec enabled through its hardware and operating system.
AAC, SBC and aptX Support
Alongside aptX HD, the X-FTB02 supports several additional Bluetooth audio codecs:
- AAC
- SBC
- aptX
- aptX Low Latency
- aptX HD
The source and receiver negotiate a mutually supported codec when the connection is established.
This allows the X-FTB02 to work with a wider range of compatible mobile devices and computers rather than relying solely on aptX HD.
aptX Low Latency
aptX Low Latency is included in the official codec specification.
This codec is intended to reduce the delay between picture and sound when used with a compatible source device.
Both ends of the Bluetooth connection must support aptX Low Latency for the codec to operate. Low-latency performance cannot be guaranteed with every television, computer or video application.
Bluetooth Direct Digital Connection
The X-FTB02 uses Advance Paris’s proprietary Bluetooth Direct Digital connection.
The audio recovered by the receiver remains in digital form as it passes into the compatible host component.
Digital-to-analogue conversion is then carried out by the DAC inside the connected Advance Paris amplifier, preamplifier or network player.
Uses the Host Product’s DAC
The X-FTB02 does not provide a conventional external analogue output.
Its direct digital connection allows the internal DAC and analogue circuitry of the compatible Advance Paris product to handle conversion and playback.
The final result will therefore depend on the Bluetooth codec, transmitting device, host component, amplifier and loudspeakers.
Powerful Multiprocessor Design
Advance Paris equips the X-FTB02 with a multiprocessor architecture comprising:
- A dual-core 32-bit processor
- A separate single-core processor operating at 120MHz
- 24-bit audio interfaces
This processing platform handles the Bluetooth connection, codec decoding and transfer of the recovered digital audio signal to the downstream DAC.
No Separate Audio Interconnect
The module plugs directly into the dedicated Bluetooth socket on the compatible Advance Paris component.
No separate RCA, optical or coaxial audio connection is required between the receiver and host product.
This provides a neat installation without adding another full-size component to the equipment rack.
Check the Connection Before Ordering
The X-FTB02 only works with compatible Advance Paris equipment fitted with the correct proprietary Bluetooth port.
A standard USB connection or a generic Bluetooth logo does not indicate compatibility. Check the product manual or speak to Audio T before ordering.
Compatible Advance Paris Products
The X-FTB02 is designed for selected Advance Paris products with a dedicated Bluetooth receiver socket.
Compatible examples include selected models from the following ranges:
- Classic Line amplifiers and preamplifiers
- MyConnect all-in-one systems
- PlayStream streaming amplifiers
- Compatible WTX network players
Compatibility depends on the physical connection fitted to the individual product and should always be confirmed before purchase.
Compatible Product Examples
Products documented as supporting the X-FTB02 include models such as:
- Advance Paris A10 Classic
- Advance Paris A12 Classic
- Advance Paris MyConnect 250
- Advance Paris PlayStream A5
- Advance Paris PlayStream A7
- Advance Paris WTX-StreamTubes
- Advance Paris X-P700
- Advance Paris X-Stream 9
This is not necessarily a complete compatibility list. Product revisions and regional specifications can differ.
Simple Plug-In Installation
Switch the compatible Advance Paris product off before installing or removing the X-FTB02.
Insert the module carefully into the dedicated Bluetooth port, ensuring that the connector is correctly aligned.
Do not force the receiver into the socket or attempt to connect it to an unsuitable input.
Switch the Host Product Off First
Advance Paris instructs users to switch off the host equipment before connecting the X-FTB02.
This protects the module and the proprietary connector while it is being installed or removed.
Select the Bluetooth Source
After installing the module, switch on the Advance Paris product and select its Bluetooth source.
The exact input name and selection method will depend on the connected amplifier, preamplifier or network player.
Refer to the host product’s instructions where the Bluetooth source does not appear automatically.
PIN-Free Pairing
Open the Bluetooth settings on the phone, tablet or computer that you wish to use.
Select X-FTB02 when it appears in the list of available devices.
No pairing PIN is normally required. After a few seconds, the source device should confirm that the connection has been established.
Blue Status Indicator
The blue LED flashes while the X-FTB02 is waiting to establish a Bluetooth connection.
The indicator remains steadily illuminated once pairing has been completed successfully.
This provides a quick visual indication of whether the module is awaiting a source or already connected.
Playback from Phones and Tablets
Once paired, open the preferred music, radio, podcast or audio application on the source device and begin playback.
The audio is transmitted to the X-FTB02 and reproduced through the connected Advance Paris component and Hi-Fi system.
Applications and streaming services are provided by the phone or tablet rather than being integrated directly into the Bluetooth module.
Computer Playback
The X-FTB02 can pair with a compatible Bluetooth-equipped Windows computer or Mac.
Select X-FTB02 as the computer’s audio-output device before starting playback.
The codec used will depend on the computer’s Bluetooth hardware, operating system, drivers and supported audio configuration.
Playback Control
Music browsing and basic playback are controlled through the paired source device.
The phone, tablet or computer normally handles:
- Application selection
- Music and playlist browsing
- Play and pause
- Track selection
- Initial Bluetooth output level
The main listening level should then be adjusted carefully using the connected amplifier or preamplifier.
Start with the Volume Low
Reduce the amplifier volume before beginning Bluetooth playback or changing source devices.
Increase the source and amplifier levels gradually to avoid an unexpectedly loud signal.
Changing Bluetooth Devices
To change from one phone, tablet or computer to another, disconnect or disable Bluetooth on the currently paired source first.
Open the Bluetooth settings on the new device and select X-FTB02.
Simultaneous playback from several source devices is not specified.
Reconnecting After Losing the Signal
If the source device is switched off, Bluetooth is disabled or the device moves outside the available range, the connection will be lost.
Return the source to a suitable position, open its Bluetooth settings and select X-FTB02 again.
Practical operating range depends on the transmitting device, room, walls, furniture and surrounding wireless activity.
Class II Bluetooth Radio
The official instructions specify Class II Bluetooth operation with an RF output power of 4dBm.
The published operating band extends from 2.402GHz to 2.480GHz.
Advance Paris does not provide a guaranteed distance because real-world range is affected by the source device and installation environment.
No Bluetooth Version Published
Advance Paris publishes the supported codecs and radio specification but does not identify a specific Bluetooth version for the X-FTB02.
The receiver should therefore not be described as Bluetooth 4.2, Bluetooth 5.0 or another particular version without further manufacturer confirmation.
X-FTB01 or X-FTB02?
The X-FTB01 is the standard aptX receiver, while the X-FTB02 offers a broader codec selection.
The X-FTB02 adds:
- aptX HD
- aptX Low Latency
- AAC
- SBC
- Multiprocessor decoding
- 24-bit audio interfaces
The X-FTB02 is the stronger choice where the transmitting device supports one of its additional codecs.
Not a Universal Bluetooth Receiver
The X-FTB02 does not have conventional RCA, optical or coaxial outputs.
It cannot be connected directly to an arbitrary amplifier’s AUX or CD input.
An amplifier without the compatible Advance Paris Bluetooth port requires a standalone receiver with a suitable analogue or digital output.
Not a Bluetooth Transmitter
The X-FTB02 receives audio from a compatible smartphone, tablet or computer.
It does not transmit sound from an amplifier, television, turntable or CD player to Bluetooth headphones or wireless speakers.
Not a Network Streamer
The X-FTB02 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 music stored on a NAS drive.
The paired source device runs the chosen application and transmits its audio over Bluetooth.
Compact Plug-In Design
The X-FTB02 measures 55mm wide, 28mm deep and 13mm high.
Its small enclosure plugs directly into the rear of the compatible Advance Paris product without requiring a separate equipment shelf.
The official net weight is 10g, with a gross packaged weight of 20g.
Protect the Module
Allow enough space behind the host product so that the receiver is not pressed against a wall, cabinet panel or other cable.
Do not use the module as a handle or apply sideways pressure while it is installed.
Switch the host equipment off before removing it, then pull the module carefully from the socket without twisting.
Key Features
- Plug-in Bluetooth receiver for compatible Advance Paris equipment
- aptX HD codec support
- aptX Low Latency codec support
- Standard aptX codec support
- AAC codec support
- SBC codec support
- 24-bit audio interfaces
- Dual-core 32-bit processor
- Separate single-core processor operating at 120MHz
- Advance Paris Bluetooth Direct Digital connection
- Passes the recovered signal digitally to the host product
- Uses the DAC inside 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 WTX products
- Suitable for compatible smartphones and tablets
- Suitable for compatible Bluetooth computers
- No pairing PIN normally required
- Flashing blue pairing indicator
- Steady blue connected indicator
- Class II Bluetooth radio
- 2.402GHz to 2.480GHz operating band
- 4dBm published RF output
- Compact 55 × 28 × 13mm enclosure
- 10g net weight
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Advance Paris X-FTB02?
It is a plug-in Bluetooth receiver for compatible Advance Paris equipment fitted with a dedicated Bluetooth Direct Digital port.
Will it work with any amplifier?
No. It only works with compatible Advance Paris products containing the correct proprietary Bluetooth connection.
Does it support aptX HD?
Yes. aptX HD is one of its officially listed codecs.
Does it support standard aptX?
Yes. Standard aptX is supported alongside aptX HD.
Does it support aptX Low Latency?
Yes. The official specification includes aptX Low Latency.
Does it support AAC?
Yes. AAC is included in the published codec list.
Does it support SBC?
Yes. SBC is officially supported.
Which Bluetooth version does it use?
Advance Paris does not publish a specific Bluetooth version for the X-FTB02.
Does it provide 24-bit Bluetooth audio?
Its aptX HD implementation and audio interfaces support 24-bit operation when used with a compatible source device.
Does aptX HD work with every phone?
No. The transmitting phone, tablet or computer must also support aptX HD.
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 an RCA cable?
No. The receiver connects directly to the proprietary port on the host component.
Does it contain its own DAC?
The recovered signal remains digital and is converted by the DAC inside the compatible Advance Paris host product.
How do I pair a phone?
Select the Bluetooth input on the Advance Paris component, open the phone’s Bluetooth settings and choose X-FTB02.
Does pairing require a PIN?
No PIN is normally required.
What does the blue light mean?
A flashing blue light indicates that the module is waiting for a connection. A steady blue light confirms successful pairing.
Can it connect to a tablet?
Yes, provided the tablet supports compatible Bluetooth audio.
Can it connect to a computer?
Yes. It can pair with a compatible Bluetooth-equipped Windows computer or Mac.
Can several devices play simultaneously?
Simultaneous playback is not specified. Disconnect the current source before connecting another device.
Does it support Spotify Connect?
No. Spotify can play on the paired source device and send its audio over Bluetooth, but the X-FTB02 does not connect directly to Spotify.
Does it have Wi-Fi?
No. It is a Bluetooth receiver rather than a network streamer.
Can it access music on a NAS drive?
Not directly. 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 its Bluetooth radio power?
The official instructions specify 4dBm Class II operation.
What Bluetooth frequencies does it use?
The published operating band is 2.402GHz to 2.480GHz.
What is its operating range?
No guaranteed distance is published. Range depends on the source device, room and surrounding interference.
How large is it?
It measures 55mm wide, 28mm deep and 13mm high.
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 codec and source-device guidance
- Bluetooth pairing and setup support
- 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-FTB02 is compatible with your equipment and Bluetooth source.