Audio T Verdict
The Advance Paris ZENEO ZX Connect provides a complete stereo system without requiring a separate amplifier. Each speaker contains dedicated Class AB amplification for its woofer and tweeter, while the included WTX-MicroStream adds Wi-Fi streaming alongside the built-in aptX HD Bluetooth receiver.
Optical, coaxial, USB-B and analogue inputs accommodate everything from a television and computer to a CD player or turntable. There is even a subwoofer output for anyone who wants to add greater low-frequency weight.
With genuine stereo separation, flexible connectivity and no speaker cable required between the two enclosures, the ZENEO ZX Connect offers a neat alternative to a conventional amplifier and passive-speaker system.
Advance Paris ZENEO ZX Connect Active Wireless Speakers
The ZENEO ZX Connect is a pair of active two-way loudspeakers with built-in amplification, digital processing, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi network streaming.
The right master speaker contains the source connections and main controls. Audio is transmitted digitally from the master speaker to the left secondary speaker, removing the need for a conventional speaker cable between them.
Both loudspeakers contain their own amplifiers and therefore require separate mains connections.
What Does Wireless Mean?
The speakers communicate with one another wirelessly, and Bluetooth or Wi-Fi can be used for music playback.
Each speaker must still be connected to a mains socket. The system is not battery powered.
Separate Amplification for Every Driver
The ZENEO ZX system contains four independent Class AB amplifier channels, with two amplifiers installed in each enclosure.
Each 13cm woofer is powered by a dedicated 70W RMS amplifier, while each 25mm tweeter has its own 20W RMS amplifier.
Driving the woofers and tweeters separately allows the amplification and digital filtering to be tailored to the requirements of each driver.
Class AB Amplifier Design
Advance Paris has chosen Class AB amplification rather than the compact Class D technology found in many active speakers.
Class AB is widely used in conventional Hi-Fi amplifiers, combining useful efficiency with a smooth and controlled musical presentation.
The manufacturer also publishes short-term peak figures of 150W for each woofer amplifier and 40W for each tweeter amplifier.
Wireless Digital Connection Between Speakers
The right master speaker transmits the complete audio signal wirelessly to the left speaker.
A 32-bit tri-core processor manages the inter-speaker connection and maintains synchronisation between the left and right channels.
This provides the separation and soundstage of a conventional stereo pair without running a signal cable across the room.
56-Bit DSP Filtering
Digital signal processing controls the crossover and response of the system.
Advance Paris states that much of the processing is performed using 56-bit double-precision operation, helping the system retain detail at lower signal levels.
The DSP also allows the filtering to be matched closely to the amplifiers, drivers and internal cabinet volume.
Wolfson 24-Bit/192kHz DAC
A Wolfson digital-to-analogue converter handles compatible digital sources connected through USB-B, optical or coaxial.
The converter is specified for operation up to 24-bit/192kHz, allowing digital equipment to connect directly without an additional external DAC.
Two-Way Driver Design
Each enclosure uses a 13cm mid/bass driver and a 25mm dome tweeter.
The woofer uses a treated paper diaphragm with additional surface stiffening. Its pure-copper voice coil is wound on a Kapton former.
The tweeter uses an impregnated fabric diaphragm, with ferrofluid cooling for its voice coil.
Rigid Braced Cabinets
The cabinets are manufactured from MDF, chosen for its rigidity and consistent construction.
Internal bracing and partitions help control unwanted cabinet movement, while the enclosure volume and rear port are matched to the drive units.
Advance Paris publishes a frequency response of 30Hz to 22kHz at the stated -3dB limits.
Built-In aptX HD Bluetooth
Bluetooth is built into the ZENEO ZX and supports aptX HD and SBC.
A compatible smartphone, tablet or computer can therefore play music wirelessly without requiring the WTX-MicroStream or a home network.
aptX HD requires support from the transmitting device. Where it is unavailable, the source and speakers will use another mutually compatible codec.
Wi-Fi Streaming with WTX-MicroStream
The ZENEO ZX Connect package includes an Advance Paris WTX-MicroStream network player.
The compact module connects to the AUX2/STREAM input on the master speaker and receives power from the adjacent DC connection.
It adds Wi-Fi network playback, supported online music services, internet radio, access to compatible music stored on a computer or NAS, and multiroom operation through the Advance PlayStream app.
Spotify Connect and Online Music Services
The WTX-MicroStream provides access to supported services such as Spotify Connect, Qobuz and TIDAL, together with internet radio.
Service availability can change as applications, firmware and third-party platforms are updated. Individual subscriptions may also be required.
Network Music and Multiroom
Music stored on a compatible computer, network drive or NAS can be played through the WTX-MicroStream over the home network.
The Advance PlayStream platform can also group compatible Advance Paris network products for multiroom playback.
Moving-Magnet Phono Input
The AUX1 analogue input can be switched between normal line-level operation and moving-magnet phono mode.
This allows a compatible turntable to connect directly without requiring a separate phono stage.
A grounding terminal is provided for turntables fitted with a separate earth lead.
Check the Turntable Cartridge
The internal phono stage is intended for compatible moving-magnet cartridges.
A low-output moving-coil cartridge will normally require a suitable external phono stage or step-up device.
Second RCA Analogue Input
AUX2 provides a second stereo RCA line input for a conventional analogue source.
On the Connect package, this input is normally occupied by the supplied WTX-MicroStream network player.
Alternative streaming equipment can also be connected where its output and power requirements are compatible.
Optical Digital Input
An optical Toslink input allows a compatible television, CD player, games console or other digital source to use the speakers’ internal DAC.
A television should normally be configured for stereo PCM rather than Dolby Digital, DTS or another multichannel format.
Coaxial Digital Input
A coaxial S/PDIF input is provided for a compatible CD transport, network player or other digital source.
Use a purpose-designed 75-ohm coaxial digital cable rather than one half of a conventional stereo RCA interconnect.
USB-B Computer Audio
A USB-B input allows a compatible Windows computer or Mac to connect directly to the master speaker.
The computer remains responsible for playing and organising the music library, while digital-to-analogue conversion is handled inside the ZENEO ZX.
The USB-B socket is intended for computer audio rather than USB memory sticks or portable drives.
Active Subwoofer Output
A mono RCA output allows a compatible active subwoofer to be added.
The subwoofer must contain its own amplification. Level, crossover frequency and phase should be adjusted using the controls provided on the subwoofer.
Adding a subwoofer can provide greater bass extension and reduce the demand placed on the speakers in larger rooms.
Remote Control Included
The supplied remote provides access to the main operating functions, including:
- Standby
- Input selection
- Volume adjustment
- Bluetooth play and pause
- Bluetooth track selection
- Bass adjustment
- Treble adjustment
- Linear tone reset
- Bluetooth pairing
Controls on the Master Speaker
A multifunction control on the master speaker adjusts the volume, selects inputs and begins Bluetooth pairing.
A long press resets the system to its default Bluetooth input, 30% volume level and neutral bass and treble settings.
Speaker Positioning
The tweeters should ideally be positioned close to seated ear height, with both speakers placed at a similar distance from the listening position.
Suitable speaker stands can improve stereo imaging and reduce unwanted vibration from furniture.
The rear ports should remain unobstructed. Advance Paris recommends leaving approximately 10cm between the port and the wall or cabinet behind it.
Available Finishes
The ZENEO ZX Connect is available in three finish combinations:
- Black Jean fabric with black front, rear panel and grille
- Light wood with white front and rear panels and grey grille
- Walnut with black front, rear panel and grille
Key Features
- Pair of active two-way wireless loudspeakers
- Right master and left secondary speaker
- Wireless digital audio connection between speakers
- Both speakers require mains power
- Four independent Class AB amplifier channels
- 70W RMS amplifier for each 13cm woofer
- 20W RMS amplifier for each 25mm tweeter
- 32-bit tri-core inter-speaker processing
- 56-bit double-precision DSP filtering
- Wolfson 24-bit/192kHz DAC
- Treated paper mid/bass drivers
- Impregnated fabric-dome tweeters
- 30Hz to 22kHz published frequency response
- Built-in aptX HD and SBC Bluetooth
- WTX-MicroStream included with the Connect package
- Wi-Fi network streaming
- Spotify Connect and supported streaming services
- Internet radio
- NAS and compatible network-library playback
- Advance PlayStream app control
- Compatible multiroom operation
- Switchable line-level and MM phono input
- Second stereo RCA line or streamer input
- One optical digital input
- One coaxial digital input
- USB-B computer-audio input
- Active-subwoofer output
- Remote control included
- Bass and treble adjustment
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the ZENEO ZX Connect speakers active?
Yes. Amplification is built into both speakers, so a separate integrated amplifier or power amplifier is not required.
Is the price for one speaker or a pair?
The ZENEO ZX Connect is supplied as a stereo pair.
Do the two speakers need a connecting cable?
No audio cable is required between them. The master speaker transmits the left-channel signal wirelessly to the secondary speaker.
Are they completely cable-free?
No. Both speakers require mains power, and wired sources can be connected to the master speaker.
How much amplification is built in?
Each speaker has a 70W RMS amplifier for its woofer and a 20W RMS amplifier for its tweeter.
Does the Connect version include Wi-Fi streaming?
Yes. The ZENEO ZX Connect package includes the WTX-MicroStream network player.
Does it have Bluetooth?
Yes. Bluetooth is built in, with aptX HD and SBC support.
Can I connect a turntable?
Yes. AUX1 can be switched into moving-magnet phono mode and includes a turntable grounding connection.
Can I use a moving-coil cartridge?
The internal phono stage is intended for moving-magnet cartridges. Most low-output moving-coil models require an external phono stage.
Can I connect a television?
Yes. Use the optical input and set the television’s digital output to stereo PCM.
Can I connect a CD player?
Yes. A CD player can use the analogue RCA, optical or coaxial input.
Can I connect a computer?
Yes. A USB-B input is provided for compatible Windows computers and Macs.
Can I connect a USB memory stick?
Not directly to the USB-B input. Music stored on a computer or compatible network drive can instead be played through USB or the WTX-MicroStream.
Can an active subwoofer be added?
Yes. One mono RCA subwoofer output is provided.
Does it have HDMI ARC?
No. A television can connect through the optical input instead.
Does it include a remote control?
Yes. The supplied remote controls volume, source selection, Bluetooth playback and tone settings.
How close can they be placed to a wall?
Advance Paris recommends leaving approximately 10cm behind the rear port. The final position should be adjusted according to the room and desired bass balance.
How large is each speaker?
The dedicated ZENEO ZX Connect datasheet lists each enclosure at 305mm high, 180mm wide and 260mm deep.
How much does the pair weigh?
The dedicated Connect datasheet gives a combined net weight of 16.8kg for the pair.
Related Advance Paris Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Independent advice from experienced Hi-Fi specialists
- In-store demonstrations at participating branches
- Active-speaker and room-positioning guidance
- Home-network and Wi-Fi setup support
- Bluetooth pairing assistance
- Turntable and cartridge compatibility advice
- Television and digital-source setup
- Subwoofer integration guidance
- Speaker-stand and isolation 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 setting up the Advance Paris ZENEO ZX Connect with your turntable, television, computer and home network.