Audio T Verdict
The Advance Paris WTX-500 provides a simple and compact way to add Bluetooth music playback to an existing Hi-Fi amplifier, receiver or other audio system with a suitable analogue input.
Support for the aptX codec can provide better wireless sound quality when used with a compatible transmitting device, while its straightforward pairing process makes it easy to switch from conventional source components to music played from a phone, tablet or computer.
It is an ideal upgrade for an otherwise capable amplifier that predates built-in Bluetooth and does not need the additional complexity of a complete network streamer.
Advance Paris WTX-500 Bluetooth Receiver
The Advance Paris WTX-500 is a compact wireless audio receiver designed to add Bluetooth playback to an existing Hi-Fi system.
It receives music wirelessly from a compatible smartphone, tablet or computer and passes the resulting analogue audio signal to a suitable input on an amplifier or AV receiver.
This allows an established system to gain convenient wireless playback without replacing the amplifier or adding a full-size source component.
Add Bluetooth to an Existing Amplifier
The WTX-500 is designed for amplifiers and receivers that have an available line-level analogue input but do not already include Bluetooth.
Compatible inputs may be labelled:
- AUX
- Line
- CD
- Tuner
- Media
- Audio In
Once connected and powered, the appropriate input is selected on the amplifier before music playback begins from the paired Bluetooth device.
Do Not Use a Phono Input
The WTX-500 produces a line-level analogue signal and must be connected to a normal line input.
A PHONO input is designed for the much lower output from a turntable cartridge and is not suitable for the WTX-500.
aptX Bluetooth Compatibility
The WTX-500 supports the aptX Bluetooth audio codec.
When both the WTX-500 and the transmitting phone, tablet or computer use aptX, the connection can provide more consistent audio quality than a basic Bluetooth implementation.
The transmitting device must also support aptX for the codec to be used. Compatibility should be checked within the device specification or operating-system information.
No aptX HD Support Published
The WTX-500 is specified with standard aptX compatibility.
Advance Paris does not list aptX HD, aptX Adaptive or aptX Low Latency support for this model.
Listeners requiring aptX HD should consider a compatible alternative such as the Advance Paris X-FTB02 where it can be used with the relevant Advance Paris equipment.
Simple Bluetooth Pairing
Once the WTX-500 is connected to the amplifier and its power supply, the blue indicator flashes to show that it is ready for pairing.
Open the Bluetooth settings on the transmitting device and select the WTX-500 or Advance Acoustic connection when it appears.
No pairing PIN is normally required. The blue indicator remains steadily illuminated once the wireless connection has been established.
Compatible Source Devices
The WTX-500 can receive audio from a compatible Bluetooth-equipped device, including:
- Smartphones
- Tablets
- Laptop computers
- Desktop computers with Bluetooth
- Portable music players
Available audio applications and services are determined by the connected source device rather than the WTX-500.
Use Your Preferred Music Applications
Because playback originates from the paired phone, tablet or computer, the WTX-500 can reproduce audio from any compatible application that uses the device’s normal Bluetooth output.
This may include music-streaming services, internet radio, podcasts, locally stored music, audiobooks and other audio applications.
Service subscriptions, application support and internet access are provided separately.
Control Playback from the Source
Music selection and playback are controlled through the paired source device.
The source device normally handles functions such as:
- Play and pause
- Track selection
- Playlist selection
- Streaming-service browsing
- Initial Bluetooth volume
The main listening level should then be adjusted carefully using the connected amplifier.
Start with the Volume Low
Reduce the amplifier volume before beginning playback or connecting a different source device.
Increase the source and amplifier levels gradually to avoid an unexpectedly loud signal.
Designed for Analogue Amplifier Inputs
The WTX-500 converts the received Bluetooth audio into an analogue signal suitable for a conventional amplifier input.
This makes it suitable for older integrated amplifiers, preamplifiers, receivers and powered audio systems that have an available analogue input.
The exact connection arrangement should be checked against the sockets and cable supplied with the unit.
Not a Network Streamer
The WTX-500 is a Bluetooth receiver rather than a Wi-Fi or Ethernet network streamer.
It does not connect directly to a home router, network-attached storage device or internet music service.
The paired phone, tablet or computer remains the playback source and sends the audio to the WTX-500 over Bluetooth.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Streaming Compared
Bluetooth provides quick and convenient playback without requiring the receiver to join a home network.
A dedicated Wi-Fi streamer can offer additional features such as direct service integration, app-controlled libraries, internet radio, multiroom playback and higher-resolution file support.
The WTX-500 is the simpler option where convenient wireless playback is the priority.
Not a Bluetooth Transmitter
The WTX-500 is a Bluetooth receiver.
It receives audio from a compatible phone, tablet or computer and sends that audio into the Hi-Fi system.
It is not designed to transmit sound from an amplifier, television or turntable to Bluetooth headphones or wireless speakers.
Compact Installation
The WTX-500 measures only 60mm wide, 55mm deep and 14mm high.
Its compact enclosure can be positioned discreetly behind or beside an amplifier, subject to the length of its audio and power connections.
The published net weight is 24g, while the complete packaged product has a published gross weight of 190g.
Positioning for Reliable Reception
For the most reliable connection, position the WTX-500 where it is not completely enclosed by metal equipment or hidden behind a dense collection of cables.
Bluetooth performance can be affected by:
- Walls and furniture
- Metal equipment racks
- Other wireless devices
- The transmitting device’s Bluetooth hardware
- Distance between the source and receiver
Advance Paris does not publish a precise guaranteed operating range because performance depends on the installation and surrounding environment.
Changing Between Source Devices
To use a different phone, tablet or computer, disconnect or disable Bluetooth on the currently paired source before selecting the WTX-500 from the new device.
If the connection is lost because the source is switched off or moved out of range, open its Bluetooth settings and select the WTX-500 again.
No Bluetooth Version Published
Advance Paris specifies aptX compatibility but does not publish the Bluetooth version used by the WTX-500.
The model should therefore not be advertised as Bluetooth 5.0, Bluetooth 5.1 or any other specific version without additional manufacturer confirmation.
No DAC Specification Published
The WTX-500 must perform digital-to-analogue conversion before supplying its analogue output.
However, Advance Paris does not publish the converter chipset, supported sample rates, output voltage or detailed audio measurements for this model.
These figures should not be inferred from other Advance Paris Bluetooth receivers because their internal designs may differ.
Key Features
- Compact Bluetooth audio receiver
- Adds wireless playback to an existing Hi-Fi system
- Connects to a suitable analogue amplifier input
- aptX Bluetooth audio compatibility
- Works with compatible smartphones
- Works with compatible tablets
- Works with compatible Bluetooth computers
- No pairing PIN normally required
- Flashing blue pairing indicator
- Steady blue connected indicator
- Music controlled from the paired source device
- No home-network connection required
- No dedicated control application required
- Compact 60 × 55 × 14mm enclosure
- Published net weight of 24g
- Published gross packaged weight of 190g
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Advance Paris WTX-500 do?
It adds Bluetooth music reception to an amplifier, receiver or audio system with a suitable line-level analogue input.
Does it support aptX?
Yes. Standard aptX compatibility is specified by Advance Paris.
Does it support aptX HD?
aptX HD is not specified for the WTX-500.
Which Bluetooth version does it use?
Advance Paris does not publish a specific Bluetooth version for this model.
Can it connect to any amplifier?
It can connect to an amplifier, receiver or powered audio system with a compatible line-level analogue input.
Can I connect it to a phono input?
No. Use a normal AUX, CD, Tuner, Line or equivalent line-level input.
Can it connect to a power amplifier directly?
It should not normally be connected directly to a power amplifier unless the power amplifier or connected system provides suitable volume control.
Does it work with an iPhone?
It can pair with compatible Bluetooth-equipped Apple devices. Standard aptX is not normally transmitted by iPhones, so the connection may use another mutually supported Bluetooth audio format.
Does it work with Android devices?
It works with compatible Bluetooth-equipped Android phones and tablets. aptX operation requires support from the particular device and software configuration.
Can I use it with a computer?
Yes, provided the computer has compatible Bluetooth audio capability.
Do I need an application?
No dedicated WTX-500 application is required. Pair it through the normal Bluetooth settings on the source device.
Does pairing require a PIN?
No pairing PIN is normally required.
What does the blue light mean?
A flashing blue light indicates pairing mode, while a steady blue light indicates that a source device is connected.
Can two phones play through it simultaneously?
Simultaneous playback from two source devices is not specified. Disconnect the current device before changing to another source.
Does it include Wi-Fi?
No. It is a Bluetooth receiver rather than a Wi-Fi network streamer.
Does it support Spotify Connect?
No. Spotify and other applications play on the paired phone, tablet or computer and send their audio over Bluetooth.
Can it play music from a NAS drive?
It cannot access a NAS drive directly. A phone or computer can play the stored music and send the resulting audio over Bluetooth.
Can it transmit sound to Bluetooth headphones?
No. It is a Bluetooth receiver, not a transmitter.
Does it have a digital output?
A digital output is not specified. The WTX-500 is intended to feed a compatible analogue amplifier input.
What DAC does it use?
Advance Paris does not publish the internal DAC chipset.
What is its Bluetooth range?
No precise guaranteed range is published. Performance depends on the source device, room, obstructions and surrounding wireless equipment.
How large is it?
It measures 60mm wide, 55mm deep and 14mm high.
How much does it weigh?
The official net weight is 24g. The published gross packaged weight is 190g.
Related Advance Paris Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Independent advice from experienced Hi-Fi specialists
- Amplifier and input compatibility guidance
- Help choosing between Bluetooth and network streaming
- Advice on suitable analogue interconnects
- 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 for help adding the Advance Paris WTX-500 to your existing amplifier or audio system.