Audio T Verdict
The Advance Paris WTX-StreamTubes is a distinctive compact network player that combines convenient digital streaming with a genuine Class A valve analogue output stage.
Its two Raytheon 5703W subminiature valves sit after the internal PCM1796 DAC, giving listeners the option to enjoy Advance Paris’s valve-based analogue output or bypass the internal conversion entirely through the optical and coaxial digital outputs.
With Ethernet, Wi-Fi, AirPlay, DLNA, internet radio, USB playback and support for several popular streaming services, it is an appealing way to add modern music playback to an existing amplifier while retaining a characterful analogue presentation.
Advance Paris WTX-StreamTubes Valve Network Player
The Advance Paris WTX-StreamTubes is a compact network music player with a Class A valve analogue output stage.
It connects to a home network through Ethernet or 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and can play music from supported streaming services, internet radio, compatible network libraries and USB storage.
The internal Texas Instruments PCM1796 DAC converts digital music before the analogue signal passes through two Raytheon 5703W subminiature valves.
Alternatively, optical and coaxial digital outputs allow the WTX-StreamTubes to be connected to an external DAC or a compatible amplifier with digital inputs.
Class A Valve Analogue Output
The defining feature of the WTX-StreamTubes is its valve-based analogue output stage.
After digital-to-analogue conversion, the stereo signal passes through two Raytheon 5703W subminiature valves operating in a Class A circuit.
Advance Paris developed this stage to give streamed music a smoother and more engaging presentation, drawing inspiration from the warmth and musical flow associated with vinyl playback.
The valves are mounted on insulating supports designed to reduce microphonic effects and assist cooling.
Two Raytheon 5703W Valves
The WTX-StreamTubes uses two Raytheon 5703W subminiature valves.
Subminiature valves were originally developed for applications where compact dimensions, reliability and resistance to vibration were important.
The valves are visible through the front of the unit and illuminate during operation, making the output-stage design a prominent part of the product’s appearance.
Approximately 30-Second Warm-Up
When the WTX-StreamTubes is switched on, the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth indicators flash while the two valves warm up.
The warm-up period takes approximately 30 seconds. Once the unit is ready, the Wi-Fi indicator remains steadily illuminated and the Bluetooth indicator switches off unless the optional Bluetooth input is selected.
Allow the warm-up process to finish before beginning critical listening.
Texas Instruments PCM1796 DAC
A Texas Instruments PCM1796 digital-to-analogue converter handles compatible network, USB and optional Bluetooth signals.
The DAC supports audio processing up to 24-bit/192kHz within the limits of the selected source, file and connection.
When using the stereo RCA output, the signal is converted by the PCM1796 before passing through the Class A valve stage.
Analogue or Digital Output
The WTX-StreamTubes can be connected to a Hi-Fi system in two principal ways.
The stereo RCA analogue output uses the internal PCM1796 DAC and Class A valve stage. This is the connection to use when you want to hear the complete WTX-StreamTubes analogue-output design.
The optical and coaxial digital outputs send the music to a compatible external DAC, amplifier or digital recorder. In this arrangement, digital-to-analogue conversion and analogue output processing are handled by the downstream equipment.
Which Output Should You Use?
Use the RCA output to hear the internal DAC and valve stage.
Use an optical or coaxial output when you want to compare an external DAC or use the digital conversion built into your amplifier.
Stereo RCA Analogue Output
The stereo analogue output uses separate RCA sockets for the left and right channels.
Connect these sockets to a normal line-level input on an integrated amplifier, preamplifier, receiver or compatible active loudspeaker system.
Suitable amplifier inputs may be labelled AUX, CD, Tuner, Line or Media.
Do Not Use a Phono Input
The WTX-StreamTubes produces a line-level analogue signal.
A PHONO input is designed for the much lower output from a turntable cartridge and is not suitable for this network player.
1.8V Analogue Output Level
The official manual publishes an unbalanced analogue output level of 1.8V.
This is suitable for conventional line-level inputs found on most integrated amplifiers, preamplifiers and receivers.
Reduce the amplifier volume before changing sources or connecting the WTX-StreamTubes for the first time.
Optical Digital Output
An optical Toslink output allows the WTX-StreamTubes to feed a compatible external DAC, digital recorder or amplifier with an optical input.
The digital outputs can carry compatible signals up to 24-bit/192kHz, depending on the selected music source.
Optical transmission provides electrical isolation between the network player and the connected digital equipment.
Coaxial Digital Output
A coaxial S/PDIF output provides an alternative connection to an external DAC, digital recorder or suitably equipped amplifier.
Use a purpose-designed 75-ohm coaxial digital cable rather than one half of a conventional stereo analogue interconnect pair.
The maximum available signal format depends on the selected source and file.
Ethernet Network Connection
The RJ45 Ethernet socket allows the WTX-StreamTubes to connect directly to a compatible home router or network switch.
A wired Ethernet connection is recommended where practical because it can provide particularly reliable operation for high-quality streaming and larger music libraries.
The home network must provide automatic IP addressing through DHCP and a suitable broadband connection where internet services are required.
2.4GHz Wi-Fi
The WTX-StreamTubes supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi using IEEE 802.11b/g/n standards.
A detachable Wi-Fi antenna is supplied and should be installed vertically to provide the strongest practical wireless connection.
5GHz Wi-Fi is not specified for this model.
Wireless performance will depend on the router, distance, walls, furniture, nearby networks and other sources of interference.
Ethernet or Wi-Fi?
Ethernet is usually the best choice where a network cable can be installed conveniently.
Wi-Fi provides greater flexibility, but positioning and signal strength become more important.
Advance PlayStream App
The Advance PlayStream app is available for compatible iOS and Android phones and tablets.
It provides access to supported streaming services, internet radio, network music libraries, playlists, favourites and compatible multiroom functions.
The phone or tablet and the WTX-StreamTubes must be connected to the same home network.
Supported Streaming Services
Advance Paris lists access to services including:
- Spotify
- Qobuz
- TIDAL
- Deezer
- Amazon Music
Service availability, subscription requirements, app compatibility and maximum playback quality may change over time.
Confirm continued support before purchasing where access to a particular service is essential.
Subscriptions Are Separate
Paid streaming subscriptions are not included with the WTX-StreamTubes.
Account requirements, available catalogues and playback quality are controlled by the individual service providers.
Internet Radio
The WTX-StreamTubes provides access to internet radio through supported services including TuneIn and vTuner.
This can provide access to local, national and international radio stations without requiring an FM or DAB aerial.
Internet-radio availability depends on the station, directory provider, home network and internet connection.
AirPlay Compatibility
AirPlay allows compatible Apple devices and computers to send audio to the WTX-StreamTubes through the home network.
This can be used with music applications and other compatible audio played from an iPhone, iPad or Mac.
Advance Paris specifies AirPlay but does not identify this model as supporting AirPlay 2.
Apple Music Playback
Apple Music is not listed as a directly integrated PlayStream service.
However, compatible Apple devices can send Apple Music audio to the WTX-StreamTubes using AirPlay.
Available features will depend on the Apple device, operating system and current application support.
DLNA and UPnP Network Playback
DLNA and UPnP compatibility allow the WTX-StreamTubes to access suitable music libraries shared over the home network.
Compatible sources may include:
- Network-attached storage drives
- Desktop computers
- Laptop computers
- Compatible media servers
- Suitable mobile devices
The music server must be configured to share its library and must be visible on the same local network.
NAS Music Libraries
A compatible network-attached storage drive can hold a large music library that remains available without leaving a computer switched on.
The NAS must run suitable UPnP or DLNA media-server software and be connected to the same network as the WTX-StreamTubes.
Library browsing and playback can then be controlled through the Advance PlayStream app.
Compatible Multiroom Playback
The PlayStream platform supports multiroom operation with other compatible Advance Paris network products.
Suitable products can play the same music in several rooms or different music in each room.
Reliable multiroom operation depends on the home network, signal quality and compatibility of the connected products.
USB-A Music Playback
A USB-A audio input allows compatible music files to be played from a USB memory device or portable player.
The official manual recommends a USB device with relatively low storage capacity.
Published USB file support includes:
Compatibility can depend on the drive format, storage capacity, file properties and installed firmware.
Supported Network Audio Formats
The published network and streaming format list includes:
- APE
- FLAC
- WAV
- Apple Lossless and ALAC
- AAC
- AAC-LC
- HE-AAC
- HE-AACv2
- MP3 with constant or variable bit rates
The maximum playable resolution depends on the format, source, service, network software and output connection.
Optional Bluetooth Input
Bluetooth is not built into the standard WTX-StreamTubes.
A proprietary rear-panel connection accepts one of two optional Advance Paris Bluetooth receivers:
- X-FTB01 with aptX
- X-FTB02 with aptX HD
The front-panel source control switches between network playback and the optional Bluetooth input.
Direct Digital Bluetooth Modules
The optional X-FTB01 and X-FTB02 receive Bluetooth audio and pass the recovered signal to the downstream digital processing inside the WTX-StreamTubes.
This allows the internal PCM1796 DAC and Class A valve output stage to be used when listening through the analogue RCA outputs.
aptX or aptX HD operation also requires support from the transmitting phone, tablet or computer.
Bluetooth Is Optional
The X-FTB01 and X-FTB02 modules are separately available accessories and are not included with the standard network player.
Do not describe the WTX-StreamTubes as having built-in Bluetooth unless one of these modules is installed.
Front-Panel Source Selection
The front-panel selector switches between the Wi-Fi network-player input and optional Bluetooth playback.
Indicator lights show the currently selected source and the network player’s operating status.
A WPS control can also be used with compatible routers to assist wireless setup.
Supplied Remote Control
The supplied remote control provides access to key functions including:
- Source selection
- WPS association
- Previous track
- Next track
- Play and pause
- Bluetooth disconnection
- Wi-Fi input selection
- Bluetooth input selection
- Volume adjustment
- Mute
Detailed music browsing remains more convenient through the Advance PlayStream app.
Not a Complete Preamplifier
The WTX-StreamTubes is primarily intended as a source component for connection to an integrated amplifier or preamplifier.
Although its remote provides volume adjustment, it does not offer the analogue source switching or broader control features of a conventional preamplifier.
Begin with a conservative output setting and use the connected amplifier to establish a safe listening level.
No Analogue Audio Inputs
The WTX-StreamTubes does not provide conventional RCA or XLR inputs for external analogue source components.
Its physical music input is USB-A, with network and optional Bluetooth providing the remaining source options.
The RCA sockets are analogue outputs rather than inputs.
No Digital Audio Inputs
The optical and coaxial sockets are digital outputs.
They cannot receive audio from a television, CD transport or other external digital source.
An external digital source must be connected directly to the DAC or amplifier rather than routed through the WTX-StreamTubes.
No Built-In Display
The compact front panel does not contain a large artwork or menu display.
Music browsing, service selection and library navigation are handled primarily through the Advance PlayStream app.
The front panel provides operating and source indicators rather than detailed album information.
12V External Power Supply
The WTX-StreamTubes is supplied with an external mains adaptor compatible with 100V to 240V AC and 50/60Hz mains supplies.
The adaptor provides a 12V DC, 1A output to the network player.
Use only the supplied adaptor or an officially approved replacement with the correct voltage, current capacity, polarity and connector.
Compact Installation
The current Advance Paris product page lists dimensions of 130mm wide, 125mm deep and 50mm high, with a net weight of 576g.
Its small enclosure can sit beside an amplifier or on a suitable equipment shelf without requiring the space of a conventional full-width component.
Allow sufficient room for the Wi-Fi antenna, power supply, RCA or digital cable and USB device.
Allow the Valves to Ventilate
Although the WTX-StreamTubes is compact, its valves and internal circuits still produce heat.
Install it on a stable, level surface and do not block its ventilation openings.
Avoid sealed cabinets, soft surfaces, direct sunlight and positions immediately above other heat-producing equipment.
Published Dimension Differences
Different official documents contain different enclosure dimensions and weight figures.
The current Advance Paris product page lists 130 × 125 × 50mm and 576g. The older product datasheet lists 130 × 150 × 47mm, while the operating manual lists approximately 131 × 113 × 42mm and 530g.
The current product-page figures have been used as the primary specification. Check the supplied unit where exact equipment-rack clearance is critical.
Published Audio Performance
The official operating manual publishes the following analogue performance figures:
- Frequency response: 20Hz to 45kHz, ±3dB
- Distortion: less than 0.005%
- Channel separation: greater than 80dB
- Signal-to-noise ratio: greater than 98dB
- Unbalanced output level: 1.8V
Measurement conditions are not fully detailed for every figure, so they should be treated as manufacturer-published reference specifications.
Key Features
- Compact network music player
- Class A valve analogue output stage
- Two Raytheon 5703W subminiature valves
- Insulated valve supports
- Approximately 30-second valve warm-up period
- Texas Instruments PCM1796 DAC
- 24-bit/192kHz digital processing
- Stereo RCA valve analogue output
- 1.8V published analogue output level
- Optical digital output
- Coaxial digital output
- Digital output up to 24-bit/192kHz where supported
- RJ45 Ethernet connection
- 2.4GHz IEEE 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi
- Detachable Wi-Fi antenna
- Advance PlayStream app for iOS and Android
- Supported Spotify integration
- Supported Qobuz integration
- Supported TIDAL integration
- Supported Deezer integration
- Supported Amazon Music integration
- TuneIn and vTuner internet radio
- AirPlay compatibility
- DLNA and UPnP compatibility
- Compatible NAS music playback
- Compatible multiroom operation
- USB-A music-file playback
- APE, FLAC, WAV, ALAC, AAC and MP3 support
- Optional X-FTB01 aptX Bluetooth module
- Optional X-FTB02 aptX HD Bluetooth module
- Front-panel Wi-Fi and Bluetooth source selection
- WPS wireless association
- Remote control included
- External 12V/1A power supply
- Compact current dimensions of 130 × 125 × 50mm
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Advance Paris WTX-StreamTubes?
It is a compact Ethernet and Wi-Fi network player with an internal PCM1796 DAC and a Class A analogue output stage using two Raytheon 5703W valves.
Does music pass through real valves?
Yes, when the stereo RCA analogue output is used. The converted analogue signal passes through two Raytheon 5703W subminiature valves.
Do the digital outputs use the valve stage?
No. The optical and coaxial outputs send a digital signal to downstream equipment, so digital-to-analogue conversion and analogue output processing take place in the connected DAC or amplifier.
What DAC does it use?
It uses a Texas Instruments PCM1796 digital-to-analogue converter.
What is the maximum published resolution?
The DAC and digital outputs support signals up to 24-bit/192kHz where the selected source and format permit.
Does it have Wi-Fi?
Yes. It supports 2.4GHz IEEE 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi.
Does it support 5GHz Wi-Fi?
5GHz Wi-Fi is not specified for this model.
Does it have Ethernet?
Yes. An RJ45 Ethernet connection is provided for a compatible home network.
Which control app does it use?
It uses the Advance PlayStream app for compatible iOS and Android devices.
Which streaming services are supported?
Advance Paris lists services including Spotify, Qobuz, TIDAL, Deezer and Amazon Music. Continued availability can depend on app, firmware and service-provider support.
Does it support Spotify Connect?
The manufacturer lists Spotify integration but does not clearly identify the current implementation as Spotify Connect in its principal product documentation.
Does it support AirPlay?
Yes. AirPlay is listed by Advance Paris.
Does it support AirPlay 2?
AirPlay 2 is not specified.
Can I play Apple Music?
Apple Music can be sent from a compatible Apple device using AirPlay. It is not listed as a directly integrated PlayStream service.
Can it play music from a NAS drive?
Yes, provided the NAS runs a compatible UPnP or DLNA media server and is visible on the same network.
Does it support internet radio?
Yes. Advance Paris lists TuneIn and vTuner internet-radio services.
Can it be used in a multiroom system?
Yes, with other compatible Advance Paris PlayStream network products.
Can it play music from a USB memory stick?
Yes. Its USB-A input supports compatible MP3, WAV, FLAC, ALAC and AAC files.
Does it have Bluetooth built in?
No. Bluetooth requires a separately available Advance Paris X-FTB01 or X-FTB02 module.
Which Bluetooth codecs are available?
The optional X-FTB01 supports aptX, while the optional X-FTB02 supports aptX HD.
Does it have analogue inputs?
No. It is a source component with analogue and digital outputs rather than a preamplifier with external analogue inputs.
Does it have digital inputs?
No. The optical and coaxial sockets are outputs.
Can I connect it to any amplifier?
Its RCA output can connect to a compatible line-level input on an integrated amplifier, preamplifier, receiver or active loudspeaker system.
Can it connect to a phono input?
No. Use an AUX, CD, Tuner, Line or equivalent line-level input.
Can I use an external DAC?
Yes. Connect the optical or coaxial digital output to a compatible external DAC.
Does it include a remote control?
Yes. A remote control is included for source, track, playback, volume, mute and related functions.
How long do the valves take to warm up?
The official manual specifies an approximate warm-up period of 30 seconds.
What power supply does it use?
It is supplied with a universal 100–240V mains adaptor providing 12V DC at 1A.
How large is it?
The current Advance Paris product page lists dimensions of 130mm wide, 125mm deep and 50mm high.
Why do some specifications show different dimensions?
Older official documents list different measurements. This page uses the dimensions from the current Advance Paris product listing.
How much does it weigh?
The current official net weight is 576g.
Related Advance Paris Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Independent advice from experienced Hi-Fi specialists
- Network-player and amplifier matching
- In-store demonstrations at participating branches
- Ethernet and Wi-Fi setup guidance
- Streaming-service and app support
- NAS and network-library advice
- Internal DAC and external DAC comparisons
- Bluetooth accessory compatibility guidance
- Analogue and digital cable recommendations
- Click and Reserve from participating stores
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- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or discuss connecting the Advance Paris WTX-StreamTubes to your amplifier, DAC and home network.