The Advance Paris X-i1100 is an integrated amplifier delivering 2 x 220 W into 8 ohms. It features a High-Bias function that allows operation in class A up to 45 W. The unit includes a digital section equipped with a Burr Brown PCM1796 converter, as well as an internal construction divided into five isolated compartments. It is designed to accommodate all current audio sources. Its design incorporates the brand’s signature aesthetic elements, such as a black glass front panel and backlit VU meters.
Mechanical Construction Designed for Performance
The X-i1100’s chassis reflects a rigorous approach to audio design. The steel structure is divided into five distinct compartments, each providing galvanic isolation to limit electromagnetic interference between the various circuits. This segmentation also contributes to the overall rigidity, reducing unwanted vibrations. The solid black aluminum side panels and the vented top cover aid in heat dissipation while reinforcing the device’s visual identity.
The amplifier boards are mounted on large heat sinks, essential for dissipating the heat generated by the power transistors. The connection between these boards and the output terminals is made via 4mm² cables, sized to transmit high currents without loss. This attention to internal wiring is also evident in the choice of components: metal film resistors for their thermal stability and polypropylene capacitors renowned for their sonic transparency.
The black plexiglass front panel features two blue backlit analog VU meters, a visual signature of the brand since its first amplifiers. A central rotary encoder allows menu navigation and volume adjustment, while a 6.35mm headphone jack is located in the lower right corner.
Hybrid Amplification Architecture and High-Bias Function
The X-i1100’s power stage is based on a triple push-pull configuration per channel, using three pairs of NJW0281G and NJW0302G bipolar transistors. This topology distributes the thermal and electrical load, ensuring better linearity and increased current capacity.
The main feature is the High-Bias function, which can be activated via a switch on the rear panel. When engaged, the idle current of the transistors increases significantly, allowing the amplifier to operate in pure class A up to 45W per channel. In this mode, both branches of the push-pull conduct the signal simultaneously across its entire amplitude, eliminating the crossover distortion characteristic of class AB. Beyond 45W, the transition to class AB occurs automatically and instantly, with no audible discontinuity.
This hybrid approach addresses real-world listening: most of the time, we listen at moderate levels where class A reveals its harmonic richness. During dynamic passages requiring more power, class AB takes over to deliver up to 220W into 8Ω (400W into 4Ω) without clipping.
The power supply, based on a 700VA toroidal transformer, offers a filtering capacity of 60,000µF. These generous values ensure an instant current reserve for musical transients and maintain stable voltage even during the most demanding passages.
Digital Section and Integrated Converter
The X-i1100 features a comprehensive digital section, positioning the unit as an all-in-one solution for dematerialized sources. The Burr Brown PCM1796 digital-to-analog converter, a benchmark in the audiophile world, accepts signals up to 24-bit/192kHz.
Digital signal management is organized around two separate receivers. For the USB-B input, an X-Mos processor paired with a USB3318 controller ensures asynchronous mode and jitter correction, guaranteeing optimal transmission from a computer. The other digital inputs (AES/EBU, coaxial, and optical) are managed by a Cirrus Logic CS8416 receiver.
This dual-receiver architecture optimizes processing according to the source: X-Mos excels at handling USB while the CS8416 is renowned for its robustness with S/PDIF signals. The presence of an AES/EBU input, a professional standard, underscores the product’s technical ambitions.
Comprehensive Connectivity and Versatile Use
The rear panel reveals particularly extensive connectivity. On the analog side, there are four unbalanced RCA inputs, one balanced XLR input, and a phono input switchable between MM/MC via a dedicated selector. The “Amp In” input allows the X-i1100 to be used as a power amplifier only, bypassing the preamplification section.
Outputs include a preamplifier link for adding an external power amp, as well as a configurable REC/SUB output. Two 12V trigger outputs allow synchronized power-up of compatible equipment.
On the digital side, the unit offers an AES/EBU input, four optical inputs, two coaxial inputs, and the aforementioned USB-B port. This abundance of digital inputs meets the growing number of sources: CD players, streamers, game consoles, televisions…
The speaker terminals, two pairs in total, support bi-wiring thanks to removable straps. Their robust construction allows the use of thick cables, banana plugs, or spades.
