Advance Paris X- P700

Advance Paris X-P700: dual-mono preamplifier

A discreet chassis that hides a carefully designed architecture: the X-P700 picks up where the X-P500 left off, taking the audiophile logic even further. The dual-mono construction, which processes each channel independently via two separate toroidal transformers, is designed to minimize crosstalk and preserve stereo separation. The French manufacturer, active since 1995, has also integrated a Burr-Brown PCM 1796DB DAC to replace the Wolfson used in the previous model.

A two-voice architecture

The distinctive feature of the X-P700 lies in its ability to switch between two output topologies. Class A mode uses bipolar transistors in a double-cascade configuration, which produces harmonic distortion similar to that of tube amplifiers, with a smooth, even coloration. Discrete mode is based on a JFET differential stage combined with a bipolar current mirror, biased in class AB. This second option delivers a more analytical rendering, sometimes perceived as more precise on transients. Selection is made from the menu, via the multifunction rotary knob on the front panel.

Signal processing follows the “Direct Path” principle, which aims to keep the electrical path between input and output as short as possible. The power supply, also built in dual mono, uses two high-current-capacity toroidal transformers feeding filtered and regulated circuits. The stated overall signal-to-noise ratio reaches 130 dB.

Connectivity: analog, digital, and phono

The rear panel offers seven RCA line inputs plus a balanced XLR input. The phono stage accepts both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges, with two gain levels available for the latter (48 dB or 64 dB). Capacitance is also adjustable, allowing the preamp to be tailored to different cartridges without resorting to an external phono preamp.

On the digital side, there are two optical S/PDIF inputs, one coaxial, and two USB ports. The USB-B, equipped with an XMOS XU208 controller, provides asynchronous transmission from a computer. The USB-A allows playback of files stored on a USB stick or external drive. The Burr-Brown converter accepts PCM streams up to 24-bit/192 kHz.

Outputs include a full-band RCA pair, a balanced XLR output, a dedicated recording output, and a high-pass pre-out. Two subwoofer outputs make it possible to integrate one or two subwoofers, with a selectable crossover frequency at 75 Hz or 150 Hz.

Headphone listening with independent settings

The front panel features two headphone jacks, one 6.35 mm and the other 3.5 mm. Each output has independent settings accessible via the menu: three gain levels (+6, 0, or -4 dB) and two output impedance values (0 or 100 ohms). This flexibility lets you adapt the headphone amplifier’s behavior to very different models, from sensitive in-ears to more demanding planar headphones.

Integration into a separates system

The X-P700 is designed to work with the power amplifiers in the Advance Paris range: X-A160 EVO, X-A220 EVO, BX2, or X-A600. The balanced XLR output comes into its own with power amps that accept this type of connection, reducing susceptibility to interference over long cable runs.

The dual subwoofer output and high-pass output also allow bi-amped configurations, where a dedicated amplifier handles low frequencies while another takes care of the mids and highs.

Technical Specifications

Architecture

• Transformer: dual mono
• Converter: Burr-Brown PCM 1796DB, 24-bit, 192 kHz

Audio Performance

• Output level:
  • Unbalanced: 2 V
  • Balanced: 4 V
• Frequency response (± 3 dB): 20 Hz - 45 kHz
• Distortion: < 0.007%
• Impedance: 47 kΩ
• Signal-to-noise ratio:
  • Digital-to-analog converter (DAC): 80 dB
  • Overall: 130 dB

Input Connectivity

• 7 analog RCA inputs + 1 phono MM/MC
• 1 digital S/PDIF coaxial input
• 2 digital S/PDIF optical inputs
• 1 balanced analog XLR input
• Headphone: 3.5 mm and 6.35 mm jack inputs
• USB: type B and type A

Output Connectivity

• 1 balanced analog XLR output
• 2 subwoofer pre-outputs
• 1 analog RCA output (pre-out)
• 1 analog RCA output (recording)

Physical Characteristics

• Power consumption: 30 W
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 43 × 12 × 28 cm
• Weight: 6.7 kg