Advance Paris A10 Apex 30TH

Thirty years after its creation in 1995, Advance Paris is celebrating its anniversary with a limited edition black finish of its A10 Apex. This hybrid integrated amplifier belongs to the APEX range, designed to push the technical limits of the Classic series. With its two ECC81/12AT7 tubes in preamplification, its 2 × 130 W in Class A/B, and its ESS ES9018 converter, it blends the warm tube sound signature with the linear power of transistors.

The 30TH edition black finish

This special edition marks the brand’s thirtieth anniversary with a fully matte black livery. The chassis retains the characteristic layout: large central needle VU meter, window revealing the two backlit ECC81 tubes, and a rotary encoder for menu navigation. The dimensions command respect: 43 × 17.5 × 35.1 cm for 12.9 kg.

The rear panel groups seven analog inputs (five RCA, one MM phono with ground terminal, one balanced XLR), five digital inputs (three optical, one coaxial, one USB audio), an HDMI eARC port, two subwoofer outputs, a pre-out, and a record out. The dual screw terminals accept two pairs of speakers (zones A and B), usable separately or simultaneously.

The hybrid approach and the High-Bias function

The preamplification section uses two ECC81 dual-triode tubes, bringing that organic midrange texture that transistors struggle to reproduce. The power stage operates in Class A/B with bipolar transistors in a push-pull configuration. A 380 VA toroidal transformer delivers 130 W per channel into 8 Ω, or 198 W into 4 Ω, with a frequency response from 20 Hz to 80 kHz. The signal-to-noise ratio reaches 106 dB, and total harmonic distortion remains at 0.045% at 1 kHz for 90 W into 8 Ω.

The High-Bias switch activates a doubling of the output transistor bias, shifting them partially into Class A for the first watts. This Class A region offers superior linearity at low-level passages—where nuances and subtle details reside—while preserving the ability to scale in volume for crescendos.

The ESS ES9018 digital-to-analog converter

Whereas the A10 Classic integrates an AKM AK4490 DAC, the A10 Apex steps up with an ESS Sabre ES9018. This 32-bit chip stands out with its HyperStream architecture, combining a digital filter acting on both frequency and time domains, as well as a jitter-reduction system called Time Domain Jitter Eliminator.

The ES9018 accepts PCM streams up to 24-bit/192 kHz via the optical and coaxial inputs, while the USB audio supports PCM 24-bit/192 kHz as well as DSD64 and DSD128. The HDMI eARC port retrieves a TV’s soundtrack in stereo PCM, can automatically trigger power-on, and allows volume control from the TV’s remote.

The AMP-IN input, paired with the PRE-OUT output, allows insertion of an external processor or using the A10 Apex as a pure power amplifier by bypassing the preamplifier section.

Settings and practical features

The interface revolves around the rotary encoder and a two-line display. Available settings include loudness, bass and treble controls, and balance. Auto standby can be set from 5 to 60 minutes. On startup, a roughly 30-second countdown lets the tubes reach operating temperature. The front-panel headphone output (6.35 mm jack) provides private listening without additional equipment.

The optional A-BTC Bluetooth module supports aptX HD and aptX Low Latency codecs and works both ways: receiving from a smartphone or transmitting to a Bluetooth headset.

Positioning within the range

The A10 Apex sits above the A10 Classic. Both models share the same hybrid topology and power, but the Apex stands out with its more advanced ES9018 converter compared with the Classic’s AK4490, as well as a more selective component choice.

In 2025, Advance Paris also introduced its new Nova range at the High End Munich show, with even higher-end models like the A-i190 and A-i130, bringing in dual-mono designs and ES9017S DACs in quad mode.

Technical specifications

Amplification and performance

• Hybrid architecture: preamplifier with 2 ECC81 / 12AT7 tubes
• Output power
  • 2 × 130 W into 8 Ω (THD+N 1%, 1 kHz, both channels driven)
  • 2 × 198 W into 4 Ω (THD+N 1%, 1 kHz, both channels driven)
• High-Bias function: partial Class A switching for purer sound at higher power
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 80 kHz (± 1 dB at 31 W / 8 Ω)
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): 0.045% (1 kHz, 90 W, 8 Ω)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 106 dB (1 kHz, 90 W, 8 Ω)

Digital conversion

• Built-in ESS Sabre ES9018 DAC
  • PCM 24-bit / 192 kHz
  • DSD64 / DSD128 via USB

Connectivity

Analog inputs

• 5 × RCA line
• 1 × Phono MM (with grounding post)
• 1 × balanced XLR

Digital inputs

• 3 × optical (Toslink) – PCM 24-bit / 192 kHz
• 1 × coaxial – PCM 24-bit / 192 kHz
• 1 × USB Audio – PCM 24-bit / 192 kHz – DSD64 / DSD128
• 1 × HDMI eARC (TV volume control and power-on)

Outputs

• 1 × PRE-OUT
• 2 × SUB OUT
• 1 × REC OUT
• 1 × 6.35 mm headphone jack

Other connections

• Speakers: dual binding posts (zones A / B)
• Trigger IN / OUT: 12 V
• USB Update port: firmware update
• Bluetooth (optional): via A-BTC module (aptX HD / LL)

Functions and settings

• Available adjustments: loudness, bass, treble, balance
• Auto standby: timer adjustable from 5 to 60 min
• TV control via HDMI eARC
• Compatible with 2 subwoofers
• Voltage selector: 115 / 230 V
• REM-19 infrared remote control included

Power supply and construction

• 380 VA toroidal transformer
• Mains compatibility: 115 / 230 V – 50 / 60 Hz
• Robust design with aluminum front panel and ventilated chassis

Dimensions and weight

• Dimensions (W × H × D): 43 × 17.5 × 35.1 cm
• Packaged dimensions: 54.6 × 30.3 × 49.4 cm
• Net / gross weight: 12.9 kg / 16.3 kg