Advance Paris A-i190 Nova Hybrid Integrated Amplifier, Grey

The Advance Paris A-i190 Nova is a dual-mono hybrid integrated amplifier with two separate 280 VA toroidal transformers, an ECC81 tube preamp stage, MM and MC phono stage, and 2 × 195 watts into 8 ohms.

In the grey finish with brushed aluminium front, the flagship of the Nova series looks a touch lighter and more modern. The substance behind it thankfully doesn't change with the colour.

Why the A-i190 Nova?

Two mono amplifiers in one chassis: every channel gets its own power supply, its own reserve of current, its own peace and quiet. What sounds like engineering pedantry, you hear immediately – the soundstage widens, instruments stand more solidly in the room, and even brutal level peaks don't faze it. On top of that, the ECC81 tube preamp adds its harmonic warmth. Anyone who claims power and finesse are mutually exclusive simply hasn't heard a concept like this yet.

What you hear

2 × 195 watts into 8 ohms, 2 × 297 watts into 4 ohms – so even inefficient floorstanding speakers are no longer a struggle. Vinyl listeners will appreciate the built-in phono stage for MM and MC cartridges, owners of active chains the balanced XLR pre-out. The ESS9017S converter in quad mode takes in everything from HDMI eARC, USB audio up to DSD128, three optical and three coaxial inputs, and the four-channel DSP with RoomTune takes care of your room acoustics. Streaming and Bluetooth come via the A-NTC and A-BTC module in the module bays, if you want them – and only then. Turntable, CD and TV run without any subscription regardless.

Who is the A-i190 Nova suited for – and who isn't it for?

Honestly: for a small room with bookshelf speakers, this is overkill – you're better served with the A-i130. The rack has to play along too: 19 kilos, a good 45 centimetres deep, plus clearance for the tube and transformers. And if you want to connect a balanced source, you should know that XLR on the A-i190 is only wired as a pre-out, not as an input. The A-i190 belongs wherever big speakers, big rooms and high standards come together.

Our verdict

Dual-mono construction, MC phono and a balanced XLR output in one unit – for years that was reserved for the very top tier. With industry roots reaching back to the early nineties, we at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil can say with a clear conscience: the ratio of effort to result is right here. Tell us about your system at +41 44 680 22 00, via WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or at shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Technical data

• Type: Dual-mono hybrid integrated amplifier (ECC81 tube preamp, Class AB output stage)
• Power output: 2 × 195 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz) / 2 × 297 W (4 Ω, 1 kHz)
• Power output (20 Hz–20 kHz, THD+N < 0.07%): 2 × 185 W (8 Ω) / 2 × 276 W (4 Ω)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 80 kHz (43 W, 8 Ω)
• Total harmonic distortion: 0.042% (1 kHz, 135 W, 8 Ω)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 104.5 dB (1 kHz, 135 W, 8 Ω)
• Power supply: 2 × 280 VA toroidal transformer, a dedicated transformer per channel
• DAC / DSP: ESS9017S (multi-channel, quad mode) / ADAU1452, 4 channels with RoomTune room correction
• Digital inputs: 1 × HDMI eARC (stereo PCM), 1 × USB audio (24-bit/192 kHz, DSD64/DSD128), 3 × optical (24-bit/192 kHz), 3 × coaxial (24-bit/192 kHz)
• Analogue inputs: 5 × RCA high level, 1 × MM/MC phono with ground terminal
• XLR input: not available (XLR is pre-out only)
• Outputs: 1 × RCA pre-out + 1 × balanced XLR pre-out, 1 × rec-out (RCA), 2 × subwoofer output, 6.3 mm headphone jack, 2 × speaker terminals
• Module bays: A-BTC (Bluetooth dongle) and A-NTC (streaming cartridge), both optional
• Trigger: 2 × 12 V (in and out)
• Controls: VU meters with switchable illumination (white/blue), REM-21 IR remote control
• Mains voltage: 115/230 V, 50/60 Hz, switchable
• Colour: Grey (brushed aluminium)
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 43 × 19.2 × 45.4 cm
• Weight: 19 kg (net)
• Scope of delivery: A-i190 Nova, REM-21 IR remote control, power cable, manual

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between grey and the black version?

Only the chassis colour. Technology, power, connections and scope of delivery are identical between the two versions. The grey aluminium front suits light, modern interiors, while black remains the classic choice for a dark rack. On both, the VU meter illumination switches between white and blue, to taste.

Does the A-i190 also drive difficult speakers?

Yes, that's what it's built for. The dual-mono power supplies with a combined 560 VA and 2 × 297 watts into 4 ohms keep even impedance-critical floorstanding speakers and large rooms firmly under control. If you're unsure whether your speakers qualify: tell us the model, and we'll give you an honest assessment.

Can I connect an XLR source to the A-i190 Nova?

Not balanced. On the A-i190, XLR is only wired out as a pre-out; there is no balanced input. High-level sources come in via the five RCA inputs, digital sources via HDMI eARC, USB audio, three optical or three coaxial inputs. A fully balanced XLR chain would require a separate preamp.

Can I add streaming to the A-i190 Nova later?

Yes, at any time and without a trip to the workshop. The A-NTC streaming cartridge brings Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, DLNA and Roon to the module bay, and the A-BTC dongle adds two-way Bluetooth 5.4. The A-RTR rotary remote communicates via the A-BTC module and requires it.

How does RoomTune room correction help me?

It corrects what the room does to the sound: boomy bass, harsh reflections, unfavourable placement. The four-channel DSP adjusts the speakers and up to two subwoofers separately, so a clean sound arrives at your listening position – without you having to remodel or refurnish your living room.

Why buy the A-i190 Nova from HD Zürisee?

A flagship only shows its true colours in the right system. We plan speakers, sources and placement together with you, deliver and install on site on request, including calibration of the RoomTune room correction by our technician Mauri. And if you have questions, you reach us directly, not a hotline.

Goes well with

So the reserves actually arrive: floorstanding speakers with real presence, a turntable for the MM/MC phono stage, plus matching cables – and the Nova modules A-BTC, A-NTC as well as the A-RTR rotary remote are in the Advance Paris overview and under accessories.