Advance Paris A-i190 Nova Hybrid Integrated Amplifier, Black

The Advance Paris A-i190 Nova is a dual-mono hybrid integrated amplifier that combines two separate 280 VA toroidal transformers, an ECC81 tube preamp stage and 2 × 195 watts at 8 ohms in a single chassis.

This black version with brushed aluminium front and illuminated VU meters marks the top of the Nova series: two mono amplifiers, one chassis, and a phono stage that understands MM and MC equally well.

Why the A-i190 Nova?

The decisive difference from the smaller A-i130 can be summed up in two words: dual power supply. Each channel gets its own toroidal transformer, nothing is shared, nothing interferes with anything else. You hear that as a wider soundstage, cleaner channel separation and a dynamic drive that doesn't falter even during complex orchestral passages. The ECC81 tube preamp, meanwhile, ensures that for all that power, warmth doesn't get left behind. Muscle and manners, both.

What you'll hear

With 2 × 195 watts at 8 ohms and 2 × 297 watts at 4 ohms, the A-i190 drives practically any speaker with authority, even the genuinely demanding ones. The phono stage accepts both MM and MC cartridges, and the balanced XLR pre-out connects active speakers or external power amps. Digitally, HDMI eARC, USB audio up to DSD128, three optical and three coaxial inputs are on hand, converted by the ESS9017S in quad mode. The four-channel DSP with RoomTune tunes the whole thing to your room. And as with its little brother: via the module bays you can add streaming via A-NTC or Bluetooth via A-BTC whenever you like – a subscription is never a requirement for that.

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

Honestly: 19 kilos and a good 45 centimetres of depth call for a grown-up rack with room to breathe around it. Measure first, it saves surprises later. If you run small bookshelf speakers in a compact room, the A-i130 is the more sensible choice; the A-i190 plays its trump cards with large speakers in large rooms. Also worth knowing: XLR here is output only, the A-i190 has no balanced input. For owners of MC cartridges, though, it's the obvious choice of the whole series.

Our verdict

Dual-mono construction, tube preamp and a complete range of connections in one unit you won't want to part with once it's unpacked. We at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil are happy to tell you honestly whether your setup really needs these reserves or whether a size smaller does the job too. Call us: +41 44 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Technical Data

• Type: Dual-mono hybrid integrated amplifier (ECC81 tube preamp, Class-AB power stage)
• Power: 2 × 195 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz) / 2 × 297 W (4 Ω, 1 kHz)
• Power (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)
• THD: 0.042% (1 kHz, 135 W, 8 Ω)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 104.5 dB (1 kHz, 135 W, 8 Ω)
• Power supply: 2 × toroidal transformer at 280 VA each, one 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 × phono MM/MC with ground terminal
• XLR input: not available (XLR as pre-out only)
• Outputs: 1 × pre-out RCA + 1 × pre-out XLR balanced, 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 lighting (white/blue), REM-21 IR remote control
• Mains voltage: 115/230 V, 50/60 Hz, switchable
• Colour: Black (brushed aluminium)
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 43 × 19.2 × 45.4 cm
• Weight: 19 kg (net)
• What's included: A-i190 Nova, REM-21 IR remote control, power cable, manual

FAQ

What exactly does the A-i190's dual-mono construction give you?

Each channel has its own 280 VA toroidal transformer, so the channels don't share a power supply. That prevents mutual interference during load peaks and audibly delivers more stable imaging, a wider soundstage and effortless dynamics, especially with large speakers and high levels in large rooms.

Do I need an external phono preamp for my MC cartridge?

No, the A-i190 Nova already has a built-in phono stage for MM and MC cartridges, including a ground terminal. Your turntable connects directly to the amplifier, no extra box and no extra cables needed. For very exotic cartridges with unusual impedances, we're happy to advise you on the optimal matching.

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

Not in balanced form. The A-i190 only outputs XLR as a pre-out, it has no balanced input. High-level sources come via the five RCA inputs, digital sources via HDMI eARC, USB, three optical or three coaxial inputs. For a purely XLR-based chain, you'll need a separate preamp.

What accessories fit the A-i190 Nova?

Both Nova modules fit into their own bays: the A-BTC Bluetooth dongle with Bluetooth 5.4 and the A-NTC streaming cartridge with Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, DLNA and Roon. There's also the A-RTR rotary remote control for the sideboard, which communicates via the A-BTC module and therefore requires it. All optional, none mandatory.

Is it worth upgrading from the A-i130 to the A-i190?

That depends on your speakers and room. The A-i190 brings dual-mono power supplies, more power, MC phono and a balanced XLR pre-out. With large floorstanders, difficult loads, or vinyl with an MC cartridge: yes. With compact speakers in a normal living room, the A-i130 does just as good a job.

Why buy the A-i190 Nova at HD Zürisee?

Because an amplifier of this class deserves delivery, clean installation and honest system advice. We put together a coherent chain of speakers, sources and cabling, our technician Mauri installs it at your home on request, and the warranty runs through us as an authorised specialist dealer.

Goes well with

Reserves want to be used: large floorstanding speakers, a turntable with an MC cartridge, clean cables – and the Nova modules A-BTC, A-NTC plus the A-RTR rotary remote control are in our Advance Paris overview and in accessories.