Advance Paris WTX-StreamTubes Tube Streamer

The Advance Paris WTX-StreamTubes is a compact network streamer with a tube output stage: two Raytheon 5703 subminiature tubes in a Class A circuit refine the signal before it reaches the amplifier.

Streaming with the warm character that analog fans usually claim for themselves – in a housing barely wider than a book. If you think digital has to sound sterile, you haven't heard this little Frenchman yet.

Why the WTX-StreamTubes?

Streamers often sound technically perfect and emotionally cold. Advance Paris goes the opposite way: behind the viewing window, two real Raytheon 5703 tubes glow, giving the digital signal a lively, less aggressive quality after conversion by the Burr-Brown PCM1796 (24-bit / 192 kHz). stereoplay judged in issue 5/2022, with 79 out of 100 points: «The WTX-Stream Tubes undoubtedly occupies a special place among streamers, offering genuine tube sound for the music files fed into it.»

What you get

A full-fledged streamer for the shelf or sideboard: Spotify, Qobuz, Tidal, Deezer and Amazon Music are integrated, plus internet radio via TuneIn and vTuner, AirPlay, DLNA/UPnP and multiroom. A paid subscription is an option here, not a requirement – internet radio and your own music collection from a NAS or computer work without one. Connection happens via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, control via the PlayStream app or the included remote control. The signal leaves either through the analog RCA output via the tube stage, or digitally via coax and Toslink. Bluetooth can be added via the rear port with the X-FTB01 or X-FTB02.

Who is the WTX-StreamTubes right for?

Plain talk: if you're after a clinically neutral studio streamer, this isn't for you – this device wants to show character, not win measurement contests. Same if you want to skip a preamp: the RCA output delivers a fixed line level, and there's no volume control or headphone output. So it belongs with an integrated amplifier, a preamp, or active speakers – never directly at a power amp. For anyone who wants to teach an existing system streaming with soul, it's a small one-of-a-kind.

Our verdict

The WTX-StreamTubes is the most charming way to bring a classic system into the streaming age – small in size, big in character. Whether the warm fundamental tone suits your speakers, or you'd rather have something more neutral, we're happy to discuss in advance at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil: 044 680 22 00 or WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls).

Technical specifications

• Type: Network streamer with tube output stage
• Tubes: 2× Raytheon 5703 (subminiature, Class A)
• D/A converter: Burr-Brown PCM1796, 24-bit / 192 kHz
• Streaming services: Spotify, Qobuz, Tidal, Deezer, Amazon Music, internet radio via TuneIn and vTuner
• Network: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Ethernet, AirPlay, UPnP/DLNA, multiroom
• Formats: APE, FLAC, WAV, ALAC, AAC, AAC-LC, HE-AAC, HE-AACv2, MP3
• Analog output: RCA stereo through the tube stage
• Digital outputs: coaxial (S/PDIF) and optical (Toslink)
• Output level: fixed (line level), no volume control on the device
• Headphone output: not available
• Bluetooth: optional via the rear port with X-FTB01 (aptX) or X-FTB02 (aptX HD)
• Control: Advance PlayStream app (iOS/Android), remote control included
• Power supply: external power supply
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 13 × 5 × 12.5 cm
• Weight: 576 g
• Included: WTX-StreamTubes, power supply, Wi-Fi antenna, remote control, instruction manual

Frequently asked questions

Which streaming services are integrated?

Spotify, Qobuz, Tidal, Deezer and Amazon Music run directly through the PlayStream app, plus thousands of internet radio stations via TuneIn and vTuner. AirPlay and DLNA additionally bring music from an iPhone, Mac, PC or NAS to the streamer. A paid subscription here is an option, not a requirement.

Do I need a separate amplifier?

Yes. The WTX-StreamTubes is a pure source with a fixed output level and no volume control. It connects via RCA to an integrated amplifier, a preamp, or active speakers; digitally, it can also go via coax or Toslink to an external DAC. It doesn't belong directly at a power amp.

Does the WTX-StreamTubes have Bluetooth or a headphone output?

Bluetooth isn't included from the factory, and there's no headphone output at all. The Advance module X-FTB01 with aptX or X-FTB02 with aptX HD can be added via the rear port. Wi-Fi, Ethernet, AirPlay and DLNA, on the other hand, are already built in; headphones connect to the amplifier behind it.

What do the tubes actually contribute?

The Class A tube stage sits behind the converter and audibly shapes the sound: a bit rounder, warmer, more organic – in the direction of what vinyl lovers appreciate. It's not neutral in the studio-converter sense, and that's exactly the intention. A side effect: the glow behind the viewing window simply looks great.

Why buy the WTX-StreamTubes at HD Zürisee?

Because tube sound is a matter of taste – and that's exactly what we advise you on honestly. Does the warm character suit your speakers, or would a more neutral streamer be the better choice? We work that out in advance by phone or WhatsApp, and our technician Mauri then helps with setup and network questions.

Goes well with

An integrated amplifier as a counterpart, other streamers for comparison – or more from Advance Paris.