Advance Paris A-BTC Bluetooth Dongle aptX HD

The Advance Paris A-BTC is a bidirectional Bluetooth 5.4 dongle with aptX HD that fits exclusively into the module bay of the Advance Paris Nova amplifiers A-i130 and A-i190 – not an adapter for any system.

Plug it in, pair it, done: no power supply, no cable clutter, no extra box on the sideboard. If you don't own a Nova amplifier, though, you're reading about the wrong product here – more on that below.

Why the A-BTC?

Bluetooth receivers are as common as gravel on a lakeshore. The A-BTC does three things differently. First, it sits directly in the dedicated slot of your Nova amplifier – power and signal run through the plug contact, and the audio signal goes straight to the internal converter with no detour. Second, it broadcasts in both directions: it receives music from your phone and, on request, sends it to a pair of Bluetooth headphones – listening loud late at night, entirely without family diplomacy. Third, it's the wireless bridge for the A-RTR rotary remote control, which doesn't work at all without it.

What you hear

With aptX HD, the A-BTC transmits at up to 24-bit resolution – audibly closer to CD quality than standard Bluetooth. aptX Adaptive keeps the connection stable when the radio conditions fluctuate, aptX Low Latency keeps sound in lip-sync while watching TV, and thanks to AAC your iPhone isn't left out either, even if it doesn't tap the full potential of aptX HD. Where the music comes from is up to you: internet radio, podcasts, local files or a streaming service, if you use one. No subscription is required. Your device remembers the pairing – select the input, and the music plays.

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

To be plain: the A-BTC only fits Advance Paris devices with an A-BTC slot, above all the Nova models A-i130 and A-i190. You won't get it onto a different brand's amplifier, and nothing happens on an RCA jack – for that, Advance Paris offers the WTX series. If you mainly want to stream high-resolution audio from your network, you're also better served by the A-NTC streaming cartridge; Bluetooth remains Bluetooth, and that's just honest. For convenient everyday streaming, headphone evenings and the A-RTR, though, the dongle is exactly the right tool.

Our verdict

The A-BTC upgrades your Nova amplifier with functions you won't want to give up afterwards – provided you own one. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, we're happy to advise you on whether the dongle, the streaming cartridge, or both, suit your setup: 044 680 22 00 or WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls).

Technical Data

• Type: bidirectional Bluetooth dongle (receiver and transmitter), plug-in module
• Bluetooth: Version 5.4
• Codecs: aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Low Latency, AAC
• Resolution: up to 24 bit (aptX HD)
• Transmit function: to a pair of Bluetooth headphones
• Connection: A-BTC slot (module bay) of the Advance Paris Nova series
• Compatible: Advance Paris Nova A-i130 and A-i190 – not on third-party devices
• Power supply: via the amplifier, no power supply needed
• Additional function: wireless link for the A-RTR rotary remote control
• Included: A-BTC Bluetooth dongle, quick guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Advance Paris A-BTC fit any amplifier?

No, the A-BTC only fits Advance Paris devices with an A-BTC slot, meaning the Nova models A-i130 and A-i190. Power and signal run through the slot, so it needs neither a power supply nor a cable. For other amplifiers, Advance Paris offers the WTX series with an RCA connection – just ask us.

What does bidirectional mean for the A-BTC?

The A-BTC doesn't just receive music from your smartphone, it also sends it to a pair of Bluetooth headphones. So you can listen to your entire system – turntable included – wirelessly through headphones, when the rest of the house wants quiet. Receiving and sending run through the same dongle; nothing needs swapping.

Do I need a streaming subscription for the A-BTC?

No, a subscription isn't required. The dongle transmits everything your smartphone plays: internet radio, podcasts, locally stored music, or a streaming service, if you use one. You decide where the music comes from – the A-BTC just brings it cleanly into your amplifier.

Do I need the A-BTC for the A-RTR remote control?

Yes, absolutely. The A-RTR rotary remote control communicates wirelessly with the amplifier via the A-BTC dongle – without the module in the bay, it stays silent. If you're eyeing the A-RTR, plan for the A-BTC from the start; we're happy to advise you on the right combination.

Why buy the A-BTC from HD Zürisee?

Because we know the Nova series, not just from a catalogue. We'll tell you honestly whether the dongle, the A-NTC cartridge, or both make sense for your setup, and our technician Mauri helps with setup and service. As an authorised dealer, we handle the warranty cleanly. One call is enough: 044 680 22 00.

Goes well with

Think wireless further: Bluetooth headphones for the A-BTC's other direction, the matching integrated amplifier to go with it – or more from the brand in the Advance Paris overview.