Advance Paris X-A160 EVO Stereo Power Amplifier

The Advance Paris X-A160 EVO is a stereo power amplifier that delivers 2×160 watts into 8 ohms and, in High Bias mode, amplifies the first watts smoothly in Class A.

It's the classic case of a job done right: no volume control, no source selection, no display fireworks. Instead, a 700-watt toroidal transformer, balanced XLR inputs, and two VU meters that show you just how little power you actually draw while listening to music.

Why the X-A160 EVO?

The chamber-divided chassis shields the power supply, input stage and power section from one another. At its centre sits a 700-watt toroidal transformer with four filter capacitors of 10,000 µF each – an energy reservoir that handles dynamic peaks cleanly instead of choking them off. That's exactly where the headroom comes from that lets even low-efficiency speakers be driven with authority.

On the back sits the High Bias switch. Activated, it raises the idle current, so the first watts run in Class A – right where you do most of your listening at home. When more is demanded, the power amp automatically switches to Class AB. Advance Paris deliberately doesn't name a fixed wattage for this, instead speaking of "the first watts". And the two big VU meters? Sonically completely irrelevant. We still wouldn't want to do without them.

What you hear

Above all, quiet. THD is below 0.07 percent, signal-to-noise ratio above 120 dB, cooling is purely passive – no fan, no self-noise from the chassis. What arrives is therefore exactly what your preamp sends: a stable, dry bass, clean channel separation, and in High Bias operation a level of detail that suddenly makes quiet passages exciting. In standby, the power amp draws less than half a watt.

Who is the X-A160 EVO suited for?

For anyone who wants to split up their chain and upgrade it piece by piece later: preamp today, speakers tomorrow, power amp stays. Also for owners of an integrated amplifier with a pre-out who simply lack the power.

To be clear, who it's not for: the X-A160 EVO has no volume control, no source selection and no remote control. Without a preamp or an integrated amplifier with pre-out, it stays silent. If you're after one device for everything, you're better served by our integrated amplifiers. And it doesn't belong in a closed rack compartment either – it wants air.

Our verdict

The X-A160 EVO doesn't make big claims, it makes big dynamics. A massive power supply, Class A on demand, and build quality you rarely see in this class – plus two needles that keep you company through the evening. If you want to know whether it suits your speakers, just tell us which ones you have.

Technical Data

• Design: stereo power amp, Class AB with switchable High Bias
• Output power 8 Ω: 2 × 160 W RMS
• Output power 4 Ω: 2 × 240 W RMS
• Class A (High Bias): first watts smoothly in Class A, switch on the rear (wattage not specified by the manufacturer)
• Frequency response: 10 Hz – 80 kHz
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): < 0.07 %
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 120 dB
• Channel separation: > 80 dB
• Inputs: balanced XLR (38 kΩ), unbalanced RCA (20 kΩ)
• Power supply: 700 W toroidal transformer, 4 × 10,000 µF / 80 V
• Cooling: passive, fanless
• Power consumption: max. 500 W, standby < 0.5 W
• Mains voltage: 115 / 230 V, automatic switching
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 44 × 16 × 42 cm
• Weight: 19 kg

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a preamp for the X-A160 EVO?

Yes, absolutely. The X-A160 EVO is a pure power amplifier with no volume control and no source selection. Any preamp or integrated amplifier with a pre-out works, connected via RCA or balanced via XLR. From the same maker, the Advance Paris X-P700 or X-P1200 are good options. We're happy to help you match the combination.

What does the High Bias switch do?

It raises the idle current so the first watts operate smoothly in Class A – with minimal crossover distortion and finer resolution at normal listening volumes. When the music demands more power, the amp automatically switches to Class AB. Advance Paris doesn't state a fixed wattage for the Class A range. The switch is on the rear.

Is 2×160 watts enough for my speakers?

Easily enough for the vast majority of living rooms. More important than the wattage is stability into low impedance: at 4 ohms, the X-A160 EVO delivers 2×240 watts, backed by the 700-watt toroidal transformer. That keeps even speakers with an unruly impedance curve under control. Tell us your model and we'll give you an honest answer on whether it fits.

Does the X-A160 EVO get hot in High Bias operation?

Warmer, yes – that comes with the increased idle current. Cooling is passive, via generous heatsinks, entirely without a fan and thus without any extra noise. Free space above and beside the unit matters; a tightly closed rack compartment is the wrong choice. In standby, consumption is below 0.5 watts.

Why buy the X-A160 EVO from HD Zürisee?

Because a separated chain needs planning: preamp, speakers, cabling and placement all have to work together. We listen, do the math, and also tell you when a smaller solution is enough. Call us on +41 44 680 22 00, message us on WhatsApp at 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or write to shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

Find the right preamp among our preamplifiers, lively partners among our speakers, a clean signal path among our cables – and the brand's full range in the Advance Paris overview.