Advance Paris X-i50BT Integrated Amplifier Bluetooth

The Advance Paris X-i50BT is an analogue Class AB integrated amplifier with a built-in Bluetooth receiver, MM phono preamp and switchable High Bias stage – the entry point into the ClassicLine.

2×50 watts into 8 ohms, seven high-level inputs, a headphone output, a separable pre/power stage and an acrylic glass front that looks considerably more expensive than the unit actually is. Important for context: Bluetooth yes, network streaming no – the X-i50BT is deliberately an analogue amplifier with wireless convenience, not a streaming amplifier.

Why the X-i50BT?

Entry-level doesn't mean plasticky at Advance Paris. Inside the X-i50BT works a toroidal transformer, the pre- and power-amp sections can be split apart, and the High Bias switch lets the first watts run in a near-Class-A fashion – that smooths out crossover distortion and makes even quiet listening fine and natural. The magazine hifitest.de put it simply: "The X-i50BT is the entry point into Advance Acoustic's amplifier world." – praising the unusually generous input section in the process.

That's exactly the second argument: seven high-level inputs is simply unusual in this class. Add to that a genuine MM phono input, a USB-A port for playback from a stick, and Bluetooth with aptX including a rotatable antenna. Pair your smartphone, and the music plays – no extra device needed.

What you hear

Unhurried honesty. The X-i50BT doesn't flatter anything and doesn't artificially push anything forward: voices come across direct and close, the treble stays clean rather than sharp, and the bass is on the lean, dry side rather than voluminous. With High Bias activated, the sound gains noticeably in smoothness at room volume. Via phono, it becomes clear why a decent built-in preamp is worth more than a cheap adapter: records sound calm and stable, not thin.

Who is the X-i50BT suited for?

For bookshelf speakers and compact floorstanders in normal living rooms – and for anyone moving up from a Bluetooth speaker to a proper system without immediately furnishing a rack. Vinyl beginners and returning vinyl fans are especially well served here, because phono is already built in.

To be clear, who it's not for: digital inputs like coax or Toslink are missing, as is network streaming – if you want Spotify, Qobuz or Tidal directly in the device, take a look at our streaming amplifiers instead. For big, low-efficiency floorstanding speakers in spacious living rooms, 2×50 watts is also on the tight side; then it's better to look a league higher. And MC cartridges need an external step-up transformer.

Our verdict

The X-i50BT makes the entry into Advance Paris easy: honest engineering, phono and Bluetooth included, with a dash of French style on top. For vinyl beginners and returning vinyl fans, one of the most likeable amplifiers in its class – and one of the few where you read the input list twice because you don't quite believe it.

Technical Data

• Type: integrated amplifier (Class AB) with Bluetooth and MM phono preamp
• Output power 8 Ω: 2 × 50 W RMS
• Output power 4 Ω: 2 × 65 W RMS
• High Bias: switchable, first watts near-Class-A
• Frequency response (−3 dB): 10 Hz – 30 kHz
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): < 0.15 %
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 85 dB
• Channel separation: > 70 dB
• Analogue inputs: 7 × high level (CD, tuner, 4 × AUX, analogue RCA), 1 × phono MM (2.5 mV / 47 kΩ)
• Digital / wireless: Bluetooth with aptX and AAC, rotatable antenna – no network streaming, no S/PDIF inputs
• USB: USB-A for playing audio files from a stick
• Outputs: 1 speaker pair, pre-out (pre/power stage separable), rec-out
• Output level: pre-out controlled via volume – also usable for an active subwoofer; rec-out fixed
• Headphone output: present – 6.35 mm jack on the front
• Tone controls: ± 10 dB, bypassable
• Power supply: toroidal transformer, 115–230 V
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 43 × 11 × 32 cm
• Weight: 6 kg

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Advance Paris X-i50BT?

An analogue integrated amplifier with 2×50 watts into 8 ohms, a built-in Bluetooth receiver, MM phono preamp and headphone output. It's the entry point into Advance Paris's ClassicLine and aims at anyone who wants a genuine HiFi system rather than an active speaker.

Can the X-i50BT stream Spotify or Tidal?

Not directly – the X-i50BT has Bluetooth but no network streaming and no app. So you play Spotify, Tidal or Qobuz through your smartphone via Bluetooth. If you want the services built into the device itself, you need a streaming amplifier or a separate network player.

Can I connect a turntable directly?

Yes, the X-i50BT has a built-in phono stage for MM cartridges with a 47 kΩ input impedance. Plug in your turntable, connect the ground wire, select the source, done. For MC cartridges you additionally need a step-up transformer or an external phono preamp.

What does the High Bias switch do?

Activated, it runs the first watts with increased idle current, meaning near-Class-A. This audibly reduces crossover distortion, especially at room volume. When needed, the amplifier then delivers its full Class AB power as normal afterwards – so you lose no headroom.

Is 2×50 watts enough for my speakers?

For most bookshelf and compact floorstanding speakers in normal living rooms: yes, easily. At 4 ohms, 2×65 watts are on tap. If you regularly like it loud or own big, low-efficiency speakers, you should look a step higher – we're happy to help you gauge it.

Why buy the Advance Paris X-i50BT from HD Zürisee?

Because at the entry level, the combination decides everything: speakers, room, turntable and cables all have to fit together, or you're giving away sound quality for nothing. That's exactly where we advise you from Wädenswil – phone +41 44 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or shop@hdzuerisee.ch – and we stay reachable after the purchase too.

Goes well with

Matching bookshelf speakers, plus speaker stands, a turntable for the MM input, a clean signal path via our cables – and the full range in the Advance Paris overview.