Advance Paris A-i130 Nova Hybrid Integrated Amplifier, Grey

The Advance Paris A-i130 Nova is a hybrid integrated amplifier that combines an ECC81 tube preamp stage, a Class-AB power stage with 2 × 133 watts at 8 ohms, an ESS9017S converter, DSP room correction and HDMI eARC in a single chassis.

This grey version with a brushed aluminium front looks lighter and more understated than its black sibling. The VU meters light up in either white or classic blue – depending on your mood, the time of day, the music.

Why the A-i130 Nova?

With the Nova series, Advance Paris rounded off its range at the top, and the A-i130 is the model most living rooms actually need. The ECC81 tube works as a preamp stage and gives voices and instruments that organic presence pure transistor gear often fails to deliver. The Class-AB power stage with its 380 VA toroidal transformer delivers 2 × 133 watts at 8 ohms and 2 × 200 watts at 4 ohms – enough headroom that even larger floorstanders won't break a sweat before you do.

What you'll hear

Digital conversion is handled by an ESS9017S in quad mode, and the four-channel DSP with RoomTune tunes your speakers plus up to two subwoofers to your room. Anyone who's ever listened to music in a room with a lake view and correspondingly lots of glass knows how valuable that is. HDMI eARC connects your TV with a single cable, including auto power-on. Add USB audio up to DSD128, three optical and one coaxial input, five RCA high-level inputs and an MM phono stage. Two module bays accept the A-NTC streaming cartridge or the A-BTC Bluetooth dongle when you're ready: upgrade later instead of buying new. No subscription is required for any of it – vinyl, CD and TV play regardless.

Who is the A-i130 Nova for – and who isn't it for?

Hand on heart: this unit doesn't belong in a closed, cramped cabinet – the tube and transformer want to breathe. If you're after a compact all-in-one solution with streaming built in from the factory, the MyConnect models from Advance Paris are the better fit. And if you want to connect a balanced source via XLR, know this: the A-i130 has no XLR input, balanced sources come via RCA or belong on the A-i190. The A-i130 is built for anyone who wants a proper system that grows over the years instead of becoming outdated.

Our verdict

Tube sound, room correction and TV connectivity in one unit that should still feel current in ten years – not many rivals in this class can match that combination. The team at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil is happy to help you fine-tune it to your room and speakers: +41 44 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Technical Data

• Type: Hybrid integrated amplifier (ECC81 tube preamp, Class-AB power stage)
• Power: 2 × 133 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz) / 2 × 200 W (4 Ω, 1 kHz)
• Power (20 Hz–20 kHz, THD+N < 0.07%): 2 × 125 W (8 Ω) / 2 × 186 W (4 Ω)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 80 kHz (31 W, 8 Ω)
• THD: 0.042% (1 kHz, 90 W, 8 Ω)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 104 dB (1 kHz, 90 W, 8 Ω)
• Power supply: 1 × toroidal transformer, 380 VA
• 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), 1 × coaxial (24-bit/192 kHz)
• Analogue inputs: 5 × RCA high-level, 1 × phono MM with ground terminal
• XLR input: not available
• Outputs: 1 × pre-out (RCA), 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: Grey (brushed aluminium)
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 43 × 17.5 × 35.1 cm
• Weight: 13.3 kg (net)
• What's included: A-i130 Nova, REM-21 IR remote control, power cable, manual

FAQ

What's the difference between the grey and black versions?

Only the colour of the front panel and casing. The electronics, power, connections and included accessories are identical. Grey looks lighter and friendlier on the shelf, black more classic and understated. Both versions have the switchable VU meter lighting in white or blue. Purely a matter of taste – sonically, there's nothing in it.

Does the A-i130 Nova have a phono stage for MC cartridges?

No. The A-i130 Nova comes with a phono stage for MM cartridges, including a ground terminal. For an MC cartridge you'll need either an external phono preamp or the larger A-i190 Nova, whose phono stage handles both MM and MC. We're happy to tell you what suits your cartridge.

Does the A-i130 Nova work without a streaming service?

Yes, completely. Turntable, CD player, TV and any other source work without a subscription and without internet. Streaming only comes into play once you add the optional A-NTC cartridge – and even then, AirPlay 2, Chromecast and local network music remain free ways to reach your music.

What accessories fit the A-i130 Nova?

Two separate module bays accept the A-BTC Bluetooth dongle with Bluetooth 5.4 and the A-NTC streaming cartridge, both optional. There's also the A-RTR rotary remote control for the sideboard, which works wirelessly via the A-BTC module and therefore requires it. You'll find all three in our Advance Paris overview and in accessories.

How exactly does the DSP with RoomTune help me?

The DSP corrects what your room does to the sound: boomy bass, harsh reflections, awkward speaker placement. Four channels allow separate adjustment of speakers and up to two subwoofers. The result is a clean sound at your listening position, without having to remodel your living room.

Why buy the A-i130 Nova at HD Zürisee?

Because between a spec sheet and actually good sound stand your room, your speakers and your listening habits. That's exactly what we advise you on, honestly and with an experienced team. We're happy to handle delivery and on-site installation too, and as an authorised dealer your warranty is properly taken care of.

Goes well with

So the grey one can show what it's made of: tailor-made speakers, a turntable for the MM phono stage, matching 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.