Advance Paris X-i1100 Integrated Amplifier ClassicLine

The Advance Paris X-i1100 is an integrated amplifier with a built-in D/A converter and phono preamp for MM and MC, which starts in Class A in High Bias mode and only switches automatically to Class AB when higher power is needed.

2×220 watts into 8 ohms, 2×400 watts into 4 ohms, a 700 VA toroidal transformer with 60,000 µF of filter capacitance, eight digital inputs and two large blue VU meters: the X-i1100 is the flagship of the ClassicLine – and pretty much the opposite of a compromise.

Why the X-i1100?

Some amplifiers are specialists; the X-i1100 is a complete HiFi command centre with muscle. The five-chamber chassis keeps transformer, preamp, D/A converter and power stages cleanly separated, and the capacitor bank buffers whatever current the power stages draw. The result convinced the specialist press too: fairaudio tested it in 2020 and put it succinctly – "The Advance Paris' basic character is punchy and taut, dynamic and unrestrained." The same year, av-magazin awarded an overall rating of "very good" and praised the connectivity and the USB converter.

The clever part is the automatic operating mode. In High Bias mode, the X-i1100 runs in Class A – fine, fluid, low in distortion – and only switches imperceptibly to Class AB once higher power is demanded. Class A sound without the Class A heat battle, so to speak.

What you hear

Composure under load. The X-i1100 doesn't make a fuss about itself; it drives music with an ease you'd otherwise only hear from separate preamp/power-amp combinations: deep bass stays dry and well-defined even at volume, voices sit large and full-bodied in the room, and the soundstage doesn't collapse when things get dense. In High Bias operation, a silky level of detail joins in at room volume – the difference isn't a marketing fairy tale, it's clearly audible. Vinyl through the built-in MC stage and digital sources through the Burr-Brown converter stay surprisingly close together tonally.

Who is the X-i1100 suited for?

For big speakers in big rooms, for collections spanning vinyl, CD and files – and for anyone who wants exactly one device in the rack that still sounds like a full stack. If you drive difficult loads or want to use bi-wiring, you'll find two pairs of speaker terminals here with removable jumpers.

To be clear, who it's not for: streaming isn't built in. For that you need a streamer on one of the eight digital inputs or the optional X-FTB02 Bluetooth receiver. And with 47.6 cm of depth, 21.4 kg and a fair amount of heat in Class A operation, it wants a ventilated rack with some substance. If you're after a compact all-rounder, you'll be happier in the PlayStream series.

Our verdict

The X-i1100 is the spearhead of the ClassicLine: power in abundance, Class A finesse at the push of a button, and a feature set that other manufacturers need two devices for. Once you've had that kind of headroom, you don't want to give it up.

Technical Data

• Type: integrated amplifier with D/A converter and phono preamp
• Output power 8 Ω: 2 × 220 W RMS
• Output power 4 Ω: 2 × 400 W RMS
• Operating mode: Class A (High Bias) with automatic switch to Class AB
• Frequency response (−3 dB): 10 Hz – 70 kHz
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): < 0.025 %
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 102 dB
• Channel separation: > 75 dB
• Power supply: 700 VA toroidal transformer, 60,000 µF filter capacitance
• Analogue inputs: 5 × high level (1 × balanced XLR among them), 1 × phono MM/MC (7 mV), 1 × Amp-In
• Digital inputs: USB-B (X-Mos, jitter correction), AES/EBU, 2 × coaxial, 4 × optical
• D/A converter: Burr Brown PCM1796, 24 bit / 192 kHz
• Speaker outputs: 2 pairs (A/B), bi-wiring via removable jumpers
• Further outputs: pre-out, rec-out, 2 × 12 V trigger
• Output level: pre-out controlled via volume, rec-out fixed; output impedance 47 kΩ (balanced and unbalanced alike)
• Headphone output: present – 6.35 mm jack on the front
• Tone controls: ± 10 dB, bypassable
• VU meters: blue, dimmable
• Bluetooth: not built in from the factory – optional via X-FTB01 / X-FTB02
• Power consumption: max. < 700 W, standby < 0.5 W
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 43 × 21 × 47.6 cm
• Weight: 21.4 kg

Frequently Asked Questions

How much power does the Advance Paris X-i1100 have?

The X-i1100 delivers 2×220 watts RMS into 8 ohms and 2×400 watts into 4 ohms. The basis is a 700 VA toroidal transformer with 60,000 µF of filter capacitance – enough headroom to drive practically any passive speaker with authority and control.

What does High Bias mode mean on the X-i1100?

In High Bias mode, the amplifier fundamentally operates in Class A, with a particularly fine and low-distortion sound. Only at higher power demand does it switch automatically and inaudibly into Class AB operation. That way, the X-i1100 combines Class A sound quality with full power reserves.

What connections does the X-i1100 offer?

Six analogue inputs – five high level, including one balanced XLR, plus a phono input for MM and MC cartridges – as well as eight digital inputs: USB-B, AES/EBU, two coaxial and four optical. Plus two speaker pairs with a bi-wiring option, pre-out, rec-out and two 12 V triggers.

Can I connect headphones to the X-i1100?

Yes, there's a 6.35 mm jack on the front. That's plenty for the vast majority of HiFi headphones. If you run very high-impedance or particularly demanding models, a dedicated headphone amp on the pre-out will still get you a notch further.

Does the X-i1100 have built-in streaming?

No, the X-i1100 is deliberately a classic integrated amplifier with a D/A converter. You add streaming flexibly as needed: via a network streamer on one of the eight digital inputs, or wirelessly with the optional X-FTB02 Bluetooth receiver with aptX HD. That way you decide for yourself which solution goes into your system.

Are there test reports on the Advance Paris X-i1100?

Yes, several. fairaudio credited it in 2020 with a punchy, dynamic basic character with no limitations on speaker choice, and av-magazin awarded an overall rating of "very good" the same year, highlighting the connectivity and the USB converter. Further tests appeared at lowbeats and likehifi.

Why buy the Advance Paris X-i1100 from HD Zürisee?

Because a flagship amplifier needs to suit the room, the speakers and the rack – placement, cooling and cable runs included. We clarify that with you beforehand: phone +41 44 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or shop@hdzuerisee.ch. We handle delivery and installation around Lake Zurich from Wädenswil.

Goes well with

Find worthy playing partners among our floorstanding speakers, sources among our turntables, CD players and streamers, clean connections among our cables – and the full range in the Advance Paris overview.