Advance Paris A-i130 Nova Hybrid Integrated Amplifier, Black

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

This version comes in black with a brushed aluminium front and VU meters whose lighting you can switch between white and blue. Technology that's simply nice to look at too – and that, honestly, is exactly why it earns a spot in the living room.

Why the A-i130 Nova?

The Nova series is Advance Paris's flagship program, and the A-i130 is its living-room centrepiece. The ECC81 tube isn't here as shop-window decoration – as the preamp stage, it shapes the sound: harmonically rich, with voices that stand in the room instead of sticking between the speakers. Behind it, a Class AB power stage with a 380 VA toroidal transformer takes over – 2 × 133 watts into 8 ohms, and 2 × 200 watts into 4 ohms. Tube warmth without dieting on dynamics – that's the idea.

What you hear

The ESS9017S in quad mode converts your digital sources, and the four-channel DSP with RoomTune adapts speakers and up to two subwoofers to your room – with lots of glass and hard walls, that's worth its weight in gold. HDMI eARC brings TV sound to the system over a single cable, complete with automatic power-on. Add to that USB audio up to DSD128, three optical and one coaxial input, five RCA high-level inputs, and an MM phono stage for your turntable. Via the two module bays, you can later add the A-NTC streaming cartridge or the A-BTC Bluetooth dongle. Streaming here is an option, not an obligation: vinyl, CD and TV all run without any subscription.

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

Honestly: a tube and a big toroidal transformer need air. Locking the amplifier into a closed cabinet does neither it nor you any favours. If you're after an invisible little streaming box, at 13.3 kilos and 43 centimetres wide you're simply at the wrong address. And if you want to connect a balanced source via XLR, you should know: the A-i130 has no XLR input – balanced sources come in via RCA, or belong on the larger A-i190. But if you want an amplifier that carries a system for years and grows with new modules, you've found it here.

Our verdict

The A-i130 Nova combines tube charm, modern interfaces and room correction as coherently as you rarely see in this class. It's been a while since an amplifier came through HD Zürisee in Wädenswil that gets so many things right at once. Tell us about your room and your speakers: +41 44 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Technical Data

• Design: 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 (multichannel, 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 present
• Outputs: 1 × pre-out (RCA), 1 × rec-out (RCA), 2 × subwoofer output, headphone 6.3 mm, 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: Black (brushed aluminium)
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 43 × 17.5 × 35.1 cm
• Weight: 13.3 kg (net)
• Included: A-i130 Nova, REM-21 IR remote control, power cable, manual

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect my TV directly to the A-i130 Nova?

Yes, via HDMI eARC you connect the TV with a single cable. The amplifier switches on with the TV, and you control the volume using your familiar TV remote. Films, news and sport instantly sound like a grown-up stereo system instead of TV speakers.

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 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.

Can the A-i130 Nova stream?

Not from the factory, but it's prepared for it. Via the module bays, you can add the A-NTC streaming cartridge with Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, DLNA and Roon, or the A-BTC dongle for Bluetooth. Until then, turntable, CD player and TV all play with no subscription at all.

Which accessories fit the A-i130 Nova?

Both Nova modules fit: the A-BTC Bluetooth dongle with Bluetooth 5.4 and the A-NTC streaming cartridge, each into its own module bay. Add to that the A-RTR rotary remote control, which works wirelessly via the A-BTC module and therefore only functions together with it. You'll find all three in our Advance Paris overview and in accessories.

Does the A-i130 Nova suit my speakers?

In most cases, yes: 2 × 133 watts into 8 ohms and a powerful power supply drive even more demanding floorstanders with authority, and the DSP evens out room issues. For very low-efficiency exotics, it's worth looking at the larger A-i190. Call us and we'll give you an honest assessment.

Why buy the A-i130 Nova from HD Zürisee?

Because an amplifier in this class needs to suit the chain. We listen to what speakers, sources and rooms you have, and tell you openly whether the A-i130 is the right choice. We've lived off honest recommendations rather than quick sales since 1997. Our technician Mauri handles installation and service.

Goes well with

The A-i130 only shows what it can do with the right partners: matching speakers, a turntable for the MM phono stage, clean cables – and you'll find the Nova modules A-BTC, A-NTC and the A-RTR rotary remote in our Advance Paris overview and in accessories.