Advance Paris A-NTC Nova Streaming Cartridge

The Advance Paris A-NTC is a card-format streaming module that plugs into the expansion bay of the Nova amplifiers A-i130 Nova and A-i190 Nova and gives them network streaming up to 24-bit/192 kHz.

It's therefore not a sideboard device but an expansion card. Small as a cigarette pack, with a service catalogue that puts many a full-grown network player to shame.

Why the A-NTC?

Most streaming retrofits mean: one more box, one more power supply, two more cables. The A-NTC instead disappears into the module bay of your Nova amplifier – power and signal run internally, nothing changes on the lowboard, and the amplifier controls the card through its own menu.

Important to know: the module bay is Advance Paris-specific. The card doesn't fit other amplifiers, and a Nova amplifier is extended by it, not replaced. Outside the bay the A-NTC only works in a clearly limited role – more on that below.

What you get

Practically every service with a name is on board: Qobuz Connect, Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, DLNA for your networked music collection – and Roon support for those who like it precise. Resolution goes up to 24-bit/192 kHz, connected either via WiFi or, more stably, via Ethernet cable. A paid subscription isn't a requirement: AirPlay, Chromecast and DLNA play your own music and free sources just as reliably.

Who is the A-NTC suited for?

For owners of an A-i130 Nova or A-i190 Nova who want to make their amplifier network-capable without an extra device. And for anyone who wants to add streaming with minimal intervention to an existing device with an optical digital input – in that case the card is powered via USB and outputs the signal via Toslink.

To be clear about who it's not for: the A-NTC isn't a full-fledged streaming component. It has no power supply of its own, no display, no remote control, no volume control and no analogue output – it always needs a device behind it to convert and amplify. Anyone looking for a standalone network player with RCA outputs, app display and its own power supply is in the right place at streamers. And anyone who already owns a dedicated high-end streamer won't find a quantum leap here.

Our verdict

Adding streaming without rebuilding the rack – that's exactly what the A-NTC does, unassumingly and with complete functionality. As a Qobuz Hi-Fi partner since 2018, we at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil know where the setup snags are, and we're happy to help: +41 44 680 22 00 or WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls).

Technical data

• Type: streaming cartridge (expansion card), not a standalone network player
• Module bay compatibility: Advance Paris A-i130 Nova and A-i190 Nova
• Standalone operation: possible with devices with an optical digital input – powered via USB, signal via Toslink
• Services: Qobuz Connect, Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, DLNA, Roon
• Resolution: up to 24-bit / 192 kHz
• Network: WiFi or Ethernet (RJ45)
• Output: optical (Toslink) in standalone operation; internal connection to the amplifier in the module bay
• Output level: no analogue output and no volume control – level control is handled by the connected device
• Headphone output: not available
• Power supply: via the amplifier's module bay, or via USB in standalone operation
• Scope of delivery: A-NTC streaming cartridge, USB power cable for standalone operation

Frequently asked questions

Which devices does the A-NTC fit?

Into the expansion bay of the Advance Paris Nova amplifiers A-i130 Nova and A-i190 Nova. Other amplifiers – including older Advance Paris models or devices from other brands – don't have this bay. Tell us your model and we'll confirm in one sentence whether it fits.

Does the A-NTC work without a Nova amplifier?

Only to a limited extent. It can be powered via USB and outputs the signal via Toslink – that works with any device with an optical digital input. But it never plays on its own: there's no analogue output, no volume control and no amplifier. A converter or amplifier behind it is mandatory.

Do I need a streaming subscription for the A-NTC?

No, a subscription is optional. Via AirPlay 2, Chromecast and DLNA you can stream your own files, free services and web radio apps directly. Anyone using Qobuz, Tidal or Spotify gets the Connect integration on top – but the card also works completely without ongoing costs.

Is the A-NTC Roon-capable?

Yes, the A-NTC supports Roon and can be integrated as a zone in your Roon environment. Together with Qobuz Connect and Tidal Connect, it also covers the more demanding streaming ecosystems. We're happy to help if setup on your home network snags anywhere.

Why buy the A-NTC from HD Zürisee?

Because streaming setups fail on details in practice: network, app logic, device combination. We've been a Qobuz Hi-Fi partner since 2018, know these pitfalls, and set up the system fully for you on request – by phone, WhatsApp, or through our technician Mauri directly at your home.

Goes well with

You'll find the Nova amplifiers and further accessories from the brand in the Advance Paris overview, matching devices with a module bay under integrated amplifiers, standalone network players under streamers – and stable connections in the network range.