To celebrate its 30th anniversary, the Advance Paris brand is launching a new series called APEX.
Comprising four devices, this series improves on three integrated amplifiers from the Classic range and adds a CD player derived from the X-CD9. All hybrids, APEX amplifiers use a pair of ECC81 double triode preamplifiers, which can be replaced with 12AT7 models if necessary (or if you prefer the sound). The CD player incorporates a pair of Raytheon 5744 NOS tubes.
A8 APEX
The smallest in the range, the A8 APEX, like the other two amplifiers, has blue backlit VU meters from the Classic series, which have been changed to black, giving them a classier look. The transistor amplification develops a class AB power of 75 watts under 8 Ω and 110 watts under 4 Ω. On the analog side, two pairs of speaker terminals are joined by a plethora of RCA inputs, including a slightly separated MM (Moving Magnet) phono input on the right side of the rear panel. On the digital side, an ESS9018 DAC can be integrated via optical and coaxial inputs, with an HDMI e-Arc port also available alongside. The A8 APEX is priced at 1 990 € including tax.
A10 APEX
More powerful, the A10 APEX uses the same preamp tubes and Sabre DAC chip, but delivers 130 watts into 8 Ω and 198 watts into 4 Ω. A dual subwoofer output is located next to the numerous RCA analog inputs, along with a pair of XLR terminals and, on this model, two sets of HP terminals. The DAC can be integrated via a USB-Audio port, in addition to the optical and coaxial inputs, which are more advanced than on the A8 APEX. The European price is set at 2 490 € including tax.
A12 APEX
But if the A10 is not enough for you, the A12 APEX delivers even more power, up to 190 watts into 8 Ω and 292 watts into 4 Ω. With two toroidal transformers for power supply, its analog architecture is perfectly dual-mono, and the digital section is now managed by an ESS9039 DAC chip, Sabre’s most modern. On this model, the phono input supports not only MM cartridges but also MC (moving coil) cartridges. Two pairs of XLR inputs are combined with a pair of balanced pre-outs. The more elite price tag puts the product at 3 490 €, housed in a more massive chassis weighing nearly 20 kilos. All models feature a 6.35 mm headphone jack on the front panel and an A-BTC Bluetooth module.
ACD APEX
Further proof that the CD still has a bright future ahead of it in the audiophile world, in addition to integrated amplifiers, this APEX series offers one for a single source. Surprisingly, the conversion chip used is no longer a Sabre but a Wolfson, in this case the WM8761 reference chip. It cannot be integrated directly and is therefore only used to convert digital disc playback; on the other hand, the ACD APEX can be used as a pure transport thanks to two digital outputs, a Toslink optical and an RCA coaxial. Combined with two Raytheon 5744 NOS frequency tubes, this player stands out from the competition and deserves to be tested, especially since its price remains affordable at 890 € including tax.
In the meantime, before we test one of these models in our next issue, you can re-read our review of the A12 CLASSIC.
21/01/2026
