Advance Paris brings its elegant and high-end amplifiers to the United States.

The French audio manufacturer Advance Paris, though relatively unknown, has made an effort to raise its profile in the U.S. market by announcing the availability of its premium line of amplifiers and hi-fi components, which are distinguished by their characteristic luminous VU meters. Audio enthusiasts will be particularly interested in the brand's most popular component: the A12 Classic integrated amplifier.

This amplifier, which delivers 120 watts per channel (at 8 ohms), combines solid-state and tube amplification, incorporating two tubes in the pre-amplification section to provide a smoother, warmer sound characteristic of tube amplifiers. The A12 is equipped with dual toroidal transformers that allow for extensive Class A/B amplification, ensuring optimal performance with all types of speakers, from bookshelf to tower.

A notable aspect of the A12 is its clean and aesthetic design, featuring a black finish, machined aluminum dials and buttons, as well as the orange tubes that are visible within the chassis. Additionally, a distinctive feature that has drawn attention since 2003 is its blue VU meters, which are very popular among McIntosh enthusiasts.

While little else is known about the A12 amplifier, it offers a wide range of connectivity options that include: two HDMI ports (with eARC), multiple optical and coaxial digital inputs, five RCA AUX inputs (one for CD), a dedicated Phono input (MM/MC) for turntables, two USB ports, two sets of balanced XLR inputs, and Bluetooth capability (with a Bluetooth module). The price of the A12 Classic Integrated Amplifier is $3,799 and it is available both online and through distributors in the U.S.

Advance Paris has also introduced other hi-fi components to the U.S. market, such as the X-i75 integrated amplifier with 75 watts per channel at a more accessible price of $999, the X-CD9 CD player with digital and analog outputs for $1,199, and the PlayStream A7 streaming amplifier with 115 watts per channel for $1,999, designed for network use via Ethernet and Wi-Fi, supporting services like Spotify and Tidal.

Cédric Léon, product manager at Advance Paris, commented on the demand they have received from high-fidelity enthusiasts in the U.S., highlighting the importance of establishing the right partnerships before expanding. Additionally, he expressed his enthusiasm for the growth in this market, especially at a significant moment in the brand's history.