Spicy Integrated Amp Confirms What I Already Knew...

[@salimadam104]

I’ve just watched half a dozen of your videos, one after the other, and taken your advice to grab a cup of coffee each time. I’m now completely wired which is no bad thing as we all know that’s more stable than Wi-Fi. Love the channel, keep up the great work!

[@WireHedd]

Good choice.s on both the channel and your connections. If it has an ethernet port on board it's connected to my home network automatically. I have wifi 6 and 6E but always prefer hardwired for rock-solid signal stability. I have 10Gb running throughout the house for data and automation but also for my entertainment systems. Of course, it's also a main part of my career and I think the name might be a hint too.

[@blinkingmanchannel]

Huge grin! THIS time, I got'er done! 😁 Speakers on the way.

[@cheapaudioman]

@@blinkingmanchannel nice. They’re outstanding

[@TE5LA-GAMING]

I have a Luxman 2-channel receiver that has in/out for two tape decks, two VCRs, Main in/out, signal processor in/out, plus 8 additional pairs of analog inputs, fixed analog outputs, as well as 9 Composite video inputs and 5 S-Video inputs. It's from the 80s.

[@erics.4113]

Randy!!! You Gooooonnnieeeee!! I appreciate how much the Advance Paris stands out from the pack. I heard A10 at Capital last year and thought it sounded great and loved the connection options. Seemed like every possible connection was offered!

[@davidnewell3232]

Why settle for just another black box when you could have a black box with a knob?

[@tpr299]

The Outlaw RR2160 MKII has AM/FM, HD radio, turntable pre-amp, headphone amp, can function as a pre-amp, and apparently a streamer function also. True 110 watts per channel at 8 ohms. $999.

[@corymarcotte5853]

@@tpr299 yup… that would b the one.

[@tpr299]

I forgot internet radio with a channel directory, bass management with two subwoofer outs, and other features.

[@spooner1]

Nice unit, but runs hot

[@tpr299]

@@spooner1, I guess I hadn’t noticed that much heat on mine. My 1979 Marantz SR2000 at 38 watts per channel runs at least as warm.

[@TE5LA-GAMING]

I just got an Emotiva preamp and separate amp. Same features (no AM), but has Bluetooth, full and high-pass output, and the amp is 250x2 @ 4-Ohms. $831. The amps runs absurdly cool. After being on for hours, the highest temperature I could measure anywhere was 85 degrees.

[@zuyvox]

Hm... I know this Amp under the name Advance Acoustic X-i75. It looks identical and costs around 650-700 €.

[@John-hk2mq]

@@zuyvox advance acoustic was the old name for advance Paris, same company.

[@zuyvox]

@@John-hk2mq But, the price difference is... a rip off imho.

[@corymarcotte5853]

Try running it out to an active crossover. Connecting it back for the uppers and to a separate amp for the bass.

[@KBoneZone]

Looks nice. I could buy this or 74 Rocktopus coffee mugs. Tough choice.

[@lightsource1790]

How does it compare to the a 10 classic sound wise? Do the tubes make a big difference. Your thoughts would greatly help. I’m trying to decide between the two. Cheers

[@shawnleininger8354]

@cheapaudioman love your videos and not to go a little off topic but how do the piega speakers sound next to another european manufacturer more specifically the heco aurora 300?

[@francoisboyer7238]

compared the Outlaw 2160 witch one to you think is better? I like the fact that I can have 2 sets of speakers with more option. you also described the sound from both in the same way. thanks for your help :)

[@WireHedd]

I love the look of this amp and could see it paired with a blue led'd graphic EQ. That it has a version of the old Apple iPod clickwheel control knob is strangely cool. Excellent video again Randy. Thanks man.

[@corymarcotte5853]

This is also very crossover Capable. You can run out to crossover cross over and then run back.

[@SuperMcgenius]

Also with a pre out /amp in you can insert a bass filter if you are using a sub, this frees up the power when not reproducing, low bass

[@rogerfalk5944]

I hope you still do a review of the Piega speakers.

[@0rbital]

how does the sound quality compare to the Rotel a11 mkii?

[@steveh545]

You're right about the looks. For a grand, i want a bit more. May I have some more please. I need a VU meter, and/or some tube glow.

[@danab7472]

Would the Tube Box S2 be an upgrade to the X-i75’s internal pre?

[@s.daniel9224]

An inexpensive integrated that sounds incredible. Musical fidelity A1. I buy a lot of gear, but when I just want to enjoy the music, the A1. It’ll have you tapping your feet and bobbing your head. Maybe dance in the house with your dog (so I’ve heard). It shaves off a little detail but pays you back in overall enjoyment. I get lost in the music-I stop listening or analyzing equipment performance.

[@butchbantug4731]

Picture on the Piega speakers didn't look glossy. Looking to replace original elac unifi. Hope this might be good alternative.

[@michaelsegel8758]

Its a killer upgrade. Think of going from a Toyota to a loaded Mercedes A series for the same price.

[@shawnleininger8354]

@@michaelsegel8758 have u had any experience with the piegas? And have u heard the heco aurora 300s?

[@richgrao]

I am having trouble with this one. So it sounds pretty similar to the Emotiva TA2? Which has significantly more power, has an FM tuner (i know - who cares - but you like cassettes🤪) and costs $300 less? Also the AP may clip at loud volumes with inefficient speakers?

[@kevinbehnke7149]

I wish I would of seen this video yesterday. I would've trounced on this speaker deal like a fat kid at an ice cream with $20 in his hand...lol

[@bpalpha]

A lot of competition for that integrated amp at this price point. Marantz MM7025, 70s, Audiolab 6000A, Yamaha R-N800A, NAD C368, and Outlaw Audio's RR2160mkII are a little less expensive even. Great I/O on the Advance though. You could also get separates at the $1200 level.

[@bartketelbuters542]

The Marantz isn't an integrated. And I've been playing Marantz for a long time, but went to Schiit. Much better.

[@Yiannis2112]

@@bartketelbuters542 The 70s is. The 13 year old...(!!) MM7025 isn't. Its a power amp.

[@Yiannis2112]

@bpalpha The MM7025? That is a 13 year old power amp...

[@tpr299]

Does anybody match Outlaw Audio’s features on the RR2160 MK II for the price??? Probably not even close.

[@Anox99]

yep and i would choose 70s only because it has hdmi arc

[@Boxkerp]

For the models that have tubes, does Advance Paris state the lifetime expectancy for the tubes? Are they easy to replace?

[@rogerfalk5944]

Randy, What happened to Geshelli Labs Zoofa integrated amp? That looked so cool. Did they decide to not make it?

[@michaelsegel8758]

Great vid. Good find on the Piega's 38Hz - 40kHz? for $500? Nice!

[@jamesmckeehan7935]

Randy, just ordered a pair of the Piega’s. Look forward to hearing them against another of your favorites, the Emotiva XB2.

[@TheDarius1968]

And, I just ordered my pair to hopefully upgrade my pair of Emotiva B1+.

[@billandrews9267]

Just ponied up for the Piega’s been watching stereophile YT for over 12 months now and haven’t purchased any system so this will be my first piece. Super excited now to maybe pickup the new WiiM to drive them with?

[@butchbantug4731]

Did you get confirmation on ship date? I bought a pair also same day but no shipping confirmation yet. Thanks

[@billandrews9267]

@@butchbantug4731 Yeah I only got notified today.

[@butchbantug4731]

​@@billandrews9267 actually just received from FedEx. So shipping was pretty fast. Thanks.

[@butchbantug4731]

I replaced my smaller listening area which currently has original elac unifi with these speakers. Wow. Elac wasn't even close so these are staying in this room. I know it's all subjective. My system here are 2 ZA3 with sparkos, J2 with Sparkos and Wiim Pro streamer/preamp. Will be listening here for hours.

[@billandrews9267]

@@butchbantug4731 Thanks mate, good to know. Especially that it goes ok with the WiiM pro. Was looking at that or between the two Marantz 1) Stereo 70s or 2) M1.

[@John-hk2mq]

Advance Paris has been around since 1995,used to be called advance acoustic, they started with speakers, before amps, French company that doesn't export much , if u like the classic 10 then try the classic 12 it's a duo mono integrated power house, they also have there all in ones like the myconnect 150 with there own streaming app. If u want crazy big they also have the my connect 250 it's huge has a cd player build in. I'm personally not a fan only for the looks, but it is true that when you see them for real they look seriously highend, maybe one day I might pick one up. As I live in France no inport taxes or crazy shipping that blows the price up.. 😢

[@starbux55]

What are some integrated amps with pre out main in? Around $10 00

[@thetrumanshow4791]

I've not heard Advance Paris yet, but they look amazing. Hoping they will make a metered 3 channel amp and a metered 5 channel amp. Would absolutely buy!

[@perlman-t2g]

Thanks for the review. But, now having HDMI ARC, I won't buy a unit without it. Makes the TV an integral part of my stereo system.

[@jukingeo]

Looks nice, but again, just like with the Schiit Kara preamp, it is over priced for what it is. @Randy Can you find us a balanced in/out preamp with tone controls for under $500?

[@StefanEisenbeis]

Hey Randy, how would you describe the Advance Paris Xi75 to the Marantz stereo 70 or M1? Love your content and jokes!

[@damienlahoz]

Randy I know that non intergrated amps arent the rage anymore but could you cover maybe top 2 channel amps under say $2k in the near future?

[@Brett1334]

‘Very similar operation to the TA2’ I think that’s because rumour has it they are both built with the same parts etc…and that advance Paris and Emotiva are very similar companies.

[@billywindsock9597]

Like the look.

[@AllHandlesHaveBeenTaken]

Great I/O selection. I find the single knob interface icky though

[@khoi83]

I have the Advance Paris smart BX1 in white. Very cool and nice amp!

[@lonelycake4114]

Yo cheapo Is there a budget streamer with phono input?

[@AdityaSingh-kr6sx]

@cheapaudioman I have seen a few of your videos and love the cost effective solution you share. Now I have some investment plans ongoing so cannot invest in a new audio setup. So, I was thinking about building one from whatever is available with me. 1. An old LED FHD TV (not smart TV) for Display 2. Old Dell Studio laptop, with 5.1 channel support & Realtek HD Audio ALC888 onboard. 3. Creative 2.1 speakers with decent bass for front speakers. 4. BPL Double cassette player with line--in option, stereo support with surround sound setup (2 speakers per channel). Very crisp & clear sound. Planning to use these as back surround speakers. Problem: As soon as I set the sound card to 5.1 the base is very much reduced in the 2.1 speaker and I don't have any center speaker & separate subwoofer. I do have a few bluetooth speakers with aux-in but that woofer is the major missing part. Is there any other way to configure the above setup? If not, can you recommend a product for missing speakers (only subwoofer or may be both subwoofer & center speaker) that I can also use with any other home theater setup that I may purchase in future.

[@bluescoobywagon]

OMG! That remote! Did someone use it to serve snacks??

[@Darrylizer1]

Ugh, torn between making another tube kit, the Rotel RA-1592 Mk2 and the Advance Paris A-10. I really need to hear the Advance Paris.

[@kevingest5452]

Record out is also good if you want to add a headphone amp

[@lukavajagic3914]

I have Advance Paris KC800 speakers hioked to XTZ A100D3 and could hardly ask for more.

[@new-kids-on-the-block]

you need to try the bx2!!!

[@bristolwoodburners81]

I made a very conscious decision to seek out the advanced paris room at our local hifi show this year. Theyve made a lot of waves this year online and i wanted to see what all the fuss was about. They had the 2 flagship AP mono blocks running some £6k speakers (i forget the brand) and a vinyl front end (i forget the pre/stage) The system sounded... underwhelming. I get it could well not be the mono blocks and something else in the chain. This was the advanced paris room though ...the rest of the room had all of the other ap products on tables on display ....this system should have been selected to show the advanced paris monos in the best possible light . Thin, brittle anaemic are the words that spring to mind ... left after a few mins feeling disappointed and wondering what all the hype was about

[@jimdavis5230]

I would love to send you photos of the Hi Fi power amplifiers I design and build but KZbin won't allow me to do that. A pity because my designs sound as good as the best commercial amplifiers but can be built for a fraction of the price.

[@davedave2551]

Throw up a link man...c'mon....

[@jimdavis5230]

@@davedave2551 KZbin prevents me from posting a link to the site where my design is featured. It's on the DIY Audio site under the section called "Post your solid state pics here" on page 346.

[@jimdavis5230]

@@davedave2551 Well have had a look at my power amplifier design? If so what do you think? I have built two of these power amplifiers and use them with Tannoy's in bi-amp mode. They sound amazing with loads of power in reserve. Response is flat from 2Hz to 60KHz plus or minus 0.05dB. Slew rate is 25 volts per micro second and square wave performance is superb with no overshoot or ringing from 2Hz to 60KHz. You are welcome to visit my house and listen to them. I have an extensively acoustically treated listening room which absorbs all standing waves so you will be impressed.

[@sean_g5367]

Could you review the Dayton Audio HTA 100 amp? - it's cheap - $250

[@27b-6Buttle]

I would like to mention a track that is impressive for demonstrating instrument placement. It is similar to Chocolate Chip Trip. Some Caramel for your Chocolate. "Caramel Prisoner" from the 10,000 Hz Legend album by the French Band AIR. At about 4:05 of 4:08 the sound goes in circles in my room youtu_be/kcM8p1XNZUM?t=245

[@bristolwoodburners81]

Just gave it run on a wiim amp and some diy speakers cramped in a corner of a room on a temporary set up. I definitely don't have the 3d experience you talk about ! 😂 just goes to show the limitations of the wiim amp and crappy speaker placement. Do you actually listen to and enjoy this stuff? This seems to be a typical, listen to the gear not the music type of track

[@s.daniel9224]

Looks cheap, feels cheap, sounds thin, overpriced. But, somebody will like it. Great video!

[@YuengsNwings]

1200 bucks for this thing is pretty damn good. I'm not a fan of how the whole thing is wired up using ribbon connectors but that seems to be the only drawback I can see, and you're getting so much for the money. I also cannot own an amp that doesn't have pre-out/main-in. Not a huge fan of the window whores on the A10 but lots of people seem to like the eye candy in their listening space.

[@ronaldfriedline9297]

Had a chance to see one of these in person, and gotta be honest, was put off by the cheapness of those knobs on the a-10 and 12. Otherwise, loved the look. But definitely not built like the vintage gear

[@middleearthltd]

These Chinese amplifiers offer a lot of features and do look nice if that is your style Shout out to China for manufacturing these nice amplifiers Shout to Advance Paris for marketing them

[@vvsousa]

Advance Paris is French, not Chinese!

[@middleearthltd]

@@vvsousa Wrong This is made in China It is 100% Chinese except the Company that brands and sells them is in France iPhones are made in China and they have a lot of features

[@donpettit7107]

Don’t let the haters get you down. This isn’t totally cheap…but if it compares to amps twice its price…it qualifies. Not for everyone. But could be someone’s end game amp. On that note…it’s time for you to try the Willsenton R8. I have seen them used for $800-$1000…and they are still o my $1499 new. I would like to hear what you think of this great Chinese tube amp.

[@middleearthltd]

@@donpettit7107 How is an $1,100 amplifier not “totally cheap” It seems like a good value to me There is no good reason not to get one I would consider getting one if I was looking in this price range

[@Yiannis2112]

@@middleearthltd Advance Paris started in France, almost 30 years ago, initially as Advance Acoustic. It's not some French owner (with a few PR guys), who gave the project to Chinese engineers and industrial designers, some 27 years ago. 2/3rds of everything under 2k, is "made" in China. "Made" actually means assembled and quality controlled. Is Rotel, Marantz, Audiolab, Arcam, Denon, NAD, Cambridge, Vincent, Atoll, Chinese? Is Parasound, Taiwanese? Is Yamaha, Vietnamese? Just because their cheaper models are being assembled in China, doesn't mean they're Chinese. Engineers in France, UK, Japan, USA etc developed, designed, tested and decided upon everything. From the circuitry to the last screw. The prototypes were made there, not in China. The company itself arranges for all components,l from secondary suppliers/manufacturers, to arrive at the Chinese factory, which will then be assembled, quality controlled and finally packaged. Always under the supervision of people from the parent company, working at the actual factory. What did you think? That Denon for example, actually gave the whole project to Chinese engineers and manufacturers? Toshiba is making its TVs for Eastern Europe and the Middle East at a factory in Turkey. Is Toshiba, Turkish?

[@EJ-lh5su]

Got to have tone controls. Why vintage amps trump modern.

[@brap7551]

My friend Old cyres amplifier overheated, Died. old amps dry capacitors, am in a fund crush, you alone of all the high end sound for the least dinero gurus Impress with your laid back always impressive style had me looking at all your goto's had me seriously looking at the fosi x 2 with fosi tube dac setup, this close, went to the only local shop to find out if my old amp was repairable.. it wasnt worth it he had a harmon kardon hk 3250 behind the counter on a shelf vg condition 250.00 canadian now its paired with my msb link dac and a old pair of mission 717 I think I did pretty well sounds very good.

[@steverogers7611]

Cassette loop is the best option Not having hdmi earc is the worst Subwoofer should be dual

[@jamesskiles1160]

This is on my wish list now.

[@scofab]

Looks like those speakers don't ship to Japan... too bad I wanted to try 'em. Ah well... Thanks as always and regards.

[@marcoclappers2822]

And what about atoll in 300? Also French. Gr Marco

[@adamnilsson966]

Please have a look at TAGA Harmony's electronics and speakers :)

[@jungtarcph]

No Other has the look? Check out the NAD C 3050 - classic amp with wood

[@StrangeBrewReviews]

IDK I think more AMP's and Systems need to start incorporating XLR inputs, most big brands seem to be behind the curve in this aspect, I need a minimum of 2 XLR inputs , and 3 RCA is plenty, who needs 8 RCA inputs anymore? more outputs are also a huge bonus, L/R sub outs plus multiple XLR/RCA pre-outs and line outs....outputs are becoming more important than inputs.

[@jontpt]

CD to cassette. Why?

[@donpettit7107]

So you can play it in the car, obviously.

[@jontpt]

@@donpettit7107 Oh, right. I forgot they don't make CD players for cars yet. Maybe in another 10 years or so

[@spooner1]

I have a Nakamichi Cassette deck. Over the years it's 500 plus recorded cassettes of well engineered recordings ( stored properly ) still sound as good as when first recorded using very good name brand high bias or metal tapes. Why discard all that music.

[@jontpt]

@@spooner1 I would never suggest you discard the music. I'm just questioning the transfer of CDs to cassette, which by all measures is an inferior format.

[@spooner1]

Jon, sorry I misunderstood your commenting. Good day.

[@butchbantug4731]

My last comment on this video. Thank you so much Randy for the alert on the Piega speakers. My only mistake was not buying 2 pairs. Over, out and 😁

[@skippythetubrat]

Cassettes? Really? Why? The advantage that cassette offered was portability. CD offers that. Then it was about the mixtapes. CD also offered that with CDR/CDRW. Now you have MP3/FLAC. Exactly what advantage is there to cassette at this point? "Sure, digital is great, but I really love the hiss I get out of cassette."

[@mkfmkf55]

Did the Piega's own video ever come out?

[@cheapaudioman]

I did not. They ended up selling out after this vid

[@VictorEnnis-n1w]

Maybe using this as an amp, well if you aren't a big fan of bass that is. But as a preamp? With that price point for a plexiglass front with one knob and a headphone hole? A silverware drawer has more aesthetic than this. No way. That expensive price just for all those inputs and outputs that I am sure 90 percent of most people will never even fully utilize. Doesn’t make much sense to me in my opinion. But I wont judge it as an amp as I have not heard it yet. But as a preamp seems silly.

[@orwhat24]

Ah. The exact opposite of 1970s Receivers like Pioneer and Marantz.

[@adsph]

Thanks for sharing Randy. Appears to be pretty good at that price point.

[@swimpsmagbayao9513]

Just goes to show you what speakers really cost to produce and what they sell for because of hype and their name just like Fender guitars

[@adrianinnavan3910]

I remember when the cheapaudioman would review a mucho cheapo ChiFi amp perhaps from Fosi. So much fun. It seems the stakes have been raised somewhat.

[@rhphotocdn]

Atoll IN100 is very similar priced.

[@sergiymarchenko1002]

2500$ ? no way...

[@Zimmy_1981]

*cheap* audio indeed 😮 😂

[@ethimself5064]

Speakers now $683.00 for some reason

[@TheFrugalAudiophile]

Says 499 when I just checked. Maybe you were seeing it in a different currency? Are you in the US?

[@ethimself5064]

@@TheFrugalAudiophile From Canada here. Just checked the conversion an you are correct

[@gwine9087]

VU meters are very pretty and pretty useless. BTW another link that failed.

[@pascalmartin1891]

Each one has the right to use what makes them happy, but that equipment is not for me.. What is the point of so many analog inputs nowadays? That device looks like a "modernized" version of a vintage amplifier. If you are looking for vintage sources, you probably are looking for a genuine vintage amplifier as well.. It might generate a great sound, but there are good modern equipments and I am not that nostalgic of the time when I was young. 🥴 It might only be me, but I don't believe that trying to live in the past would restore my youth's vigor.. I don't want to look down on old equipment: I still have my 40 year old Cabasse speakers. I bought them new, they still deliver a great sound and I see no reason to spend good money for little gain. I would not buy them used, though, when there are so many good modern options available.. I am definitely not a fan of vintage, obviously. Maybe there is a place for a (separate) VintageAudioMan channel. 😂

[@donpettit7107]

One reason would be to have comparable equipment that won’t need to be taken to the shop every couple of years.

[@pascalmartin1891]

@@donpettit7107 I have not experienced this. I had to send my Onkyo to repair once (for free: recall) in 12 years. None of my class D amplifiers or streamers have needed any work. The only equipment that has had real frequent problems were the CD/DVD/Blu-ray devices: old or new, plastic mechanisms don't live too long. That is all vintage, though.

[@donpettit7107]

@@pascalmartin1891 Congrats. I’m talking vintage from the early 70s…which seems to be about when they really start failing.

[@pascalmartin1891]

@@donpettit7107 I have not found yet a CD player from the early 70's. 🤪 I do remember the TVs of that era requiring repairs: high tension tubes easily fail. I am not trying to argue that the same equipment is better built today, only that modern equipment is all "solid state" and these rarely fail (solder, sometimes). I still use CDs, but only to rip them, and then I stream them from disk (which are better built than the disks from the late 70's and early 80's, BTW: I remember disk failures to be common when I was a student).

[@donpettit7107]

@@pascalmartin1891 1970s CDs are indeed a rare find…but greatness rewards the persistent so the search continues. Only slightly easier is to find is an 8-Track tape player that doesn’t require a matchbook wedge to keep it working.

[@RioTintoGoAwayFromDrinaRiver]

Apsolutno mi se ne dopada. Sve se svodi na jedno dugme. Želim zasebne kontrole boje zvuka i ulaza. Drugo, zašto nisi otvorio pojačalo da vidimo šta se nalazi unutra? Mi, koji smo profesionalci, možemo samo jednim pohlgledom da ti kažemo da li je to pojačalo dobro ili loše. Ne treba ti da nas ubeđuješ kako je to dobro za nas. Više si snimao sebe nego pojačalo. Da li si možda zaljubljen u sebe? Ako nešto ne volim, to je da kada gledam YT video, više gledam jutjubera nego predmet koji je inspiracija za video. Treće, od tvog videa mogu da dobijem epilepsiju, noonstop se smenjuju slike.

[@Brian_Romska]

😊

[@timenchanter4095]

It looks like a black box to me

[@09591000]

☕🍻

[@ethimself5064]

1st comment

[@tonysvinyl2214]

Thats really a ugly looking amp that I would not want at all. And I hate gloss black look of things anymore everyone is useing it. I like wood look I would buy something more if it was wood over ugly boreing lback things. Seen guys wrap black speakers in wood and they came out so good looking.

[@Ade_the_older_boulderer]

It's beautiful. A wood look amp, really? 😂 I can't think of anything that would look more cheap and nasty than that...

[@tonysvinyl2214]

@@Ade_the_older_boulderer No not the amp just the speakers lol. The amp is ok im not a fan of everything black is just boreing looking. And all the durst and hair shows on it if you got cats lol.

[@danab7472]

@@tonysvinyl2214 I have the X-i75 and the impression I get is that they put the $ on the inside.

[@markovlasic1978]

coffeytallika