Advance Paris A12 APEX Hybrid Integrated Amplifier

The Advance Paris A12 APEX is a high-powered hybrid integrated amplifier that combines tube preamplification, serious solid-state power, a modern ESS DAC, HDMI eARC, MM/MC phono capability, and extensive analog and digital connectivity in one substantial component.

At its heart are two ECC81/12AT7 tubes in the preamplifier stage, feeding a powerful Class A/B output section capable of delivering 190 watts per channel into 8 ohms and up to 292 watts per channel into 4 ohms.

Dual toroidal transformers provide the current needed to control demanding loudspeakers, while Advance Paris' selectable High-Bias mode increases Class A bias for listeners looking for even greater refinement at lower listening levels.

This is an integrated amplifier designed to be the center of a serious two-channel system—not simply another amplifier with a DAC added to it.

Tube Preamplification + Serious Power

The A12 APEX uses two ECC81/12AT7 tubes in its preamplifier stage, bringing tube character into the signal path before handing amplification duties over to its high-current solid-state output stage.

Power is rated at:

• 190W per channel into 8Ω
• 292W per channel into 4Ω
• 180W per channel into 8Ω from 20Hz–20kHz at less than 0.07% THD+N
• 272W per channel into 4Ω from 20Hz–20kHz at less than 0.07% THD+N

Two 280VA toroidal transformers provide separate, substantial power reserves for the amplifier.

High-Bias Operation

Advance Paris gives the A12 APEX a selectable High-Bias mode that doubles the Class A bias.

This allows the amplifier to operate in Class A at higher power levels before transitioning into Class A/B operation.

It's a useful feature for listeners who want the smoothness and refinement associated with Class A operation while retaining the substantial power reserves of a high-output Class A/B amplifier when the music demands it.

ESS9039 DAC

Digital performance receives a major upgrade in the A12 APEX with an ESS9039 DAC.

The extensive digital input section includes:

• 3 optical inputs
• 3 coaxial digital inputs
• USB Audio
• AES/EBU
• HDMI eARC
• Optional Bluetooth aptX HD / Low Latency

Optical, coaxial and AES/EBU inputs support PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz, while USB Audio supports 24-bit/192kHz PCM plus DSD64 and DSD128.

HDMI eARC for TV Audio

The inclusion of HDMI eARC makes the A12 APEX much easier to integrate into a modern living room.

Connect a compatible television through HDMI and the A12 APEX can automatically power up with the TV, with television volume commands controlling the amplifier.

It's an excellent solution for someone who wants true two-channel HiFi performance for music without maintaining a completely separate audio system for television and movies.

MM/MC Phono Stage

Vinyl is fully supported with an onboard MM/MC phono stage, allowing a compatible turntable and cartridge to connect directly to the A12 APEX.

That makes the amplifier equally comfortable at the center of a system built around vinyl, digital streaming, CD playback, television—or all of them.

For higher-level analog systems, The Grid can also match the A12 APEX with a dedicated external phono preamplifier.

Built for a Complete System

The A12 APEX provides extensive analog connectivity for systems that go beyond a simple source-and-speaker configuration.

Connections include:

• 5 RCA line-level inputs
• 2 balanced XLR inputs
• MM/MC phono input
• RCA preamp output
• Balanced XLR preamp output
• 2 subwoofer outputs
• RCA amplifier input
• Fixed record output
• Speaker Zones A and B
• 12V trigger input and output
• 6.35mm and 3.5mm headphone outputs

The separate PRE-OUT and AMP-IN connections also give the A12 APEX additional flexibility as your system evolves.

Key Specifications

• Type: Hybrid Integrated Amplifier
• Preamplifier Tubes: 2 × ECC81 / 12AT7
• Amplifier: Class A/B
• Power at 8Ω: 190W × 2
• Power at 4Ω: Up to 292W × 2
• Transformers: 2 × 280VA toroidal
• DAC: ESS9039
• Frequency Response: 20Hz–80kHz ±1dB
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 104.8dB
• Phono Input: MM/MC
• RCA Inputs: 5
• Balanced XLR Inputs: 2
• Optical Inputs: 3
• Coaxial Inputs: 3
• USB Audio: Yes
• AES/EBU: Yes
• HDMI eARC: Yes
• Subwoofer Outputs: 2
• RCA & XLR Pre-Out: Yes
• Speaker Zones: A and B
• High-Bias Mode: Yes
• Optional Bluetooth: aptX HD / Low Latency
• Dimensions: 16.9" W × 7.6" H × 17.9" D
• Net Weight: 40.2 lbs.

Experience Advance Paris at The Grid HiFi

The Grid HiFi is your Advance Paris and high-end audio expert in Houston, Texas.

The A12 APEX gives you enough power, connectivity and flexibility to become the centerpiece of an exceptional two-channel system. The important part is pairing all of that capability with the right components.

The Grid can help match the A12 APEX with the right loudspeakers, turntable and cartridge, streamer, digital source, subwoofers, cabling and equipment support based on your room, listening habits and the kind of music you actually listen to.

Whether you're building a dedicated two-channel system or want one serious amplifier capable of bringing vinyl, high-resolution digital audio and your television together, the A12 APEX offers an unusually complete solution.

Contact The Grid HiFi for Advance Paris A12 APEX availability, demonstrations, system matching and professional setup.