89%
Advance Paris PlayStream A5
The PlayStream A5 is a connected integrated amplifier.
The nerve center of your system
The PlayStream A5 is a connected integrated amplifier. Rated at 2x80W/8Ω in Class AB, the A5 has been designed with the ultimate goal of satisfying the discerning audiophile. Its sound reproduction is uncompromising, compatible with all new high-definition sources. The A5 integrates an ethernet and wifi network player including numerous services such as Spotify, Deezer, Qobuz, Tidal, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, vTuner, Napster, etc., it enables networked playback of your music library stored on your smartphone, tablet, computer or NAS-type network drive (Synology). The PlayStream A5 features a DAB+ digital tuner, an FM tuner, 4 digital inputs (one coaxial, 3 optical), a USB input and 6 analog inputs (including a phono input).
The PlayStream A5 is compatible with our Bluetooth-compatible X-FTB01 and new X-FTB02 receivers featuring high-definition aptX HD. Equipped with High-Bias, the PlayStream A5 delivers class-A sound on the first few watts. DLNA and Airplay compatible. Discover it for yourself!
WATT RECOMMENDS
Save your favorites. Compare them anytime.
Create a free HiFi Hub account to save products to your Wishlist and compare your favorites side by side.
Professional Reviews 89/100
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
89/100
Build Quality
86/100
Features Connectivity
95/100
Value for Money
88/100
The smooth, detailed PlayStream A5 blends midrange clarity with generous weight and a huge feature set, earning praise from Wall of Sound and The Audiophile Man. Its Wi‑Fi streaming, VU meters, and broad connectivity make it feel like a complete one-box hub, while the sound stays open, musical, and confidently refined.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Open, musical presentation with strong midrange clarity, detail, and bass weight.
Exceptionally versatile connectivity: Wi‑Fi, USB, coax/optical digital, phono, Bluetooth support, and radio tuners.
Classy build and distinctive retro design, with dual VU meters and a well-finished chassis.
&
Cons
The built-in MM/MC phono stage is only average and trails a good external phono preamp.
The streaming app and setup are described as average to clunky, with networking taking some trial and error.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 89/100
Reviewers consistently describe the A5 as open, detailed, and easy to listen to, with better midrange insight and more nuance than several rivals. It also comes across as smooth and musical rather than aggressive, while still giving enough bass weight and clarity to sound refined and engaging.
Transparency Resolution
90/100
Reviewers repeatedly point to strong clarity and information retrieval, with comments about 'much more information,' 'more nuance and subtlety,' and 'upper midrange clarity.' One review also mentions a cleaning up of the upper mids and layered separation, which supports a highly revealing presentation.
Tonal Balance Musicality
89/100
The A5 is described as smooth, eminently musical, and neutral in presentation, with treble that 'reaches further' while staying naturalistic. Reviewers also note good vocal discipline and enough weight in the lower frequencies to keep the sound full and easy to enjoy.
Dynamics
88/100
The amplifier is praised for sounding lively and capable, with 'very lively, dynamic play' from the headphone source and a sense that it 'really swings.' That said, the reviews emphasize ease and musical flow more than outright slam or brute force, so the dynamic character reads as strong rather than monumental.
Soundstage Imaging
88/100
Several comments point to an open soundstage, layered separation, and good focus, with detail able to 'roam' across the presentation. Imaging does not get the same depth of praise as clarity and tonal balance, but the staging is clearly presented as spacious and well organized.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
86/100
Reviewers describe the chassis as well built and classy, and one notes a toroidal transformer visible through the vents. Beyond that, the comments are fairly light on long-term construction details, so the evidence supports solid workmanship without going much further.
Features Connectivity
95/100
This is where the A5 really stands out: reviewers highlight five line-level inputs, pre-out, sub out, amp in, coaxial and optical digital inputs, USB, Wi-Fi, aptX HD Bluetooth, MM and MC phono inputs, and DAB+/FM tuners. The app is only described as average, but the sheer breadth of connectivity makes this an extremely well-equipped integrated amp.
Value for Money
88/100
Reviewers are clearly positive about value, calling it a 'monster for the money' and contrasting it favorably with more expensive or less complete alternatives. The praise stops short of absolute bargain language, but the combination of strong sound and a very full feature set makes the asking price look well justified.
Reviews
Online Reviews & Mentions
Forum Mentions
No forum mentions found yet
Verified Dealers
Online Dealers
All Dealers
Zoom out the map to see more dealers
Authorized dealers for Advance Paris PlayStream A5
- à la carte productions — in-store — Palm Coast, Florida, United States (website)
- A Tube High Fidelity — in-store — Almere, Flevoland, Netherlands (website)
- Acoustic Technologies — online and in-store — Montréal, Québec, Canada (website)
- Alen Audio — in-store — Extramurs, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain (website)
- All Elite Audio — online and in-store — Perry Hall, Maryland, United States (website)
- Alpha High End — online and in-store — Brasschaat, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
- Altitudo Audio — online and in-store — Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (website)
- Apollo HiFi — in-store — Marrickville, New South Wales, Australia (website)
- Aris Audio — in-store — Salt Lake City, Utah, United States (website)
- Audio Advice — online and in-store — Raleigh, North Carolina, United States (website)
and 100 more verified dealers