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Advance Paris X-P700
The X-P700 is a stereo preamplifier for building an audiophile configuration with separate power blocks.
The affordable high-end preamp
The successor to the X-P500, the X-P700 offers technical refinements rarely seen in this range: dual-mono design and the most direct signal processing possible (Direct Path). In a supreme refinement, you can choose between two output schematics: Class A mode, using bipolars in a double cascade circuit, close to a tube gradient, and Discrete Mode, based on a JFet differential and current mirror in the bipolars, polarized in the more traditional Class AB. The design is sober and uncluttered, with a single rotary knob and a push-button to validate choices: access to inputs, volume control, bass/treble tones, balance or intensity. The remote control activates these functions remotely.
The X-P700 is truly comprehensive: nine analog inputs, one of which is balanced, and an MM/MC phono. On the digital side: two optical inputs, one coaxial input, one USB-B (Xmos) and one USB-A. The DAC is the powerful Burr Brown PCM 1796 -24 bit/192 kHz converter. On the output side, the X-P700 offers an RCA doubled with balanced XLR, plus one high-pass output and two for subwoofers. Headphone enthusiasts are well catered for: two front-mounted inputs (6.35 and 3.5 jacks), plus a double independent input below, with gain settings of +6, 0 or -4 dB and output impedance of 0 or 100 ohms.
The X-P700 is seriously built, starting with the sober 10 mm black methacrylate front panel common to the Classic Line. But the interior is more revealing: two high-capacity toroidal transformers feed the double mono filtered and regulated power supply on the motherboard, which also contains the preamplification stages. The quality of the adjustable MC high- and low-level phono stage, as well as the MM capacity, is remarkable for this budget - hard to imagine anything better.
In short, at the price at which the new X-P700 is offered, it's hard to beat it. That's what we wanted from the very start of the development of this new preamplifier. We didn't skimp on the quality of components, decoding or power supply - the kind of attention that counts when listening.
The X-P700 is the ideal preamplifier, to be combined with our range of power amplifiers such as the famous X-A160 (or EVO), X-A220 (or EVO), BX2 or the new X-A600 or any other audiophile-quality power amplifier. Enjoy your listening. Find out more!
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Professional Reviews 89/100
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
89/100
Build Quality
87/100
Features Connectivity
94/100
Value for Money
85/100
The Advance Paris X-P700 pairs brilliantly clean resolution with a richly adjustable voice: switch from analytical precision to a warmer, more relaxed Class A character. Cheap Audio Man highlights its engrossing depth, layering and instrumental separation, while the extensive phono, digital and high-pass connectivity makes this a formidable control centre for ambitious two-channel systems.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Clean, tonally convincing sound with strong depth, layering and distinct instrumental separation.
Selectable modes provide useful sonic flexibility, from analytical clarity to richer, warmer Class A presentation.
Exceptionally broad connectivity, including configurable MM/MC phono, digital inputs, balanced outputs and selectable high-pass filtering.
&
Cons
No HDMI ARC input, limiting its convenience as a TV-system hub.
The dual single-ended headphone outputs and their configuration options may be less useful than other features for some buyers.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 89/100
The review describes a notably clean, tonally convincing presentation with strong instrumental timbre and unusually well-resolved spatial information. Its selectable operating modes let listeners choose between a more analytical presentation and a richer, slightly warmer Class A character.
Transparency Resolution
92/100
The reviewer calls the sound “brilliantly clean” and repeatedly finds the X-P700 tonally accurate without harshness. In the associated system, clarity remained strong and instruments were kept distinct rather than smeared together.
Tonal Balance Musicality
91/100
The X-P700 is described as tonally pleasing, accurate, and neither harsh nor excessively laid-back. Its Class A mode adds a richer, slightly warm and relaxed character, while the standard mode is more analytical and clean, giving owners useful control over the presentation.
Dynamics
80/100
The review says the preamp sounds good in all of its operating modes and responds well to tonal adjustment. It says little directly about macro punch, microdynamic expression, or how the preamp handles demanding dynamic swings.
Soundstage Imaging
93/100
Spatial performance is a clear strength in the reviewer's system, which delivered addictive depth, layering, and clarity. The reviewer also specifically notes clean separation between instruments rather than any blurring or congestion.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
87/100
The reviewer praises the X-P700's thick, cleanly styled front panel and substantial overall presentation. Internal inspection also revealed separate toroidal transformers for each channel, supporting the unit's serious dual-mono-oriented engineering.
Features Connectivity
94/100
This is an exceptionally comprehensive analog preamp: it provides seven analog inputs, configurable MM/MC phono capability, record output, coaxial, optical and USB digital inputs, dual headphone sockets, and trigger outputs. It also includes balanced outputs, normal and high-pass preamp outputs, selectable headphone gain and impedance, tone controls with bypass, loudness and balance adjustment; the reviewer only misses HDMI ARC.
Value for Money
85/100
At roughly $2,000 in the reviewed configuration, the X-P700 combines extensive connectivity, a phono stage, headphone facilities, digital inputs, and flexible output options that are not always bundled together in this class. The review is enthusiastic about the product overall but does not directly compare its value against competing preamps at the asking price.
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Authorized dealers for Advance Paris X-P700
- à la carte productions — in-store — Palm Coast, Florida, United States (website)
- A Tube High Fidelity — online and 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 — online and 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)
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