Bristol Hi-FI Show: Advance Paris Marks Apex After Three Decades

Advance Paris is marking its 30th anniversary with the introduction of APEX, a premium range of amplifiers and audio components featuring hybrid valve design across the amplifiers and CD player, plus HDMI eARC on all amps for effortless TV connection.

The APEX series sits above the company’s Classic range and comprises four models in a limited-edition black finish with high-contrast white VU meters: the A8 APEX, A10 APEX, A12 APEX integrated amplifiers, and the ACD APEX compact disc player.

We’re told that the amplifiers employ Advance Paris’ signature hybrid valve/transistor topology, promising precise dynamics, clarity, and detail that reflect the distinct sound of French audio engineering.

Cédric Leon, Product Director, Advance Paris, told StereoNET:

The APEX range represents three decades of French audio engineering and our commitment to constantly refining our craft. We’ve taken everything our customers love about the Classic range – our best-selling products worldwide – and elevated it with premium components and modern connectivity, creating this new range that honours our legacy while setting a new standard for ourselves going into the future.

The headline upgrade for the APEX amplifiers is in the DAC architecture. Enhancements include lower-noise power supplies, precision ESS Technology voltage regulators, and premium passive components, including resistors, capacitors, and operational amplifiers.

The A8 APEX and A10 APEX integrate the high-quality ESS9018 DAC, while the flagship A12 APEX incorporates the top-tier ESS9039 DAC for ultimate audio fidelity. These advanced digital-to-analogue converters should ensure exceptional detail retrieval and musical accuracy across the entire frequency spectrum.

Furthermore, full HDMI eARC compatibility across all the APEX amps provides seamless integration with televisions, enabling TV audio through your premium hi-fi system, with the APEX amplifiers responding to TV remote commands for power and volume control, creating an integrated home entertainment system.

Additionally, the three APEX amplifiers are compatible with the new A-BTC Bluetooth dongle – the first product from the Advance Paris Nova range.

The A-BTC enables wireless streaming from smartphones, tablets, and computers to the APEX amplifiers. And, when used with the A10 APEX and A12 APEX, it also allows streaming from any connected source to Bluetooth-compatible headphones.

The ACD APEX CD player completes the range, featuring valve-based analogue outputs in both RCA and XLR configurations. The ACD APEX complements any APEX amplifier for a consistent, high-quality listening experience.

Visitors to the Bristol Hi-Fi Show (20-22 February 2026) will be able to experience the UK debut of the Advance Paris APEX range alongside the latest from Dual and Ayre Acoustics, courtesy of Simon Griffin and the Decent Audio team in the Cabot Suite.

The Advance Paris APEX range is available now, with the A8 APEX priced at £1,975, the A10 APEX at £2,450, and the A12 APEX costing £3,400. The ACD APEX sells for £890.

For more information visit Advance Paris