Advance Paris A8 APEX Hybrid Integrated Amp | HDMI eARC, ESS9018
Meet the A8 APEX, a compact hybrid integrated that blends ECC81/12AT7 tubes with Class A/B power for a rich, dynamic sound - plus modern conveniences like HDMI eARC, USB DAC (PCM 24-bit/192 kHz & DSD64/128), and a dedicated MM phono stage. Power is real-world strong at 76 W/8 Ω and 110 W/4 Ω, with a High-Bias switch that extends Class-A operation for smoother, more natural textures. Thoughtful connectivity (eight analog inputs, pre-out, amp-in, sub-out, rec-out, 12V trigger) and the brand’s neo-retro VU meters complete a design that drops effortlessly into both hi-fi and TV systems. This special 30th Anniversary black finish with white VU meters marks three decades of French hi-fi craft.
Why Buy the A8 APEX:
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Hybrid tube + Class A/B musicality - ECC81/12AT7 tube preamplification adds warmth while the solid-state power stage keeps dynamics and control.
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Real power, real speakers - Delivers 76 W/8 Ω and 110 W/4 Ω with low distortion to drive a wide range of modern loudspeakers confidently.
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High-Bias for Class-A sweetness - A front-panel switch extends Class-A operation for smoother transients and more natural vocals.
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Serious DAC inside - ESS9018 conversion supports PCM 24/192 and DSD64/128 over USB for true hi-res playback.
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TV-ready via HDMI eARC - One-cable TV audio with CEC so your television can control power and volume.
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System-builder I/O - Eight analog inputs including MM phono plus pre-out, amp-in, sub-out, rec-out, and a 12 V trigger for easy integration.
What It’s Great At:
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Lifelike mids & vocals - The tube preamp adds body and presence without sacrificing detail.
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Dynamic control - Class A/B output and a toroidal 240 VA supply keep bass tight and transients clean.
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Hi-res & DSD libraries - USB input plays PCM up to 24/192 and DSD64/128 natively for maximum fidelity.
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Vinyl playback - A dedicated MM phono stage lets you connect a turntable directly with minimal noise.
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TV integration - eARC/CEC simplifies two-channel TV setups and delivers big, clear dialog and soundtrack impact.
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System expansion - Pre-out, amp-in, sub-out, and 12 V trigger make upgrades and multi-component control straightforward.
Everyday Usability (quick wins):
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CEC convenience - Your TV can power the amp on and adjust volume automatically via HDMI eARC.
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Tone & loudness controls - Simple bass, treble, balance, and loudness adjustments help tailor sound to rooms and recordings.
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Auto standby - Selectable 5–60 minute timer saves energy between listening sessions.
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Front headphone jack - A 6.35 mm output enables late-night listening without waking the house.
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USB firmware updates - Use the rear “UPDATE” port to keep features current without service visits.
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Instant High-Bias access - A dedicated switch lets you engage a more Class-A-like presentation on demand.
A8 APEX Full Specifications:
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Amplifier Topology: Hybrid integrated (tube preamp + Class A/B power), High-Bias mode
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Tubes: 2 × ECC81 / 12AT7
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Max Rated Output (8 Ω): 76 W (THD+N 1%, 1 kHz, 2 ch driven)
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Max Rated Output (4 Ω): 110 W (THD+N 1%, 1 kHz, 2 ch driven)
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Output Power (8 Ω, 20 Hz–20 kHz, THD+N ≤0.07%): 70 W (2 ch driven)
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Output Power (4 Ω, 20 Hz–20 kHz, THD+N ≤0.07%): 100 W (2 ch driven)
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Frequency Response (±1 dB): 20 Hz – >80 kHz (16 W, 8 Ω)
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THD+N: 0.03% (1 kHz, 52 W, 8 Ω)
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SNR: 100 dB (1 kHz, 52 W, 8 Ω)
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DAC: ESS9018
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Digital Inputs: Optical (24-bit/192 kHz PCM), Coaxial (24-bit/192 kHz PCM), USB audio (24-bit/192 kHz PCM, DSD64/DSD128), HDMI eARC (PCM Stereo)
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Bluetooth (optional): A-BTC receiver input (aptX AD-LL via A-BTC)
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Analog Inputs: 8 × RCA (7 × line level + 1 × MM phono with GND)
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Analog Outputs: REC-OUT (×1), PRE-OUT (×1), SUB-OUT (×1); AMP-IN input
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Headphone Jack: 6.35 mm (¼")
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User Functions: Loudness, bass, treble, balance; auto-standby 5–60 min; High-Bias ON/OFF
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Trigger: 12 V output (×1)
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Firmware Update: Via USB key on “UPDATE” port
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Speaker Terminals: Screw terminals (bare wire, spade, banana compatible)
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Power Supply: Toroidal transformer, 240 VA
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AC Input: 115/230 V, 50/60 Hz with selector
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Remote Control: Infrared REM-19 (A8 APEX & ACD compatible)
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Dimensions (W × H × D): 43 × 13.2 × 36.3 cm
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Packaging (W × H × D): 54.5 × 26.5 × 46 cm
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Weights: Net 9.4 kg; Gross 12.5 kg
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Model / EAN: A8 APEX 30TH EDITION / 3 760 179 292 756
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Design: Dual VU meters; 30th-Anniversary black finish
A8 APEX Q&A:
- What type of amplifier is the A8 APEX?
- A hybrid integrated amplifier with an ECC81/12AT7 tube preamp and a Class A/B power stage.
- How much power does it provide?
- Up to 76 W per channel into 8 Ω and 110 W into 4 Ω (1 kHz, THD+N 1%, both channels).
- Does the USB input support hi-res audio?
- Yes—24-bit/192 kHz PCM plus DSD64 and DSD128.
- Can I hook my TV up directly?
- Yes—use the HDMI eARC input. CEC enables TV-remote volume and auto power.
- Is there a phono stage for turntables?
- Yes—an MM phono input with a ground terminal.
- Is Bluetooth included?
- Bluetooth is available with the optional A-BTC receiver (aptX AD-LL).
- Can I add a subwoofer or external amplifier?
- Yes—there are SUB-OUT, PRE-OUT, AMP-IN, REC-OUT, and a 12 V trigger for system integration.
- What are the dimensions and weight?
- 43 × 13.2 × 36.3 cm (W × H × D); net weight 9.4 kg.
Shop and Compare the Advance Paris APEX Series
Want to find out more about the Advance Paris APEX Series? Shop and compare the A8 APEX, A10 APEX, A12 APEX, and the ACD APEX here.
