Advance Paris ACD APEX – Tube CD Player with USB & XLR
Rediscover your CDs with a compact player that blends modern precision with classic valve charm. The ACD APEX uses Raytheon 5744 NOS micro-tubes in its analog stage for a naturally warm, spacious presentation, while a Wolfson WM8761 DAC preserves detail and timing. Choose balanced XLR (4Vrms) or RCA (2Vrms) to feed your amp, or run coax/optical S/PDIF into an external DAC. Everyday conveniences seal the deal: front USB playback for MP3/FLAC (16-bit/44 kHz), CD-Text, flexible repeat/random modes, and an REM-19 remote that can also command APEX amplifiers. Styled in the limited 30th Anniversary black finish, the ACD APEX is the perfect partner for the A8/A10/A12 APEX - and a beautiful way to bring a cherished CD library back to life.
Why Buy the Advance Paris ACD APEX:
-
Tubes where it matters — Raytheon 5744 NOS micro-tubes in the analog stage deliver natural warmth and dimensionality you don’t get from typical solid-state CD players.
-
Wolfson WM8761 precision — A proven DAC architecture preserves timing and detail for clean, fatigue-free listening across every disc.
-
Ready for any system — Balanced XLR and RCA outputs plus optical and coaxial digital outs make integration effortless with tube, solid-state, or DAC-centric rigs.
-
Front USB playback — Conveniently play MP3/FLAC (16-bit/44 kHz) from a thumb drive without turning on the whole system.
-
APEX family synergy — Styled to match and remote-compatible with A8/A10/A12 APEX amplifiers for a cohesive look and one-remote control.
-
Limited 30th Anniversary finish — Exclusive black livery celebrates 30 years of Advance Paris design and engineering.
What It’s Great At
-
Making CDs sound alive — Tube harmonics add body and presence that flatter vocals, strings, and acoustic instruments.
-
Quiet, clean playback — Low THD+N and high SNR keep noise and glare out of the music for long, relaxed sessions.
-
Flexible connections — Choose XLR/RCA to your amp or send digital via coax/optical to your favorite external DAC.
-
Everyday convenience — CD-Text, repeat/random modes, and clear time displays make disc navigation a breeze.
-
USB music on demand — Pop in a flash drive and cue lossless FLAC or MP3 mixes for casual listening.
-
System building — Pairs beautifully with APEX integrateds and upscale speakers for a balanced, musical front end.
Everyday Usability (Quick Wins)
-
One remote, whole stack — Use the included REM-19 to control the ACD APEX and compatible APEX amplifiers together.
-
Silent late-night listening — Run the optical or coax output into a headphone DAC/amp for private sessions with zero fuss.
-
World-ready power — 115/230 V selector lets you relocate or travel without step-up/down transformers.
-
Fast firmware updates — Apply updates from the front USB port to keep features current.
-
Easy rack fit — Standard 430 mm width and slim 74 mm height slide neatly into shelves and cabinets.
-
Plug-and-play setup — Color-coded I/O and stable transport make first-time installation straightforward and reliable.
ACD APEX Full Specifications
-
Product Type: Tube CD player
-
Analog Stage: Raytheon 5744 NOS mini-tubes
-
DAC: WM8761
-
Analog Outputs: Balanced XLR (L/R), Line-level RCA (stereo)
-
Digital Outputs: Coaxial S/PDIF, Optical S/PDIF
-
Maximum Output (RCA): 2 V
-
Maximum Output (XLR): 4 V
-
THD+N: 0.005%
-
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: -106 dBrA
-
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
-
Mains Voltage: 115/230 V, 50/60 Hz (switchable)
-
Dimensions (W × H × D): 430 × 74 × 260 mm
-
Net Weight: 4.1 kg
-
Gross Weight: 5.1 kg
-
Rear Panel Highlights: XLR & RCA analog outs, coaxial & optical digital outs, voltage selector
ACD APEX Q&A
- What makes the ACD APEX different from standard CD players?
- It uses a tube-based analog output stage (Raytheon 5744 NOS) paired with a WM8761 DAC to combine warmth with precision.
- Can I connect it to a balanced preamp or integrated amp?
- Yes—use the rear balanced XLR outputs for noise-resistant, long cable runs.
- Does it also work as a CD transport into an external DAC?
- Yes, the ACD APEX provides coaxial and optical S/PDIF digital outputs for use with outboard DACs.
- What discs does it play?
- It is designed for standard Red Book audio CDs (CD-DA).
- What are the key performance specs?
- THD+N is 0.005%, SNR is -106 dBrA, and frequency response is 20 Hz–20 kHz.
- Is the mains voltage switchable?
- Yes, it supports 115/230 V, 50/60 Hz with a rear-panel selector.
- How big and heavy is the unit?
- It measures 430 × 74 × 260 mm and weighs 4.1 kg (net).
- Are the tubes user-replaceable?
- They are standard mini-tubes (Raytheon 5744 NOS), but replacement should be performed by a qualified technician or authorized service center.
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.
