What You Need to Know
What Is the MyConnect 250?
The MyConnect 250 is a music player and amplifier all in one box. You just add speakers. Everything else is already built in.
It plays CDs. It streams music from the internet. It picks up FM and DAB+ radio stations. And it powers your speakers with 190 watts per channel. That is a lot of power in one unit.
Advance Paris made this for people who want great sound without a shelf full of separate components. Reviewer Michael Holzinger, cited by House of Stereo, called it a product with “impressive performance” and “enormous versatility.”
The Amplifier Inside
The amplifier gives you 190 watts per channel into 8-ohm speakers, or 280 watts into 4-ohm speakers. That is enough power to drive almost any speaker on the market.
It uses two separate power supplies — one for each channel. This is called a dual-mono design. It keeps each channel clean and free from interference.
There is also a tube preamp stage. Tubes are a type of electronic component that many listeners find adds warmth and body to the sound. The MyConnect 250 uses ECC81/12AT7 tubes in its preamp section.
A Hi-Bias switch lets you run the first few watts in Class A mode. Class A is a style of amplification known for smooth, refined sound — especially helpful at lower volumes.
You can connect speakers in up to three zones — A, B, and C. That means music in more than one room. According to HomeTheaterHifi.com (January 2025), it can safely drive three pairs of 8-ohm speakers at once.
What Can It Connect To?
The back panel has a lot of connections. Here is what is there:
- HDMI ARC — Connect your TV so you can use the MyConnect 250 as your TV’s sound system.
- USB-B — Connect a computer to play music straight from your hard drive.
- Phono input — Connect a turntable and play vinyl records. It supports MM and MC cartridges, which covers the vast majority of turntables.
- 3× optical and 3× coaxial — Connect CD players, TVs, or other digital sources.
- AES/EBU and balanced XLR — High-quality connections for studio-grade sources.
- 2× subwoofer outputs — Connect one or two subwoofers. A built-in crossover lets you choose 75Hz or 150Hz.
- Headphone jacks — Two on the front: a 6.35mm and a 3.5mm. Both have adjustable gain and impedance to work with many types of headphones.
- Bluetooth — Not built in, but available. You can add an optional X-FTB01 or X-FTB02 module.
What Do Reviewers Say?
HomeTheaterHifi.com tested the MyConnect 250 in January 2025. They used it with high-end cables and sources including a Yamaha CD-S2100 and a Bluesound Node X. The reviewer praised the “feel of high quality at every level” and called the rear panel’s connections “an incredible array.” They said Hi-Bias mode was “especially useful with higher-efficiency speakers and for low-level listening.” — HomeTheaterHifi.com, January 2025
Who Is This For?
You want one box to do it all — streaming, CD playback, radio, and amplification.
You have a CD collection and don’t want to give it up, but you also want to stream from Spotify, Qobuz, and Tidal.
You want to play music in more than one room without buying extra equipment.
You want a simpler setup — fewer boxes, fewer cables, less clutter.
How Do You Set It Up?
Connect your speakers to one or more of the three speaker zone terminals. Plug your TV into the HDMI ARC port. Connect a turntable to the phono input. Plug in an Ethernet cable or connect over Wi-Fi. Load a CD if you have one. That is it.
The Advance PlayStream app controls streaming from your phone. The CD player is controlled from the front panel or the remote. If you ever want to add a separate power amplifier later, there are XLR and RCA pre-outputs on the back.
What’s in the Box
- Advance Paris MyConnect 250
- Remote control
- FM/DAB antenna
- Power cable
- Documentation
Speaker cables, interconnects, and the Bluetooth module are sold separately. Please confirm exact contents before purchase.
What Reviewers Are Saying
HomeTheaterHifi.com — Full Review | January 2025
HomeTheaterHifi.com tested the MyConnect 250 in a full reference system. They praised the “feel of high quality at every level,” called the rear panel “an incredible array of inputs and outputs,” and highlighted the Hi-Bias mode as especially useful for detail-focused, low-level listening. The overall verdict: a well-executed turnkey system that only needs speakers to be complete.
House of Stereo — citing Michael Holzinger
Michael Holzinger’s review, referenced by House of Stereo, described the MyConnect 250 as offering “impressive performance in hybrid amplifier technology and enormous versatility.” The combination of tube preamp, high-power solid-state output, and built-in sources was highlighted as a standout feature set for an all-in-one component.
Building Your System? Here Are Some Great Companions.
- Loudspeakers — 190W per channel drives everything from small bookshelf speakers to large floorstanders. Browse our loudspeaker collection.
- Subwoofers — Two subwoofer outputs with a built-in crossover are ready to go. Browse our subwoofer collection.
- Turntables — The built-in phono stage means no extra phono preamp needed. Browse our turntable selection.
- X-FTB02 Bluetooth Module — Add wireless streaming with aptX HD. Browse Advance Paris accessories.
- Speaker Cables & Interconnects — You’ll need cables to connect your speakers and sources. Browse our cable collection.
Features & Specifications
190 Watts Per Channel — Plenty of Power for Any Speaker
The MyConnect 250 puts out 190 watts per channel into 8-ohm speakers, and 280 watts into 4-ohm speakers. What does that mean for you? It means this unit can drive nearly any speaker on the market — from small bookshelf models to large floorstanding towers — without running out of headroom. More power also means your music stays clear and clean even at high volume.
Dual-Mono Design — Left and Right Channels Stay Separate
Inside, the MyConnect 250 uses two completely separate power supplies — one large 300VA toroidal transformer for the left channel, and another for the right. A toroidal transformer is a round, donut-shaped power supply that is very efficient and very quiet. By keeping the two channels fully separate, neither one can interfere with the other. This is called a dual-mono design, and it is usually found in much more expensive amplifiers.
Tube Preamplifier — Warmth Built Right In
Before the signal reaches the solid-state output stage, it passes through a tube (also called a valve) preamplifier using ECC81/12AT7 tubes. Tubes process the signal in a way that many listeners find more natural and musical than solid-state circuits alone. The result is a sound that many describe as warmer and more engaging — especially on vocals and acoustic instruments. A Hi-Bias switch on the front panel lets you engage Class A operation on the first few watts. Class A amplification is known for its smooth, refined character at lower listening volumes.
Three Speaker Zones — Music in More Than One Room
The MyConnect 250 has three sets of speaker terminals on the back, labeled A, B, and C. You can connect speakers in three different rooms and control which zones are active. According to HomeTheaterHifi.com (January 2025), it can safely power three pairs of 8-ohm speakers at the same time. This makes it a practical choice if you want whole-home audio without buying a separate multi-room system.
Built-In CD Player — Your Collection, Ready to Play
A full CD player is built into the top of the unit. If you have a collection of CDs, you don’t need a separate disc player. Just load a CD and use the front panel controls or the remote. The player works alongside the streamer and all other inputs — no switching boxes needed.
Wi-Fi and Ethernet Streaming — Every Major Service Supported
Connect the MyConnect 250 to your home network by Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable. Once connected, you can stream from Spotify Connect, Qobuz, Tidal, Deezer, vTuner internet radio, and more. The free Advance PlayStream app for iOS and Android gives you full control from your phone or tablet. No extra streaming box needed.
FM and DAB+ Radio Tuner — No Extra Tuner Required
A full FM and DAB+ radio tuner is built in. Connect the included antenna and you can tune in to broadcast stations without any extra equipment. DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting) delivers cleaner, more stable reception than traditional FM in areas where it is available.
Full Phono Stage — Connect a Turntable Directly
The phono input supports MM (moving magnet) and MC (moving coil) cartridges — both low-level and high-level MC. It also lets you adjust the capacitance setting (100pF, 200pF, or 320pF) to match your cartridge. In plain terms: this covers the vast majority of turntables on the market without needing a separate phono preamp.
HDMI ARC — Use It as Your TV’s Sound System
HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) lets you connect your TV with a single HDMI cable. The TV’s audio is sent back through the same cable to the MyConnect 250, so you can use this unit as a high-quality soundbar replacement. No optical cable or extra adapters needed.
Dual Subwoofer Outputs — Deep Bass, Your Way
Two RCA outputs on the back are dedicated to subwoofers. A built-in electronic crossover lets you choose between 75Hz or 150Hz. The crossover is the point where the subwoofer takes over from your main speakers. 75Hz works well if your main speakers can handle most bass on their own. 150Hz works better if your speakers are smaller and need the subwoofer to carry more of the low end.
Two Headphone Outputs — Front Panel, Ready to Go
Two headphone jacks sit on the front panel: a standard 6.35mm (1/4-inch) jack and a 3.5mm (standard headphone) jack. Both have adjustable gain and impedance settings, so they work well with a wide range of headphones — from easy-to-drive earbuds to harder-to-drive over-ear models.
Optional Bluetooth — Add Wireless Streaming
Bluetooth is not built in, but it is easy to add. Advance Paris offers the X-FTB01 and X-FTB02 optional Bluetooth modules. The X-FTB02 supports aptX HD for higher-quality wireless audio. The module installs internally — no external dongle or adapter needed.
Quick-Reference Specifications
| Amplifier | |
| Output Power (8Ω) | 2 × 190W RMS |
| Output Power (4Ω) | 2 × 280W RMS |
| Topology | Class A/B with Hi-Bias Class A switch; dual-mono |
| Tube Preamp | ECC81/12AT7 |
| Power Supply | Two 300VA toroidal transformers (one per channel) |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 80 kHz |
| THD | <0.007% |
| SNR | 103 dB |
| Speaker Zones | 3 (A, B, C) |
| Built-In Sources | |
| CD Player | Yes — top-loading |
| Radio Tuner | FM / DAB+ |
| Network Streaming | Wi-Fi and Ethernet; Advance PlayStream app |
| Streaming Services | Spotify Connect, Qobuz, Tidal, Deezer, vTuner, internet radio |
| Inputs | |
| Digital | HDMI ARC, USB-B, AES/EBU, 3× optical, 3× coaxial |
| Analog | Balanced XLR, RCA |
| Phono | MM, low-level MC, high-level MC; adjustable capacitance 100pF / 200pF / 320pF |
| Bluetooth | Optional X-FTB01 / X-FTB02 module (aptX HD on X-FTB02) |
| Outputs | |
| Pre-Outputs | XLR and RCA |
| Subwoofer | 2× RCA; crossover 75Hz or 150Hz selectable |
| Headphone | 6.35mm and 3.5mm (adjustable gain and impedance) |
| Record Out | RCA |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| W × H × D | 430 × 195 × 455 mm (16.9″ × 7.7″ × 17.9″) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this replace a full stereo system?
For most people, yes. It has a built-in amplifier, CD player, streamer, radio tuner, and phono input for a turntable. The only thing you need to add is a pair of speakers. HomeTheaterHifi.com (January 2025) tested it with high-end reference equipment and found it performed at a level that justified serious comparison.
What else do I need to get started?
Just speakers and speaker cables. Everything else — the amplifier, CD player, streamer, phono stage, and tuner — is already built in. If you want to connect a TV, you will also need an HDMI cable. If you want to add Bluetooth, the optional X-FTB02 module is available separately.
Can I connect a subwoofer?
Yes — two of them. There are two RCA subwoofer outputs on the back. You can set the crossover point to 75Hz or 150Hz, depending on your subwoofer and speakers. The 75Hz setting works well when your main speakers handle most of the bass. 150Hz works better if your speakers are smaller.
Does it work with a turntable?
Yes. The built-in phono stage supports MM and MC cartridges. This covers the vast majority of turntables. You do not need a separate phono preamp.
Can I stream Spotify or Tidal from my phone?
Yes. Connect the MyConnect 250 to your home Wi-Fi or Ethernet network, then use the Advance PlayStream app on your phone. It supports Spotify Connect, Qobuz, Tidal, Deezer, and internet radio stations. Your phone becomes the remote control.
How does it compare to the Advance Paris A12 Classic?
Both use the same ECC81/12AT7 tube preamp and the same 190W dual-mono amplifier with two 300VA toroidal transformers. The MyConnect 250 adds a built-in CD player, FM/DAB+ tuner, and network streamer, plus a third speaker zone. The A12 Classic is a pure amplifier with no built-in sources. If you want everything in one box, the MyConnect 250 is the answer. If you prefer to choose your own separate source components, the A12 Classic is a great place to start.
Can I connect it to my TV?
Yes. The HDMI ARC port lets you connect your TV with a single HDMI cable. The TV’s audio is sent back through that cable to the MyConnect 250, so it acts as a high-quality sound system for your television.
Can I use headphones with it?
Yes. Two headphone jacks are on the front panel: a 6.35mm (standard 1/4-inch) and a 3.5mm (standard headphone size). Both have adjustable gain and impedance, so they work with a wide range of headphones.
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