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What You Need to Know
What Is a Monoblock?
A monoblock is a power amplifier that drives just one speaker. It has one channel in its own box with its own power supply. For stereo, you need two — one for the left speaker and one for the right.
Why do it this way? Because each channel gets its own everything. Its own transformer. Its own power reserves. Its own chassis. This means the left and right channels can’t interfere with each other. The result is a cleaner stereo image and more headroom for loud, complex music.
What Is the X-A220 EVO?
The Advance Paris X-A220 EVO is a monoblock power amplifier. Each unit delivers 220 watts into 8 ohms and 350 watts into 4 ohms. That’s serious power — enough to drive virtually any loudspeaker.
It’s sold one at a time. For stereo, you buy two. According to Advance Paris, a pair of X-A220 EVO monoblocks with the X-P700 preamp forms their recommended flagship system.
The front panel has a large, illuminated VU meter behind a methacrylate window. The chassis is steel. Inside, the circuits are separated by function to reduce interference. The amp is tall because it needs a big heatsink to stay cool under heavy use.
Power and Hi-Bias Mode
The X-A220 EVO is a Class A/B amplifier. Class A/B is the standard for quality solid-state amps. At low volume, it runs in pure Class A — the smoothest, most natural-sounding mode. As volume goes up, it shifts to Class B for more power.
A switch on the back panel turns on Hi-Bias mode. This keeps the amp in Class A for more of its power range. The amp runs warmer and uses more energy. But it sounds more refined at normal listening levels. This is the same feature found on the X-A160 EVO and X-i75.
What’s Inside
The output stage uses a triple push-pull design with NJW0281G/NJW0302G transistors. These are high-current parts also used in the X-A160 EVO. A 700VA toroidal transformer provides the power foundation. Four large filter capacitors (10,000 µF / 80V each) store energy for big, sudden bursts of music.
The input stage uses an NE5532 op-amp. A switch on the back lets you choose between the XLR (balanced) or RCA (unbalanced) input.
Trigger Control
The X-A220 EVO has trigger sockets on the back. These let the amp turn on and off automatically when your preamp powers up. If you use the X-P700 preamp, just connect a trigger cable. Turn on the preamp, and both monoblocks wake up on their own. Turn it off, and they go to sleep.
Who Is This Best For?
You want the top-of-the-line Advance Paris separates system — a pair of X-A220 EVOs with the X-P700 preamp.
You have demanding speakers that need the headroom of 350 watts per channel into 4 ohms.
You want the best possible channel separation — one dedicated box per speaker.
You like the look of a big VU meter and a bold monoblock design.
How Does It Connect?
Each X-A220 EVO has one XLR (balanced) input and one RCA (unbalanced) input. A switch on the back picks which one is active. Connect it to the preamp output — one cable per monoblock.
Speaker binding posts on the back connect to your speaker with speaker cables.
Trigger in/out sockets let the amp turn on and off with your preamp. Just run a trigger cable from the preamp to each monoblock.
A power cable is included. You’ll need interconnect cables (XLR or RCA) from your preamp and speaker cables to your speakers. Neither is included.
What’s in the Box
- Advance Paris X-A220 EVO monoblock power amplifier (1 unit)
- Power cable
- Documentation
A stereo setup requires two units. A preamplifier, interconnect cables, and speaker cables are required and not included. Verify exact contents with manufacturer or Audio Advisor prior to purchase.
Building Your System? Here Are Some Great Companions.
- Advance Paris X-P700 Preamplifier — The manufacturer’s recommended partner. The X-P700 has balanced XLR and RCA pre-outs to drive both monoblocks. Trigger sockets let everything power on and off together.
- Loudspeakers — At 220W/8Ω and 350W/4Ω per channel, the X-A220 EVO handles virtually any speaker. Browse loudspeakers.
- Interconnect Cables — You’ll need XLR or RCA cables from your preamp to each monoblock. Browse cables.
- Speaker Cables — One pair of speaker cables per monoblock. Browse speaker cables.
Features & Specifications
220 Watts of Dedicated, Single-Channel Power
Each X-A220 EVO delivers 220W into 8 ohms and 350W into 4 ohms. Because it drives just one speaker, all that power and all the energy stored in the power supply are dedicated to a single channel. No sharing. No compromise.
Hi-Bias Mode — More Class A Sound
A switch on the back panel activates Hi-Bias mode. This keeps the amp running in Class A — the smoothest, lowest-distortion mode — for more of its power range. The amp runs warmer, but sounds more refined at normal listening levels. Make sure it has good airflow.
Triple Push-Pull Output Stage
The output stage uses a triple push-pull design with NJW0281G/NJW0302G high-current transistors. These are the same parts used in the X-A160 EVO. This design delivers strong, stable current even into demanding low-impedance speakers.
700VA Toroidal Transformer with Massive Reserves
A large 700VA toroidal transformer provides the power. Four filter capacitors (10,000 µF / 80V each) store energy for sudden peaks in the music. Toroidal transformers are preferred in audio gear for their efficient power delivery and low magnetic noise.
XLR and RCA Inputs
Each monoblock has one balanced XLR input and one unbalanced RCA input, selectable via a rear-panel switch. XLR is the better choice for long cable runs because it rejects more noise.
Trigger Control for Easy Operation
Trigger in/out sockets let the monoblocks power on and off with your preamp. Connect a trigger cable from the X-P700 (or any preamp with trigger output) and the amps follow along automatically.
Illuminated VU Meter
A large VU meter on the front panel shows the output level in real time. It sits behind a methacrylate window and looks striking during use.
Steel Chassis with Separated Internals
The chassis is steel. Inside, the circuits are laid out in separate sections by function to reduce interference between the power supply, input stage, and output stage.
Quick-Reference Specifications
| Configuration | Monoblock (single-channel); sold individually |
| Output Power (8Ω) | 220W |
| Output Power (4Ω) | 350W |
| Amplifier Class | Class A/B with Hi-Bias mode (first watts in Class A) |
| Output Stage | Triple push-pull, NJW0281G / NJW0302G transistors |
| Power Transformer | 700VA toroidal |
| Filter Capacitors | 4 × 10,000 µF / 80V |
| Input Op-Amp | NE5532 |
| Inputs | 1× balanced XLR, 1× unbalanced RCA (selectable) |
| SNR | >100 dB |
| THD | <0.08% |
| Trigger | In / Out sockets for auto power-on/off |
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy two for stereo?
Yes. The X-A220 EVO is a monoblock — one unit drives one speaker. For stereo, you need two. Each one has its own power supply and its own chassis. That’s the point: total separation between the left and right channels.
How does the X-A220 EVO compare to the X-A160 EVO?
The X-A160 EVO is a stereo amp — both channels in one box. It puts out 160W per channel into 8 ohms and 240W into 4 ohms. The X-A220 EVO is a monoblock. Each unit puts out 220W into 8 ohms and 350W into 4 ohms with a dedicated power supply per channel. A pair of X-A220 EVOs gives you more power, a triple push-pull output stage, and complete channel isolation. The tradeoff: you buy two units, and they take up more space.
What preamp should I use?
Advance Paris recommends the X-P700 preamp as the natural partner. The X-P700 has balanced XLR and RCA outputs plus trigger control, so the monoblocks can turn on and off with the preamp. Any quality preamp with balanced XLR or RCA pre-outputs will also work. Call us at 800-942-0220 if you need help choosing.
What is Hi-Bias mode?
Hi-Bias keeps the amp running in Class A — the smoothest-sounding mode — for more of its power range before shifting to Class B. The amp runs warmer and uses more power. But it sounds more refined at normal listening levels. A switch on the back panel turns it on and off. Make sure the amp has good ventilation when Hi-Bias is active.
What speakers can the X-A220 EVO drive?
At 220W into 8 ohms and 350W into 4 ohms, the X-A220 EVO can drive virtually any loudspeaker. It’s especially well-suited for demanding, low-impedance speakers that need a lot of current. If you’re not sure your speakers are a good match, call us and we’ll help.
What else do I need?
A preamplifier (the X-P700 or another preamp with XLR or RCA outputs). Interconnect cables from the preamp to each monoblock (XLR or RCA, not included). Speaker cables from each monoblock to each speaker (not included). And, of course, speakers. The power cable comes in the box.
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