Advance Paris A8 APEX Tube Hybrid Integrated Amplifier

The Smallest Way Into the Anniversary Range

Advance Paris has built hi-fi in France since 1995, and the APEX range marks its thirtieth year. The A8 APEX is the entry point of that range. It wears the same 30th Edition black finish as its larger siblings in a much smaller box.

The layout is a tube hybrid. Two ECC81/12AT7 tubes handle the preamplifier stage, then a Class A/B solid-state section does the amplifying. A toroidal transformer feeds it. Output is 76 watts per channel into 8 ohms, or 110 watts into 4 ohms.

Seven RCA Inputs Is Not a Typo

Analog connection is the A8 APEX's quiet strength. There are seven unbalanced RCA line inputs, which is more than most amplifiers twice its size offer. A phono input with a grounding lug sits beside them, wired for moving-magnet cartridges. An Amp-In connection lets you drive the power section directly.

Digital gets two coaxial inputs, an optical input, and a USB-B port for a computer. HDMI eARC brings television sound in over one cable. Outputs cover a stereo RCA pre-out, a fixed record out, one subwoofer output, and a 12-volt trigger.

Small Chassis, Full-Size Measurements

Conversion runs through an ESS9018. It takes PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz on the USB-B, optical, and coaxial inputs, while the HDMI eARC port carries stereo PCM from a television. That covers most of what a modern source will send it.

The measured figures hold up against much bigger amplifiers. Signal-to-noise sits at 100 dB and distortion at 0.03%, measured at 52 watts. Frequency response runs from 20Hz to 80kHz, so nothing audible is being clipped at either end.

It Fits Where the Bigger Ones Will Not

At 9.4 kilograms, or 20.7 pounds, the A8 APEX is roughly half the weight of the A12 APEX. It is 16.9 inches wide and about 5 inches tall. That height matters if your rack shelves are close together, or if the amplifier is going in a cabinet.

Speakers connect to switchable A and B terminals, so a second pair in another room is straightforward. A quarter-inch headphone jack sits on the front panel, and an illuminated VU meter keeps you company while it plays.

Who Is This Integrated Amplifier Best For?

• You have a lot of analog sources — seven RCA line inputs plus a phono input is unusually generous at this size.
• Space is tight — about 5 inches tall and 20.7 pounds, where the A12 APEX is nearly twice the weight.
• Your television is part of the system — HDMI eARC carries TV sound in over a single cable.
• You play moving-magnet vinyl — the phono stage is built in, with a grounding lug right beside it.
• If you want streaming built in, the A8 APEX has none — Bluetooth needs Advance Paris' optional A-BTC receiver. Add one of our network streamers and every service you use arrives on a line input.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Speakers go to the A and B terminals, and a moving-magnet turntable to the phono input with its ground wire on the lug. A computer connects over USB-B, a television over HDMI eARC, and a CD player over either coaxial input. The single subwoofer output handles the bottom end.

Seven line inputs later, you may still have spares.

Pairs Well With

Building around the A8 APEX? Here are some great companions:

• Speakers: 76 watts per channel suits a compact pair well — see our Bookshelf Speakers.
• Turntable: Put the moving-magnet phono stage to work — see our Turntables.
• Subwoofer: One sub output fills in what a small pair cannot — see our Subwoofers.
• Headphones: A front-panel quarter-inch jack is ready for a good pair — see our Headphones.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much power does the A8 APEX deliver?

76 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 110 watts per channel into 4 ohms, from a Class A/B solid-state output stage fed by a toroidal transformer.

Does the phono stage take moving-coil cartridges?

Advance Paris specifies the A8 APEX phono input as moving-magnet only. A moving-coil cartridge needs an outboard phono preamplifier, or a step up to the A12 APEX.

Is Bluetooth or streaming built in?

Neither. Advance Paris offers the optional A-BTC Bluetooth receiver, sold separately. There is no Wi-Fi or network streaming on board.

How does it differ from the A10 APEX and A12 APEX?

The A8 APEX is the smallest and least powerful of the three. The A10 APEX adds power and a balanced XLR input; the A12 APEX adds more of both plus an ESS9039 DAC and a moving-coil-capable phono stage.

Can I connect my television?

Yes, through the HDMI eARC input, which carries stereo PCM. Optical is the alternative if your set has no eARC connection.

Can I run two pairs of speakers?

Yes. The A and B speaker outputs are switchable, so you can run a second pair in another room from the same amplifier.

See It in Action

Old Guy Hifi listens to the A8 APEX and talks through what it pairs well with:

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Learn More

Want to learn more about tube hybrid amplifiers, phono stages, or connecting a television to a stereo system? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.