Advance Paris UX1
Advance Paris universal digital source combining an AK4490 DAC, CD player, network streamer and DAB/FM tuner in a single unit.
Description
The Advance Paris UX1 is a universal digital source that brings together a CD player, a network player (streamer), a DAC, an asynchronous USB input for computer, and a DAB/DAB+ and FM digital tuner in a single unit. It allows music playback from a computer, smartphone, tablet, NAS or CD disc to be centralised, without multiplying the number of devices in the system.
Digital-to-analogue conversion is handled by AKM's AK4490 converter, a 32-bit DAC built on the Velvet Sound architecture. This component supports PCM up to 768 kHz and DSD up to 11.2 MHz, with five built-in digital filters to adjust the sound rendering. The USB-B input is based on an XMOS chip handling 32-bit/384 kHz PCM and DSD256, allowing high-resolution audio files to be used from a PC or Mac.
In terms of performance, the UX1 offers a frequency response of 20 Hz to 45 kHz, distortion below 0.005%, a signal-to-noise ratio of 110 dB and channel separation above 110 dB. The line outputs deliver a level of 2 V on RCA and 4 V on XLR, with an output impedance of 10 kOhms, allowing connection to a preamplifier or integrated amplifier fitted with balanced or unbalanced inputs.
The digital connectivity is extensive, with three optical inputs, one optical output, two coaxial inputs, one coaxial output, one USB-B input, one USB-A input for audio drives, and one RJ-45 Ethernet input for network streaming. This range makes it a central component suited to a hi-fi system that needs to accommodate several digital sources simultaneously, from a Blu-ray player to a TV decoder to a music server.
This type of universal source is aimed at an enthusiast wishing to simplify their system while retaining a high level of sound quality across all their sources: CD, network streaming, high-resolution files via USB or digital radio. It suits both a classic hi-fi system and a setup where the user wants to gradually move away from physical media without sacrificing listening quality.
Technical specifications
| DAC | AK4490EQ 32/384 |
| USB | XMOS (PCM 32/384 and DSD256) |
| RCA output level | 2 V |
| XLR output level | 4 V |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz to 45 kHz |
| Distortion | < 0.005 % |
| Output impedance | 10 kOhms |
| Channel separation | > 110 dB |
| S/N ratio | 110 dB |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 230 x 130 x 310 mm |
| Weight | 3.8 kg |
| Connectivity | 3x optical inputs, 1x optical output, 2x coaxial inputs, 1x coaxial output, 1x USB-B input, 1x USB-A input, 1x RJ-45 Ethernet, 1x RCA output, 1x XLR output |
What to check before buying used
The CD tray deserves a full eject and close test, as does playing a disc through to the end of the programme to check that the optical block still reads without skipping. On the network side, check that the Wi-Fi or Ethernet module correctly recognises a NAS and that a firmware update is still possible. The DAB/DAB+ and FM tuner should pick up stations correctly, and it is best to listen to the RCA and XLR outputs separately to rule out any level issues or a muted channel.
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