Advance Paris MyConnect 150 All-in-One

With its sturdy power supply and enormous power, the MyConnect 150 keeps any loudspeaker under control. 130W into 8 Ohm, 190W into 4 Ohm, and with a difficult load of 2.66 Ohm it delivers 250W per channel. What is special is that vacuum tubes are used in the preamplifier section to reinforce the audiophile character of this component. Another distinctive feature of Advance amplifiers is the HIGH BIAS circuit, which makes the amplifier amplify lower power levels like a Class A amplifier (switchable). Connoisseurs know how much finesse the music is then reproduced with (*).

Because the MyConnect 150 has no problems with difficult loads, you can even connect 3 pairs of loudspeakers that can play simultaneously in different configurations. In the A+B, A+C and B+C configurations the connected loudspeakers must be at least 8 Ohm. This lets you play loudspeakers in the living room at the same time as those in the kitchen, for example. With other Advance Playstream products you can build a genuine multi-room system, which also makes party mode possible.

*) Class A in brief: in Class A (Advance Paris HIGH BIAS) the power transistors conduct continuously (they do not "switch"), which gives maximum sound quality. This does cost extra power, however, and the amplifier runs warmer than in Class A/B. Good ventilation is then even more important! The Class A function can be switched on and off on the back of the amplifier.

To start with streaming: with Advance Playstream, the MyConnect 150 is a network player (Wi-Fi or wired) that lets you play music from your computer. Music services such as Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer and Amazon Music are also supported, and tens of thousands of internet radio stations are available via TuneIn. A digital Bluetooth input is provided. The MyConnect 150 can also handle AirPlay and DLNA.

But music sources such as a CD player, FM tuner and DAB+ are also at your disposal, and you have countless inputs — analogue, digital and USB — for connecting all kinds of equipment.

Top components can only be top components these days if they have an excellent D/A converter (DAC) on board. Advance was a pioneer in integrating DACs and continues this tradition. The MyConnect 150 uses the renowned AKM AK4490 (32bit/768kHz) DAC. Via the asynchronous USB input with the XMOS chip, hi-res music files such as DSD84, DSD128 and DSD256 can be played, in both native DSD and DSD over PCM (DoP) modes.

The MyConnect 150 has two headphone outputs (3.5 and 6.3 mm jack), driven by a serious headphone amplifier. For optimal matching with your headphones, the output impedance and gain can be adjusted using switches on the back. Even separate headphone amplifiers often do not offer these options as standard! With the MyConnect 150 you can therefore enjoy your headphones to the full.

Advance has been a specialist in this field since the arrival of the Bluetooth aptX standard. The MyConnect 150 features a clever innovation: a digital input for an optional Advance X-FTB01 or X-FTB02 Bluetooth receiver. Unlike many other Bluetooth receivers, which are fitted with a relatively simple built-in DAC, the X-FTB.. makes a direct connection (Direct Path) with the high-quality DAC in the amplifier itself.

You will never run short here. In addition to the USB-B input already mentioned, there are 2 coaxial inputs, three optical inputs and a USB-A input. For analogue sources there are 7 AUX inputs and a Phono MM/MC input (high&low input). Also notable are the two subwoofer outputs, whose crossover frequency can be set to 75 or 125Hz.

The MyConnect 150 also has Advance's well-known and very practical single-knob operation, which lets you control the volume, input selection, bass and treble tone controls (with bypass!), loudness and balance, among other things. A system remote control is part of the standard equipment.

In line with new EU regulations, the amplifier automatically switches to standby if no input signal is received for 30 minutes (this can be disabled in the menu).

Connecting the MyConnect 150 at home for the first time will be an experience you will not soon forget.

Would you like to hear this first? In our two listening rooms on Hoenderstraat in Maastricht, each with its own acoustics, we will set up the system for you. Make an appointment or call 043-7370028 — we are happy to help you find the right choice and the right placement.