Integrated streaming amplifier with analogue warmth and presence

PlayStream A5 is a integrated streaming amplifier built for listeners who demand both musicality and control. The first watts flow in pure Class A thanks to its High Bias circuitry, giving the sound a natural warmth and immediacy. As the performance intensifies, the amplifier moves smoothly into Class A/B, delivering 2 × 80 W into 8 ohms and 2 × 130 W into 4 ohms with effortless control. Distortion is remarkably low at 0.004 % at 1 kHz/24 W, the frequency range extends from 20 Hz to 80 kHz, and channel separation reaches 80 dB, ensuring every instrument and voice is distinct and true.

At the heart of the A5, a Wolfson WM8740 or Burr Brown PCM1796 DAC converts digital signals at up to 24‑bit/192 kHz. Each note carries clarity, texture, and presence, while the careful internal layout keeps analogue and digital circuits isolated, preserving fine detail and dynamic subtlety even in complex passages. Music feels grounded, alive, and effortlessly engaging.

Where music flows without friction

The PlayStream philosophy is that music should flow freely and naturally. Every source, analogue or digital, integrates seamlessly, allowing the listener to focus entirely on the performance. Streaming services including Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer, Amazon Music, TuneIn, AirPlay, and DLNA work effortlessly, while high-resolution files from a network or USB play back with expressive detail and refined texture.

Whether listening via Wi‑Fi, wired LAN, or Bluetooth, PlayStream A5 gives each recording an authoritative yet natural presence. Rhythm, timing, and harmonic layers are revealed with clarity, letting the music breathe and unfold. Every performance, from a delicate solo to a full ensemble, feels immediate, tangible, and emotionally compelling.

Connectivity that opens every possibility

PlayStream A5 connects to nearly every source imaginable, bridging analogue and digital with ease. Analogue inputs include four auxiliary RCA channels, dedicated MM and MC phono stages, CD input, and AMP In. Outputs feature pre-out, two subwoofer channels, recording output, and headphone jacks at 6.35 mm and 3.5 mm. Digital inputs include one coaxial, three optical Toslink connections, and USB-A ports for playback or firmware updates. Two mono trigger outputs provide seamless integration with other components.

The A5 also supports both wired and wireless networks, Bluetooth, and high-resolution formats, making it adaptable to current and future systems. Every choice, from circuit layout to connectivity options, is designed to preserve clarity, timing, and musicality, allowing you to create a system that is as flexible as it is expressive. PlayStream A5 turns every listening session into an immersive, effortless experience where music feels immediate, alive, and in your room.

Specifications

Performance
Amplifier Design

Class A/B

High Bias

Yes

Output Power

2 x 80 W (8Ω)

2 x 130 W (4Ω)

Transformer

Toroidal / 240 VA

Distortion

0.004% @ 1 kHz / 24 W

Frequency Response

20 Hz – 80 kHz

Signal-to-Noise Ratio

98 dB

Channel Separation

80 dB

DAC

Wolfson WM8740 or PCM1796 – 24-bit / 192 kHz

Connectivity
Analog Inputs

4 x AUX (RCA L/R)

1 x CD (RCA L/R)

1 x Phono MM

1 x Phono MC

1 x AMP IN (RCA)

Digital Inputs

1 x Coaxial (RCA)

3 x Optical (Toslink)

1 x USB-A (Audio)

1 x USB-A (Firmware)

Analog Outputs

1 x Pre Out (RCA)

2 x Subwoofer Out (RCA)

1 x Rec Out (RCA)

1 x Speaker Output Pair

1 x Headphone 6.35mm

1 x Headphone 3.5mm

Network / Wireless

1 x LAN (RJ45)

Wi-Fi

Bluetooth (X-FTB01 included)

Trigger

2 x 12V Trigger Out

Features
Streaming & Services

Spotify Connect

TIDAL

Qobuz

Deezer

Amazon Music

AirPlay

DLNA

Internet Radio (TuneIn)

FM Radio

DAB+ Radio

Amplifier Options

High Bias switch

VU Meter

Dimensions
Width

435 mm

Height

132 mm

Depth

355 mm

Weight

8.2 kg

Included in the Box

  • PlayStream A5 Amplifier

  • Power Cable

  • Remote control

  • Quick Start Guide

  • Safety Instruction Manual

FAQ's

The most common questions about amplifiers, answered.

How do Advance Paris amplifiers handle different speaker loads?

All Advance Paris amplifiers are engineered for control and stability across a wide range of loudspeakers. Whether you start with a compact system or a full-scale multi-speaker setup, the amplifiers deliver consistent dynamics, timing, and tonal balance. This ensures that every speaker is driven with authority and precision, from the smallest bookshelf units to the most demanding floorstanders.

Can these amplifiers reproduce subtle details and microdynamics?

Yes. Advance Paris offers a spectrum of amplifiers across multiple series, from the entry-level Classic Line to the high-end APEX and MyConnect ranges. As you move up the range, the amplifiers increasingly reveal microdetails, spatial cues, and low-level textures. This means your system can scale with your ambitions, from a natural, immersive experience to lifelike realism that feels almost unlimited in its fidelity.

Are Advance Paris amplifiers compatible with modern digital sources?

Advance Paris systems are designed to handle everything from traditional analog sources to modern digital formats. MyConnect and PlayStream products can stream music natively via Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer, AirPlay, DNLA, internet radio, DAB+, and FM. They also feature built-in CD players and support vinyl playback via dedicated MM/MC phono stages. APEX and Classic Line amplifiers do not have native streaming but can integrate with external network players or streamers for digital sources.

How versatile are Advance Paris amplifiers in terms of connectivity?

Advance Paris amplifiers offer connectivity designed for every need. Analogue sources are supported with line inputs, XLR, and phono stages for vinyl. Digital sources are served through USB, coaxial, optical, and HDMI inputs. Many models provide dual subwoofer outputs and support for multiple speaker pairs, while MyConnect models add networked streaming and wireless options. This versatility allows every amplifier to adapt to its environment and grow with your system.

Do Advance Paris amplifiers prioritize features or musicality?

Musicality always comes first. While the amplifiers are rich in technical capabilities, each feature exists to serve the music. Across all series, the philosophy is to let the music breathe naturally, preserving emotional nuance and tonal integrity. Features are tools, not goals. Whether you are exploring your first high-fidelity system or building an ultimate, fully integrated setup, the amplifiers are designed to make every listening moment as effortless, engaging, and lifelike as possible.

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