Advance Paris ACD APEX CD Player with Analogue Tube Outputs, USB & XLR (Black)

Advance Paris ACD APEX – Tube CD Player with USB & XLR

Rediscover your CDs with a compact player that blends modern precision with classic valve charm. The ACD APEX uses Raytheon 5744 NOS micro-tubes in its analog stage for a naturally warm, spacious presentation, while a Wolfson WM8761 DAC preserves detail and timing. Choose balanced XLR (4Vrms) or RCA (2Vrms) to feed your amp, or run coax/optical S/PDIF into an external DAC. Everyday conveniences seal the deal: front USB playback for MP3/FLAC (16-bit/44 kHz), CD-Text, flexible repeat/random modes, and an REM-19 remote that can also command APEX amplifiers. Styled in the limited 30th Anniversary black finish, the ACD APEX is the perfect partner for the A8/A10/A12 APEX - and a beautiful way to bring a cherished CD library back to life.

Why Buy the Advance Paris ACD APEX:

• Tubes where it matters — Raytheon 5744 NOS micro-tubes in the analog stage deliver natural warmth and dimensionality you don’t get from typical solid-state CD players.
• Wolfson WM8761 precision — A proven DAC architecture preserves timing and detail for clean, fatigue-free listening across every disc.
• Ready for any system — Balanced XLR and RCA outputs plus optical and coaxial digital outs make integration effortless with tube, solid-state, or DAC-centric rigs.
• Front USB playback — Conveniently play MP3/FLAC (16-bit/44 kHz) from a thumb drive without turning on the whole system.
• APEX family synergy — Styled to match and remote-compatible with A8/A10/A12 APEX amplifiers for a cohesive look and one-remote control.
• Limited 30th Anniversary finish — Exclusive black livery celebrates 30 years of Advance Paris design and engineering.

What It’s Great At

• Making CDs sound alive — Tube harmonics add body and presence that flatter vocals, strings, and acoustic instruments.
• Quiet, clean playback — Low THD+N and high SNR keep noise and glare out of the music for long, relaxed sessions.
• Flexible connections — Choose XLR/RCA to your amp or send digital via coax/optical to your favorite external DAC.
• Everyday convenience — CD-Text, repeat/random modes, and clear time displays make disc navigation a breeze.
• USB music on demand — Pop in a flash drive and cue lossless FLAC or MP3 mixes for casual listening.
• System building — Pairs beautifully with APEX integrateds and upscale speakers for a balanced, musical front end.

Everyday Usability (Quick Wins)

• One remote, whole stack — Use the included REM-19 to control the ACD APEX and compatible APEX amplifiers together.
• Silent late-night listening — Run the optical or coax output into a headphone DAC/amp for private sessions with zero fuss.
• World-ready power — 115/230 V selector lets you relocate or travel without step-up/down transformers.
• Fast firmware updates — Apply updates from the front USB port to keep features current.
• Easy rack fit — Standard 430 mm width and slim 74 mm height slide neatly into shelves and cabinets.
• Plug-and-play setup — Color-coded I/O and stable transport make first-time installation straightforward and reliable.

ACD APEX Full Specifications

• Product Type: Tube CD player
• Analog Stage: Raytheon 5744 NOS mini-tubes
• DAC: WM8761
• Analog Outputs: Balanced XLR (L/R), Line-level RCA (stereo)
• Digital Outputs: Coaxial S/PDIF, Optical S/PDIF
• Maximum Output (RCA): 2 V
• Maximum Output (XLR): 4 V
• THD+N: 0.005%
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: -106 dBrA
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Mains Voltage: 115/230 V, 50/60 Hz (switchable)
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 430 × 74 × 260 mm
• Net Weight: 4.1 kg
• Gross Weight: 5.1 kg
• Rear Panel Highlights: XLR & RCA analog outs, coaxial & optical digital outs, voltage selector

ACD APEX Q&A

What makes the ACD APEX different from standard CD players?

It uses a tube-based analog output stage (Raytheon 5744 NOS) paired with a WM8761 DAC to combine warmth with precision.

Can I connect it to a balanced preamp or integrated amp?

Yes—use the rear balanced XLR outputs for noise-resistant, long cable runs.

Does it also work as a CD transport into an external DAC?

Yes, the ACD APEX provides coaxial and optical S/PDIF digital outputs for use with outboard DACs.

What discs does it play?

It is designed for standard Red Book audio CDs (CD-DA).

What are the key performance specs?

THD+N is 0.005%, SNR is -106 dBrA, and frequency response is 20 Hz–20 kHz.

Is the mains voltage switchable?

Yes, it supports 115/230 V, 50/60 Hz with a rear-panel selector.

How big and heavy is the unit?

It measures 430 × 74 × 260 mm and weighs 4.1 kg (net).

Are the tubes user-replaceable?

They are standard mini-tubes (Raytheon 5744 NOS), but replacement should be performed by a qualified technician or authorized service center.