Emotiva BasX TA2 Integrated Amplifier: A Complete Two-Channel Solution

During my previous audition of Emotiva's 13-channel home theater system, everything from the surround processor and multi-channel power amplifiers to the main speakers, center channel, and subwoofer bore the Emotiva badge. Had it not been for the fixed in-wall and in-ceiling speakers already installed at the venue, achieving an all-Emotiva setup across every channel would have been entirely feasible. Indeed, Emotiva's catalog extends well beyond home theater equipment to encompass a comprehensive range of two-channel audio components. The BasX TA2 integrated amplifier exemplifies this breadth perfectly—not only does it serve as a capable integrated amplifier, but it also incorporates DAC functionality, Bluetooth connectivity, MM/MC phono stages, crossover-equipped subwoofer output, FM radio, and headphone amplification. In essence, this single component addresses virtually every requirement for two-channel audio reproduction.

Design Philosophy: Understated Elegance

The BasX TA2's aesthetic remains faithful to Emotiva's established design language—refreshingly minimalist and purposeful. The front panel features a single rotary control on the right side that handles volume adjustment and, when pressed and held, provides access to the menu system. Two smaller buttons on the left facilitate source selection and menu navigation. Centered between these controls sits a clear alphanumeric display with sufficiently large characters for easy reading at distance, while the power button resides directly below. Every control element has been deliberately designed to maintain visual discretion, contributing to the panel's clean, uncluttered appearance. For enhanced convenience, Emotiva includes a remote control that handles volume adjustment, source switching, and various system settings.

Power and Performance: Class A/B Authority

The BasX TA2 delivers a substantial 135 watts into 8 ohms or 200 watts into 4 ohms of continuous power—more than adequate for driving the vast majority of loudspeakers with authority. Given its extensive feature set and considerable power output, one might assume the TA2 employs Class D amplification. However, this assumption would be incorrect. The BasX TA2 utilizes genuine Class A/B amplification, drawing its power from a substantial low-noise toroidal transformer. The power supply section features four 10,000μF ultra-low ESR filter capacitors, ensuring both abundant and clean power delivery.

Internal Architecture: Thoughtful Engineering

The internal layout demonstrates considerable engineering sophistication. The toroidal transformer and main power supply board occupy the left portion of the chassis, while the power output stage resides on the right. A substantial heat sink serves as both a physical barrier and electromagnetic shield between these sections, providing effective isolation from transformer-generated magnetic fields. Two small fans positioned adjacent to the heat sink actively cool the amplification circuitry, dramatically improving thermal management. This means the BasX TA2 can operate reliably even in environments with limited ventilation. The rear of the chassis houses a lengthy signal processing board containing the preamplifier, DAC, phono stage, Bluetooth, and FM radio circuits. A metal shield separates this sensitive circuitry from the power supply and amplification sections, preventing electromagnetic interference from affecting delicate audio signals.

Digital Connectivity: Modern Standards

Digital input options include RCA coaxial, optical, and USB Audio interfaces, all supporting up to 24-bit/192kHz PCM formats. The unit also features Bluetooth 5.0 capability with support for aptX, aptX HD, and AAC codecs, ensuring high-quality wireless audio transmission.

Analog Versatility: Comprehensive Options

The analog connectivity proves even more comprehensive. A dedicated RCA phono input accommodates turntables, with input impedance selectable via a three-position toggle switch. One position provides 47kΩ impedance for MM cartridges, while the remaining two offer 47Ω and 100Ω options for MC cartridges.

Four RCA analog inputs provide ample connectivity for multiple sources, supplemented by a unique RCA bypass input designed to integrate two-channel systems within home theater setups. This bypass input proves particularly innovative—beyond the standard stereo inputs, it includes a dedicated subwoofer input. This means signals from an AV receiver can include both left/right main channels and the subwoofer channel, which then passes through the TA2's subwoofer output to an active subwoofer. The benefit? Your subwoofer serves both home theater and two-channel music reproduction, maximizing system utility.

Subwoofer Integration: Unprecedented Flexibility

The subwoofer output offers selectable full-range or high-pass filtered operation. Adjacent to the Sub Out connector, a Low Pass switch and rotary control provide crossover options. With the switch in the Off position, the subwoofer receives full-range signals. Engaging the On position activates the crossover, with the rotary control offering adjustment from 40Hz to 200Hz. This functionality enables precise subwoofer integration, ensuring seamless blending between main speakers and subwoofer.

Even more remarkably, the Pre Out also features configurable crossover functionality. A High Pass switch and rotary control operate similarly to the subwoofer output—Off position provides full-range output, while On position activates a high-pass filter with the same 40Hz to 200Hz adjustment range. Since the Pre Out signal derives from the internal preamplifier stage, activating this crossover simultaneously affects the signal feeding the TA2's internal power amplifier, meaning the main speakers receive high-pass filtered signals.

In practical terms, the BasX TA2's dual crossover system—low-pass for the subwoofer output and high-pass for the main outputs—combined with an active subwoofer, should enable users to achieve exceptional 2.1-channel system integration with minimal effort. The BasX TA2 effectively eliminates the common complaint that 2.1 systems are difficult to optimize properly.

User-Friendly Features: Thoughtful Details

Several convenience features enhance daily operation. Volume memory ensures the unit returns to previous listening levels after power cycling, with separate memory for headphone and speaker volumes. Tone controls provide ±10dB adjustment for both high and low frequencies, allowing users to tailor the sound to their preferences. Subwoofer level can also be adjusted ±10dB via remote control, eliminating the need to access rear-panel controls. The FM tuner can store 15 preset stations, proving particularly convenient for users who enjoy radio programming. The power supply demonstrates impressive versatility through automatic voltage and frequency detection, operating seamlessly on both 110V/220V and 50Hz/60Hz power systems worldwide.

Sound Character: Neutral Excellence

With such comprehensive functionality, intuitive operation, and rock-solid reliability, how does the BasX TA2 actually sound? In summary: it delivers ample driving power, excellent control, and a neutral, clear, natural presentation that pairs beautifully with virtually any loudspeaker.

Listening Impressions: Revealing Truth

My evaluation took place in the U-Audio listening room, using a Cambridge EXN100 network streamer and Intel i3 NUC running Roon Core as sources. Given the variety of available speakers, I began with a demanding test—the Dynaudio Contour 60. Standing 135cm tall with dual 10-inch woofers and a 6-inch midrange, this substantial floorstander presents a genuine challenge for any amplifier. Through the BasX TA2, large-scale orchestral works like the RR Records compilation "Tutti!" revealed a composed, well-mannered presentation. While not explosively dynamic, the sound exhibited clear organization and natural flow, with well-defined instrumental outlines and natural frequency extension. The soundstage opened appropriately without strain, and rich full-range detail emerged at moderate volume levels, indicating the TA2 was driving the Dynaudios with ease.

The Contour 60 pairing also revealed the BasX TA2's neutral, restrained character. Its clean, uncolored presentation immediately reveals the connected speakers' inherent characteristics. Since both the TA2 and Contour 60 share similar neutral, analytical personalities, their combination, while accurate, felt somewhat emotionally distant. Substituting the Acoustic Energy AE300 MK2 transformed the experience entirely.

The British monitors' slightly warmer, more engaging character proved perfectly complementary to the TA2's neutral foundation. This pairing struck an ideal balance—the TA2's clarity and control allowed easy discrimination between different vocal timbres and dynamic techniques, while the AE300 MK2 contributed appropriate warmth and textural richness that enhanced emotional engagement. Seeking further variety, I connected the Italian Capriccio Continuo Admonitor Preference Plus bookshelf speakers, which again transformed the musical experience. The TA2 now revealed the Admonitor's sophisticated resolution and elegant presentation, shifting the musical atmosphere from warmly inviting to profoundly moving.

Conclusion: Exceptional Value Proposition

The BasX TA2 essentially reduces speaker selection to a matter of preferred tonal character, as its abundant power reserves can drive virtually any reasonable loudspeaker with authority. For those interested in exploring 2.1-channel reproduction, the TA2's dual crossover system makes subwoofer integration remarkably straightforward. The combination of comprehensive functionality, substantial power output, solid engineering, quality components, and accessible pricing represents exceptional value that few manufacturers can match. Emotiva has created a genuinely complete solution for discerning two-channel audio enthusiasts.