Emotiva BasX A2 Stereo Power Amplifier

The Emotiva BasX A2 is the dedicated stereo model within Emotiva's BasX amplifier family, which spans from the BasX A1 monoblock through to seven-channel configurations. The A2 delivers 160 watts RMS per channel into 8Ω, making it equally suited to a two-channel music system or to driving the front left and right loudspeakers in a home cinema when paired with an AV processor or preamplifier. Like all BasX amplifiers, it is built around what Emotiva describes as a “classical audiophile architecture”: a heavy-duty linear power supply, a high-current Class A/B output stage, and a short signal path designed for the current capability needed to drive difficult speaker loads.

Amplifier Topology & Power Supply

The BasX A2 uses a fully discrete, high-current Class A/B output stage powered by a heavy-duty linear power supply built around an oversized toroidal transformer. Each channel delivers 160W RMS into 8Ω across the full 20Hz–20kHz bandwidth with less than 0.1% THD (all channels driven), rising to 250W RMS per channel into 4Ω at 1kHz. Broadband frequency response extends from 5Hz to 80kHz (+0/−1.8dB), with power bandwidth rated at 20Hz–20kHz (±0.07dB at rated power).

Performance

The A2 achieves a signal-to-noise ratio greater than 112dB (A-weighted, referenced to rated power into 8Ω) and a damping factor exceeding 500 into an 8Ω load. THD+N is rated at less than 0.02% (A-weighted, 1kHz, rated power into 8Ω). Microprocessor-controlled status indicators and fault protection circuits guard against excessive operating temperature, shorted speaker connections, ground faults, and other common fault conditions, and are designed to be entirely transparent under normal operating conditions.

Connectivity & Control

Each channel has an unbalanced RCA input with a 27kΩ input impedance and 29dB of gain. Input sensitivity is 1.2V for rated power into 8Ω. Speaker connections are via heavy-duty, audiophile-grade five-way binding posts that accept banana plugs, spade lugs, or bare wire. A trigger input (5–12V AC or DC, less than 10mA) and 12V DC trigger output (up to 120mA) are provided for automated power sequencing with a processor or preamplifier. The BasX A2 additionally features an Auto-On mode, exclusive to this model within the BasX amplifier range, which allows the amplifier to switch itself on automatically when an audio signal is detected at its input and return to standby after the signal is no longer present — useful where the source device does not provide a trigger output. The IEC power inlet accepts a standard or audiophile-grade IEC power cable.

Construction

The chassis is constructed from heavy steel with a milled aluminium front panel. Universal AC line voltage operation — 115VAC or 230VAC at 50/60Hz, automatically detected — means the amplifier requires no manual voltage switching and is suitable for worldwide use.