The Emotiva BasX A5 is a five-channel power amplifier from Emotiva's BasX series, designed to deliver high-current, clean amplification for multi-channel home cinema systems. Sitting alongside the two-channel A2, three-channel A3, four-channel A4, and seven-channel A7 in the BasX range, the A5 provides five independently amplified channels — making it a natural partner for AV processors and pre-amplifiers in 5.1 surround systems, or as an external amplifier upgrade for an AV receiver's front and surround channels.
Amplification & Power Supply
Each of the five channels employs a Class A/B output stage, a topology chosen for its combination of low distortion at low signal levels and high current delivery under load. The amplifier is rated at 95 watts RMS per channel into 8Ω with all five channels driven simultaneously — a more demanding and realistic measurement than the two-channel figure of 120 watts per channel. Into 4Ω loads, output rises to 130 watts per channel (all channels driven) or 175 watts per channel with two channels driven.
Powering the output stages is a heavy-duty linear power supply built around a toroidal transformer. Linear supplies are preferred in audio amplification for their low electrical noise characteristics compared with switch-mode alternatives, and the toroidal core geometry reduces stray magnetic fields that could otherwise couple into sensitive signal stages.
Performance
Total harmonic distortion plus noise (THD+N) is rated at less than 0.02% A-weighted at rated power, with a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 116 dB A-weighted. The power bandwidth extends from 20 Hz to 20 kHz within ±0.02 dB, while the broader frequency response reaches from 10 Hz to 80 kHz (+0/−1.8 dB). A damping factor greater than 500 at 8Ω indicates tight control over loudspeaker cone movement, particularly beneficial for bass drivers where back-EMF management is critical.
Connectivity
The BasX A5 provides five unbalanced RCA inputs, one per channel, with an input impedance of 27 kΩ and an input sensitivity of 1.2 V for rated output into 8Ω. Speaker connections are via audiophile-grade five-way binding posts that accept banana plugs, spade connectors, or bare wire. A 12 V trigger input (5–12 V AC or DC) and trigger output (12 VDC, up to 120 mA) allow the amplifier to be switched on and off automatically by a processor or pre-amplifier.
Protection & Voltage Handling
The amplifier incorporates transparent fault protection circuitry designed to safeguard both the amplifier and connected loudspeakers without audibly degrading the signal path under normal operating conditions. Mains voltage detection is automatic — the BasX A5 configures itself for either 115 V or 230 V at 50/60 Hz without manual switching.
| Channels | 5 |
|---|
| Amplifier Class | A/B |
|---|
| Power Output (8Ω, All Channels Driven) | 95W RMS per channel |
|---|
| Power Output (4Ω, All Channels Driven) | 130W RMS per channel |
|---|
| Power Output (8Ω, 2 Channels Driven) | 120W RMS per channel |
|---|
| Power Output (4Ω, 2 Channels Driven) | 175W RMS per channel |
|---|
| THD+N | <0.02% (A-weighted, at rated power) |
|---|
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | >116 dB (A-weighted, at rated power) |
|---|
| Frequency Response | 10 Hz – 80 kHz (+0/−1.8 dB) |
|---|
| Power Bandwidth | 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.02 dB) |
|---|
| Input Sensitivity | 1.2 V (rated power, 8Ω) |
|---|
| Gain | 29 dB |
|---|
| Damping Factor | >500 (8Ω) |
|---|
| Input Impedance | 27 kΩ |
|---|
| Minimum Load | 4Ω per channel |
|---|
| Inputs | 5 × unbalanced RCA |
|---|
| Speaker Outputs | 5 × five-way binding posts |
|---|
| Trigger Input | 5–12 V AC/DC |
|---|
| Trigger Output | 12 VDC, 120 mA |
|---|
| Mains Voltage | 115/230 V AC, 50/60 Hz (auto-sensing) |
|---|
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 432 × 102 × 394 mm |
|---|
| Weight | 12.02 kg |
|---|
