SpeakerDecision
  • SPEAKERS
    • By Type
      Passive Bookshelf Speakers Passive Floor-standing Speakers Passive Center Channel Speakers Passive In-wall Speakers All Passive Speakers Powered Subwoofers Powered Stereo Speakers
      By Feature
      HDMI Input Room Correction Subwoofer Output Front Firing Port Handheld Remote Roon Ready
      By Brand
      Acoustic Energy Aperion ATC Audio-Technica Audioengine Bluesound Bowers Wilkins Buchardt Cambridge Audio Canton DALI Definitive Technology Dynaudio ELAC Emotiva Fluance Focal Fyne Audio Genelec GoldenEar Harbeth Jamo JBL Kanto KEF KLH Klipsch Leak Mackie Magnepan MartinLogan McIntosh Mission MoFi Monitor Audio Nuvo Onkyo OSD Paradigm Perlisten Polk Audio PS Audio PSB Q Acoustics REL Revel Russound Sennheiser Sonos Sonus faber Sony Spendor SVS Tannoy Technics Triangle Velodyne Victrola Wharfedale Wilson Audio Yamaha
  • AMPLIFIERS
    • By Type
      All Amplifiers Integrated Amplifiers Stereo Receivers Streaming Amplifiers Power Amplifiers Compact Amplifiers
      By Power
      Up to 60 watts 61 to 90 watts 91 to 120 watts 121 to 180 watts Over 180 watts
      By Feature
      HDMI Input Room Correction Subwoofer Output Handheld Remote Roon Ready
      Home Theater
      All Home Theater Receivers Anthem ARCAM Denon Integra JBL Marantz McIntosh NAD Onkyo Sony Yamaha
      Headphone Amps
      All Headphone Amplifiers Cambridge Audio iFi Audio McIntosh Naim Pro-Ject Rotel Schiit Audio Sennheiser Yamaha
      Multi-Zone
      All Multi-Zone Amplifiers JBL McIntosh OSD Rotel Russound Sonos
      By Brand
      Accuphase Advance Paris Anthem Arcam Audio Research AudioControl Audioengine Audiolab Bluesound Bose Buchardt Cambridge Audio Cayin Denon Devialet ELAC Emotiva Eversolo FiiO Fosi Audio Hegel HiFi Rose Integra JBL Layer Audio Design LEAK Luxman Marantz Mark Levinson McIntosh Michi MISSION MOON Musical Fidelity NAD Naim Onkyo OSD Parasound Pass Labs Peachtree PrimaLuna Primare PS Audio Rega Rogue Audio Roksan Rotel Schiit Audio Sonos Sony SVS T+A TEAC Technics Vincent WiiM Yamaha
  • SMART FIND
  • TOOLS
  • BLOG
  1. Home
  2. Emotiva Amplifiers
  3. Power Amplifiers
  4. Emotiva BasX A2+
Emotiva BasX A2+ Review
Emotiva BasX A2+ - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 160 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • 2-channel
  • Class A/B
  • Weight: 25.20 lbs / 11.43 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):4-1/4 x 17 x 15-1/2 inch
MSRP: $799 (list price)
Check price atAmazon›
x
Add an Amp for comparison
Emotiva BasX A2+ Review
Emotiva BasX A2+ Emotiva BasX A2+
Check price atAmazon›

Made by Emotiva · United States · since 2003 · factory-direct only

The BasX A2+ is a stereo power amplifier by Emotiva that delivers 160 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms with both channels driven, and 250 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms. It was released in 2022. It is a 2-channel design using a Class A/B output stage. Speakers connect via binding posts. The Emotiva BasX A2+ has an MSRP of $799.

There are 3 Emotiva amplifiers in our database. Below you can see the main specs of these amps.

Emotiva Power Amplifier Series
Model Watts (8Ω) Min. Impedance DAC Bluetooth
Emotiva BasX A2+
160—NoNo
Emotiva BasX A1
Compare
200—NoNo
Emotiva DRA-1
Compare
100—NoNo

Performance Specs

One of the most important factors when deciding on an integrated amplifier is its power ratings and compatibility with your speaker's impedance requirements. The Emotiva BasX A2+ is rated at 160 watts RMS into 8-ohms.

Here are the main highlights of its performance specs:

  • 160 watts into 8-ohms (5 Hz-80 kHz)
  • 250 watts into 4-ohms
  • 112dB Signal to Noise Ratio

How loud will 160 watts actually play in your room? →

Which speakers suit the Emotiva BasX A2+?

160 W into 8 ohms, 250 W into 4. We rank every passive speaker we cover against it on power, impedance safety and current delivery.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery - not just watts.

Need more power?

Emotiva BasX A2+ is rated at 160 watts into 8 ohms, which puts it in our 121 to 180 watts band. The next band up is Over 180 watts, which is worth about 2.3dB more output. That is a real difference in headroom on peaks, and a modest one in how loud the system plays - power and loudness are not the same thing.

  • Emotiva BasX A1 – 200 watts, $569 compare
  • Schiit Tyr F – 200 watts, $1,699 compare
  • PS Audio Stellar M700 – 350 watts, $1,749 compare

Before buying watts, check what your speakers actually need: the amp and speaker matcher works it out from their sensitivity, impedance and your room. Plenty of systems are better served by the 91 to 120 watts band and better speakers.

When pairing the Emotiva BasX A2+ with a passive Bookshelf (Stand mount) or Passive Floor Standing (Tower) speaker, you have to check if their Max Power Range is below the max wattage of the amp for the given impedance levels. Operating your amp outside of this max range may damage the speakers.


What size of room is the Emotiva BasX A2+ Amplifier good for?

An essential deciding factor is the size of the room in which you intend to employ the Emotiva BasX A2+ amplifier. Here, taking into account its maximum power parameters, we analyzed its applicability to various size environments:

Listening Environment Suitability
Near-fieldAre you nuts?
Small RoomBad
Mid-size RoomPoor
Large RoomGood
Very Large RoomGood

Inputs and Outputs

Besides the performance specs of the Emotiva BasX A2+, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers. Emotiva BasX A2+ has total of 2 Analog inputs .

Inputs
  • Total Number of Analog Inputs: 2

Outputs
  • Speaker Outputs

Bluetooth Connectivity

Emotiva BasX A2+ doesn't have bluetooth connectivity feature. In order to stream your music via bluetooth, the easiest way is to connect an external bluetooth receiver to your Emotiva BasX A2+. Two bluetooth receivers that we recommend are the iFi Zen Blue V2 and the Audioengine B1.

Among the amps in the same price range, these are the 5 amps that have Bluetooth Connectivity:

  • Audiolab 7000A - MSRP 999$ - Compare w/ BasX A2+
  • Denon PMA-900HNE - MSRP 949$ - Compare w/ BasX A2+
  • Audiolab 6000A - MSRP 899$ - Compare w/ BasX A2+
  • Arcam A15 - MSRP 999$ - Compare w/ BasX A2+
  • Rotel A11 Tribute - MSRP 800$ - Compare w/ BasX A2+

Phono Input

Emotiva BasX A2+ doesn't have a phono input so in order to play your vinyl albums, Emotiva BasX A2+ has to be paired with a Phono Preamp that is MM (Moving Magnet) or/and MC (Moving COil) depending on your cartridge type.

Balanced connections

Emotiva BasX A2+ has a balanced XLR input. A balanced cable carries the signal twice, on two conductors of opposite polarity. Interference picked up along the way lands on both equally and cancels when the two are recombined at the far end, so the longer the cable run and the noisier the surroundings, the more the connection is worth. Whether a balanced connection also yields more power depends on how the amplifier is built inside - some are balanced end to end, others convert to single-ended internally and deliver the same power either way, so it is worth reading the maker's own wording rather than assuming.

Emotiva BasX A2+ Pros and Cons

Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.

  • ✓160 watts per channel into 8 ohms is more than most rooms and most speakers will ever ask for.
  • ✓Damping factor of 500 means a low output impedance and firm control over a woofer.
  • ✓Signal-to-noise ratio of 112dB, so the amplifier itself should be inaudible between tracks.
  • ✓Balanced XLR inputs, worth having on a long cable run.
  • ✓Made in USA.
  • ✓Detachable mains lead (Yes).
  • ✗A power amplifier has no volume control and no input selection - it needs a preamplifier, or a source with a variable output, in front of it.

Emotiva BasX A2+ External Dimensions and Weight

Emotiva BasX A2+ has external dimensions of (H x W x D) 4-1/4 x 17 x 15-1/2 inch (108 x 431.8 x 393.7 mm ). The unit weighs 11.43 kg (25.2 lbs).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of an integrated amplifier may become an important decision factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of the Emotiva BasX A2+ is approximately 1700.0cm2 / 263.5inch2.

  • Width: 431.8mm (17")
  • Height: 108.0mm (4-1/4")
  • Depth: 393.7mm (15-1/2")
  • Weight: 11.43 kg (25.2 lbs)
  • Base Surface Area: ~1700.0cm2 / 263.5inch2
  • Volume: ~18.4 liter / 4.8 gallon

Available colors

Emotiva BasX A2+ is available in Black color options.

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the Emotiva BasX A2+ Integrated Amplifier can be found below:
Official Product Page for Emotiva BasX A2+

Emotiva BasX A2+ Detailed Specifications

General
Brand Emotiva
Full Model Name Emotiva BasX A2+
Release Date 2022
Amplifier Type Power Amplifier
Number of Channels 2
Amp Class Class A/B
Amplifier Technology Solid State
Performance
Watts RMS per Channel into 8-ohms 160 watts
Watts RMS per Channel into 6-ohms N/A
Watts RMS per Channel into 4-ohms 250 watts
Frequency Bandwidth 5 Hz-80 kHz
Damping Factor 500
THD
Minimum Impedance
Signal to Noise Ratio 112 dB
Digital Music
Built-in DAC No
Bluetooth No
WiFi No

CONNECTIONS
Total Analog Inputs 2
Phono Input No
Headphone Output No
Removable Power Cord Yes
Speaker Connectors Binding posts
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height 108.0mm (4-1/4")
Width 431.8mm (17")
Depth 393.7mm (15-1/2")
Weight 11.43 kg (25.2 lbs)
Available Colors Black
OTHER
Parts Warranty
Labor Warranty
Emotiva BasX A2+ Alternatives in No Streaming Amplifiers
Model Watts (8Ω) Min. Impedance DAC Phono
Emotiva DRA-1
Compare
100—NoNo
Emotiva BasX TA1
Compare
604ΩYesMM
Emotiva BasX A1
Compare
200—NoNo
Emotiva BasX TA2+
Compare
1354ΩYesMM and MC, 47k ohm MM, selectable 47 or 100 ohm MC
Schiit Vidar 2F
Compare
100—NoNo
WiiM Amp Ultra
Compare
100—YesNo
Audiolab 7000A
Compare
704ΩYesMM
Arcam A15
Compare
804ΩYesMM
Frequently Asked Questions about Emotiva BasX A2+

How much power does the Emotiva BasX A2+ have?

The Emotiva BasX A2+ delivers 160 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms with both channels driven, and 250 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms. It increases its output into 4 ohms, so it has some headroom for harder-to-drive speakers.

Does the Emotiva BasX A2+ use vacuum tubes?

No. The Emotiva BasX A2+ is a solid-state amplifier - there are no vacuum tubes in it.

What amplifier class is the Emotiva BasX A2+?

The Emotiva BasX A2+ uses a Class A/B amplifier design. Class A/B is the traditional linear design: it runs warmer and is less efficient than Class D, but it is long valued for its natural, low-distortion sound.

Does the Emotiva BasX A2+ have a built-in DAC?

No. The Emotiva BasX A2+ has no built-in DAC, so a digital source such as a streamer or CD transport needs its own converter, or you connect it over analogue.

Can I connect a turntable to the Emotiva BasX A2+?

No. The Emotiva BasX A2+ has no phono input, so a turntable needs an external phono preamp (or a deck with one built in) before it can be connected.

Does the Emotiva BasX A2+ have Bluetooth?

No. The Emotiva BasX A2+ does not have Bluetooth built in; you would need an external Bluetooth receiver connected to one of its inputs.

Does the Emotiva BasX A2+ have a headphone output?

No. The Emotiva BasX A2+ does not have a headphone output, so headphone listening needs a separate headphone amplifier.

How much does the Emotiva BasX A2+ cost?

The Emotiva BasX A2+ has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $799.

Was this amplifier review useful?
Tell us what is missing or wrong and we will fix it.
Thanks. Anything you would add?
Optional, and it goes straight to the person who maintains this page.
Thanks - noted.
Latest Amplifiers
Hegel A200
Hegel A200
150 watts into 8-ohms
Marantz MCR 60n
Marantz MCR 60n
Layer Audio Design Gen-300B
Layer Audio Design Gen-300B
10 watts into 8-ohms
Naim Uniti Star Lite
Naim Uniti Star Lite
70 watts into 8-ohms
Cayin Jazz 70
Cayin Jazz 70
35 watts into 8-ohms
Michi Prestige S430
Michi Prestige S430
250 watts into 8-ohms
Hegel H200
Hegel H200
150 watts into 8-ohms
Cambridge Audio Evo 300
Cambridge Audio Evo 300
300 watts into 8-ohms

Most Popular Amplifiers
Yamaha A-S301
Yamaha A-S301
60 watts into 8-ohms
Audiolab 7000A
Audiolab 7000A
70 watts into 8-ohms
Yamaha A-S801
Yamaha A-S801
100 watts into 8-ohms
Yamaha A-S501
Yamaha A-S501
85 watts into 8-ohms
Sonos Amp
Sonos Amp
125 watts into 8-ohms
Denon PMA-900HNE
Denon PMA-900HNE
50 watts into 8-ohms
Denon PMA-600NE
Denon PMA-600NE
45 watts into 8-ohms
WiiM Amp Pro
WiiM Amp Pro
60 watts into 8-ohms
Denon PMA-1700NE
Denon PMA-1700NE
70 watts into 8-ohms
Marantz PM6007
Marantz PM6007
45 watts into 8-ohms

This site contains affiliate links. We may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through one of them. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Copyright © 2026 by SpeakerDecision
About Privacy Contact US Camera Decision