The BasX TA1 is an integrated amplifier with built-in DAC by Emotiva that delivers 60 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms with both channels driven, and 100 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms. It was released in 2021. It is a 2-channel design using a Class A/B output stage. Speakers connect via binding posts. A minimum impedance of 4 ohms makes it compatible with a wide range of loudspeakers. It has a built-in DAC, so you can play digital sources directly with no separate DAC unit needed. It also has a phono input, so a turntable can connect straight to it. The Emotiva BasX TA1 has an MSRP of $499.
There are 2 Emotiva amplifiers in our database. Below you can see the main specs of these amps.
Emotiva Stereo Receiver Series
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 TA1 is rated at 60 watts RMS into 8-ohms.
Here are the main highlights of its performance specs:
- 60 watts into 8-ohms (5 Hz-50 kHz)
- 100 watts into 4-ohms
- 4-ohms Min Impedance (allows compatibility with a wide range of loudspeakers)
- 120dB Signal to Noise Ratio
Built-in Sources
Most integrated amplifiers expect you to bring your own source. Emotiva BasX TA1 does not:
How loud will 60 watts actually play in your room? →
Wiring more than one pair of speakers to it? Check the load first →
Which speakers suit the Emotiva BasX TA1?
60 W into 8 ohms, 100 W into 4, rated down to 4 ohms.
We rank every passive speaker we cover against it on power, impedance safety and current
delivery.
Need more power?
Emotiva BasX TA1 is rated at 60 watts into 8 ohms, which puts it in our Up to 60 watts band. The next band up is 61 to 90 watts, which is worth about 3.9dB 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.
Before buying watts, check what your speakers actually need: the amp and speaker matcher works it out from their sensitivity, impedance and your room.
When pairing the Emotiva BasX TA1 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 TA1 Amplifier good for?
An essential deciding factor is the size of the room in which you intend to employ the Emotiva BasX TA1 amplifier. Here, taking into account its maximum power parameters, we analyzed its applicability to various size environments:
| Listening Environment |
Suitability |
| Near-field | Average |
| Small Room | Good |
| Mid-size Room | Average |
| Large Room | Poor |
| Very Large Room | Bad |
Inputs and Outputs
Besides the performance specs of the Emotiva BasX TA1, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers.
Emotiva BasX TA1 has total of 3 Analog inputs .
Inputs
- Total Number of Analog Inputs: 3
- Phono Input
- Yes Optical Digital Input
- Yes Coaxial Digital Input
- USB Input
Outputs
- Speaker Outputs
- Stereo RCA pre out Preamp Outputs
- Yes Headphone Output
- Subwoofer Output
Bluetooth Connectivity
Emotiva BasX TA1 features built-in Bluetooth for wireless music streaming from your Bluetooth-enabled devices such as Apple iPod/iPhone/iPad, Android smartphone/tablet, Windows PC, Mac computers/laptops.
Among the amps in the same price range, these are the 4 amps that have Bluetooth Connectivity:
Phono Input
Emotiva BasX TA1 features two Phono Inputs which are compatible with
MM (Moving Magnet) type of phono cartridges, you can connect your turntable with MM cartridges directly to this amp without the need for a phono preamp. If you are using an MC cartridge on your turntable, you need to use a phono preamp that has MC phono stage such as the
Cambridge Duo or the
iFi ZEN Phono.
Subwoofer Output
Emotiva BasX TA1 has a dedicated subwoofer output which can be used to connect it directly to a powered subwoofer via an LFE(Low Frequency Effects) cable.
Check our
Powered Subwoofers page to find a subwoofer that will work with Emotiva BasX TA1 amp and your speakers.
DAC and Digital Music
The Emotiva BasX TA1's built-in DAC allows the connection of digital sources directly, eliminating the need for an external DAC.
Emotiva BasX TA1 Pros and Cons
Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.
- ✓60 watts per channel into 8 ohms, 100 into 4.
- ✓Signal-to-noise ratio of 120dB, so the amplifier itself should be inaudible between tracks.
- ✓Built-in DAC, so a TV, computer or streamer can connect digitally with nothing in between.
- ✓Phono stage built in (MM), so a turntable needs no separate preamplifier.
- ✓Bluetooth for playing straight from a phone.
- ✓Pre-outs (Stereo RCA pre out) leave room to add a power amplifier or an active subwoofer later.
- ✓Headphone output.
- ✓Has tone controls.
- ✓Built-in AM/FM tuner.
- ✓Made in USA.
- ✓Detachable mains lead (Yes).
- ✗The phono stage is moving-magnet only; a moving-coil cartridge would need a step-up or an external stage.
Emotiva BasX TA1 External Dimensions and Weight
Emotiva BasX TA1 has external dimensions of (H x W x D) 2-5/8 x 17 x 12-1/2 inch (66.7 x 431.8 x 317.5 mm ). The unit weighs
6.8 kg (15 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 TA1 is approximately 1371.0cm2 / 212.5inch2.
- Width: 431.8mm (17")
- Height: 66.7mm (2-5/8")
- Depth: 317.5mm (12-1/2")
- Weight: 6.8 kg (15 lbs)
- Base Surface Area: ~1371.0cm2 / 212.5inch2
- Volume: ~9.1 liter / 2.4 gallon
Available colors
Emotiva BasX TA1 is available in Black color options.
Official Product Page
Official manufacturer's product page for the Emotiva BasX TA1 Integrated Amplifier can be found below:
Official Product Page for Emotiva BasX TA1
| General |
| Brand |
Emotiva |
| Full Model Name |
Emotiva BasX TA1 |
| Release Date |
2021 |
| Amplifier Type |
Stereo Receiver |
| Number of Channels |
2 |
| Amp Class |
Class A/B |
| Amplifier Technology |
Solid State |
| Performance |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 8-ohms |
60 watts |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 6-ohms |
N/A |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 4-ohms |
100 watts |
| Frequency Bandwidth |
5 Hz-50 kHz |
| THD |
|
| Minimum Impedance |
4 |
| Signal to Noise Ratio |
120 dB |
| Digital Music |
| Built-in DAC |
Yes |
| Bluetooth |
Yes |
| WiFi |
No |
| CONNECTIONS |
| Total Analog Inputs |
3 |
| Phono Input |
Yes |
| Optical Digital Inputs |
Yes |
| Coaxial Digital Inputs |
Yes |
| USB Input |
Yes |
| Preamp Outputs |
Stereo RCA pre out |
| Headphone Output |
Yes |
| Subwoofer Output |
Yes |
| Removable Power Cord |
Yes |
| Speaker Connectors |
Binding posts |
| PHYSICAL SPECS |
| Height |
66.7mm (2-5/8") |
| Width |
431.8mm (17") |
| Depth |
317.5mm (12-1/2") |
| Weight |
6.8 kg (15 lbs) |
| Available Colors |
Black |
| OTHER |
| Tone Controls |
Yes |
| Screen |
Yes |
| Parts Warranty |
|
| Labor Warranty |
|
How much power does the Emotiva BasX TA1 have?
The Emotiva BasX TA1 delivers 60 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms with both channels driven, and 100 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 TA1 use vacuum tubes?
No. The Emotiva BasX TA1 is a solid-state amplifier - there are no vacuum tubes in it.
What amplifier class is the Emotiva BasX TA1?
The Emotiva BasX TA1 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 TA1 have a built-in DAC?
Yes. The Emotiva BasX TA1 has a built-in DAC, so you can feed it a digital source directly without buying a separate converter.
Can I connect a turntable to the Emotiva BasX TA1?
Yes. The Emotiva BasX TA1 has a built-in phono stage for MM cartridges, so a turntable can be connected directly without a separate phono preamp. It is voiced for moving-magnet cartridges; a moving-coil cartridge would need an extra step-up stage.
Does the Emotiva BasX TA1 have Bluetooth?
Yes. The Emotiva BasX TA1 supports Bluetooth, so you can stream straight from a phone, tablet or laptop.
Can I connect a subwoofer to the Emotiva BasX TA1?
Yes. The Emotiva BasX TA1 has a Yes subwoofer output, so you can add a powered subwoofer to extend the low end below what your main speakers manage.
Does the Emotiva BasX TA1 have a headphone output?
Yes. The Emotiva BasX TA1 has a Yes-inch headphone output on the front panel for private listening.
How much does the Emotiva BasX TA1 cost?
The Emotiva BasX TA1 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $499.
Was this amplifier review useful?
Tell us what is missing or wrong and we will fix it.