Emotiva’s new BasX TA2+ stereo receiver arrives at an interesting moment for two channel audio. While traditional receivers have lost some of their momentum with consumers in the age of network amplifiers and streaming focused systems, there is still a clear demand for a single component that can anchor a living room setup and handle both music and television duties without complexity.
For listeners who want solid amplification, modern connectivity, and straightforward usability in one box, the receiver still makes sense. The BasX TA2+ is Emotiva’s latest attempt to deliver that balance.
Tennessee-based Emotiva has built its reputation since 2003 by focusing on performance, solid engineering, and long term reliability rather than boutique pricing or cosmetic excess. The company’s track record has been consistent: deliver real world sound quality and robust build at prices that remain accessible to serious listeners.
Emotiva’s first product entry for 2026 was the Differential Reference Design Series Stack, a four component system that includes a streamer, DAC, stereo preamp, and power amplifier designed to work together as a single ecosystem. The BasX TA2+ now follows as the company’s second product launch of the year, offering a more traditional but still modern solution for two channel systems.
Inside the Emotiva BasX TA2+: A Modern Stereo Receiver for Music and TV
As Emotiva describes it, the BasX TA2+ combines a preamp, DAC, FM tuner, and integrated amplifier into a single chassis. In simple terms, it’s a two channel stereo receiver on steroids.
The BasX TA2+ is aimed at listeners who want a flexible centerpiece for a high performance two channel or 2.1 system that can handle both music listening and TV duties without the need for multiple components.
It replaces the now discontinued BasX TA2 and is designed to serve as the heart of a modern stereo system. The TA2+ incorporates an analog preamp stage with outputs for external amplification if desired, an Analog Devices AD1955 DAC supporting up to 24-bit/192 kHz audio, and a high current Class A/B amplifier section. Expanded input connectivity rounds out the package, giving users the flexibility to connect multiple sources while delivering the kind of sonic performance normally associated with far more expensive integrated amplifiers.
Add a source and a capable pair of speakers such as Emotiva’s LB12 floorstanders with their vintage inspired swagger, and the BasX TA2+ becomes a straightforward path to a powerful and versatile stereo system.
What’s New?
The new generation BasX TA2+ builds on the flexibility of the original TA2 but adds several key upgrades aimed at modern systems:
- Balanced XLR analog inputs and outputs
- Balanced subwoofer output
- HDMI ARC for easier integration with TVs and improved audio performance
- USB C connectivity for current computers and many portable devices
- Improved analog bass management for more precise 2.1 system integration
- Quieter phono stage
- Metal remote control
Compatibility carried over from the previous TA2 includes three pairs of unbalanced RCA stereo analog line level inputs (the original TA2 offered four), along with one pair of stereo phono inputs that can be switched between moving coil and moving magnet cartridges.
Digital connectivity also continues from the TA2, including one coaxial S/PDIF input, two optical Toslink inputs, built-in Bluetooth, and an FM radio tuner.
“The BasX TA2+ is the heart and soul of a high performance stereo system,” said Dan Laufman, President of Emotiva. “We designed it to be a simple, robust solution for anyone ready to improve their listening experience with the utmost flexibility, no matter what sources are connected. Typical of Emotiva, we accomplished this at a price that is a fraction of similar, significantly more expensive models.”
Comparison
| Emotiva Model | BasX TA2+ (2026) | BasX TA2 (2023) |
| Product Type | Preamp/DAC/Tuner with Integrated Amplifier | Preamp/DAC/Tuner with Integrated Amplifier |
| Price | $1,299 | $1,099 |
| Amplifier Type | Class A/B | Class A/B |
| Amplifier Performance | 135 watts RMS / channel; into 8 Ohms, both channels driven, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, THD < 0.02% 250 watts RMS / channel; into 4 Ohms, both channels driven, at 1 kHz, THD < 1% Minimum load impedance: 4 Ohms; Rated impedance: 8 Ohms Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz +/- 0.15 dB; 5 Hz to 80 kHz +0 / -2.1 dB. S/N ratio: 116 dB Gain: 29 dB | 135 watts RMS/channel; 8 Ohms; both channels driven; 20 Hz – 20 kHz; THD < 0.02% 200 watts RMS/channel; 4 Ohms; both channels driven; at 1 kHz; THD < 1% Minimum load impedance: 4 Ohms. Rated impedance: 8 Ohms Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz +/- 0.15 dB; 5 Hz to 80 kHz +0/-1.8 dB. S/N ratio: 116 dB Gain: 29 dB |
| Analog Inputs | 3 pairs – Unbalanced (RCA) stereo analog line level inputs (Analog 1 through Analog 3). 1 pair – Balanced (XLR) stereo analog line level inputs (Bal). 1 pair – Stereo phono inputs (switchable; moving magnet or moving coil). 1 set – Home Theater Bypass inputs (front main channels plus subwoofer). 1 Tuner – FM (with external antenna input; 15 station presets). | 4 pairs – Unbalanced (RCA)level inputs (Analog 1 through Analog 4). 1 pair – Stereo phono inputs (switchable; moving magnet or moving coil). 1 set – Home Theater Bypass inputs (front main channels plus subwoofer). 1 Tuner – FM (with external antenna input; 15 station presets). |
| Digital Inputs | 1 – Digital coax (S/PDIF); stereo; 24-bit/192kHz 2 – Digital optical (Toslink); stereo; 24-bit/192kHz 1 – Digital USB (DAC input); stereo; 24-bit/192kHz 1 – Bluetooth receiver; Bluetooth 5, AptX, and AAC (antenna included). 1 – HDMI-ARC input; stereo (PCM 2.0) | 1 – Digital coax (S/PDIF); 24-bit/192kHz 2 – Digital optical (Toslink); 24-bit/192kHz 1 – Digital USB (DAC input); 24-bit/192kHz 1 – Bluetooth receiver up to 96k (Bluetooth 5, with AptX, AptX HD, and AAC support, antenna included). |
| Preamp Outputs | 1 pair – Unbalanced (RCA) stereo line level Preamp Outputs. 1 pair – Balanced (XLR) stereo line level Preamp Outputs. Both outputs are fed by a switchable analog 12 dB/octave high-pass filter, whose cutoff frequency can be set to anywhere between 40 Hz and 200 Hz. 1 – Unbalanced (RCA) line level summed Subwoofer Output. 1 – Balanced (XLR) line level summed Subwoofer Output. (Both outputs are fed by a switchable analog 12 dB/octave low-pass filter, whose cutoff frequency can be set to anywhere between 40 Hz and 200 Hz.) 1 – 1/8” (3.5mm) front panel stereo headphone output. | 1 pair – Line level main outputs (can be configured to Full Range or Bass Managed; Bass Managed has a 12 dB/octave active analog high-pass filter with cutoff configurable between 40 Hz and 200 Hz.) 1 – Summed subwoofer output (can be configured to be Full Range or Bass Managed; Bass Managed has a 12 dB/octave active analog low-pass filter with cutoff configurable between 40 Hz and 200 Hz.) 1 – 1/8” (3.5mm) front panel stereo headphone output. |
| Speaker Outputs | 1 pair – Audiophile-grade five-way binding posts which accept banana plugs, spade lugs, or bare wires. | 1 pair – Speaker outputs (fed from the same audio signal as the line level main outputs – can be configured to be either Full Range or Bass Managed; Bass Managed has a 12 dB/octave active analog high-pass filter with cutoff configurable between 40 Hz and 200 Hz.) |
| Line Level Analog Performance | Maximum output level (balanced and unbalanced outputs): 4 VRMS. Frequency response: 20 Hz to 50 kHz +/- 0.25 dB. THD+noise: < 0.005% (A-weighted). IMD: < 0.004% (SMPTE). S/N ratio: > 120 dB. | Maximum output level: 4 VRMS. Frequency response: 5 Hz to 50 kHz +/- 0.04 dB. THD+noise: < 0.001% (A-weighted). IMD: < 0.004% (SMPTE). S/N ratio: > 120 dB. Crosstalk: < 90 dB. |
| Phono Input Analog Performance | 20 Hz to 20 kHz; ref standard RIAA curve (MM and MC) THD+noise: < 0.010% (moving magnet; A-weighted); < 0.04% (moving coil; A-weighted) Gain (ref unity gain on main inputs; at 1 kHz): 44 dB (moving magnet); 55 dB (moving coil) S/N ratio: > 78 dB (ref 5 mV; moving magnet); > 58 dB (ref 0.5 mV; moving coil) Load Impedance: 47 kOhms (moving magnet); 47 Ohms or 100 Ohms (moving coil) Crosstalk: < 88 dB | 20 Hz to 20 kHz; ref standard RIAA curve (MM and MC) THD+noise: < 0.015% (MM; A-weighted); < 0.06% (MC; A-weighted) Gain (ref unity gain on main outputs at 1 kHz): 44 dB (MM); 55 dB (MC) S/N ratio: > 78 dB (ref 5 mV; MM); > 58 dB (ref 0.5 mV; MC) Load impedance: 47 kOhms (moving magnet); 47 Ohms or 100 Ohms (moving coil) |
| Digital Performance | 20 Hz to 20 kHz +/- 0.1 dB (44k sample rate) 20 Hz to 80 kHz + 0 /- 1 dB (192k sample rate) THD+noise: < 0.003% (A-weighted; all sample rates) IMD: < 0.007% (SMPTE). S/N ratio: > 110 dB. | 5 Hz to 20 kHz +/- 0.15 dB (44k sample rate). 5 Hz to 80 kHz +/- 0.25 dB (192k sample rate) THD+noise: < 0.003% (A-weighted; all sample rates) IMD: < 0.007% (SMPTE). S/N ratio: > 110 dB ref rated output |
| Controls | Power: rocker switch; rear panel Standby: front panel pushes button Two front panel push-buttons: Input Select; menu operation Front panel digital encoder knob: Volume, Tuning; menu operation. | Power: rocker switch; rear panel Standby: one front panel pushbutton Two front panel pushbuttons: Input Select; menu operation One front panel knob: Volume, Tuning, and menu operation. |
| Indicators | Display: high-visibility blue alphanumeric VFD display (dimmable). LEDs – amber Standby LED; blue illuminated legend for | Display: high-visibility blue alphanumeric VFD display (dimmable). |
| Remote Control | Compact, all-metal, full-function infrared remote control (which is powered by a single CR2025 button-cell battery). | Compact full-function infrared remote control (AAA batteries required). LEDs: amber Standby LED; blue illuminated legends for Input buttons and Headphone output. |
| Trigger Connections | 12 VDC trigger output Trigger Input: accepts inputs between 5V and 12V AC or DC | 12 VDC trigger output Trigger Input: accepts inputs between 5V and 12V AC or DC |
| Power | 115 VAC or 230 VAC @ 50 / 60 Hz (automatically detected). The BasX TA2+ has a linear main power supply that accepts either 115 VAC or 230 VAC. | Linear power supply that automatically detects and configures itself for either 115 VAC or 230 VAC 50/60 Hz operation. |
| Dimensions | 17” wide x 3-3/8” high (without feet) x 15-1/2” deep (without connectors) 17” wide x 4” high (including feet) x 15-1/2” deep (without connectors) | 17” wide x 3-3/8” high x 15-1/2” deep (unboxed; without feet; without connectors) 17” wide x 4” high x 15-1/2” deep (unboxed; with feet; without connectors). |
| Weight | 25 lbs | 25 lbs |
The Bottom Line
The Emotiva BasX TA2+ isn’t trying to be a streaming hub or a network amplifier. Instead, it doubles down on the classic stereo receiver formula and modernizes it with serious power, balanced connectivity, HDMI ARC, and a surprisingly capable MM and MC phono stage. With 135 watts per channel and both RCA and XLR inputs and outputs, it offers the kind of flexibility that many integrated amplifiers in this price range simply don’t.
What’s missing is just as important to understand. There’s no built in streaming, network control, or multiroom ecosystem, features that competitors from Onkyo, Integra, and Marantz often include at similar or even lower price points. If your system revolves around apps and wireless platforms, the TA2+ will feel a little old school.
But for listeners who prefer dedicated sources, turntables, and a powerful two channel centerpiece that can also integrate easily with a TV through HDMI ARC, the BasX TA2+ stands out. It’s a practical, high powered stereo receiver aimed squarely at music first listeners who want strong amplification, serious connectivity, and a straightforward path to a capable two channel or 2.1 system without spending several thousand dollars.
Price & Availability
The BasX TA2+ is available for $1,299 at Emotiva and worldwide through Authorized Distributors
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