Emotiva BasX PT2 Pre Amplifier and DAC

The BasX PT2 Pre Amplifier and DAC is a digital powerhouse. It is also unusual in that it has a built-in phono preamp that can take moving coil cartridges as well as moving magnet cartridges. It also has a built-in FM tuner. The circuit layout has been optimized to ensure the best possible sound quality.

The analogue signal is never converted to digital. All the input switching, tone, and volume control are kept in the analogue domain. Digital signals are precision converted using the legendary Analog Devices ADF1955 chipset. This is a 24bit/192kHz DAC chip.

Great connectivity

There is a full set of analogue inputs with the Emotiva BasX PT2 Pre Amplifier and DAC. There are two line-level inputs as well as a high-quality moving coil-capable phono stage. Digital inputs include a USB input as well as a coax and optical digital input. They all support HD audio at 24bit/192kHz.

The Bluetooth input supports Bluetooth 5 and AptX as well as AAC. Next, an independent headphone amplifier provides a direct coupled signal to drive your favourite headphones. For a normal stereo system, you can connect any high-quality stereo amplifier. Additionally, you can create a 2.1 system with the provided line-level subwoofer output. The front also features a 3.5mm headphone socket.

Easily readable blue VFD display

The BasX PT2 Pre Amplifier and DAC has a clean and simple front panel that features a blue VFD display. This provides all the information you need. The display can be dimmed for intimate listening. Moreover, the flexible menu system makes navigation easy and there is also a remote control.

Next, the precision-crafted volume knob features a crescent-shaped active light. You can also use the supplied remote control. Moreover, the intelligent volume control remembers the last setting so there are no surprises. There are also bass and treble controls and the FM tuner has pre-set station settings.

High build quality

The case of the BasX PT2 Pre Amplifier and DAC is made of thick steel with a solid-milled aluminium front panel. Additionally, double-sided FR4 circuit boards are used along with through-plated holes. Only top-quality components are used for a long life.

Why the BasX PT2 Pre Amplifier and DAC?

The BasX PT2 Pre Amplifier and DAC make a good bridge between your existing analogue equipment and the digital world. You can plug in your moving coil cartridge-equipped turntable while also enjoying the best possible digital audio quality from a CD player.

Moving coil cartridges feature tiny coils mounted onto the cantilever that holds the stylus. This gives the assembly lower mass and better tracking ability. However, the output signal is tiny. Hence a switchable phono stage is needed, as with the BasX PT2 Pre Amplifier and DAC.

As this is a preamp it will also go with your existing amplifier. Notably, Keeping the sensitive preamp circuits away from power amplifiers reduces the chance of any mutual interference.