BasX TA-100

[novisnick]

This is where my posts and discussion belongs about this very nice piece of kit.
Ive used every plug in the rear of this unit but the pre outs. 
The TA-100 is a very reasonable and affordable integrated amp. 
The DAC sounds nice especially with the trim controls. It allows for your specific room problems to be dealt with at minimal construction or movements of objects in the room. The room this is in will not have treatment so the trim controls will take some of the high sharp sounding tweeter from the reflective surfaces. Add some bass and the Klipsch RB 61 II sound lovely. Just the right tone without too much of anything else. These speakers are revealing and are a good match for the standard to a bit larger bedroom. Plenty of power, ney more then enough power for this room with these speakers. 

The DAC seems to be of the standard Emotiva sound, which I do enjoy. Tonally its the equivalent of a good Burr-Brown if you get what im saying. Not the sharpness of a Sabre that extends the higher pitches IMHO.

The 50 wpc punches well above its stated ratings, something else that Emotiva is known for. I believe they always understate what their amps bring and over deliver!! Thank goodness they don't follow the pack!!

Phono stage is the equivalent of their now standard stock. Solid and performance oriented. Its not a $500.00 phono amp mind you but it is a solid performer, remember the price of this unit and youll be shocked by what it delievers. Seems that I keep saying what a great value the TA-100 is. Im using a Music Hall mmf 2.2 with a standard cartridge as my TT for the room. Also purchased from the extensive line of Turn Tables offered on their sight. 

Although the TA-100 does not offer balanced connections its more then capable of handling an audiophile CD player. Im using an Emotiva ERC-2 which is a slot loading serious CD player. Its connection is via RCA of which the TA-100 has two sets of. Both units work great tigether! I have always loved a slot loader vs drawer, to me its more elegant. 

TV is a Sharp 32" 1080 commected to a Samsung BD6500 smart player. This grouping has a connection via optical fiber. Works flawlessly. Movies and audio discs sound as they should with plenty of dynamics and clarity.  

Connected to the USB slot is a Lenovo running JRiver music server. It uses the TA-100 DAC and sounds every bit as good as the other sources, an alternative connection for my Lonovo is my Dragonfly Black connected to the remaining RCA set. The TA-100 and Dragonfly DACs are similar in sound and tone but do differ. More time with the units will determine which I prefer.

FM stereo is an added bonus with the TA-100, set up has it prescan all stations for easy access. Small caveat, i do still listen to AM often for some alternative sources of information but this unit doesn't offer it. Small price to pay for all that you get from this value integrated unit.

The remote! I dont like it! Period! But thats OK! Because Emotiva listens to its customers! Yes they really do. At this time Emotiva staff is working on improving the system in which the remote operates. They've done this before, acted on the requests of their consumer base. There door is always open. Customer service is second to none. They are also working on a video for this unit. This has become almost standard when something pops up or more detail is required. 
Im waiting to see what comes of this because there is absolutely no reason not to purchase the TA-100 but for the remote. 
Ill take that back, at the price of this unit it would make one of the best birthday/Christmas presents anybody could give OR receive!!

[deltadube]

Sweet write up Nick.. you sending out ta 100s to all your emo buddies for Christmas ?? nice

[Deleted]

Hi Novisnick,

Your post echoes a lot of my own experiences with the TA-100. Playing around with one at work, it drove the Airmotiv T1s very well, so I wouldn't be afraid to hitch it to bigger speakers than one would expect an integrated amp to handle. I bought one for my own use at home, and it has really opened up some of my own speakers, particularly in the areas of soundstage depth (I already had 'width' from my previous amp, a low-cost Chi-Fi unit) and low-end weight that was perfectly timed with the music (somewhat unexpected but likely due to the absence of coupling capacitors). Its internal DAC performs very transparently without the glare of the Sabre DACs. I thought my Audioquest Dragonfly DAC was hot stuff until I hooked my laptop directly to the TA-100. I plan to eventually gift this unit to my younger brother, since I've been looking for a way to get him to catch the hi-fi bug and this might just be the ticket. (My normal system is a Marantz CD transport, Emotiva DC-1 DAC, Mark Levinson preamp, and Job 225 amp, with Thiel CS1.7 speakers.)

I'm excited for this product because even though there are a number of affordably-priced integrated amps out there, none of them really have the feature set of the TA-100, and the TA-100 has the potential to really simplify the high-end audio experience for customers who are accustomed to bluetooth support and PC music without sacrificing anything in the way of performance. I have friends who have actually stepped back from separates to integrated amps due to lifestyle changes, and the TA-100 would be perfect for them, or for someone looking to build a simpler and more accessible second system in another room. The complement of inputs and outputs on the TA-100 are well-chosen to suit modern systems, particularly with the emphasis on digital sources, wireless audio, and the resurgence of vinyl playback.

I've figured out how the menu structure is arranged, and it now makes much more sense to me than it originally did. Think of the menu structure as a series of columns in a table. The left and right "input" buttons move you between columns, the volume knob (and up/down arrows on the remote) move you up and down in each column, and when you get to the setting desired, the volume knob becomes the setting wheel. I had to train myself not to expect the 'tap' function of the volume knob to be the "ok" button - where "ok" is required, the right input button becomes the "ok", while the left input button still takes you back to the previous column of the menu. The tap function of the volume knob simply puts you into and takes you out of the menu entirely. This starts to make more sense when looking at the remote and using the remote to navigate the menu; the controls on the front of the BasX TA-100 (and PT-100) just mirror the functions of the remote buttons. Just take things slow and remember where you are in the menu hierarchy, particularly when setting radio presets.

Keep on experimenting, and keep us updated about what you think of the product.

[novisnick]

Oct 2, 2016 1:04:59 GMT -5 @roryb said:

Hi Novisnick,

Your post echoes a lot of my own experiences with the TA-100. Playing around with one at work, it drove the Airmotiv T1s very well, so I wouldn't be afraid to hitch it to bigger speakers than one would expect an integrated amp to handle. I bought one for my own use at home, and it has really opened up some of my own speakers, particularly in the areas of soundstage depth (I already had 'width' from my previous amp, a low-cost Chi-Fi unit) and low-end weight that was perfectly timed with the music (somewhat unexpected but likely due to the absence of coupling capacitors). Its internal DAC performs very transparently without the glare of the Sabre DACs. I thought my Audioquest Dragonfly DAC was hot stuff until I hooked my laptop directly to the TA-100. I plan to eventually gift this unit to my younger brother, since I've been looking for a way to get him to catch the hi-fi bug and this might just be the ticket. (My normal system is a Marantz CD transport, Emotiva DC-1 DAC, Mark Levinson preamp, and Job 225 amp, with Thiel CS1.7 speakers.)

I'm excited for this product because even though there are a number of affordably-priced integrated amps out there, none of them really have the feature set of the TA-100, and the TA-100 has the potential to really simplify the high-end audio experience for customers who are accustomed to bluetooth support and PC music without sacrificing anything in the way of performance. I have friends who have actually stepped back from separates to integrated amps due to lifestyle changes, and the TA-100 would be perfect for them, or for someone looking to build a simpler and more accessible second system in another room. The complement of inputs and outputs on the TA-100 are well-chosen to suit modern systems, particularly with the emphasis on digital sources, wireless audio, and the resurgence of vinyl playback.

I've figured out how the menu structure is arranged, and it now makes much more sense to me than it originally did. Think of the menu structure as a series of columns in a table. The left and right "input" buttons move you between columns, the volume knob (and up/down arrows on the remote) move you up and down in each column, and when you get to the setting desired, the volume knob becomes the setting wheel. I had to train myself not to expect the 'tap' function of the volume knob to be the "ok" button - where "ok" is required, the right "input" button becomes the "ok". The tap function of the volume knob simply puts you into and takes you out of the menu entirely. This starts to make more sense when looking at the remote and using the remote to navigate the menu; the controls on the front of the BasX TA-100 (and PT-100) just mirror the functions of the remote buttons.

Keep on experimenting, and keep us updated about what you think of the product.

As ive stated before, its a perfect gift to oneself and friends or family! Really top notch sound for this easy on the pocket and ears integrated! I can't find an input it doesn't handle well and has all of them I could ask for.

The only real tests that I have not done to date is adding/experimenting with the pre outs and tower speakers. I think my XPA-1Ls will be a wonderful match for mor control and detail of music but they will be on loan to my dear friend for a little time. I think a set of T1 speakers would match well also nut Id rather wait for the T10 s because i do like a larger speaker that needs to be driven less. 
All that said, Id be more then happy to do a review for Emotiva with the T1s and TA-100 if the speakers were offered for such a rebiew. This review would include Emotiva CD player and a Music Hall TT which are also for sale on the sight. Combined with Emo conections and CMX-2.

But if youd rather forward a review set of T10's for my input, that too would be satisfactory. Just want to offer my services.

[Deleted]

Oct 2, 2016 1:04:59 GMT -5 @roryb said:

Hi Novisnick,

Your post echoes a lot of my own experiences with the TA-100. Playing around with one at work, it drove the Airmotiv T1s very well, so I wouldn't be afraid to hitch it to bigger speakers than one would expect an integrated amp to handle. I bought one for my own use at home, and it has really opened up some of my own speakers, particularly in the areas of soundstage depth (I already had 'width' from my previous amp, a low-cost Chi-Fi unit) and low-end weight that was perfectly timed with the music (somewhat unexpected but likely due to the absence of coupling capacitors). Its internal DAC performs very transparently without the glare of the Sabre DACs. I thought my Audioquest Dragonfly DAC was hot stuff until I hooked my laptop directly to the TA-100. I plan to eventually gift this unit to my younger brother, since I've been looking for a way to get him to catch the hi-fi bug and this might just be the ticket. (My normal system is a Marantz CD transport, Emotiva DC-1 DAC, Mark Levinson preamp, and Job 225 amp, with Thiel CS1.7 speakers.)

I'm excited for this product because even though there are a number of affordably-priced integrated amps out there, none of them really have the feature set of the TA-100, and the TA-100 has the potential to really simplify the high-end audio experience for customers who are accustomed to bluetooth support and PC music without sacrificing anything in the way of performance. I have friends who have actually stepped back from separates to integrated amps due to lifestyle changes, and the TA-100 would be perfect for them, or for someone looking to build a simpler and more accessible second system in another room. The complement of inputs and outputs on the TA-100 are well-chosen to suit modern systems, particularly with the emphasis on digital sources, wireless audio, and the resurgence of vinyl playback.

I've figured out how the menu structure is arranged, and it now makes much more sense to me than it originally did. Think of the menu structure as a series of columns in a table. The left and right "input" buttons move you between columns, the volume knob (and up/down arrows on the remote) move you up and down in each column, and when you get to the setting desired, the volume knob becomes the setting wheel. I had to train myself not to expect the 'tap' function of the volume knob to be the "ok" button - where "ok" is required, the right "input" button becomes the "ok". The tap function of the volume knob simply puts you into and takes you out of the menu entirely. This starts to make more sense when looking at the remote and using the remote to navigate the menu; the controls on the front of the BasX TA-100 (and PT-100) just mirror the functions of the remote buttons.

Keep on experimenting, and keep us updated about what you think of the product.

Rory, no one else will, so I hope you can address my questions about the new BASX amps including the TA-100 that surprisingly have unusual THD specs at 8 ohms vs at 4 ohms.  The spec seemed to have changed on the TA-100/8 ohms lately, and now it is down to 0.02% THD (from 0.05% before).  It would make much more sense if the 8 ohm spec was at 0.1 %.  So now the THD at 4 ohms/1.0% THD (which is generally understood as clipping) is now 50 times higher than at 8 ohms/0.02%!  Yes, 4 ohms THD is usually slightly higher than at 8 ohms.  For the A-300, A-500 and A-700 the 8 ohm power is at 0.1 % THD (this is normal for most brands) but again at clipping (1.0% THD for 4 ohms).  These seem to me to be either proof reading issues, flat mistakes or avoiding posting the 4 ohms power at reasonable THD rates that of course would be less that the clipping power specs.  I'm a huge Emo fan boy and like to recommend Emo speakers and amps to all.  Obvious these new lighter amps are not as strong as the other beefy Emo amps, however, at this time I'm slightly hesitant to push the BASX amps if they are spec'd at clipping with no AP test or published power into 4 ohms at no more that 0.25% THD or less.  The new T1 is rated as 4 ohms nominal.  I would like to know the output of the TA-100 at 0.2% THD into 4 ohms.    

Here's what I have asked recently with no response.  Thanks, Chuck.

Emo,

Could you or one of the staff, drag out the AP (Audio Precision) amp tester and post the results for both 8 and 4 ohms on the new BASX power amps (A-300, A-500, A-700) and the TA-100 in the resources sections. The official published spec's on the 8 ohm output look great but the spec's on the 4 ohm output are at clipping rather than a more reasonable THD distortion level (maybe 0.1-0.25%). I think some potential buyers would be feel more confident in driving their 4 ohm speakers. I know lower priced amps tend to be less beefy into 4 ohm loads but the 1.0% THD on the 4 ohm post is 20 times the 0.05% THD on the 8 ohm spec, although perhaps a 0.1% spec on the 8 ohm load would seem more common. To me anybody with a 4 ohm really nominal speaker impedance would like to know the tested output at a reasonable THD level rather than at clipping. I'm guessing the output at say 0.2% THD might be somewhere in the 65-75 watts range into 4 ohms? That would still be fine for my interests.

Thanks for any response on this. Chuckeinut  

[Deleted]

Hello Chuckienut,

I am not the person who develops specifications on our amplifier products (only speakers), so I can't speak to the rationale behind presenting the specs the way they are presented, nor is it my place to speculate. I will mention your request to Lonnie, but that's all I can do (and you might get your wish). Just like any other electronics company, we reserve the right to update specifications with/without notice, even though we always try to get it right the first time.

My above post simply talks about the user experience I have had with the TA-100, and while it isn't quite as unbiased as one from someone outside the company, if it had not been a truly positive one I probably wouldn't have posted anything.

Best Regards,
Rory

[Boomzilla]

Hi Chuck -

I'd like to respond, although my response is general rather than specific to the TA-100. The type of power / distortion specs you're questioning are NOT "unusual." They are, in fact typical of almost all AVRs on the market. The amplifier power supplies (that cost the most money) are normally skimped on by AVR manufacturers for cost reasons. Although the AVRs can (marginally) meet their specifications with one or sometimes two channels driven and at a full eight ohm load, they falter badly when presented with lower impedance loads. Since the AVR makers don't want their equipment blowing up or burning down, they allow the amplifiers' distortion to rise significantly at lower impedances.

Now that said, I haven't heard the BASX TA-100. I did, however hear the PT-100, and agree with Nick that it's cleverly designed and that the DAC (in particular) is a real bargain.

So ultimately, were I buying an integrated amplifier for low impedance speakers, I'd have to spend a great deal of time researching the power supply capabilities. The good news, however, is that most speaker makers these days are making more sensitive speakers of at least 6 ohms nominal impedance so that they can be used with AVRs.

Nevertheless, your question seems valid.

Boomzilla

[Deleted]

Boom, yes I understand that the TA-100 is not a power amp but technically a stereo receiver and not an integrated amp (not much difference these days except for the tuner).  It is also in the lower priced range where most stereo receivers (there aren't many around any more) and even the AVR receivers have little power into 4 ohms.  In fact most brands for some years haven't even listed THD into 4 ohms even at clipping which in reality is a useless spec (other than for buyers who don't realize that 1.0% is at clipping and only look at the power number like 90 watts for the TA-100).  Most of the receivers these days show 8 ohm specs and sometimes a minimal spec into 6 ohms.   This is all due to the fact that over the last 10-15 years most brands have slowly lowered the amp power into 4 ohms and slowly stopped listing it for receivers and low priced amps.  This is one reason why many former receiver owners switched to power amps.

The big question for me is why Emo also uses the clipping specs at 4 ohms on the new BASX separate amps (A-300, A-500 and A-700).  That doesn't give me much confidence to use them or the TA-100 for 4 ohm speakers like the T1.  I don 't mean to give Rory a bad time but any speaker expert IMO should also be an amp expert. (Maybe Rory is shy talking about amps  --- Lonnie is the only person at Emo who understands amp specs? --- the guy at BB who was selling refrigerators two months ago at Sears new everything about amps! )  Without any meaningful 4 ohm amp specs for the TA-100 I would seriously hesitate using it (or the separate BASX amps) to drive the T1's to dynamic levels or in a large room and would move up to the XPA series.   The T1 is fairly low priced on first look for many, but it is a typical Emotiva speaker, excellent performance at a factory direct price.  The reviews so far have me thinking it is a high quality/high performing speaker.  If I had a T1 and TA-100 on hand I would put them thru the paces with lots of low bass at high dynamic volume levels to make sure they are compatible.  I would love to see a review by S&V or some reviewer who posted performance results for both.
 

[leonski]

As long as you stay UNDER clipping level and use speakers which are an appropriate electrical match AND in a reasonable size space given power limits and whatever sensitivity rating the speakers carry, you Should be OK.    I suspect problems driving 4ohm OR 8ohm speakers which are highly reactive or dip much below 4ohms, regardless.

IOW? No Maggies in a LARGE room. But something maybe 88db or greater? Should be OK in a reasonable space. The reason I'm NOT in favor of this piece is that you'll grow out of it VERY quickly if you catch the bug.

If you need more power AND desire a receiver?

OUTLAW RR2150 has 160 per channel @4ohms at a reasonable distortion number. At 8ohms, the 120 of the RR is 3.8db greater than the 50 of the TA-100 and this is NOT accounting for whatever differences in headroom may exist.     The test I read even drove 1 channel into 2ohms without shutdown!

If EMO could make something in the RR2150 space and save you 50$ to 100$, they MIGHT find a market.

[novisnick]

Update, Ive now run this unit with almost every source imaginable. Even took it to a meeting of EmoSouth where it was well received.

Now, for all of those that don't believe a few more watts doesn't make a difference,,,,I say Bah! Humbug!!!!

A huge difference IMHO! Bass has been boosted and soundstage has improved. The 50 wpc that the unit has is no slouch but adding the exrernal UPA-500 and using only two channels is a vast improvement.

Great piece of gear, very nice sound from an integrated. When you want the party elsewhere, just grab it and a set of speakers! Make sure the dongle is installed and sync your phine!! PART TIME GIRLS & BOYS!! Very high quality music on the go.

[tbase1]

Just pulled the trigger on a TA-100 today. The below is what my setup consist of that the TA-100 will mate with.

System Audio SA-1750 speakers 4ohm
Oppo BDP-93
Toshiba SD-9200

[leonski]

should work fine. The SA1750 is about 87db sensitive and a modest load. No wacky phase swings or impedance 'dips'.
Electrically this should be fine.       It uses mid-line VIFA / SCANSPEAK drivers.

Check back in when you get some results.

[Percussionista]

A short review of the TA-100 appeared in my local newspaper (S.J. Mercury News) by Don Lindich who reviews and recommends cost-effective audio solutions. The article is actually syndicated and here's an online link to it.

It first is talking about under $100 noise-cancellation headphones, but most of the article is about the TA-100 starting with the second paragraph "This week’s holiday product highlight...." This is a very positive review, only faulting the menu system w.r.t. the internal tuner, but the rest is dripping with great news.

[Boomzilla]

For the price of the TA-100, a few inconveniences with the remote are no big... The PT-100 is an equal bargain, IMHO.

[leonski]

I think the 'bargain' price right now on the preamp / tuner (model number?) is probably a pretty good deal. Add a slightly upgraded amp and you'll survive a few upgrade cycles.
The 'better' amp (Even the A-300) with much more power will survive a couple upgrade cycles and might even end up as a backchannel amp or used as a center channel amp with a Biamp'able speaker.

The linked article (above) has a dead-giveaway when it calls 500$+ stereo receivers 'high end'. Sorry, not even close.

If I were 'limited' (space / spouse) to a SINGLE component? I'd go with the Outlaw RR2150 which I believe even adds some bass management features. THAT piece will survive a couple upgrade cycles and
end up in a dorm system, ln a garage or even a 2nd or 3rd room system centerpiece. I don't think the EMO receiver will have the 'last' of the Outlaw.

People starting out at the entry end would be Well Advised to THINK about an upgrade path. Unless, like at least ONE buddy of mine, in Florida, he is quite content with his current modest system for TV and occassional 'radio' use.
He has a bunch of Cassettes, too, so that'll give you some idea of his ambitions.

For 339$ for the A300 and 254$ for the PT100  =      593$ for the pair, I'd call THAT a pretty sweet combo.   That's the Christmas Deal and it probably won't get much sweeter.  

[tbase1]

As of today I really like the TA-100 ( 3 hours out of the box ).....I listened to the Rippingtons Cast a spell from their Let it Rip CD to demo. The first demo was with my Toshiba SD-9200 with audioquest analog cables. I replaced the cheap power cable with a audioquest cable.( a must in my book ) I thought the sound stage was Broad, the bass was a little controlling, but tight. The mids and upper end was natural almost on the order of my Rotel RX-1050. I then moved to my Oppo BDP-93 with audioquest digital coax, now this is where I think the TA shined for me. The analog devices DAC's albeit is not wolfson, but hold their own with grace. I also streamed music via my oppo and that was solid with no discernible loss in AQ. I'm not one to complain about things that don't effect the sound, so I'll keep them to myself, because at this price why complain. I think Emotiva have a real nice unit on their hands. More to come, after I adjust the bass and trib. ( a must for me )

[Hair Nick]

This is pretty cool! Sent to us from one of our customers:

[hemster]

^Nice!

He says:

Faceplate is a little too clean!

 Can't win 'em all I guess.

[vneal]

Nice write up. I will be putting a secondary audio only system in a room soon and this is on the list. I would need efficient speakers which is no problem these days

[ChadwickW]

Hey everyone, Ive been trying to do my research and really like the TA-100. Finding what I need at a reasonable budget is seemingly more and more difficult. I have a pair of Martin Logan Aerius speakers.

The specs per ML:

Frequency Response 40–20,000 Hz ±3dB

8" woofer with 1.25 cubic foot sealed enclosure

Sensitivity 89 dB/2.83 volts/meter

Impedance

4 Ohms, 2 at 20kHz. Compatible with 4, 6, or 8 Ohm rated amplifiers.

20‒400 watts per channel


_____

So my question is would this reasonably drive these speakers?

It will be listening to music in a medium sized living room, and watching movies. Nothing outrageous. Not trying to compete with the cars thumping down the road.

Realistically Im currently running them off an old Pioneer VSX-519k, and it does fine at apartment levels.

The main thing I am looking for in upgrading is if it will be a noticeable difference for me. The current amp is not rated for 4 ohms at all, but does not over heat, and works fine so far. I dont care about an AVR since I only run 2 speakers. Maybe a powered sub later since the low response on these isnt the best. and having the digitial Input for the AV stuff is important since new TV's are dropping the RCA outputs.


Any help and suggestions would be most welcomed!

Chadwick