EMOTIVA’S BasX PT1 is a bit of an oddball in today’s world. That it’s a DAC-equipped preamp isn’t odd, more manufacturers are going this way with their amps and preamps. But it also has a stereo tuner on board, which is generally the domain of AV amps and American audio enthusiasts. Still, there it is, the BasX PTI preamp/DAC/tuner, which also incorporates a high-resolution asynchronous USB input, built-in AptX capable Bluetooth receiver, and an MM/MC phono section. All you’ll need for the complete connectivity hub!
According to the company, “the highly optimised circuit layout ensures the best possible sound quality, with low distortion, wide bandwidth, and a virtually silent noise floor.”
“Analogue inputs on the BasX PT1 follow a pure analogue signal path and are never converted into the digital domain. All switching, volume control, and tone control in the PT1 is accomplished in the analogue domain.”
Apart from the phono MM/MC input set, two pairs of RCA line-level inputs are also provided. There’s also provision for an external antenna for FM (with 15 station presets).
The heart of the digital section is the legendary Analog Devices AD1955 24/192k DAC. The preamp has, apart from Bluetooth (an antenna is included), coaxial, optical and USB inputs (one each). And an output for headphones.
“An independent, high-current, direct-coupled headphone amplifier provides a high quality signal to drive your favourite headphones for personal listening. The intelligent volume control the levels you set on the headphone output and main outputs independently, ensuring that you won’t get any surprises when connecting and disconnecting your headphones.”
The BasX PT1 can also be used with a powered subwoofer in a 2.1 configured system. The crossover is fixed at 90Hz, along with active 12dB/octave Linkwitz-Riley high-pass and low-pass filters. Bass and treble controls are provided.
The BasX PT1 has a heavy steel 2RU chassis, and a solid milled aluminium front panel, for rugged good looks.
“Top quality construction throughout, including double-sided FR4 circuit boards with plated-through holes, and SMD construction in critical locations, ensures that the PT1 will provide you with a long life of trouble free service.”
Emotiva provides a three-year warranty for the BasX-PT1, which is available now for US$399. Why wait?
I must disagree with the proposition that the Basx- PT1 is a “complete” preamp. Fine it may be but any Preamp that doesn’t include room correction capability is not complete. I expect that within less than five years rom correction functionality will have become a standard function in every preamp with digital capability.
Dude, it’s a stereo system
I am the still very happy owner of an Emotiva XDA-2. I would give this model serious consideration if they had just left off the FM Tuner and included something like a built in streamer. Or just left the tuner off entirely as I find terrestrial radio to be fairly useless these days. I despise the never ending BS rambling of mindless DJs and more. FM (and to a lesser extent, AM) may not be dead or even on life support but that does not make them relevant in the real world in which I live.
To paraphrase a guy called “ORT” over at Head-Fi’s “Schiit Happened” thread, I’ll buy this when it comes with a nice pair of functional VU Meters instead of a useless FM Tuner. Thanks for the excellent review!
It’s a PRE AMP and $399 at that.
I purchase one of these units and could not be happier with the quality. I am shock that they could offer a unit of this quality for $399.99. When you take in consideration what you had to pay and the quality of the sound from the unit, this is a steal. I have a power subwoofer and the function build into the unit helped me to blend the main speakers and the subwoofer perfectly. For this price you can not go wrong.
How is the channel separation…image….and ambient on two channel form. I am looking very close to this preamp for the money. but I am also considering the Schiit Pream with tubes…
Can I stream music via Amazon, Spotify, etc…with this unit?
I have this unit and find it to be stunningly transparent and extremely functional. Bought it on a whim with no regrets whatsoever! I stream Amazon Music in UltraHD with my IPhone 12 and Music settings set to Hi-Res Lossless audio quality through the Blu tooth setting on the PT1 and it sounds phenomenal but the phone needs to stay within about 6 ft of the preamp to maintain this audio quality. To me it equals or surpasses a CD on my SACD player but not quite the impeccable quality of a true SACD disc. Still I am not disappointed and stream nightly without any issues whatsoever.
You can via your phone and Bluetooth. I own the previous, similar model.
I wish Emotiva would come out with a multi room system.