I purchased an emotiva basx a2+ with the understanding that my JDS labs atom amp 2 would be able to function as a pre-amp for it. The audio signal is coming from a topping d50 3 through RCA cables. The DAC, jds amp 2, and speakers all work. The emotiva powered amp is powering on and sensing an audio signal when I test its auto-on function with an audio signal from the pre-amp and DAC. There's just no sound coming from the speakers, and everything works fine when I test the setup with an older integrated amp. Am I missing something or is it possible I was sent a faulty basx a2+?
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Emotiva basx a2+ and JDS labs atom amp 2.
- Thread starter TSA12
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Hi @TSA12! Welcome to ASR.
The Atom Amp 2's Pre out is only active when no headphone is connected to the front output.
Though as the setup works fine with another Amp, I'm sure you've got that figured out already.
Regarding the Emotiva, on the surface I can't find a button, switch, or function that could disable the output without user knowledge.
The Atom Amp 2's Pre out is only active when no headphone is connected to the front output.
Though as the setup works fine with another Amp, I'm sure you've got that figured out already.
Regarding the Emotiva, on the surface I can't find a button, switch, or function that could disable the output without user knowledge.
- Thread Starter
- #3
The emotiva amp has 2 switches on the back one for turning the leds on/off, and the other for auto signal sense or always on. When I play something with auto-sense turned on the amp is detecting a signal. There's just nothing coming out of the speakers. The only thing I could think off is maybe the way the atom 2 handles its pre-out signal, but from my understanding its handles volume control with an analog signal so it should work fine. The DAC and Atom 2 work fine for volume control paired with a JVC rx-401 integrated amp. But ive only tested the setup with integrated amps. Theres either some kind of compatability issue with the atom 2 or theres something wrong with the out on the basx a2+.
It seems your Emotiva is defective....
- Thread Starter
- #7
That's what worries me. There should be no compatibility issues with the JDS labs atom 2 pre amp and the topping d50 3.
Play with the auto trigger switch, maybe.
- Thread Starter
- #10
AC power 230V
2 blue status lights on
Back switch set to always on
Sources, cables, and speakers good. Setup works fine with multiple other integrated amps. First powered amp
Tested emotiva amp with Topping D50 3 and NAD 5330 CD player through JDS labs atom amp 2 as a pre-amp into 8 ohm speakers
Nothing from a trigger cable from the pre-amp to the basx a2+
Its really looking like the emotiva amp is defective. Sucks to have to go through a return.
2 blue status lights on
Back switch set to always on
Sources, cables, and speakers good. Setup works fine with multiple other integrated amps. First powered amp
Tested emotiva amp with Topping D50 3 and NAD 5330 CD player through JDS labs atom amp 2 as a pre-amp into 8 ohm speakers
Nothing from a trigger cable from the pre-amp to the basx a2+
Its really looking like the emotiva amp is defective. Sucks to have to go through a return.
You try the reset of the amp via the on/off switch (or unplugging it for a bit)?
- Thread Starter
- #12
Yea it sat unplugged all Sunday and I turned it off a few times to test the system with a different amp.
Can't imagine it's anything but an Emotiva issue then. Not a brand I'd buy in the first place. Hopefully they do right by you.
- Thread Starter
- #14
Yea I went for it because of the wattage/price. Kind of silly but similar wattage amps are twice as expensive. Will probably try and get a refund then just spend the money on a reputable brand.
I've not found Emotiva to be that sort of value myself. I'd check out Buckeye if going for a new amp.
- Thread Starter
- #16
I did look at buckeye but ive only used class a/b amps so I was looking for something in the same category. I know they only use XLR inputs so id have to adapt for that as well. Its replacing a Kenwood KR-8050 that finally started acting up. So I was hoping to get something comparable. Unfortunately anything comparable these days is a good chunk of money. I want to get the kenwood repaired but I know its hit or miss. I've done a ton of research and was hesitant on buying the emotiva but I took the chance. Any personal recommendations besides the buckeye amps?
Class of amp is a way to decide why? Makes little sense. Connectivity is a different issue.
- Thread Starter
- #18
Just familiarity. I know based on going through this forum there's not much of a difference with modern amps, and my thought process might be a bit skewed from older class D amps. Really the only reason I originally didn't go for a buckeye amp was I didn't want to use RCA to XLR cables, and the 3 week wait time. But considering the kenwood cost $820 new in 1979, almost $4000 in 2026. I should just do it right and get the proper equipment.
Don't get mad, but was the volume knob at zero? Call Emotiva. I dumped my Emotiva BasX A2 and got a Topping Mini 300 in my garage system, mostly for shelf space and am very happy I did.
- Thread Starter
- #20
Volume knob was tried in several different positions. But since the setup works with 4 different amps. I'm going with the emotiva being defective. Just trying to get something comparable to the kenwood kr-8050. The kr-8050 could push speakers until you felt the music in your body and it hurt your ears. If I could get it properly restored I would, but it seems like a lot of the repair shops somewhat close to me are a crap shoot.
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