Budget Amplifier Battle: EMOTIVA BasX A2Mini vs DAYTON HTA100

Just one week ago I reviewed the Dayton HTA100 hybrid tube/solid-state amp. I loved it, so it made sense to follow up with Emotiva BasX A2Mini integrated amp. Makes for an interesting comparison test.

Twitter: @AudiophiliacMan

#emotiva #audioreviews #budgetaudio

[MirageB.]

I use an Emotiva A2m in my modest desktop system. The sound source is a PC, followed by an excellent DAC on the ES9838PRO chip. I also use the smallest floor-standing speakers from Emotiva T-Zero, which stand in the corners of my large computer desk and are turned towards the listener. And of course I have several headphones including Sennheiser HD 6XX. I can say the system sounds amazing, much better than much more expensive systems. For example, there used to be an amplifier, more precisely a stereo receiver from Cambridge AXR 85, which costs $400-500 but is inferior to the A2m both in sound quality and power.

[christopherviers]

Excellent review...!!! It's very refreshing to watch you review stereo gear that resides below the $1000 dollar mark...!!! Much enjoyed and much appreciated...!!! Kudos...!!!

[dgdave]

I have a listening setup with the emotiva mini-x a-100 fed by emotive XDA2 DAC that has a high quality APTx BT source, a Arylic S10 streamer, previously was a SBT until horrible Logitech pulled the plug on it. This amp powers a Denon SC CX1 bookshelf speakers on a well isolated stands. The SQ is phenomenal and the quality of watts this little Emo amp puts out is astounding! My whole setup is about $1000, when I set it up in 2012. Still possible to have a similar setup for $1000.

[AkhileshKotla]

I am a beginner Audiophile. When I first bought the Elac UniFi B52s, I paired them with a budget Class D amp and it was too bright. I now paired them with the A2mini, the class AB sounds so warm and coupled with the Topping E50 it's just perfect! Love it and love your review❤❤

[danrussell]

Liked the video - always appreciate it when you review more affordable gear.

[howardisaacson]

Steve, great review. I have the A2Mini powering my PMC AB2s, and I agree with your comments. Keep up the great work!

[tdave]

The resistors in the A2M headphone circuit can also be removed via a set of jumpers. This puts the entire 50 WPC into the headphone jack. That should drive anything. 😊

[BruceCross]

High-end audio needs more reviews of budget components.

[superdougie]

Steve, I bought the Dayton HTA200 after watching your review of the Dayton HTA100 for the extra power and the remote. Luv Luv Luv this little tube amp with my classic 1987 Celestion SL6si Bookshelf speakers.
Really opened them up better then any solid state I've used. Perhaps you could comment on sure why that happened but It makes me smile every time I play these together.

[carlosbauza]

Your review motivated my purchase, to be received next week. I love Emotivas for everal years, including two other power amps models, and a preamp.
This A2M will replace two Emotiva "Stealth" Class D MonoBlocks. Expectations are running high!

[CaribbeanGTR]

Fast Forward to July 2023, Dayton now has a HTA200 (50 WRMS/Channel into 8 Ohms, which means the mathematical calculation means @ 4 Ohms it's 100 WRMS/Channel). It now has a volume remote. Only the pre-amp is tube; the Driver and Power is Solid State. I couldn't find a spec sheet showing THC, and Frequency Response etc on any of the HTA.

[nickferguson]

Very nice review. I have a NAD C700 paired with one of the Emotiva A2 mini amplifiers. I love the NAD as a digital source, but the sound signature of the internal amp was a bit clinical for my taste. Adding the Emotiva A2M really added the soul back into my music. I use the C700 and A2M with a pair of Wharfedale EVO 4.3 tower speakers. It's quite lovely for a budget setup.

[petekutheis]

got the emotiva and a node 2i and some Elacs in my new office at work. Good system for Tidal play.

[peterwalkerden]

I'm confused as the review halfway through almost forgot entirely about the Dayton. Including no final thoughts on it? Did I miss something?

[cenzo]

I have the Emotiva A2m hooked up to Emotiva B2+ speakers in my garage. Sounds great even in a workshop setting.

[dsmdarryl]

I think you need to make a video about your shirt collection! Lol you always have the best shirts!!

[johnwatrous]

I'm surprised that you didn't use the Airmotiv B1+ in the comparisons.
You gave them such a glowing review a while back.

[AlarusOne]

I've had the A2Mini for a couple of months now and I absolutely love it! The sound is rich and warm ; as it is with a pair of Emotiva monoblocks that I have in my main system. But I use the A2 as a desktop amp paired with a Schiit Saga as a preamp, And a Aiyima T6-Pro as a tube/EQ buffer. Absolutely love the sound that the Emotiva puts out into a pair of tiny concentric driven Micca passive speakers the Micca Covo-S. It's amazing what kind of sound and separation that you can get out of such a small system and really enjoy the music: be surprised by it really. Paired with the tubes from the Saga and the Aiyima the richness is really enhanced. I'm so pleased to see a review like this because sometimes price really doesn't matter when it comes to sound. I truly love the sound of Emotiva products. You did good Steve.

[rickriche]

Great review! Looking forward to the Falcon review. 😀

[elstongunn]

Parasound ZAMP and Parasound ZPRE AMP. 45 watts per channel, sounds fantastic. I have them paired with a pair of JBL Studio 530 speakers.