Next Level Hifi! Emotiva PT2 Preamp Will Show you the Way 

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I'm a two-channel guy. I decided to sell my 1978 Marantz 2252B receiver powering my BOSE 901s. I did all my research based on my needs and requirements and Emotiva filled all but ONE REQUIREMENT, which is Made In America. Sadly we are slaves to China. So I bought their A2 amp and PT1 pre-amp for $889 after a military discount. Sold the Marantz for $800. So I get 3X the power and wifey is happy. The feature differences between the PT1 and PT2 were not anything I wanted or needed. So the PT1 is a steal for folks like me. And the new Emotiva sound married nicely to the BOSE 901 voicing. It was like a veil was lifted, specifically the highs and mids opened up and sparkle now, now leaning towards a more COOL and ANALYTICAL sound. The 901s bass doesn't need any help.

I will consider this preamp. i was amazed by the Fosi T10D. It made me like my speakers again. Detail detail detail.

Great detailed review! I have a 2 older tubed preamps that I love, but neither have the versatility of the Emotiva! If I ever decide to make a change the PT2 would get a hard look! Thank You Randy for always bringing us great options!

Great review, I think the Parasound you want to compare to this is the New Classic 200 preamp which has the same feature set and can be bought for about $899-$999 depending on the website.

Gotta be straight Randy. As you know it's in my blood. Holy cats! The PT2 is easily the most empty inside preamp dac I've ever seen. Did you see the picture of it on their website?? If I were them, I wouldnt have shown the inside of the chassis. The parts inside a component do make a sonic difference. Not sure what someone is paying for inside this piece.

Awesome review!! I’ve been thinking about upgrading to the PT2 from my very well loved PT100. Now that I’ve added a sub I’m curious how much better it will be with all the sub control.

In my opinion a good preamp at a "cheap" good price is hard to come by. A preamp with at least 2 outputs on the back. Bass Management is a spectacular feature, like for real, wish everything had it. Even if you don't need the internal dac at least it's there..could plug your TV into it thru toslink, and still have 3 other digital inputs I believe. 2 way phono input, enough analog inputs to get by. Remote. Has the features of a very useful preamp, checks a lot of boxes if you are looking for a preamp to man your audio ship. The next question in my mind is how does it sound, how good is the sound quality it feeds into the amp? I'd like to hear one..I've never listened to the PT1. Can I get a free trial listen 😃

Great intro intro on the topic. I grew up around separates so putting own system together is something I will for sure be doing. You should do a similar video around a Schiit preamp and how to build a good system around it for those that know they don't need the built in DAC and phono. Pretty sure I saw a Saga in there?

Separates offer some flexibility, but that also means more connection points and the associated interconnects/cables. Some people think separates sound better but that's obviously subjective.

Do you think the PT-2 sounds noticeably better than the PT-1? I assume this will transfer to the TA versions as well. I have a TA-1. My system is evolving from high value, low budget, to high end, moderate value proposition. I was driving a pair of JBL Studio 580's and cheap Dayton 12" subs with the TA-1. Tried out some SVS subs and loved them. Then I added a used Schiit Vidar and that made a huge improvement over the internal amp. I decided to return the subs and go for better speakers instead. A few weeks ago I received my Tekton Moabs. A little under $6k as configured. Farther into diminishing returns, sure, but they're awesome. I've tried some of the other electronics from my headphone system. (DACs, pre's, and a tube amp.) Now I've ordered a used Parasound Hint 6, so I'll see how that goes. Randy mentioned the P6, so I'm really interested in his comparison, if he tries it! As for now, the TA-1 / Vidar combo is far from from bad. I thought it was too thin with the new speakers, but they're breaking in nicely and have warmed up a little. This is a very clean, clear, neutral sound like Randy says. I'm still looking for a little more warmth, weight and sound stage depth, but not too much.. I haven't notice much difference plugging (significantly) higher end DACs into the TA-1. I think it goes through it's onboard digital section no matter what, if only to enable the tone controls. Maybe to control the volume too. The TA-1's sound stage is kinda flat, but on both my speakers, it keeps well in line with the TV screen and connects the sound to the action. For plain music, I prefer more presence though. My Audio-gd R1 (R2R DAC) blasts the sound stage out into the room in three dimensions and is better for music. But that signature actually causes me fatigue watching a movie because my brain doesn't really correlate the sound to the screen, at that point. I am very curious for Randy to get his hands on a TA-2 and let us know how it's internal amp stacks up to things like the A2 or Schiit Vidar. The TA-2 is a lot more powerful than the TA-1 and I suspect the amplifier section is worth the extra $300 if you have any use for it. Lastly, the adjustable high pass is a huge win! If the TA-1 hadn't been locked in at an absurd 90hz, I probably would have called it quits with my affordable JBLs and some nicer subwoofers... And saved a LOT of money! Sadly, the trimed down the pre-outs and now there's no way at all to run high pass AND stereo subwoofers. Not a huge loss, but I like stereo subs and it let's you high pass higher. (But not to 90hz!)

I was somewhat disappointed that the PT2 didn't add an HDMI (ARC or eARC) input. I enjoy separates but I don't enjoy remote juggling just to increase/decrease volume when I already have the TV remote in my hand. The PT2 does have both trigger inputs/outputs but not every TV has a trigger output. Maybe the PT3 down the road will have HDMI input....because I really like Emotiva products (as long as they fit my budget).

Go separates because it's more fun to fool around with! More parts means more fun!! I have the Emotiva PT100 and it's absolutely lovely. The remote is solidly okay enough. It sounds great.

For me an integrated amp is simply a pre amp and power amp in a single chassis. The term seems to have been attached now to amps with internal DACs/ tuners/ phono stages and streamers. I am a fan of integrated amps in the old sense because of pre/power synergy but want everything else as a separate component.

I have a PT2 sitting on my floor waiting for me to finish a Nelson Pass ACA amp kit. I wish Emotiva would have included balanced outputs. I liked the tuner which I use to listen to classical music and also the bass management. Hoping the built in dac is up to snuff along with the phono stage.

Great Job Bob and Matt introducing both West Vally's Ram Radio. Emotiva has great products.

Hi CAM. Love your show .You have taught me a lot since I've been following you. I like to mix it up to get great sound n easy to use. Not into high dollar stuff. More of a cam like u.

I actually have both separates, and all in ones ( receivers ) and integrated, oh! I’m a collector of Yamaha gear…thank you very much

Thanks for the video and overview. Sounds/looks like a well thought out and designed product with good value for the money. One thing I was curious about that I don't believe was mentioned was the headphone section of the preamp. If you tested it, I was wondering if it's a typical afterthought "convenience feature," or if it'd actually be capable of driving less efficient headphones? Thanks for your time.

I run my PT1 into my A07 for a presentation as crisp as a Michigan October morning! I use my trim button to add some heft to the low end for a sound that, although not as warm, compares favorably to my 160watt A2. Through my Criton 1TDX, it is about perfect.

Randy what’s up sir I just found your review on this looking up the Emotiva pt 1 , looking to upgrade from my older PT 100 , man this was awesome glad you did this the PT 2 does everything I want, especially with the high pass/ lo pass filters, I myself have only seen those feature on the parasound preamp s. Awesome review ! I m preparing to sell my PT 100 to find the newer pt 2

Thanks! Started watching a while ago and you inspired me drop a TON on new gear (Wiim, Emotiva PT2 & A2, 2x SVS SBS1000 Pro, and Elac Unifi Reference). Keep doing your thing man, and don't worry about straying into the midpriceaudioman territory, as when you do you illustrate well why one might want to do so. I'm still on the fence about a Sith Audion hammer I'm looking at.

Whats the best and cleanest way to smooth out or lower some the treble without compromosing the "purity" with this setup? I just got some heco 700's and while i like them, i just tried a arcam sa30 and it was way too bright with it, liled my old yamaha vr363 better than it, and it didnt provide the oomph that justified the price. I'm a noob

One of my sons has Emotiva equipment in his sound system for movies, games and TV. They sound terrific with his Magneplaner MMGs and MMG Ws.

Sounds like a Emotiva commercial.

Hey Der Randy! Thanks for turning me on to Emotiva eh! Just getting back into HiFi stuff, so happy I found your channel.

I ordered the PT2 last week and it will arrive tomorrow, I'm very curious how it will play ;) I connect it to the Emotiva XPA 2 Gen3. Loudspeakers Vienna Acoustics Beethoven Grand :) I'll write to you in a few days if I'm satisfied. greetings from Germany

Absolutely a little more money but it allows you to change equipment without changing everything in your system. You can buy a $500 power amp today and two years from now you could buy a $3000 power amp and keep using your preamp vice versa much more versatility, a problem arise it’s a lot more difficult to repair a receiver than an independent product meaning a separate preamp or a power ramp and you could have a back up as well. If one goes out not everything‘s going out and an integrated thing goes out everything’s out, but if you can budget.

Really considering this paired to the XPA2 amp to run my new (to me) Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grand's. Seems like they'd be up to the task.

Hey Randy, love the show! (What else would I say? ) You mention using the PT2 to offload your main speakers by sending the bass signal to dedicated subwoofer. I did this with an old NAD amp with pre-outs, using a little bypass box from Hsu (who made my sub). My main speakers are 2 way B&W bookshelfs. I think 2.1 (or 2.2) stereo should be a thing but no one talks about it (apart from computer speakers). Maybe you could talk about it?

I'll eventually go to separates when I settle down, although I love my vintage stereo receivers lol. I will say, I was all onboard with getting the Cambridge Audio CXN (V2) and using that to integrate my Sansui 881 into all of my digital sources with its network streaming and digital inputs. But the price of the PT2 and number of digital inputs will allow me to use my existing airport express via the optical out into the PT2 for streaming and still leave me with 2 more digital inputs for my other digital sources. Either one will start me on the road to separates for when I eventually go that route. The only thing that I'm worried about is will I be able to bypass the tone controls on the PT2 and get a fixed output, because I love the 881's sound. Great video Randy, see you tomorrow night on the zoom meeting.

Way to demonstrate what a nice preamp can do for a system. I’ve got separates already so I’m on board!

I run a Parasound 2100 preamp which you could buy used on E-Bay for about the same money. But the PT2 is a good value. I run a Parasound 2350 amp which has 600 watts per channel and two pairs of ELAC B6.2. Lots of SPL. It's ironic that Emotiva has great value in many products but falls short on Pre-pros. They need a simple 5 or 7 channel Pre-pro like my Outlaw 975 which is discontinued. I'm surprised Sound United doesn't take a medium quality Denon or Marantz receiver and cut the amps out and make sure it has 2 volt outputs. I'd buy it in a minute.

Very helpful video! I am thinking of getting the PT2 together with the BasX A2 Amp. Will plan to get a separate DAC - the Eversolo Z8 to run as a streamer. Would welcome your thoughts on this set up vs what I have now which is the Mytek Brooklyn Bridge and Brooklyn Amp+. I just find that I am not getting the level of detail and clarity i am craving with my current set up. Thanks in advance

I run both types of systems using both vintage and brand new equipment. Speaking as a hobbyist, separates are the way to go for me. Mixing and matching, buying, trading, tweaking and searching classifieds is part of the enjoyment.

Thanks Randy. Considering this and the cheaper one. You seem to say the DAC is pretty neutral and clean. I am guessing you didn't listen to it much. Comparing it to a Saga and a Mini DSP Flex. Trying to decide if the the variable high pass filter is really worth the $200.

Great that you're putting out so much content these days! I would think you need the two opticals in if you want to run a TV as well as a streamer through the preamp. Though the dac also has inputs so if you get that problem solved I imagine

IMO, Emotiva should bring out a basic, all-analog preamp. No phono stage, no dac, no tuner. With lots of RCA inputs and bass management options.

Ive got the next best thing- a system designed around an integrated amplifier. If you cant go separates, IA definitely the way to go. Example is i have a Marantz NR1200 “does everything” stereo receiver with 75 watts per channel but my Marantz Integrated Amplifier PM6006 with “only” 45 watts per channel trounces all over the NR1200 in real power, grip, control, and dynamics. So now i just use my NR1200 as a source component.

Seriously considered one of these to pair with my XTZ amplifier, but really wanted HDMI Arc so went with a Bluesound Node. If they had included that feature definitely would have chosen the Emotiva.

PT2 has more analog inputs vs PT1 but wouldn't the preference be to input your DIGITAL source devices to a better quality external DAC (such as J2) with USB (PC) or Coax (Blue Ray), or Optical (TV). Then connect the DAC to one of the PT2 preamp inputs. This way ALL of your digital sources use the premium external DAC. I would think left over RCA jacks on PT2 would handle Phono (pre-out), Cassette, or any other analog RCA based source. You would of course have to switch sources at the DAC vs switch at the PT2 preamp.

I tried an emotiva with the prior gen remotes....really did not like it...then i found a Parasound Halo P5 preamp for about 800... it really is great. The new Emotiva remotes do look much better...and i think their equipment is solid.

I have the PT1. Excellent product. I’m sure the PT2 is even better.

Just got my PT2 and A2. Now trying to find a good setup tips video on the high/low pass for my Omni S12 and Wharfdale Modus One.Six. Can you suggest anything?

Well done Emotiva for bringing out an affordable pre amp ht bypass where the subs can also be easily integrated for 2 channel listening, the only other product that does this as well is the Parasound P6 for 3 or 4 times the price

hi, Emotiva basx2, preamp PT1 and Klipsch RP6000F floor standing speakers will be a good combination?

Would you use the DAC in a Bluesound Node or the DAC in the PT2?

I'm putting together a value, monster Emotiva separates system with a TA-100 int amp, MC-700 4k processor, and XPA-5 gen 2. Upgraded AV123 XLS Encores for the TA and B1+, C1+ and Fluance Bipolar surrounds for the MC and XPA.

Hey Randy, how did you like the XPA Gen 3 in comparison with the Basx A2? Thank you.

I dont own the PT2. But i can say the BasX4 Emotiva amp i use for my height channels is great. Solid, silent, and works like a champ with great audio

I have a question for PT2 owners - how do you start the HT bypass? This works as one of the sources? Or maybe the bypass always works, regardless of the choice of source?

Perfect timing on this video. I was just looking at these preamps. I actually wish they didn't have a tuner in them because I would never use it.

The unfortunate thing is it doesn't have balance connections they had a nice preamp five six years ago that they don't make anymore that was fully balanced I believe it was 1200 so on that note I would get the differential monoblocks fully balanced with a preamp from another company

Thanks for reviewing this. I think the PT2 is for me.

i run separates and I found the PT1 to be tubby while playing records. The bypass filter is a big deal.

Randy, I know that you don't normally cover home movie related gear, but I'd love your take on the Emotiva BasX MC1, as it feels like what I would want for my living room setup, but just not sure. It feels like a great complimentary device for dealing with Seperates.

I have a old Onkyo integrated amp that bought new in the early 70s. Brought it back life for a whopping $75. It’s 26 watts/channel which I will use with perhaps getting a power amp using the Onkyo power as a preamp. Using the Onkyo with a modern power should not have any issues I’m hoping?

At this price, I would need 2 things in the PT2. A) A more modern DAC chip implementation. Maybe even the ability to replace the OP amp chip. AND B) A built in Wiim mini like streaming feature that can do Amazon / Tidal / Qobuz bit perfect streaming internally.

Is there a way to add more pre amp outs I would like to use this for 3 channels

Thanks!

We never found out the power ratings for both units

😆Holy smokes, it's like a drinking game - every time you say separates - drink! And the rev noise when you say it makes it so dang funny

Have you tried the DacMagic 200? if so, how does the sound compare?

Interesting it has sub input for HT bypass. Also the other tonewinner resamples 192 to 48 so do all tonewinner/emotiva dac processing do this? If so, sucks..no way of finding unless bench tests

I like the flexibility of separates.. Randy, some of your videos I just watch for the jokes and the intro to boxes I’m not familiar with while I’m having ☕️😉

Also is this full analogue from in to out? Because analogue high pass quite complex and expensive It's possible this does adc and then DAC. Form this price

Nice job Randy. On a another topic. I bought the SSCS and Uni-fi B52 speakers and preferred my Boston Acoustics CR7’s and A120’s. I returned the Elac’s and Sony’s. Have you ever listened to the Boston’s? Thanks 🙏

I went separates in about 1983 :P

Parasound also sells the NC 200 pre-amp for $200 more than the PT-2 with almost identical features.

I saw a picture of the interior of this preamp and there is a lot of empty space for $699.

Thanks

Would be nice to have the remote control with APP.

@Cheapaudioman: Hey Randy, for the home theater bypass input, does it bypass sending a signal from subwoofer out with the low pass controls? I would assume that is why there are 2 sub outputs with one of them in the HT bypass area and the other with lowpass filter? I what it to send a signal to the subs when listing to music, but do not what the subs to be sent during HT bypass because I have my SVS SB3000's hooked up to my receiver also. Does that make since? Thanks for all the great videos!

Interested in your thoughts on this vs the Marantz nr1711 for a purely 2.2 stereo setup, with no real interest in any of the streaming capabilities. Especially if they are the same cost or a little less on the Marantz.

Thanks, Mr. Audioman!

What bothers me about newer preamps is there's no tape loop in/out to add an equalizer. Yes, I can place an EQ between the preamp and amp but I don't always want the EQ on or in the audio chain when not in use.

How this sounds compared to your fav A07?

why do separates cost 4x more than an integrated receiver? I have classic amplifiers which I've owned for 20+ years, but finding a Dolby ATmos Pre-Amp under $1k is an impossibility!

A Yamaha wxc-50 and a Poweramp or vintage receiver with pre amp INS is the best bang for buck.

How do they compare to your Akactica?

Randy, Is the DAC any good or should go to J2?

maybe someone can answer a question. i just picked up the PT2 it is hooked up to a yamaha amp MX 600u it seems like the sound is alot lower or have to turn up the volume alot more than my yamaha pre amp. would there be a output level difference from the preamps. or did i get a bad preamp

Kind of an off topic question but it goes along with the separates topic. Is it really a soundbar if it has 5 separate speakers…… Not counting the subwoofer.

Any opinions on this piece vs.the Freya+ in terms of sound quality?

Great video and thanks! I love my Audiolab 6000a, but it takes all my will power not to buy the pt2 and a2. Randy, really wondering if you have explored the bass management and if you think it makes a difference?

WTF? I just saw a pic from the Emotiva site of the innards of this unit, as well as the innards of the PT1, and its a barren wasteland on the inside! If thats the case why not make a half width lol? It's crazy. The question comes up...what am i paying for? But I am sure its a mighty fine unit...

Any chance of an Emotiva BasX MC1 review?

i have alot of players; cd, dvd, blueray, cassette... help! how to get all them into a separate DAC? do i need a media controller of some type?

Just purchased a Emotiva BASX TA2...wow, it is amazing! Even my Triangle Br03's sound way better. SVS Prime bookshelf, Q acoustic 3020i's, 3050i's all stepped up their game. Very few reviews on this pre-amp/integrated amp.

I have been a dedicated separate amplifier person for decades, but the state-of-the-art in active speakers is causing me to seriously re-evaluate the advantages of that approach.

For the life of me, I can't tell a good speaker from a great speaker unless I A/B them with another set of speakers. I get some speakers which I think are the bees knees then I get some new ones and realize how wrong I was.

Pardon my ignorance but what's the deal with the random revs?

Emotive be honest if this is your hobby, not a reviewer, but a hobbyist true you pay for retail you get discounts and you make your own decisions. Remember my opinion I’ve been in this hobby for over 70 years for a little bit more. You can get equipment in my personal belief, more quality of parts and engineering. It will be a lot stronger than what you see in a motive today when they first came on the market they were high and we weren’t accepted for whatever reason don’t know, but I believe 65 years in the business that you can get a lot more or let’s say 1520% more performance for the same kind of money with another American product right here in America, don’t have to tell you what names are because of you with them brand names you recommend all the time but not a motive. I know they’re your sponsor. I respect that but I think bang for the buck especially today and hit you have to be very careful what you purchase good luck with your podcast you’re doing a decent job. I respect that, I used to follow and watches because I was a collector similar to European timepieces which I still have but since I retired, I have watch and 10 years believe it or not on my phone but you and I could talk about some watches collection anyhow have a good time. Enjoy your podcast again and this was just my personal opinion.

It looks likes the pt2 supports dual subs, does it?

As i have an SVS SB1000 Pro the bass management is fine at 90Hz & the SVS has bass mangement from an app....don't have to move far to change bass control.. Since i ain't got many analogue machines 2 sets of RCA's & a phono input would do fine...i don't use BluTooth either...i got the PT1 & BasX A2 stereo power amp with SVS SB1000 Pro & Q Acoustics Concept 30's on Concept 20 stands....really good sound, clean & clear, solid bass, i play bass, good detail retreival & great build quality Big power amp,very large & big depth...lol

I'm really enjoying my Freya+. If you really like the experience of great audio, separates are the way to go. Most DACs that come with integrated amps are sub-par from my experience. :)

I love my BasX. ❤️

Separates are a slippery slope Wheeeee!

Does the HT out pass a digital decode?Most a/v receivers record out won't.... ps,Love the channel we would laugh and grab something stronger than coffee.

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