Full roar: Burson Audio headphone amplifier and DACS

(From left to right: Burson Playmate 2, Burson Soloist 3XP/Composer 3XP, Burson Conductor 3XR)

Short foreword

Burson Audio is an audio component manufacturer based in Melbourne, Australia. They specialize in building high-quality desktop equipment such as DACs, headphone amplifiers, preamplifiers, and combo units that pack a punch. Burson's core philosophy is to build devices that simply reproduce music as naturally and authentically as possible.

This is less a test of individual devices than a comparison of these devices:

Burson Playmate 2 Basic
Burson Conductor 3XR
Burson Soloist 3XP/Composer 3XP combination

Fundamental differences

If you look at the technical specifications of all devices, they are basically all very similar. They use the same SABRE32/ESS9038Q2M DAC chip and also have the same op amps. (The V6 Vivid op amps are optional on the Playmate 2.) In other words, the technical basis responsible for the sound is more or less the same for both models, with slight differences in terms of frequency response, channel separation, THD, etc.

The big difference, however, is mainly in the input and output options for each device - hence the versatility AND the output power, which ranges from 3W on the Playmate 2 to a stunning 8W on the Soloist 3XP.

Conductor 3X Reference (Headphone Amplifier/Preamplifier/DAC)

• 7.5W Class A XLR/3.75W single ended
• Two SABRE32/ESS9038Q2M DACs
• Bluetooth 5.0 aptX HD
• XMOS USB DSD512
• Upgradeable operational amplifiers (Vivid V6 operational amplifiers included)
• Frequency response ± 1 dB 0 - 58Khz
• Channel separation 142dB @ 1kHz, 135dB @ 20kHz
• THD+N 0.0005% at 1kHz, 0dBFS
• USB-C Plug 'n Play
• Inputs: 2 x XLR line-level input, USB, Optical Toslink, Bluetooth 5.0, Microphone
• Outputs: 1 x XLR preamplifier, 1 x line-level DAC output, 1 x 6.3mm & 1 x XLR headphone jack
  
  

Playmate 2 (Headphone Amplifier/Preamplifier/DAC)

• 3 W single-ended
• SABRE32/ESS9038Q2M DAC
• XMOS USB DSD512 @ 32bit/768kHz
• Upgradeable operational amplifiers (2 x NE5532, 2 x NE5534 opamps included)
• Burson Max Current power supply
• Frequency response ± 1 dB 0 - 35Khz
• Channel separation 128dB @ 1kHz, 121dB @ 20kHz
• THD+N 0.0018% at 1kHz, 0dBFS
• USB-C Plug 'n Play
• Inputs: USB, Toslink
• Outputs: RCA preamplifier/headphone jack

Combo of Soloist 3XP and Composer 3XP

Soloist 3XP (Amplifier/Preamplifier)

• 8W Class A XLR/4W single ended
• Upgradeable operational amplifiers (Vivid V6 operational amplifiers included)
• Burson Max Current power supply
• Frequency response ± 1 dB 0 - 48Khz
• TOTAL Distortion 0.0015%
• Inputs: 1 x XLR, 1 x RCA, 1 x Mic Bypass
• Outputs: 1 x XLR preamp/DAC, 1 x XLR headphone jack,
• 1x SE headphone jack

Composer 3XP (DAC/Preamplifier)

• SABRE32/ESS9038Q2M DAC
• XMOS USB DSD512 @ 32bit/768kHz
• Upgradeable operational amplifiers (Vivid V6 operational amplifiers included)
• Burson Max Current power supply
• Frequency response ± 1 dB 0 - 58Khz
• Channel separation 142dB at 1kHz, 135dB at 20kHz
• THD+N 0.0005% at 1kHz, 0dBFS
• USB-C Plug 'n Play
• Inputs: USB, Optical Toslink, Bluetooth 5.0, Microphone
• Outputs: 1 x XLR Pre Out/DAC Out, 1 x RCA Pre Out/DAC Out

I tested this

• Burson Audio Soloist 3XP/Composer 3XP combo
• Burson Audio Conductor 3XR
• Burson Audio Playmate 2
• Empire Ears Odin (2.5 mm balanced via XLR adapter)
• Empire Ears Legend X (3.5 mm single ended via 6.3 mm adapter)
• Spirit Torino Radiante, Super Leggera, Twin Puls, Valkyria

Music selection/test playlist

Voices, midrange, acoustic guitars etc.

Tenacious D - Tenacious D - Wonderboy
Marily Manson - The Pale Emperor - Day3
Chris Jones - Moonstruck
Sara K. - Hell or High Water - I Can't Stand The Rain, Stars
Ana Tijoux - 1977 - Partir de Cero

Channel separation

Tenacious D - Tenacious D - Kielbasa
NIN - The Downward Spiral - Hurt
Johnny Cash - The Essential - Ring of Fire
Stephen Coleman - Westworld Season 2 Soundtrack - C.R.E.A.M.

Soundstage, treble, electric guitars etc.

Alice in Chains - MTV Unplugged - Rooster
Korn - MTV Unplugged - Freak on a Leash
Anneke van Giersbergen - Symphonized - Feel Alive
Howard Shore - The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey - Blunt the Knives

Dynamics, bass, subbass

The Diary - The Gentle Storm - Endless Sea |Gentle Version|
Wardruna - Runaljod: Ragnarok - Tyr
Hans Zimmer - Man of Steel OST - Look to the Stars
Hans Zimmer - Pearl Harbor EAST - Tennessee
Ice Cube - Raw Footage - Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It
Andreas Vollenweider - Vox - Enchanted Rocks

Packaging && Accessories

The packaging for all Burson devices is very plain and simple - nothing fancy.

The units come in two boxes—a plain cardboard outer box and a white inner box with the Burson Audio logo on it, which reminds me of car audio packaging when I was a student 20 years ago looking for the biggest subwoofer that would fit in the trunk of my Corolla.

The device is very well protected inside by some additional foam panels. All in all, you don't have to worry about the freight forwarder contaminating your precious cargo.

In addition to the device itself, you get a power brick, a metal remote control, spare op amps, and, depending on the device, a few additional items such as a USB-C to USB-A converter, a USB-C cable (Composer 3XP), and an Allen key for opening the case. What is missing here is either a printed manual OR simply a QR code that points to the correct manual for download.

Since I ordered 4 devices, I had no idea which one was in which box since there is no name or description printed on the boxes.Sure, it's a borderline case, since most people order one unit, but the boxes for the Soloist and Composer are absolutely identical, even in size, and if you get them as a combo, you might end up looking for a specific accessory later but unpack the wrong box (Murphy's Law). This has happened to me several times, so perhaps Burson could at least add a sticker as a simple and inexpensive solution.

Build quality and design

The latest iteration of Burson Audio devices has undergone a design overhaul, and I personally find it very appealing. The devices are clad in gunmetal-colored aluminum, with prominent cooling fins all around. This "cool case" helps keep temperatures in check while also giving the devices a serious and very professional look. I really like it!

The build quality is very good, and the metal used has a reassuring thickness. I found no defects or imperfections in any of the four units I tested. Burson uses only high-quality connectors like Neutrik for the XLR connections, so no complaints there either.

Each device has a simple white-on-black OLED display where you can see the most important information and navigate through the menu. I know other manufacturers have high-resolution, color (touch) screens, but that doesn't particularly interest me. I actually prefer the simple screens built into the Bursons.

Last but not least, each device features a menu/volume knob. The solid metal rotary knob moves with a nice click for each of the 100 volume levels. Very nice!

sound

The basic sound signature of all tested devices is indeed very similar, which was to be expected considering they have pretty much the same internals. In other words, they sound pretty much the same, but the sonic differences lie in the details. Therefore, the following descriptions apply to all tested devices unless otherwise stated.

General tonality

The tonality can be described as neutral in the best sense. Yet the result is neither "flat" nor boring, but rather has energy and musicality, resulting in a very pleasant listening experience. As Burson intended, the devices process the music in such a way that as much of the original information as possible is preserved.
There's a reason I use Burson devices as my primary source for testing in-ears or headphones!

Heights

The highs of the Bursons are simply wonderful. They are natural and silky smooth, revealing every last detail in the recordings. Rest assured, the Bursons will hardly be the limiting factor in your playback chain.

There are subtle differences between the devices: Compared to the Conductor 3XR and the Soloist 3XP/Composer 3XP combination, the Playmate 2 sounds a bit grainy and has a bit less energy. This is likely due to the fact that my Playmate 2 Basic isn't equipped with the Burson V6 Vivid op amps, but with simpler ones. I expect the Playmate 2 Basic to sound just like its big brothers after switching to the V6 Vivids.

Midrange

What applies to the highs also applies to the midrange. Vocals are clearly defined, have a beautiful body, and sound very natural. The entire mid-frequency spectrum is well balanced. I can't detect any coloration or accentuation at all.

Bass/Subbass

The bass of the Bursons is fast and tight with good energy. It's the same everywhere: neutral and faithful reproduction. It's not as warm or pronounced as with other devices, but that doesn't mean it lacks impact or warmth. It's exactly what's there—no more, no less.

Soundstage

The soundstage depends heavily on the capabilities of the headphones/earphones used. With the Focal Clear, for example, you get a nice sense of space. This combination was by far the best for rock/metal, for example. Guns 'n Roses' "Appetite for Destruction" has never sounded so good to me. With live recordings, you can imagine the environment in which they were recorded. Of course, this is most fun with a good over-ear headset.

Channel separation/instrument separation

The channel and instrument separation is simply outstanding. As of this review, I haven't heard anything better. You can either analyze the music or simply enjoy it—it's up to you.

neutrality

I've already mentioned that the Bursons are very neutral sources that simply reproduce what is there - provided the headphones are sufficiently positioned.
&Adaptability/Synergy

The Bursons work with any type of headphones/earphones you connect. Even the small Playmate 2 has an output power of 3 W, which should be sufficient for most headphones and use cases. For more power-hungry headphones, either the Conductor 3XR or the Soloist/Composer combo offer more headroom when you need it. If you want to work symmetrically, the Playmate 2 isn't an option anyway, as it only has single-ended outputs.

All the Bursons I tested work with most headphones, as they all offer at least the option to choose between high and low gain. The Soloist even has a mid-gain option, making it even more adaptable. I recommend an IEMatch if you're using sensitive in-ears with the Conductor 3XR. Otherwise, there's a noticeable background noise. I've tried it with various in-ears, and while it's not a problem when playing music, it's still there.

The best overall synergy was with my Focal Clears, and that applies to all the Bursons I tested. It's simply a wonderful combination. As Burson customer service told me, the two companies work closely together, so it's no wonder their products are a perfect match!

Comparison - Similarities & differences

I've already mentioned that all the Bursons I've tested sound basically the same. So what are the sonic differences, if any?

Playmate 2 vs. Conductor 3XR (6.3mm single ended out)

In single-ended mode, both devices sound very similar to my Focal Clears. The big difference came when I switched from single-ended to balanced on the Conductor. Everything simply felt more energetic and lively with the balanced output. I've noticed this behavior in DAPs (digital audio players) I've tested in the past, and it's the same here. Another factor could be that the Conductor is equipped with two ESS9038 chips, each processing one channel in balanced mode.

The Playmate 2 also has a much lower output power than the Conductor 3XR (3W vs. 7.5W), so if you're using very demanding headphones, this could be a limitation.

Soloist 3XP/Composer 3XP vs. Conductor 3XR (both XLR balanced output)

The first thing you notice is a much higher noise floor with the Conductor 3XR with in-ears. Even at low gain, the Conductor 3XR with the Empire Ears Odin IEMs produces a noticeable noise floor. With the Soloist 3XP, which has three gain stages instead of two, the noise floor is barely perceptible. It should be noted that the Conductor 3XR was probably never designed for (sensitive) IEMs, but rather for demanding full-size headphones. The Soloist 3XP/Composer 3XP combination gives you more flexibility here, while managing to beat the Conductor 3XR in absolute output power (8W vs. 7.5W).

Switching between the Soloist 3XP/Composer 3XP and the Conductor 3XR reveals clear differences in the (sonic) details: The Conductor 3XR has more energy overall and reproduces details with even more eloquence than the Soloist 3XP/Composer 3XP combination. I attribute this clearly to the use of two ESS9038 DAC chips in the Conductor compared to just one in the Soloist/Composer combination. The basic sound characteristics and quality are the same, but the Conductor 3XR simply has a bit more drive.

I should note that at the time of this review, the Conductor 3XR had already been in use for several weeks, while the Soloist 3XP/Composer 3XP combo had only been in use for a few hours, so the differences may diminish as the combo breaks in. I believe some energy difference will outweigh the difference, as the Conductor 3XR has the technical advantage of the two DACs.

Both the Soloist 3XP/Composer 3XP Combo and the Conductor 3XR sound great with my EE Odins and the The Spirit Torino headphones are absolutely fantastic. Both headphones/earphones have a fairly neutral tuning and are capable of revealing even the smallest details in the recordings. The synergy with the Bursons is absolutely wonderful, and I use these desktop devices in my office, replacing my DAPs.

Playmate 2 vs Soloist 3XP/Composer 3XP

Here we hear a Similar result to the Playmate 2 vs. Conductor 3XR comparison, as the Soloist 3XP/Composer 3XP combination and the Conductor 3XR are very similar. Overall, the combo The Soloist 3XP/Composer 3XP naturally sounds better and offers much more flexibility. Still, the performance of the little Playmate 2 is amazing!

User experience & user-friendliness

I've finally added this section to my reviews because I think it's time to cover these topics for audio products as well. Furthermore, as a UX (User Experience) designer, I consider it my "sacred" duty to do so. Burson Audio's devices will be a first for me, so here goes:

Hardware

Good

• Simple overall layout
• Tactile menu/volume buttons
• Useful display with good contrast

To improve

• The volume selector on the Conductor 3XR occasionally "slips" between volume levels, the switches on the other tested devices work more reliably
• Accessibility: The tiny displays of the Playmate 2 and the Soloist/Composer combination only allow (far too) small text.Readability is impaired for people with visual impairments
• Cryptic symbols/missing descriptions for inputs/outputs on the rear of the devices, markings for left/right channels are missing (left/right is correct when viewed from the rear, not from the front, which many users misunderstand!)
  
  

software

Good

• Simple menu layout and options
• The option to rotate the device (and the display!) 90 degrees is great!

To improve

• Cryptic abbreviations in the menu that sometimes do not match the description in the manual (frustrating especially for newbies)

Accessories/Manual

Good

• Including replacement opamps (for all tested devices)
• USB-C to USB-A adapter (some devices)
• USB-C cable (Composer 3XP)
• Allen key for opening the housing
• High-quality remote control included (for all tested devices)

To improve

• No printed manual in the box!
• No QR code that links directly to the online manual
• Manuals contain several errors and are partially outdated (for the Conductor 3XR, the amplification is called "HEA level" - the manual says "gain." I had to write to Burson to help me).
• No device names on the standard packaging (at least attach a sticker!)
• Overall, the Burson devices I tested offer good user-friendliness. If Burson updates/improves the manuals and at least makes them easier for users to find (QR code), my biggest complaints will already be resolved.

@BursonDon't assume all your customers/users have experience with audio technology! Help newcomers get started without frustration, and you'll gain loyal, long-term customers.

Usability rating: B+

Conclusion

All Burson products tested are great!

The build quality and design are of a very high standard, and the sound quality is excellent for me.

You might be wondering which product you should buy? Well, that really depends on your needs.

Of course, there are big price differences to consider. The Playmate 2 starts at 649 CHF, the combination of Soloist 3XP/Composer 3XP and the Conductor 3XR cost over 2000 CHF.

The great thing is that no matter which device/combo you choose, you'll get essentially the same sound quality. Of course, the larger siblings surpass the Playmate 2 in terms of detail and power, but the Playmate 2 is very close for the price!

Reasons for purchasing the more expensive devices are:

• Higher output power for more demanding devices/applications
• Many more input and output options, including Bluetooth 5.0 (which works great, by the way) and balanced XLR output
• Much more flexibility regarding the above points
• The maximum possible sound quality (if you really want that last bit!)&

In the end, there are 3 winners for me:

Price-performance: The Playmate 2 wins this point easily.

Sound quality: The Conductor 3XR wins due to its dual DAC implementation.

Flexibility: The Soloist 3XP/Composer 3XP combination offers the most flexibility, offering three gain levels that ensure a low noise floor even with sensitive headphones/earphones. You can also easily pair both devices with other DACs/amps.

If Burson were to make a Soloist 3XR (Reference) with the same two DACs as the Conductor 3XR, the Soloist/Composer combination would be the last desktop solution I would ever need (or want). I'll definitely ask them about it; maybe they already have something up their sleeve.

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