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REVIEW: Burson HA-160D DAC Processors

76.105.151.30
Posted on February 10, 2011 at 17:48:07
jaydacus
Model: HA-160D
Category: DAC Processors
Suggested Retail Price: $1095
Description: USB DAC/Headphone Amp/Preamp
Manufacturer URL: Burson
Model Picture: View

Review by jaydacus on February 10, 2011 at 17:48:07
IP Address: 76.105.151.30		Add Your Review
for the HA-160D

The Burson 160D is the next generation in value DACs. I say "value" not because the Burson is lacking in any features, but because it does not cost 5k. I look forward to reviews comparing it to 5k DACs, but I cannot make such a comparison. The DAC the Burson replaced was the Benchmark DAC1 USB. I started using a DAC mainly as a preamp. I started out using an M-Audio 2496 sound card, but discovered that digital volume control was not good. I started with a $200 Chinese DAC from Ebay and discovered that not all DACs were created equally. I purchased the Benchmark DAC1 USB and didn't look back. After using the Benchmark for a year I started to look around for something else. I had originally planned on getting a Antelope Zodiac, but decided on the Burson when I read a review that put a 3k DAC in second, the Zodiac in 3rd and the Burson in first.

I am convinced that I made the right decision. Even though the Burson is said to need at least 150 hours to hit "full bloom" it already sounds light years ahead of the Benchmark. I could make all kinds of technical comparisons regarding things like detail, harshness, bass response, etc., but more than anything, the Burson is just easier to listen to. It makes music just sound like music. Fun, enjoyable, entertaining,emotional etc. Regardless of your musical taste, what more could you ask for from a piece of audio gear?

Product Weakness: 24 step volume control may leave something to be desired on sensitive speakers.
Product Strengths: Bass, treble, midrange, inner detail, sound staging. Best volume control in the world in terms of sound quality.

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: ST-120(Bob Latino) 60wpc Tuube Amp
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Burson HA-160D
Sources (CDP/Turntable): PC With Windows 7, Foobar 2000, and ASIO
Speakers: Modified 1975 Cornwall Decorators
Cables/Interconnects: Blue Jeans
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Rock, R&B, and Jazz(some)
Time Period/Length of Audition: 1 week
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): APC Power conditioner
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

 

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    ...
Congratulations. One more Benchmark comparison, the same result., posted on February 11, 2011 at 12:54:48
carcass93
Audiophile

Posts: 7181
Location: NJ
Joined: September 20, 2006
 To me, Benchmark DAC1 is the single most overhyped piece of gear around. In 2 weeks I had it before sending back, I heard everything I need to make that decision easy.

I honestly have no idea why more Benchmark owners wouldn't try the kind of comparison you did - they're most likely in for a surprise. At lower cost, I should add.

 

RE: REVIEW: Burson HA-160D DAC Processors, posted on February 12, 2011 at 20:45:28
audiohound
Audiophile

Posts: 369
Location: San Francisco
Joined: December 11, 2004
 I'm also interested in the Burson. How does it work as a preamp as compared to the Benchmark? Where is the best place to buy it from for U.S. customers? Lastly, do you have a link to the review you mentioned?

Thanks,
Audiohound

 

RE: REVIEW: Burson HA-160D DAC Processors, posted on February 13, 2011 at 01:29:10
jaydacus
 I think the Benchmark had around 42 clicks and the Burson only has 24. When you look at pictures of the Burson internals the reason why becomes clear. The volume control is really a 24 position switch rather than the more common variable resister/ wiper based control. The advantages are huge in terms of sound quality, but the trade off is loss of volume resolution. I'm at a particular disadvantage with sensitive horn based speakers, but I quickly got used to the volume control and actually prefer it for 3 reasons.

1. I can just leave it on click 2 and not be tempted to turn it up higher because it will be loud enough to cause temporary hearing loss on click 3 if I'm sitting directly in front of the speakers.

2. The sound quality is better overall since the volume control is "clicked in" where I have it set.

3. It is easier to listen to then the Benchmark which always seemed to be too loud at any volume after a short while.

I purchased mine from Audiogon. I have also seen them on Ebay. The seller I went through was Fort Collins Audio. He was easy to work with and even gave me $100 off because I had to wait for a couple weeks due to a delay in shipment from Burson. Even at the normal price of $1095 these things are a steal. If your wanting to trade up from the Benchmark I can't imagine that you would be disappointed. Also, if your wanting to sell the Benchmark to finance the Burson there is no time like the present. Sell it now before word gets out and the bubble bursts on the Benchmark. I can't imagine people still being willing to pay over $900 for a used Benchmark DAC1 USB a year from now. They just aren't worth it anymore.





 

RE: REVIEW: Burson HA-160D DAC Processors, posted on February 13, 2011 at 07:22:50
SirAnthony
Audiophile

Posts: 2063
Location: No California
Joined: March 16, 2004
 I'm glad you like the Burson. I came very close to buying one. If looking for a headphone amp was my first concern I would have gotten one. The reason I didn't where...

One vendor who sells it told me if my first priority was a DAC, there is better stuff out there. The DAC is in addition to the HA, not the first priority. It only has one SPDIF and one USB. The guy who did the review on 6 moons has no business writing. His reviews are very very long winded and say almost nothing. Nice pics though. I'm pretty damn sure the Burson is made in China. That wouldn't keep me from buying it except the fact they aren't telling the truth about it. (I have no confirmation about this. Just my suspicions.)

I ended up ordering a Wyred DAC1 with upgraded caps and USB. It was reviewed by the same person on 6 moons but there seems to be more positive feedback from users out there than the Burson DAC. I hope I made the right choice.

 

RE: REVIEW: Burson HA-160D DAC Processors, posted on February 13, 2011 at 08:54:04
jaydacus
 I was concerned that the DAC was just thrown in as an afterthought until I did some research. Burson is well established in the digital market. They actually sell upgrade parts for high end CD players. Also if you read their description of the DAC section it becomes clear that it was far from an afterthought.

FYI. The Burson was absolutely NOT made in China. Had you done any research you quickly would have discovered that they are hand made in Melbourne Australia. This thing is built like a tank. Very heavy and thick walled construction outside and built with the level of complexity and precision of an 80's computer in the inside. Very unlike anything that has or ever will come out of China.

I've read lots of good things about the Wyred 4 Sound so I'm sure it will treat you well, but you will never know what you may be missing with the Burson.

 

RE: REVIEW: Burson HA-160D DAC Processors, posted on February 13, 2011 at 12:38:26
SirAnthony
Audiophile

Posts: 2063
Location: No California
Joined: March 16, 2004
 Hand made in Australia, shipped to the US and sold in high end shops for $1100? MMMM I have a hard time with believing that.

 

RE: REVIEW: Burson HA-160D DAC Processors, posted on February 13, 2011 at 14:00:40
quirck
Audiophile

Posts: 213
Joined: December 23, 2006
 Back shows only designed by Burson Audio Melbourne, could be made in China....

 

RE: REVIEW: Burson HA-160D DAC Processors, posted on February 13, 2011 at 15:14:07
jaydacus
 I sent them an e-mail to find out. I'm assuming that they are made in house, but maybe they are outsourcing to cut costs. If they are getting this kind of quality out of China they must have some really good connections. I didn't see this kind of quality coming out of Japan in the 80's.

 

RE: REVIEW: Burson HA-160D DAC Processors, posted on February 13, 2011 at 15:15:29
jaydacus
 "Our products are assembled in house here in Australia. We do source various components from overseas but the final assembly and QC are all done here in our own facilities."

 

RE: REVIEW: Burson HA-160D DAC Processors, posted on February 13, 2011 at 15:43:18
Mike B.
Audiophile

Posts: 26936
Location: OR
Joined: September 27, 1999
Contributor
  Since: September 1, 1999
 They don't use distributors. Dealers buy direct.

 

it's better than a Benchmark?, posted on February 14, 2011 at 08:53:35
mbnx01
Audiophile

Posts: 7978
Location: Eagle, Idaho
Joined: October 22, 2004
 That's faint praise.









'A lie is halfway around the world before the truth gets its boots on'. -Mark Twain

 

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