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NEW Burson HA-160DS Integrated DAC/Amp

post #1 of 142
10/17/11 at 10:34pm
Thread Starter 

Discovered while browsing:

Contest to win one

Official page

 

Basically, it's a smaller, less expensive HA-160D without some of the preamp functions.  What is interesting, however, is that Burson has also consolidated the high and low gain outputs into a single out.

 

From Alex at Burson regarding the headphone out:

 

"The output of the DS is somewhere between the high and low outputs on the HA-160D.  And because we use a high quality volume pot instead of our step attenuator, you will have more control on the volume."

 

Thanks, roker, for pointing out that this uses ALPS pots for volume control as opposed to the stepped attenuators used on the full-size HA-160D.

 

Unit will be available for sale November 1st (thanks Huff).


Edited by Thenarus - 10/23/11 at 9:31pm
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post #2 of 142
10/18/11 at 4:04am

Looking for camera, must win...

;)

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post #3 of 142
10/18/11 at 6:31am

Sweet, looks like a great option at even better value for someone who doesn't need the pre-amp function.

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post #4 of 142
10/18/11 at 6:47am

Anyone seen a price on this?

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post #5 of 142
10/18/11 at 6:50am
Quote:
Originally Posted by everlong View Post

Anyone seen a price on this?



http://www.bursonaudio.com/Sales.html

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post #6 of 142
10/18/11 at 8:24am

Glad they finally went ALPS on this (I'm not a fan of stepped pots)

 

Looks nice for people looking for small one purpose setups.

 

I guess it's too stripped down for my uses.

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post #7 of 142
10/18/11 at 8:38am
Quote:
Originally Posted by roker View Post

Glad they finally went ALPS on this (I'm not a fan of stepped pots)

 

Looks nice for people looking for small one purpose setups.

 

I guess it's too stripped down for my uses.


 

Stepped attenuator on the HA-160D doesnt induce any noise and doesnt add to THD, the APLS pot adds distorsion and a bit of noise, so I don't understand whats to be liked in the entry to mid level ALPS pots? To cut the cost for sure.

As for HA-160DS, I'm liking it, the only thing that it misses and it's very important IMHO is the DAC output. It has only one analogue input so you can use it only as an Amp or an DAC/Amp, just a DAC it's not possible (you can do it on HA-160D).

 

PS: Officially HA-160DS is the best bang for the buck in this price range IMO, you can't beat this "all-in-one solution" at 890 USD.


Edited by DarKu - 10/18/11 at 8:42am
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post #8 of 142
10/18/11 at 10:44am
Quote:
Originally Posted by DarKu View Post

Stepped attenuator on the HA-160D doesnt induce any noise and doesnt add to THD, the APLS pot adds distorsion and a bit of noise, so I don't understand whats to be liked in the entry to mid level ALPS pots? To cut the cost for sure.

 

I prefer a smooth non-stepped anntenuator.  I find it easier to hit the "sweet spot" when you are looking for the best volume control.

 

It's a all a matter of preference, but I'd say the combination of the stepped anntenuator and lack of optical drove me to buy something else.

 

Again, what's up with the lack of an optical input on this new device?

 

pretty disappointing.

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post #9 of 142
10/18/11 at 11:39am

It looks nice indeed. I will wait for the reviews on it. 

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post #10 of 142
10/20/11 at 12:23pm

Hmmm I may enter this contest considering I already have camera gear... Just need to put my creative thinking into gear. After all the prize is pretty sweet.

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post #11 of 142
10/20/11 at 1:59pm

If it had two inputs....

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post #12 of 142
10/20/11 at 6:55pm

I'm looking into buying this one, it looks like a good solution for someone with just a simple setup in mind. i'm wondering if the DAC/amp quality is on par with the 160D?

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post #13 of 142
10/20/11 at 7:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by VinylStar View Post

i'm wondering if the DAC/amp quality is on par with the 160D?


http://www.bursonaudio.com/HA_160DS.html

 

'Its DAC is identical to that inside the HA-160D right down to each component used. The headphone is also identical to the HA-160 which we have been refining since 2009'

 

I really liked the 160D but wasn't ready to spend that sort of money so this product looks pretty exciting for me. I just need to work out if I think I will miss the few features taken out. Does anybody know when this will be available?

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post #14 of 142
10/21/11 at 12:18am

i'm pretty sure its available right now, i just dont think they updated their site yet. i'm going to purchase one in the next few days so i'll let you know if its available.

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post #15 of 142
10/21/11 at 3:00am

I take it you're buying straight from Burson? I think I'd rather wait to see if Addicted To Audio gets it in so I could try it out first


Edited by shack - 10/21/11 at 6:51am
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