Burson Audio HA-160DS: Desktop Amp + DAC Perfected - Page 2

Quote:

Originally Posted by obzilla 

That's odd. Burson states that the head amp and DAC are identical in the D and the DS, the differences only being the size, preamp, volume potentiometer, and the second headphone out.

The components are almost identical.Yes the DAC section and the headamp section are identical, but power supply is much bigger and it is a RCore (not a toroidal one) and have lower noise floor, the same goes for volume pot, it is stepped using 24 mill spec resistors. Bigger power supply gave a more engaging bass and better PRaT, where Stepped volume pot given better details and stereo image.

My reviews of both units can be found here:http://soundnews.ro/2011/12/07/burson-ha-160ds-review-%E2%80%93-english-version/

http://soundnews.ro/2011/03/03/burson-ha-160d-review/

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarKu 

The components are almost identical.Yes the DAC section and the headamp section are identical, but power supply is much bigger and it is a RCore (not a toroidal one) and have lower noise floor, the same goes for volume pot, it is stepped using 24 mill spec resistors. Bigger power supply gave a more engaging bass and better PRaT, where Stepped volume pot given better details and stereo image.

 

My reviews of both units can be found here:http://soundnews.ro/2011/12/07/burson-ha-160ds-review-%E2%80%93-english-version/

http://soundnews.ro/2011/03/03/burson-ha-160d-review/

 

Not necessary, I have the D, so, if you say it's better than the DS, I'll take your word for it.

Though I do remember reading that the power supply was another difference.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Austin Morrow 

 

Lucky for you, I have the WA6 SE coming very soon!

OMG AWESOME!!! did you order it yet?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dubstep Girl 

 

OMG AWESOME!!! did you order it yet?

Luckily I also own a WA6 SE maxed :-)

Well, it depends a lot what headphones are you using. For example your T1 and DT990-600 Ohm will love the tube sound (I even recommend WA2 even more over WA6SE for this particular headphones)

RS-1, RS325i will LOVE the WA6SE sound.

And vice-versa on some other headphones.

For example LCD-2 and HD650 loves Burson 160D a lot more, with K701 and HD800 is a tie (there are pluses and minuses with SS and tubes).

Thanks for the review! I've been looking toward upgrading to an HD650-based set-up within the next 6 months or so, and the 160DS is definitely among my top choices. Is there any chance of getting a comparison of the 160DS with a Dacmini?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Choobaka 

Thanks for the review! I've been looking toward upgrading to an HD650-based set-up within the next 6 months or so, and the 160DS is definitely among my top choices. Is there any chance of getting a comparison of the 160DS with a Dacmini?

Here's one...Dacmini vs 160D. (not the "Ds" version)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Austin Morrow 

Yeah, I can probably do that. I know someone who has a DACMini. I'll see what I can do. For now, go to the video that the other user posted above.

Thanks. I'd really appreciate it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackwess 

 

Here's one...Dacmini vs 160D. (not the "Ds" version)

 

 

Thanks for the link. I've read through Mike's thoughts on the two before. I just find there to be a lack of comparisons between DAC/Amp combos in that price range, so I figured I'd ask if I could get another opinion. Austin's reviews are always a great read, and it would just provide that much more information for others in a similar situation as mine.