Burson V5i-D Review
Shalom,
Hello Head-Fi! In this review, I’m going to do a review on the Burson V5i-D op-amp. The op-amp was sent by Carlos from Burson Audio, so I’d like to give him and Burson Audio a thousand thanks for giving me a chance to try one of the world’s well-known op-amp in the world of audio.
Introduction
Quoted from Burson’s website;
“A Hybrid Audio Opamp with SSV5 DNA
The inception of our latest product originated as a result of our partnership with a leading microchip foundry. Together we have created an integrated version of our V5 FET circuitry. In order to overcome many of the inherent limitations associated with ICs, we have externalized parts of its circuitry and completed those sections with high quality discrete components.
The newly developed Burson V5i is a hybrid audio opamp, which is both partially IC and discrete. It bears the sonic signature of its bigger brother, the V5 discrete opamp, considered by many as the reference in audio application.
Easy & Effective
When designing the Burson V5i, our goal was to create a product that was to manage. Similar to the size of a typical DIP8 opamp, the V5i is the easiest plug-in upgrade for any audio project. Starting at the price of $39.00 USD, the V5i is a fun upgrade with serious performance capabilities.
Unsurpassed Performance & Quality
It is said that we as humans can only hear up to 20 KHz; however, the new V5i has bandwidth of 50 MHz. In other words, you will not be able to hear all the micro details, but you will surely feel them. With the creation of the V5i, music will simply be more engaging and live like.
Holding fast to our tradition of elite service, the V5i is also covered under our Worldwide Lifetime Replacement Warranty. Here at Burson Audio, we maintain a high level of customer service with our commitment to design and quality.
Sonic Characteristics
Like the fully discrete SSV5, the V5i is fast, dynamic, and transparent. Music shines through a peach black background and a wide stage. The V5i pushes IC based audio opamp beyond its limitations and it is truly worthy of the Burson badge.”
Visit Burson Audio official site here: https://www.bursonaudio.com/
SS V5i site: https://www.bursonaudio.com/products/supreme-sound-opamp-v5i/
Product Quality
The op-amp comes in a small, nice-looking box with “Supreme Sound” sealing label wrapped around the little box.
When you open it, the op-amp(s) placed in a Styrofoam. Lift the Styrofoam, you can see and scan the barcode to visit the registration site and register each op-amp you owned. Best thing is, once you’ve registered your goods, Burson doesn’t offer one, three or ten years of warranty, but instead you’ll get a Lifetime Warranty. So no need to worry about aftersales problematic.
The op-amp is made from smooth aluminum(?) shell, and does not get warm quickly.
Sound Quality
Disclaimer:
1. This is a straight-to-the-point review, so don’t expect a long, detailed review on the sound quality.
2. Everything that I wrote here are “IMHO” and as is. I did not get paid for saying something good or bad. This is based on my experience with the V5i-D. And also, Carlos asked for my honest feedback, so this is my honest review on the sound
Head gear(s): KZ ES4, TFZ Series 2
Device(s) used for test: Zishan Z1 (comparison no.1), Zishan Z2 (comparison no.2)
Music genre(s): Metalcore, deathcore, metal, EDM, trap, anime and acoustic.
Volume: Both Z1 and Z2 are on 90
(3 o’clock) volume knob
==========================================================================
First Impression: “Okay…”
At first, it sounds obviously better than my stock op-amps, the NE5532P, LM4562 or the OP297. But, I was like, “So this is the $39 op-amp that everyone is talking about?”
The reason is because it doesn’t blow my mind away. It sounds good but not great. The soundstage has improved, but not much. Lows are fast, boomy but details are a bit lacking. Vocals are thin. Highs have good details, but sound “metallic”.
However, after using it in my Z1 for more than 3 days, things has changed… a lot.
Before 3 days of usage
Comparison 1.1 | Paired with Z1 & KZ ES4
Disclaimer: Z1 sounds neutral to bright and ES4 has a warm sound with laid-back feeling by default
Lows: One thing that I noticed from the start, are the bass textures. Bass are refined here compared to Z1’s stock NE5532P op-amp and OP297. The lows on V5i are fast and dynamic, but not as “round” as OPA627.
Mids: Vocals are great, forward but a bit thin and more wet compared to my OPA627 (SOIC8 to DIP8). More bodied if compared to stock NE5532P.
Highs: Highs are nice and clear, but not more than that.
Soundstage: This is where V5i shows up it’s potential. Soundstage is really good, wide but not “Stadium-sized” stage. I heard that instruments are at their place, but height is still lacking of details. Have to admit this section is really enjoyable. The OPA627 is the only op-amp that I have which can compete the V5-I on soundstage-wise.
Separation: The instrument separations on V5-I are well separated. I can hear the instruments better compared with NE5532P or LM4562, but the OP297 can handle this section better unfortunately.
Comparison 1.2 | Paired with Z2 & KZ ES4
Disclaimer: Z2 sounds neutral to warm and ES4 has a warm sound with laid-back feeling sound by default.
Lows: Not much different with the lows on Z1 (with the V5i). However, on Z2, the bass are bigger than Z1.
Mids: Z2’s vocals by default are a bit pushed backward and a tad more bodied than Z1. Putting the V5i and the vocals are pushed more forward and detailed, more suited to my listening preferences.
Highs: Stock Z2 has already a good highs, so to my ears, not much improved, I can only noticed that there are a bit more details. Compared to Z1, Z2’s highs are smoother.
Soundstage: Wider than stock op-amp, but still lacks of height.
Separation: Similar to Z1 well separated and enjoyable.
Comparison 1.3 | Paired with Z1 & TFZ Series 2
Disclaimer: Z1 sounds neutral to bright and Series 2 has a bright sound signature by default
Lows: Bass’ transients are faster than ones on 1.1, and also well-controlled here. Suitable for metal music. Overall, better than 1.1.
Mids: Aggressive. That is the word that I can describe about this combination. My ears are used to ES4’s warm, laid-back sound. In this pairing, vocals are thin sounding and lacks of body. S2’s mids have a forward sounding by default, while Z1 is also has a good vocal. This combination brings me into a mid-centric experience. In the song “Heart Realize” by Tia, the vocals are… sibilance. A lot of sibilant. Need to turn down the volume to 4 o’clock to enjoy it, unfortunately. More suited to listen to metalcore and deathcore for this kind of sound.
Highs: Better details, airy and sparks are more audible. Overall, not as aggressive as the mids.
Soundstage: Wide and open
Separation: Good
Comparison 1.4 | Paired with Z2 & TFZ Series 2
Disclaimer: Z2 sounds neutral to warm and Series 2 has a bright sound signature by default
Lows: Punchy, strong rumble, fast
Mids: Really forward, thin, transparent, not too sibilant.
Highs: Airy, detailed, quite aggressive.
Soundstage: Wider than 1.3 with better height
Separation: Good
After 3 days of usage
Sound has improved… a lot.
Comparison 2.1 | Paired with Z1 & KZ ES4
Disclaimer: Z1 sounds neutral to bright and ES4 has a warm sound with laid-back feeling by default
Lows: Details on sub-bass are clearer than before. Better punch, fast bass transient
Mids: Forward, more bodied (not as thin as before). Acoustic guitars sound crunchy, while guitar distortion sounds more “rusty” and real than before (which is a good thing for metal music)
Highs: Airy, great details. Much clearer than 1.1. Nice treble presentation. Really improved after 3 days of usage.
Soundstage: Wide and open, now with detailed height, not just width.
Separation: Improved. Better separation (cymbals, high hats, bass kick and thumb bass are well separated)
Comparison 2.2 | Paired with Z2 & KZ ES4
Disclaimer: Z2 sounds neutral to warm and ES4 has a warm sound with laid-back feeling sound by default.
Lows: Rumble. Bigger.
Mids: Now vocals are forward, more full and bodied.
Highs: Improved! Now I have no complain on Z2’s treble. Open, detailed while still smoother than Z1.
Soundstage: Wide
Separation: Well-separated, a bit better separation than 1.2
Comparison 2.3 | Paired with Z1 & TFZ Series 2
Disclaimer: Z1 sounds neutral to bright and Series 2 has a bright sound signature by default
Lows: Faster than 2.1. Better sub-bass presentation! Better bass punch details.
Mids: More full and bodied, even though still thin sounding to my ears. Mid-centric experience.
Highs: Sparks, details. Good treble presentation. Really airy treble! But can be aggressive in some songs, especially in deathcore music.
Soundstage: Wide and open with better height
Separation: Great
Comparison 2.4 | Paired with Z2 & TFZ Series 2
Disclaimer: Z2 sounds neutral to warm and Series 2 has a bright sound signature by default
Lows: More punch! Not just dreary rumble. Good bass texture. Pretty fast too. All rounder bass.
Mids: Forward, but fuller and more relax compared to 2.3. Great details!
Highs: Airy! Open! Better details while still smoother and “calm” compared to 2.3. Overall really improved on treble section
Soundstage: Really wide with great height extention
Separation: Great! Best separation among the four combination
Conclusion
Burson V5i-D sound signature (After approx. 100 hours of burn-in process): Mid-centric sound signature with great bass and detailed highs
Suitable for: Pop, jazz, classical, proggressive metal
So, is it worth it? Does the V5i worth it? Well, first, depends on you. Are you willing to spend 39 bucks for a small op-amp that has a mid-centric sound signature? If you are, then go ahead, it’s worth it, especially if you’re already have real Hi-Fi equipment class. But for people like me, who likes to search cheaper op-amp(s) with good sound, well, I’d save my money for better things to buy (IMHO, no offense). I am more into “cans player”, because output is the most affecting matter when it comes to sound (IMO).
Once again, many thanks to Carlos and Burson Audio for giving me a chance to try this op-amp! Really appreciate it!
Thank you very much for reading my simple review!
God bless us all.
Shalom,
Hello Head-Fi! In this review, I’m going to do a review on the Burson V5i-D op-amp. The op-amp was sent by Carlos from Burson Audio, so I’d like to give him and Burson Audio a thousand thanks for giving me a chance to try one of the world’s well-known op-amp in the world of audio.
Introduction
Quoted from Burson’s website;
“A Hybrid Audio Opamp with SSV5 DNA
The inception of our latest product originated as a result of our partnership with a leading microchip foundry. Together we have created an integrated version of our V5 FET circuitry. In order to overcome many of the inherent limitations associated with ICs, we have externalized parts of its circuitry and completed those sections with high quality discrete components.
The newly developed Burson V5i is a hybrid audio opamp, which is both partially IC and discrete. It bears the sonic signature of its bigger brother, the V5 discrete opamp, considered by many as the reference in audio application.
Easy & Effective
When designing the Burson V5i, our goal was to create a product that was to manage. Similar to the size of a typical DIP8 opamp, the V5i is the easiest plug-in upgrade for any audio project. Starting at the price of $39.00 USD, the V5i is a fun upgrade with serious performance capabilities.
Unsurpassed Performance & Quality
It is said that we as humans can only hear up to 20 KHz; however, the new V5i has bandwidth of 50 MHz. In other words, you will not be able to hear all the micro details, but you will surely feel them. With the creation of the V5i, music will simply be more engaging and live like.
Holding fast to our tradition of elite service, the V5i is also covered under our Worldwide Lifetime Replacement Warranty. Here at Burson Audio, we maintain a high level of customer service with our commitment to design and quality.
Sonic Characteristics
Like the fully discrete SSV5, the V5i is fast, dynamic, and transparent. Music shines through a peach black background and a wide stage. The V5i pushes IC based audio opamp beyond its limitations and it is truly worthy of the Burson badge.”
Visit Burson Audio official site here: https://www.bursonaudio.com/
SS V5i site: https://www.bursonaudio.com/products/supreme-sound-opamp-v5i/
Product Quality
The op-amp comes in a small, nice-looking box with “Supreme Sound” sealing label wrapped around the little box.
When you open it, the op-amp(s) placed in a Styrofoam. Lift the Styrofoam, you can see and scan the barcode to visit the registration site and register each op-amp you owned. Best thing is, once you’ve registered your goods, Burson doesn’t offer one, three or ten years of warranty, but instead you’ll get a Lifetime Warranty. So no need to worry about aftersales problematic.
The op-amp is made from smooth aluminum(?) shell, and does not get warm quickly.
Sound Quality
Disclaimer:
1. This is a straight-to-the-point review, so don’t expect a long, detailed review on the sound quality.
2. Everything that I wrote here are “IMHO” and as is. I did not get paid for saying something good or bad. This is based on my experience with the V5i-D. And also, Carlos asked for my honest feedback, so this is my honest review on the sound
Head gear(s): KZ ES4, TFZ Series 2
Device(s) used for test: Zishan Z1 (comparison no.1), Zishan Z2 (comparison no.2)
Music genre(s): Metalcore, deathcore, metal, EDM, trap, anime and acoustic.
Volume: Both Z1 and Z2 are on 90
==========================================================================
First Impression: “Okay…”
At first, it sounds obviously better than my stock op-amps, the NE5532P, LM4562 or the OP297. But, I was like, “So this is the $39 op-amp that everyone is talking about?”
The reason is because it doesn’t blow my mind away. It sounds good but not great. The soundstage has improved, but not much. Lows are fast, boomy but details are a bit lacking. Vocals are thin. Highs have good details, but sound “metallic”.
However, after using it in my Z1 for more than 3 days, things has changed… a lot.
Before 3 days of usage
Comparison 1.1 | Paired with Z1 & KZ ES4
Disclaimer: Z1 sounds neutral to bright and ES4 has a warm sound with laid-back feeling by default
Lows: One thing that I noticed from the start, are the bass textures. Bass are refined here compared to Z1’s stock NE5532P op-amp and OP297. The lows on V5i are fast and dynamic, but not as “round” as OPA627.
Mids: Vocals are great, forward but a bit thin and more wet compared to my OPA627 (SOIC8 to DIP8). More bodied if compared to stock NE5532P.
Highs: Highs are nice and clear, but not more than that.
Soundstage: This is where V5i shows up it’s potential. Soundstage is really good, wide but not “Stadium-sized” stage. I heard that instruments are at their place, but height is still lacking of details. Have to admit this section is really enjoyable. The OPA627 is the only op-amp that I have which can compete the V5-I on soundstage-wise.
Separation: The instrument separations on V5-I are well separated. I can hear the instruments better compared with NE5532P or LM4562, but the OP297 can handle this section better unfortunately.
Comparison 1.2 | Paired with Z2 & KZ ES4
Disclaimer: Z2 sounds neutral to warm and ES4 has a warm sound with laid-back feeling sound by default.
Lows: Not much different with the lows on Z1 (with the V5i). However, on Z2, the bass are bigger than Z1.
Mids: Z2’s vocals by default are a bit pushed backward and a tad more bodied than Z1. Putting the V5i and the vocals are pushed more forward and detailed, more suited to my listening preferences.
Highs: Stock Z2 has already a good highs, so to my ears, not much improved, I can only noticed that there are a bit more details. Compared to Z1, Z2’s highs are smoother.
Soundstage: Wider than stock op-amp, but still lacks of height.
Separation: Similar to Z1 well separated and enjoyable.
Comparison 1.3 | Paired with Z1 & TFZ Series 2
Disclaimer: Z1 sounds neutral to bright and Series 2 has a bright sound signature by default
Lows: Bass’ transients are faster than ones on 1.1, and also well-controlled here. Suitable for metal music. Overall, better than 1.1.
Mids: Aggressive. That is the word that I can describe about this combination. My ears are used to ES4’s warm, laid-back sound. In this pairing, vocals are thin sounding and lacks of body. S2’s mids have a forward sounding by default, while Z1 is also has a good vocal. This combination brings me into a mid-centric experience. In the song “Heart Realize” by Tia, the vocals are… sibilance. A lot of sibilant. Need to turn down the volume to 4 o’clock to enjoy it, unfortunately. More suited to listen to metalcore and deathcore for this kind of sound.
Highs: Better details, airy and sparks are more audible. Overall, not as aggressive as the mids.
Soundstage: Wide and open
Separation: Good
Comparison 1.4 | Paired with Z2 & TFZ Series 2
Disclaimer: Z2 sounds neutral to warm and Series 2 has a bright sound signature by default
Lows: Punchy, strong rumble, fast
Mids: Really forward, thin, transparent, not too sibilant.
Highs: Airy, detailed, quite aggressive.
Soundstage: Wider than 1.3 with better height
Separation: Good
After 3 days of usage
Sound has improved… a lot.
Comparison 2.1 | Paired with Z1 & KZ ES4
Disclaimer: Z1 sounds neutral to bright and ES4 has a warm sound with laid-back feeling by default
Lows: Details on sub-bass are clearer than before. Better punch, fast bass transient
Mids: Forward, more bodied (not as thin as before). Acoustic guitars sound crunchy, while guitar distortion sounds more “rusty” and real than before (which is a good thing for metal music)
Highs: Airy, great details. Much clearer than 1.1. Nice treble presentation. Really improved after 3 days of usage.
Soundstage: Wide and open, now with detailed height, not just width.
Separation: Improved. Better separation (cymbals, high hats, bass kick and thumb bass are well separated)
Comparison 2.2 | Paired with Z2 & KZ ES4
Disclaimer: Z2 sounds neutral to warm and ES4 has a warm sound with laid-back feeling sound by default.
Lows: Rumble. Bigger.
Mids: Now vocals are forward, more full and bodied.
Highs: Improved! Now I have no complain on Z2’s treble. Open, detailed while still smoother than Z1.
Soundstage: Wide
Separation: Well-separated, a bit better separation than 1.2
Comparison 2.3 | Paired with Z1 & TFZ Series 2
Disclaimer: Z1 sounds neutral to bright and Series 2 has a bright sound signature by default
Lows: Faster than 2.1. Better sub-bass presentation! Better bass punch details.
Mids: More full and bodied, even though still thin sounding to my ears. Mid-centric experience.
Highs: Sparks, details. Good treble presentation. Really airy treble! But can be aggressive in some songs, especially in deathcore music.
Soundstage: Wide and open with better height
Separation: Great
Comparison 2.4 | Paired with Z2 & TFZ Series 2
Disclaimer: Z2 sounds neutral to warm and Series 2 has a bright sound signature by default
Lows: More punch! Not just dreary rumble. Good bass texture. Pretty fast too. All rounder bass.
Mids: Forward, but fuller and more relax compared to 2.3. Great details!
Highs: Airy! Open! Better details while still smoother and “calm” compared to 2.3. Overall really improved on treble section
Soundstage: Really wide with great height extention
Separation: Great! Best separation among the four combination
Conclusion
Burson V5i-D sound signature (After approx. 100 hours of burn-in process): Mid-centric sound signature with great bass and detailed highs
Suitable for: Pop, jazz, classical, proggressive metal
So, is it worth it? Does the V5i worth it? Well, first, depends on you. Are you willing to spend 39 bucks for a small op-amp that has a mid-centric sound signature? If you are, then go ahead, it’s worth it, especially if you’re already have real Hi-Fi equipment class. But for people like me, who likes to search cheaper op-amp(s) with good sound, well, I’d save my money for better things to buy (IMHO, no offense). I am more into “cans player”, because output is the most affecting matter when it comes to sound (IMO).
Once again, many thanks to Carlos and Burson Audio for giving me a chance to try this op-amp! Really appreciate it!
Thank you very much for reading my simple review!
God bless us all.