General Information
A few months ago I was contacted by Burson asking if I would consider reviewing one of their new products. I said that I would but I did not feel like paying for shipping either way. In fair disclosure it was decided that if I did a review for them I would not need to return the cable. I decided to try the RCA to RCA version as it was the only one I could think of a reason for using in any of my systems.
The cable is basically a very compact buffer using one of Bursons encapsulated IC's. It is not discrete and is powered by USB power via a provided small USB charger. It could easily be powered by an LPS or battery supply.
Here is how Burson describes their cable:
"The Burson Cable+ is the world’s first active interconnection cable and we use engineering, not magical material to ensure system matching. The Cable+ does not colour the sound, but actively ensures that you are hearing 100% of your system. Regardless of their brand, circuitry design and power supply types, a perfectly matched audio system is always guaranteed. This is the freedom audiophiles have been wishing for!"
and...
"Once the Cable+ is in place, sonic details once lost, will be fully reproduced to create a complete experience. Play familiar – very familiar – material, and you will hear the finest details fully resolved, while the fundamentals take on a new level of life and solidity. That “harsh digital sound” replaced by a wider and more three-dimensional soundstage."
It is well constructed with one exception. The RCA plugs on my unit were not of the same quality as the rest of the unit and had a somewhat loose fit.
I tried using it in two ways. First I put it between my DAC and my Single Power tube headphone amp which has a volume control but no active preamp function. Second I used it in my speaker system after my passive Tortuga Audio volume control unit in line to my dual sub woofers. Both DACs are Schiit Audio Yggdrasils. With the headphone amp I replace my DH Labs Silver Sonic ICs with the Burson unit. With my speaker system I put the Burson between my passive volume control and my ~10 foot long generic ICs which feed my SVS subs.
To be honest I was not expecting much in either location but was pleasantly surprised. In my headphone system I got a more dynamic sound with less rounded tube sound while still retaining tube sweetness. It was a positive effect for me. I was completely caught off guard by the effect in my speaker system. Basically everything improved from the top down: clarity, dynamics, soundstage. This is a stumper. My only guess is that my DAC was now seeing a more satisfying load and could perform with more ease. I do not have a better way to describe it or science to back it up. I will probably leave the Burson as part of my speaker rig now.
Your mileage may vary. Ironically this device which is meant to ease system matching will probably offer wildly varying results in different systems. I feel that it is definitely worth a try especially if you have a passive preamp or have multiple outputs out of your DAC. Be advised that it is not a true preamp. It has no volume control and has no signal gain.
The cable is basically a very compact buffer using one of Bursons encapsulated IC's. It is not discrete and is powered by USB power via a provided small USB charger. It could easily be powered by an LPS or battery supply.
Here is how Burson describes their cable:
"The Burson Cable+ is the world’s first active interconnection cable and we use engineering, not magical material to ensure system matching. The Cable+ does not colour the sound, but actively ensures that you are hearing 100% of your system. Regardless of their brand, circuitry design and power supply types, a perfectly matched audio system is always guaranteed. This is the freedom audiophiles have been wishing for!"
and...
"Once the Cable+ is in place, sonic details once lost, will be fully reproduced to create a complete experience. Play familiar – very familiar – material, and you will hear the finest details fully resolved, while the fundamentals take on a new level of life and solidity. That “harsh digital sound” replaced by a wider and more three-dimensional soundstage."
It is well constructed with one exception. The RCA plugs on my unit were not of the same quality as the rest of the unit and had a somewhat loose fit.
I tried using it in two ways. First I put it between my DAC and my Single Power tube headphone amp which has a volume control but no active preamp function. Second I used it in my speaker system after my passive Tortuga Audio volume control unit in line to my dual sub woofers. Both DACs are Schiit Audio Yggdrasils. With the headphone amp I replace my DH Labs Silver Sonic ICs with the Burson unit. With my speaker system I put the Burson between my passive volume control and my ~10 foot long generic ICs which feed my SVS subs.
To be honest I was not expecting much in either location but was pleasantly surprised. In my headphone system I got a more dynamic sound with less rounded tube sound while still retaining tube sweetness. It was a positive effect for me. I was completely caught off guard by the effect in my speaker system. Basically everything improved from the top down: clarity, dynamics, soundstage. This is a stumper. My only guess is that my DAC was now seeing a more satisfying load and could perform with more ease. I do not have a better way to describe it or science to back it up. I will probably leave the Burson as part of my speaker rig now.
Your mileage may vary. Ironically this device which is meant to ease system matching will probably offer wildly varying results in different systems. I feel that it is definitely worth a try especially if you have a passive preamp or have multiple outputs out of your DAC. Be advised that it is not a true preamp. It has no volume control and has no signal gain.
