Burson Audio Supreme Sound Opamp V6 Vivid and Classic

Thanks to the kindness of John from Burson Audio,
I had the opportunity to test the Burson V6 Vivid Supreme Sound amplifiers with the Xduuo Xd05 pro.

At the moment I have such amplifiers (dual version):
Burson Audio Supreme Sound V5i
Burson Audio Supreme Sound V6 Vivid
Sparkos Labs SS3602

and included with the Xd05 pro
LME49720MA
Ti OPA1612A
They were purchased from the official distribution (SS2602 from Sparkos from the USA, Burson V5i from the official Polish distributor)

I have two additional DAC modules (in addition to the factory-supplied ESS, of course):
AKM (on AK4499EX layout)
ROHM (on BD34301EKV layout)

The above-mentioned components result in many possible configurations. For the listening session I used Hifiman Arya stealth magnets headphones on a balanced cable (Openheart 16 wires, 8 pairs, silver-plated copper, 2m). I think the 4.4 mm socket gives more impressions - the stage and detail is greater. It is easier to catch differences in sound.

I also connected the Bayerdynamic DT 990 pro (600 Ohm, single-ended, factory cable), it sounds good - light, airy, with much less bass and space. This combination works especially well in vocal music. The volume knob has to be turned significantly to the right (about 20-25 more) to get the same volume as with the Arya.

I performed the tests on the Xd05 pro gain (blue LEDs). At this level of reinforcement, I think Arya is the best. The Xd05 pro is powered by a constant voltage of 12V from a linear power supply (BRZHiFi).

For testing, I used my own DIY kit (for op-amp mounting) consisting of 4 pieces of DIP-8 adapters with soldered wires and a plastic bracket mounted to the Xd05 pro used to mount them stably. The DIP-8 sockets on the bracket are press-fit and glued with hot glue (on the cable side). In addition, in order not to accidentally make a short circuit, I used a spacer from an old plastic credit card so as not to accidentally touch the op-amp (especially those with electronics without housing, such as SS3602).


It's a pity that Xduuo didn't provide for the assembly of larger amplifiers (e.g. through the window from the top), but with a bit of invention, as you can see, you can deal with it, but it's not very elegant.


I'll start with the first impressions from listening to the Burson V6 Vivid Supreme Sound. First of all, what catches the ears at first is the above-average dynamics, clarity of the presentation, orderly stage, not withdrawn medium tones, vocals (compared to other op-amps, e.g. SS3602). This could be the end of the but by nature I like to go into too much detail, so in the following part I will try to convey my feelings in comparison with other amplifiers (op-amp) I have and how these amplifiers perform with different DACs. The multitude of combinations meant that it involved multiple repositioning of amplifiers and DAC modules. Therefore, it is important that the set for mounting the amplifiers is stable, and special care should be taken when removing/inserting components so as not to damage anything.

I conducted the tests on headphones on a balanced output. I also connected the Arya with a factory cable to the 6.35 mm jack, but in my opinion the 4.4 mm jack offers much better results (scene, details). As a source I used the DAP Shanling M6 Ultra (signal given via USB). I used the USB audio player pro application (UAPP – bit perfect mode is selected in the settings) from Tidal on the DAP. I tried to use the highest quality files available.


First, a few general comparisons. However, it will not be enough to review V6 Vivid. It seems to me that we should also add a comparison with other op-amps and how they all compare in combination with three DAC modules. I want to show a bigger picture.



General Amplifier Comparison

Burson V5i vs Burson V6 Vivid
The older model seems to have the same DNA. The sound from the V5i seems to be less dynamic, a little less detailed, with a smaller stage. The Burson V6 Vivid is an improved amplifier that offers, above all, greater dynamics, a wider stage, and above-average detail.
It should be chosen by those who appreciate technique, precision, and not withdrawn midrange. It is a must-have amplifier for lovers of the so-called heavy sound (rock, metal, etc.), although not only, because it does great in many types of music, but in the previously mentioned one it sounds brilliant (especially with DAC, ROHM, ESS).



Burson V6 Vivid vs Sparkos SS3602
The former has better dynamics, more expressive vocals. The Sparkos seems to sound more V-like, the midrange on the Sparkos is a bit set back. In my opinion, this arrangement is not for lovers of strong sound - it will be more suitable for fans of other genres (e.g. instrumental music, jazz). It seems to me that the Sparkos presents this softness better with the DAC AKM (through slightly recessed midrange) having more low bass. Sparkos builds the stage differently.



LM49720 vs Ti1612
As for the amplifiers included with the Xd05 pro - they sound good, maybe they offer a little less. In general, without going into details, these chips are a bit lacking compared to Burson or Sparkos.
The LM49720 amplifiers play in a linear way, with a narrower stage and less bass. They are better suited for rock, metal, vocal music where the midrange should not be withdrawn.
The Ti1612 plays more with just like “V”. It has a wider stage, more bass. The Ti1612 would be better suited for instrumental music, jazz, electro, etc. Interestingly, it has similar characteristics to the SS3602. In a blind test, you could sometimes make a mistake.



Test procedure

It is quite time-consuming to compare so many possible hardware combinations. Initially, I listened to various songs that I knew well, listened to many times. But then I focused on listening to one or two specific songs on different configurations to make it easier to spot the differences. I tried to choose songs with the widest representation of sounds in a given genre (e.g. to have a female or male vocal in one song, e.g. jazz, trumpet, etc.). (e.g. The girl from Ipanema - Stan Getz).

As op-amps are replaced faster, I divided the tests into two stages - the same DAC on it, tests of individual amplifiers (+ saving impressions on an ongoing basis). The DAC module replacement operation takes longer than the op-amp.
That's why I replaced the DAC (AKM/ROHM/ESS) on one amplifier at the end.

Out of curiosity, I checked the temperature of the amplifiers with an infrared thermometer. With the Arya V6 Vivid, the Sparkos reached a maximum of 34 °C (93 °F). LM and Ti were about 4 °C (39 °F) cooler.
With the DT 990 pro 600 Ohm, they rose to approx. 40 °C (104 °F) (V6 Vivid). On the Sparkos there were little higher temperatures – 43 °C (109 °F) - it's easier to catch hot spots on it because it has electronics without a case)

When it comes to using FIR filters on the Xd05 pro, there are 7 positions on ESS and AKM, two on ROHM. In my opinion, even though it has the last one has the least settings, the differences are more noticeable. ON FIR1 a little more midrange. . On FIR2 there is a slightly wider stage.

I must admit that I repeated the listening tests many times because I was not satisfied with the clarity of my initial conclusions. However, some general picture should emerge from this.



General DAC Comparison

ESS DAC
It is a very successful DAC. If someone does not want to incur additional costs, they can only stay with it. However, it seems to me that the devil is in the details.
This DAC fits perfectly with the V6 Vivid, it is an energetic, detailed combination. For lovers of catching details.



ROHM DAC
Someone wrote somewhere on the forum that the ROHM module is a waste of money... At first I agreed with it, I usually listened to electronic music, but as I listen to vocal music and other genres (rock, metal etc.), there is a noticeable difference.

In my opinion, the ROHM duo with Burson V6 Vivid works great for vocal music. I don't remember what song it was (something with vocals), but for a while I had goosebumps listening to it in combination with ROHM



AKM DAC

It is a specialist in a wide stage, low bass descent, playing at the extremes – of the band (freq.) and the stage. The use of certain op-amps with it enhances its properties. I don't think it fits very well with dynamic rock music. Although it is a matter of preference.
The AKM adds a bit of magic, there is more bass, the average frequency are slightly withdrawn. The treble sounds sound in a different way, chirping flying around the head. In general, AKM will be more suitable for instrumental music, electronic music, maybe jazz, etc.






Vocal music
Diana Krall - 'S Wonderful (The Look Of Love)
Zbigniew Wodecki - Lubię wracać tam gdzie byłem (I like to go back to where I was) (Zacznij od Bacha (The Best))
Jacques Brel, Georges Brassens, Léo Ferré - Three Poets (Le coffret Brel, Brassens, Ferré)
https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/08356333-00c0-458f-a46d-bf8975958086



AKM DAC

V5i
Aligned playing, medium scene, vocal quite close to the listener.

V6 Vivid
vs SS3602, the vocal under V6V is closer to the listener. The stage is wide, aerated. A lot is happening. A bit of playing it resembles SS3602 with ESS.
AKM vs ROHM/ESS - under the AKM has much more deeper bass, it plays in an intimate way.

SS3602
V6V vs SS3602, the stage is built differently, it is as if wider (perhaps it only seems so because of the withdrawn midrange), there is a bit more bass. It doesn't sound very detailed.

LM49720
The sound is quite pleasant, the stage is built similarly to the V5i, the vocals are much closer.

Ti1612
A much wider stage than in the LM, a lot of air, ease in the way of playing. The vocal is a bit withdrawn.



ESS DAC

V5i
V5i vs V6V, V5i plays with less dynamics, stage. In the V6 Vivid there is more space, more air.

V6 Vivid
V6V vs SS3602, the vocalist is closer to the listener, the words are clearer. The vocalist forms one whole with the orchestra.
ESS vs ROHM, on the ESS there is more bass, space, treble. It's such a clear way of playing.

SS3602
SS3602 vs V6V, in Sparkos the vocal is a bit withdrawn, you can hear the division on the stage: foreground - singing, background - orchestra, the stage has more depth.

LM49720
It sounds similar to the V5i, maybe it has a bit forward vocals.

Ti1612
Ti vs LM49720, Ti is a wider stage, more air, such loose sound.
Ti vs SS3602, in Sparkos there is more space, the vocal is further away from the listener but a bit similar.



ROHM DAC

V5i
It plays quite nicely, in V6 Vivid, there is more treble, stage, air.

V6 Vivid
vs SS3602, listening to the V6V it seems that the vocal is more direct, directed to the listener. Under V6V, the stage (vocalist + band) forms one coherent whole. The V6V is technically better (brings out more details). ROHM vs ESS, the vocals on ROHM move forward a bit.
This duo (V6 Vivid +ROHM) sometimes gives me the impression that I am listening to live music.

SS3602
SS3602 vs V6V, under the Sparkos the vocal does not come forward. It seems to me that the stage is built differently. Under Sparkos there is a division of the vocalist and somewhere further the orchestra. There is a bit more low bass in the Sparkos. The SS plays more intimately, warmer.
ROHM vs ESS, there are more trebles under ESS.

LM49720
It's quite pleasant to listen to, without going crazy, but it's ok. The stage is a little smaller, the vocal is closer.

Ti1612
More bass than in LM49720, wider stage, more air.




Conclusion.
The AKM adds more bass, the longer sound decays.
There are more details under ESS, a lot is going on.
Under ROHM, the vocalist is closer to the listener, as if he were singing directed at him. The sound is richer in detail than the AKM.







Electronic music
Matt Lange – Testarossa (Altered Tensions (The Answer to the Question You Forgot to Ask))
Martin Nonstatic - Okalite (Treeline)
Tangerine Dream - Stratosfear 2019 (Recurring Dreams)
https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/3e9fb8af-3f69-4ec7-ac58-5124107abddb



AKM DAC

V5i
V5i vs V6V, the stage on the V5i narrower, less dynamics.

V6 Vivid
Wide stage, pleasant detailed playing.
AKM vs ESS, there's a wider stage on AKM. This op-amp fits very nicely with the AKM in this music.
vs SS3602, a little smaller stage than with SS3602, more bass-midrange on the V6V.

SS3602
He catches good synergy with AKM. A lot of bass, a lot of low bass, a wide stage.

LM49720
LM49720 vs Ti1612, narrower stage, medium tones highlighted, less bass.

Ti1612
Ti vs LM, wider stage, more bass.
Ti1612 vs SS3602, SS sounds with more dynamics, bass, stage. The midrange is generally a bit withdrawn. In my opinion, the Ti1612 fits better with the AKM than the LM49720 (in this type of music).




ESS DAC

V5i
vs V6V, low – midrange a little more forward than in the V6V. Medium scene. The bass is weaker.

V6 Vivid
A slightly narrower stage than with the SS3602.
Still, it's a nice, pleasant holography. This combination will satisfy fans of retail playing.
ESS vs AKM, there is more detail on ESS, the stage is a bit narrower on ESS.
ESS vs ROHM, maybe it's a bit too high tones on ESS.

SS3602
Vs V6V, there is more low bass on the Sparkos, the stage sounds different, it is a bit wider. It seems to me that this is why there is such an impression because the middle is withdrawn.
vs ROHM, under ESS there is more detail, holography is better. There is more bass under the ESS.

LM49720
vs Ti, on the LM there is a narrower stage, more midrange.

Ti1612
LM49720 vs Ti1612, the Ti has a wider stage, the midrange is a bit withdrawn, more bass.



ROHM DAC

V5i
V5i vs V6V, they sound similar, but the V5i has less dynamics, less detail, narrower stage than in the V6V. It plays in a balanced way.

V6 Vivid
ROHM vs ESS, it sounds similar to the ESS, there are more mids.
vs SS3602, V6V plays more offensively. More is going on, in the midrange. Whatever you like, it's a matter of taste - for some it will be better Burson, for others Sparkos.

SS3602
ROHM vs AKM, the SS3602 works pretty well with ROHM. The midrange is not as withdrawn as under the AKM, there is a bit less low bass, the stage is a bit narrower.
vs V6V gives more sensations, as if it had better holography.

LM49720
This op-amp plays evenly, does not prefer any range, has slightly protruding midrange, including mid-bass. The stage is a bit narrower.

Ti1612
LM49720 vs Ti1612, the Ti definitely has a wider stage, the midrange is a bit withdrawn.



Conclusion.
The AKM has a wide stage, the bass goes low. It is impressive.
With ESS, however, we have a lot of details, we have details given as the main course (especially with V6V).
Under the ROHM there is slightly less low bass.






Rock, Metal music
Iron Maiden - In Bloom (Remastered 2021), Be quick or be dead (Fear of the Dark (2015 Remaster))
AC/DC - Thunderstruck (The Razors Edge)
Slayer - Angel of death (Reign In Blood)
Metallica - Master Of Puppets (Master Of Puppets (Remastered))
https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/7a8c9f2c-2786-4483-a99b-933ada8f6d77



ROHM DAC

V5i
V5i vs V6V, on the V5i the music is not so dynamic. It plays in a balanced way.
ROHM vs ESS, probably the V5i plays better under ROHM. There is more aggression of guitars, vocals, although a little less bass. It's a pleasure to listen to.

V6 Vivid
For fans of hard playing, the V6V sounds great with ROHM. There is a lot of energy.
On Sparkos, for my taste, this kick and guitars are missing.
ROHM vs ESS, even though nothing is missing here, in my opinion there is more "power" with ROHM, you want to listen and dangerously turn the volume knob to the right.
Here, too, listening to this pair (V6 Vivid + ROHM) you have the impression of being at a concert.

SS3602
V6V vs SS3602, under the V6V - guitars, the drums are protruding forward. On Sparkos, the music is much less aggressive. There is more bass.
ROHM vs ESS, under the ESS there is more bass, treble.

LM49720
Quite pleasant aggressive playing. Although the drums don't have as much energy on LM49720, the sound isn't kind of full (there's not much bass)
The stage and dynamics are smaller, the guitars are not as dominant as in the V6V

Ti1612
Ti1612 vs SS3602, Ti plays similarly to Sparkos . This amplifier is not very good for strong sound (Rock music etc.). The midrange is withdrawn, the drums are too.
SS3602 vs Ti1612, Sparkos has more dynamics, more bass. Sparkos is more pleasant to listen to.



ESS DAC

V5i
V5i vs V6V, it is not as pleasantly aggressive, energetic as in the V6V. There is less bass. However, it works quite well here.

V6 Vivid
There are a lot of drums and guitars. Technically, the V6V is better than the SS3602. The Burson V6 Vivid on ESS will be a great fun for rock lovers.

SS3602
vs V6V, under the Sparkos there is more bass, less midrange. On Sparkos there is generally less going on in the middle range. Therefore, the SS3602 may be a better choice for fans of less offensive playing.
The SS sounds similar to the Ti1612 but with a fuller sound, the bass goes lower, the stage is wider.

LM49720
On this op-amp, the midrange tones (guitars, vocals) look quite good. The plates are a bit lacking. It is not outstanding playing, but quite energetic and pleasant.

Ti1612
Ti1612 vs SS3602, Ti plays similarly to Sparkos. It has less cymbals and bass than the SS. Here the averages are slightly withdrawn than on the SS. There is no aggressiveness in the message (claw). The stage is quite wide.



AKM DAC

V5i
V5i vs V6V, V5i plays a bit less dynamically, it plays in a balanced way, there are fewer trebles.
AKM vs ROHM/ESS, under the AKM there is a muffled sound, this op-amp fits better with other DACs.

V6 Vivid
AKM vs ROHM, ESS. Under the AKM V6V it sounds calmer than with other DACs. There is a little more bass.
He plays differently than with ESS or even more so with ROHM.
V6V vs SS3602, under the V6V there is generally more going on, maybe under the Sparkos there is more lower bass but the midrange is withdrawn.

SS3602

AKM vs ESS, on the Sparkos under the AKM there is more bass, the midrange is a bit withdrawn. AKM is not really made for rock, metal music (it has no midrange). The AKM from SS plays more with the kick of the lower bass. The AKM from SS3602 should work well in calm songs, ballads. It sounds a bit similar to the Ti1612.

LM49720
LM49720 under AKM it works quite well, maybe a bit of a less of treble and bass, but the vocals and guitars are quite good.

Ti1612
LM49720 vs Ti1612, the Ti has more cymbals, the sound is fuller, there is more bass. The mid-tones (guitars, etc.) sound without aggression. Ti is for fans of calmer playing.
Ti1612 vs SS3602, Sparkos is better than Ti, the sound is fuller, there is a wider stage.



Conclusion.
ROHM is very well suited for this kind of music. Guitars, vocals, drums are in the foreground. Which of the two DACs is better suited for this type of music - ROHM or ESS, is a matter of taste. Under the ESS there is more treble, under ROHM, midrange, “sharp” and energetic sound.
The ESS DAC sounds a little different, there is more detail, a bit more treble. The scene is a little different.
There are more cymbals in the ESS than in the ROHM, more is going on in the ESS, but sometimes it can rustle too much treble.
AKM stands out from the previously mentioned, I wouldn’t say it's a disadvantage - it's just a feature. Unless someone is looking for a calmer sound, with more emphasis on the bass, without the claw of guitars, then the AKM will work for them.
To the “hard” music of e.g. Metallica, AC/DC V6 Vivid from ESS/ROHM sweeps the competition off the board, what is happening here is beyond human comprehension (especially with ROHM)
What is surprising LM49720 with ESS/ROHM in this type of music there is also nothing to be ashamed of, although there is not such a bass, dynamics, scene.
SS3602, Ti1612 – in my opinion they are not very suitable for this type of music, they sound claw less, especially with AKM. On the AKM, guitars, drums will be even more withdrawn, it can be saved by the bass, the width of the stage, and ... the listener's musical tastes.






Classical music
Mikołaj Hertel: Obsession – I (Le Clavecin Moderne plus Saxophone vol. 2)
Rafał Blechacz - Polonaise No. 3 in A Major, Op. 40, No. 1 'Military' (Chopin: Polonaises)
https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/b54deb72-f4e0-43ea-a83e-41f9babcd48e



AKM DAC

V5i
The overall balance is maintained. It lacks a bit of precision as in the V6V.
In piano music, the message is even.

V6 Vivid
Wind instruments (in the upper parts of the midrange) come to the fore a bit too much. Stringed instruments sound clear and sonorous, precise.
For my taste, it would be useful to use EQ to reduce the midrange. It's not that there are too many of them all the time, but sometimes there are peaks -and it's a matter of taste.
vs SS3602, in piano music under the V6V there are slightly more sonorous tones of the strings, in the SS the piano "body" resonates and resonates more clearly.

SS3602
V6V vs SS3602, there is more air under the Sparkos, the wind instruments (lower band) play in the foreground and the strings are the background without moving forward. You can hear the velvetiness of the lower tones.
vs V6V, piano music lacks a bit of the string vibrancy that is in the V6V.

LM49720
LM49720 vs Ti1612, the message is too direct, different than in the Ti. The stage is smaller, the midrange is stinging at times.
In piano music, there is similar playing as in the V5i, and there is only more midrange.

Ti1612
Under the Ti you can hear similar sound as in the case of the SS3602. There is lightness, there is no overwhelm (sometimes) in the midrange. The stage is wide, good aeration.
In piano music, the middle tones are withdrawn, there is no sonority of the strings.



ESS DAC

V5i
An overall balance is maintained. The midrange does not come forward. There is less space than under the V6V, with V6V definitely more.

V6 Vivid
Stringed and wind instruments sound beautifully. There is a lot of space, air.
vs SS3602, there is more mid-range, a little smaller stage.
ESS vs AKM, there's more bass on the AKM, there's more detail on the ESS.
ESS vs AKM, on ESS in piano music, there is a little more strings vibrancy, a little less bass. I think the AKM DAC would be better for this kind of music.

SS3602
vs V6V, the sound is not as direct as under V6V. There is more low bass on the Sparkos. A different kind of scene presentation.
ESS vs AKM, more detail on the ESS, wider stage on the AKM, more bass.

LM49720
LM49720 vs Ti1612, the stage is smaller than that of the Ti, The brass instruments in the LM49720 go forward too much. In the long run, listening to this kind of music on LM can be tiring.
Comparing this circuit under ESS vs AKM, you can hear more detail on the ESS than the AKM, but sometimes it gives you a hard time on the ESS

Ti1612
The wind instruments look nice, the clavichord plays unobtrusively, the stage is wide and quite airy. A bit lacking in technique.
In piano music, he plays in a calm way.



ROHM DAC
In classical music, the differences between ESS and ROHM are blurred a bit. You have to listen With a longer session, for my taste at ROHM, the string instruments dominate a bit. In general, I am "allergic" to the sound of the violin.

V5i
vs V6V, The sound is a little flat, not so spacious. No frequency dominates.

V6 Vivid
ROHM fits quite nicely with this op-amp. The sound of the double bass is pleasant. The stage and aeration are good.
V6V vs SS3602, on V6V there is a lot of midrange. The technical V6V is very good.
In piano music, this is an interesting combination - the music is lively, energetic.

SS3602
Sparkos sounds calmer than V6V.
ROHM vs AKM, there is slightly more midrange under ROHM on SS3602 than under AKM. Still, no band (freq.) is coming to forward. Wind instruments are in the foreground.
In piano music it is ok. It's hard for me to write anything more, the game is fine, but as if something was missing.

LM49720
A lot of midranges, the brass ones are sometimes not so "thick", they are a bit squeaky. Stringed instruments flawlessly. Medium scene.
In piano music, he plays in a neutral way.

Ti1612
vs LM49720, wider stage, more air, more bass under the Ti.
vs SS3602, similarly only the SS plays with a wider soundstage, deeper bass.



Conclusion.
It seems to me that in general in classical music it is good if there is more than not enough bass to counteract the sometimes exaggerated upper midrange. For my taste, ROHM presents the midrange a little too insistently. Maybe it requires more in-depth tests and it will work well in vocal parts with an orchestra. I don't like this kind of music and it's hard for me to express myself.






Jazz music
Stan Getz - The girl from Ipanema (Getz/Gilberto (Expanded Edition))
Kenny Burrell - Chitlins Con Carne (Midnight Blue (2012 Remaster))
https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/b2ddeff5-653e-451a-bd6d-c1f8176e57ed



AKM DAC

V5i
It plays nicely, the cymbals were a bit missing. The stage forms one whole, it does not sound as spacious and wide as the V6V, SS3602 or Ti1612.

V6 Vivid
It sounds quite nice, no band (frequency) comes forward. There is more detail under Burson V6 Vivid than at Sparkos. The vocalists stand closer to the listener than under the SS3602. There is a lot of bass, cymbals.

SS3602
The double bass goes lower than in the V6V, more is happening on the sides of the stage. The vocal is further away than under the V6V (especially the female one in the left channel).

LM49720
The male vocal is the closest to the listener, but overall it sounds pretty good.

Ti1612
LM49720 vs Ti1612, there is more space under the Ti, there are more platters. The vocalist sings more to the side (like in SS3602). The double bass purrs pleasantly.
In the SS3602 there is more air, the double bass goes a little lower.



ROHM DAC

V5i
The stage is slightly forward, it is closer to the listener, the sound is even. It does not play with such a wide stage as the V6V or SS3602.

V6 Vivid
On ROHM, the message is more direct, the vocalist is a bit closer to the listener, standing on the left
closer to the center of the stage. The sound is precise.

SS3602
At Sparkos, a lot "happens" on the sides of the stage. The space seems a bit larger. The vocalist's singing comes more from the side, she is further away from the listener. The purr of the lowest double basses is more blunt under the SS3602.

LM49720
The stage is smaller, the bass does not go so low either. The sound seems flat.

Ti1612
The Ti sounds similar to the SS3602, but not as impressive.



ESS DAC

V5i
The sound is not as spatial as on the V6V or SS3602. It forms one coherent whole.

V6 Vivid
ESS vs ROHM, under ESS there is more space, details, the vocals are a bit withdrawn. The above-average dynamics are striking. The double bass goes lower than under ROHM.
V6V vs SS3602, the differences are a bit in the scene, in the V6V it is slightly smaller, but there is much more energy.

SS3602
ESS vs ROHM the stage seems wider under the ESS, there is more air, there are more cymbals. It seems that the singer is standing on the left side and is far away from the listener.

LM49720
The stage is smaller, the vocalist stands closer to the listener.

Ti1612
The stage is definitely wider than under LM, there is a lot more air, the double bass purrs quite a bit. It can be confused with SS3602. Under Sparkos the double bass goes lower, it sounds longer.






Conclusion.
There is more bass under the AKM than in the ESS, and especially in the ROHM. Which was confirmed in other genres. It's hard to choose whether the V6V or the SS3602 sounds better. In terms of technology and presentation of details, the V6V is better. Whereas Sparkos is better at effectiveness of the scene






Pop music
Michael Jackson – Beat It (thriller)
A-Ha - Hunting (High and Low - 2015 Remaster)
https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/9d599aa5-bb87-44b8-ace2-f26bbfb59e12



AKM DAC

V5i
Pleasant playing, precise. A lot less bass than in the V6 V and Sparkos.

V6 Vivid
Balanced sound, the soundstage is built differently than in Sparkos, it is more uniform. Vivid does not play so extremely( “V” - like). The vocal is directed to the listener. The sound is much richer in detail. A lot of energy.
vs ESS/ROHM, on AKM it plays in a less offensive way.

SS3602
You can hear the V playing - the midrange is withdrawn, a lot of bass. It's definitely a different sound than V6 V. In the song Beat it M. Jackson in 2:45 there is such a knocking – only on the AKM I was scared that someone was breaking somewhere outside (knocking on the door)
If someone doesn't like bass, there may be too much of it.

LM49720
An even way of playing, quite pleasant. Rich in midrange detail. If someone is “bass-head”, he may lack the bass.

Ti1612
Spatial sound, withdrawn midrange. More bass, space than in LM.



ESS DAC

V5i
Detailed sound, wide stage, but not as much as in Vivid.

V6 Vivid
vs AKM, more details, sopranos under ESS. The vocal is a bit forward. It will appeal to lovers of retail gaming. The stage is wide.

SS3602
Pleasant, quite detailed sound. The midrange is not as withdrawn as from the AKM, but still noticeably compared to the Vivid. The stage is wide, but different than in Vivid.

LM49720
The midrange is clearly protruding, pleasant playing, the stage is midrange, but the bass may be missing.

Ti1612
Definitely different sound than LM, more air, midrange withdrawn, wider stage.



ROHM DAC

V5i
Pleasant detailed playing, a lot of space. Nice guitars.

V6 Vivid
Pleasant detailed sound, midrange a bit forward. The guitar sounds the best (in the AKM it is most withdrawn). The stage is wide.

SS3602
The midrange is withdrawn (but not as much as on the AKM), pleasant sounding, spacious. The guitar is a bit withdrawn compared to the V6 Vivid.

LM49720
Midrange, detailed sound, mid-range stage.

Ti1612
Wider stage than in LM, average withdrawn.






Conclusion.
It's hard to say which set is the best, it depends. Here the juggling of the DAC, op-amp gives a lot of room to show off.
All of them (DAC’s) sound interesting, quite clearly different.
The AKM from the V6 Vivid has a lot of bass, it sounds really impressive. Under ROHM the vocal is very clear.
Under ESS, there is a lot of treble, a lot of energy.
I would say that in this music genre the differences are quite noticeable, considerable.







Final summary

There are a lot of variables, starting with the equipment and ending with the listener. My goal was for the reader to read the entire text and draw their own conclusions – e.g. whether a given op-amp with a given DAC will suit their tastes or not necessarily (in a given music genre). I had doubts whether this test, which was quite extensive, made sense. Perhaps I went too deep into the details, because I was supposed to evaluate the V6 Vivid. It seems to me that without comparison with other amplifiers and DACs, this would be an incomplete picture.
There are certainly language errors here.
I tried to make an objective assessment, so it took me some time.
Individual chips are quite specialized. They have different sound characteristics.
DAC modules paired with specific amplifiers become a perfect (or not very luckily matched) tandem. Certain characteristic features of DAC modules together with the features of amplifiers create a successful or not very successful combination. However, it also depends on the listener's preferences, the headphones they have, and the way they are connected (balanced or unbalanced). Headphones can make a big differences, some will emphasize certain features. It seems to me that the Arya are quite neutral, maybe they have a lot of treble, but I don't like headphones that don't convey details. I suspect that Arya Organic would have even more treble.

For Rock, Metal etc. the best will be the ESS DAC or ROHM DAC with V6 Vivid – they create a truly explosive mixture
You can feel like you are at a concert (especially with ROHM).

We have to admit that the way the V6 Vivd plays is quite different from the SS3602. All in all, it's good, because everyone can choose an amplifier according to their preferences. I would say that Burson V6 Vivid is for people who don't want to miss anything, Sparkos for lovers of "relaxed" playing.

The Burson Audio V6 Vivid Supreme Sound amplifier is a great circuit, I recommend it to every lover of detailed playing. He has high dynamics, plays in an even, spacious way.

I would like to thank Burson Audio for the opportunity to listen to the V6 Vivid, it was a fantastic musical adventure.

In my honest opinion V6 will be really great addition to any audio system, it uplifts sound quality in every aspect compared to other cheaper Op-Amps. In my case compared to OPA1656, OPA1612, Muses 8820 and some other cheaper op-amps - V6 added more quality in every aspect: Bass became more pronounced, Vocals became more detailed and more natural/sweet sounding, instruments became more distinguished in space. With some quality Jazz, Blues and Old Rock recordings I was really immersed in music and couldn't stop listening song after song

Billy Joel - Piano Man has never sounded so natural and truly musical before. All instruments and vocal performance in this track sounded super lively and natural and engaging, just wow.

Thank You Burson Audio for this V6 Vivid wonderful and musical OP-AMPS experience!

DISCLAIMER: This trio of V6 Classics was kindly provided by John from Burson Audio in exchange for my honest review.

After spending about a week with these op-amps, I think I now have enough information to finally write this.

Firstly, I'll start this review with a little bit of background in my history of tube and op-amp rolling. My audio stack is on the budget end so this might be a unique deviation from most the rest of the reviews .

Prelude​

My first forage into the concept of rolling was with a Soundblaster G3 -> Fosi Audio P2 -> 560S.

I started out with tube rolling. Switching out the tubes for GE 5654W and Voskhod 6ZH1P-EV worked great in my speaker system, however on headphones the difference was much less desirable.

Eventually, I decided to try op-amp rolling. I bought a pair of OPA1656 on SOIC to DIP adapters to try and see if there was a noticeable improvement. To my ears, and my stack at the time, the difference was quite minimal compared to the standard JRC5532D.

In search of better audio quality, I would end up switching out the entire stack for Ding Shine D2 MiNi -> Samson S-amp -> DT880 600ohm. I gave up on op-amp rolling for the time being and was happy with this setup.

First-time Setup​

Out of nowhere, John from Burson Audio contacted me asking if I wanted to try out some Burson op-amps. Doubt was lingering however from my past experience with op-amp rolling, so I didn't expect to get my hopes up. However, this time I was op-amp rolling in a DAC rather than amp so my hope was that maybe that would make a difference.

The Ding Shine D2 MiNi (ES9018K2M DAC) supports 3 op-amps. At stock, TI NE5532P do the IV/LPF while TI TL072CP does differential conversion to single-ended. I asked for a trio specifically so that I could swap out all three.

On the other hand, the Samson S-amp does use an op-amp internally but it is not swappable (you can't even open the case). I would consider swapping this for a Douk Audio U3 in the future due to it's similar high voltage property but swappable op-amps.

Even swapping the op-amp in the D2 MiNi presented a challenge, however. the case is small as the name implies, and the op-amps are positioned quite close together. I also didn't ask for an extension (it wouldn't fit anyway), so I decided to run the DAC naked for the first time setup.


This is where I ran into an issue not mentioned in many other reviews, the width.

The op-amp's plastic shell is slightly wider than the socket, so having three op-amps and the rca output positioned so close together as is with my DAC (most others wouldn't run into this issue) made them conflict with each other. To solve this issue, I used the three sockets provided with the op-amps and just stacked them to make a wacky pseudo-extension.



Using this in the middle slot - replacing the TL072CP, the op-amps just barely fit together.

I booted it up, expecting to hear a massive improvement, however, I did not like it at all. The dynamics felt too extreme, as if it was dropping a lot of information. There was also a slight volume decrease. This might be due to bad contact due to the pseudo-extension, or maybe an imperfect swap, so I eventually settled on swapping the middle op-amp back to the stock TL072CP.

I did, for a short while, also remove the OPA1656 from my other stack as well to give it a short run in the place of the TL072CP. There was also an improvement but I did decide to return it to its own stack. This shows that it is possible that maybe something like the V5i (am just speculating, have not heard) would do better in this location.

Eventually, the setup I settled on was 2x V6 Classic + 1x TL072CP, which worked like a charm. I will use this setup for the basis of the rest of this review.

A More Permanent Solution​

First however, I would need to deal with the current "naked" setup, which was sketchy to run as the contacts on the bottom of the DAC could possibly short.
I cut a square hole off the top of my DAC case (using a hacksaw and file), allowing the op-amps to pop out the top. In the process, I shredded the powder coating however, so I wrapped the whole thing in electrical tape to give it a nicer look.

Actual Sound Testing​

SETUP

• DT880 Premium Edition 600ohm
• Samson S-amp
• Ding Shine D2 MiNi (2x V6 Classic + 1x TL072CP vs 2x NE5532P + 1x TL072CP)
• JamesDSP with modified crinacle autoEQ + Natural headphone crossfeed for foobar2000 v1.1 by Joe Bloggs (50° variant)

Equalization from DDCToolbox (due to the way the EQ works - this does not clip fyi)

I use Joe Bloggs' V1.1 crossfeed since it is the only crossfeed that actually sounds transparent to my ears. I prefer it on 100% of the time - it massively improves 3D imaging and the 3-blob effect without sounding like a concert hall like many other crossfeeds do.

Song-specific Sound Review

My music collection is an odd mix of mostly 2008-present EDM (future bass & co), j-pop, and post-rock. There are some low-bpm songs, but mostly high-bpm tracks with a variety of tight-playing instruments from all eras.

Therefore, my sound review will be split into two sections, the non-vocal and vocal tracks. The former should have a larger emphasis on imaging, while the latter on tonality. Due to the composition of my music collection however, layering will be a huge aspect of both.

Starting off with the non-vocal music...

KLYDIX - Golden Skies [Winter Cloud Vol.01]

This track is an extremely fast digital track, though middling in terms of complexity. The V6Cs presented the most uplift here in the background arps and sawtooth bass (3:31). I would say that the V6C sounds extremely fast, while having no hint of the roboticness associated with chip op-amps.

RUQOA - Sphere

This track has a heavy emphasis on placement and natural reproduction of background/ambient sounds (especially at the beginning of the track), using unique sounds such as keyboard presses, clock ratchet, bells, etc. The V6C here was especially much better than the NE5532P at microscopic placement of the vibraphone? hits near the beginning of the song (coming from about 30° behind my head on the right side and shifting around a bit). Other than that, the decay and slight bounce of the keyboard press noises are preserved completely.

After the beat drop, layering is also improved as none of the instruments seem as if they are fighting for space or drowned out by each other (sounds do not get grouped in general directions).

RUQOA - Goodbye [Winter Cloud Vol.01]

The main part to listen for is extremely slow ramp up of the soft pad at the beginning of the track, along with the background notes (no idea how to describe these) during the main portion.

The twinkly ambient noises and slight volume variation of the pad at the start sounded SO goddamn natural.

Along with this, the background notes were not blended at all with the main music, which seemed to be a major problem with the NE5532P, exacerbated by the composition of most of the music I listen to.

RUQOA - Overdrive

This track is pretty much 100% sawtooth bass. Sounded really rough

Moving on to the vocal songs...

Islet - Yukidoke

Here is where I noticed something odd with the V6C. Possibly as a side-effect of improving the 3-blob effect and imaging, it also seems to have shifted the location of instruments to be closer to L/R rather than center. This is especially apparent with the directional guitar (left side) in the beginning of this song.

The vocals however are extremely natural.

Shimoji Shino & Suzaki Aya - Flower Ring

Also another relaxing song, though somewhat complex in the chorus with two vocalists and lots of instruments.

Background violin is great, and the drum hits. However, not sure if due to the recording, stack, or what else, this song seems to still have a decent amount of blending between notes which didn't seem to improve much from the NE5532P, if at all.

Sakuma Takao - Frozen Midnight

Pretty chill song.

Sub-bass really shined in this track, along with more background notes (pads?). The background notes showed up much further from my head than the main song, and I could hear them clearly.

Giga - Getcha! self cover ver.

This song is pretty much the polar opposite of the last 3. Very fast.

Most of my conclusions from the non-vocal music carry over here. Vocals stay firmly in the center while music is in the surrounding area, none of the music is lost. Bass is extremely tight.

I did a bunch of other listening as well, but the conclusions are pretty consistent with other songs in my library. These are just chosen because I think they show the aspects the best.

Conclusions​

The V6 Classic is a sizeable upgrade to the NE5532P in the Ding Shine D2 MiNi DAC, though may not be a good fit in all areas (metaphorically and physically). They do also draw more power than a comparable chip op-amp, so the V5i or just a simple OPA627 browndog may be better in portable areas (speculating, haven't heard V5i). If you do manage to get them to fit in the correct area though, the improvement is sizeable and can definitely upgrade your listening experience (but it won't completely change the sound profile of your entire setup, obviously).

Major improvements are in imaging, layering, and naturality. No improvements in stage size, so synergy may be something to consider (V6V may be a better fit in such scenarios).

At least for my stack, I would easily say the V6Cs are Xynon - APPROVED.

I may have to try out these in my old Fosi P2 stack later. But for now, I just can't stop listening currently

PS: they also come with a lifetime warranty apparently, but how do you even break an op-amp