Burson Audio V7 Vivid op-amp

Burson Audio is an established audio manufacturer from Australia that is known for their excellent sounding DAC/amp combo units, like the Playmate 2, the Conductor and the Soloist. What people might not know is that Burson Audio was one of the first companies in the audio industry who argued against using IC op-amps on the audio signal path. Thus they have designed and introduced their own op-amps that are made with discrete components. The famous Burson supreme sound op-amps that after 20 years of continuous research and development have now reached their 7th generation.

Burson V7 op-amps

After two decades of relentless research and development, Burson Audio unveiled their V7 Pro series, their 7th generation of op-amps, the successor of the much acclaimed V6 op-amps. The new version combines cutting-edge circuitry and exquisite craftsmanship to offer superior sound and impressive aesthetics

Technical stuff

The Burson V7 is meticulously constructed using up to 8 layers in its PCB design. This approach strategically separates the signal path, grounding, and shielding into distinct layers. Although this method is more costly, it’s the ideal approach for designing analog amp circuits. As a result, the Burson V7 op-amp is not only more compact and practical but also features a shorter, optimized signal path. Additionally, its enhanced design provides superior protection against airborne interference.

The V7 is engineered to operate at high temperatures. To manage this, it is equipped with a new high-density aluminum shell. This shell effectively dissipates heat from each layer of the PCB into the air, while also safeguarding the sensitive components within. This functional and sleek design allows the V7 to work with a higher idling current, enhancing audio quality and improving stability.

Burson uses only the finest components, which are painstakingly matched and tuned in a temperature-controlled environment that simulates real-world operations. The Burson V7 op-amp has reverse voltage protection and is covered by a lifetime warranty.



Non Audio stuff

An op-amp is a component that is destined to spend its life hiding inside the chassis of an audio device so aesthetics should not be much of a concern. However, the Burson V7 op-amp is so beautiful looking and well designed that, if it was not for the dust, I would gladly keep the chassis without the lid. Its high-density aluminum shell is not only designed to effectively dissipate heat but it is also aesthetically pleasing and very well made.

Two flavors

The Burson V7 op-amp is available in two versions, the Vivid and the Classic. The V7 Vivid, standing out for its dynamism, clarity, and accuracy, is an ideal choice for recording engineers who prioritize absolute precision. Particularly recommended for the initial output stages of DACs (Digital-to-Analog Converters), the V7 Vivid excels where transparency is most valued.

On the other hand, the V7 Classic features a completely redesigned output stage, addressing the limitations of its predecessor, the V6 Classic. The V7 Classic now matches the ultra-low noise level of the V7 Vivid, while maintaining the beloved intimate vocals and sparkling highs that fans of V6 Classic appreciate. Additionally, it offers improved dynamics and accuracy in the lower frequencies, striking an ideal balance between enjoyment and seriousness.



Installation

The compact size of the Burson V7 (15mm x 13mm x 19mm) ensures versatility across various applications, it can easily fit from computer sound-cards to DACs and amplifiers, as long as you have enough height clearance. For applications where height is not enough, you can buy the Burson Audio 35mm extension leads that can help with the horizontal positioning of the op-amps.

Both the Vivid and Classic Burson V7 op-amps are available in dual and single variants to cover all usage scenarios. Before buying you have to clearly identify the type of the op-amp you are going to replace. Then, during installation you have to carefully respect the correct position and orientation. At the Burson Audio website you can find tutorial videos and manuals that will help you identify and install the op-amps. The whole procedure is much easier than it sounds, especially if your audio device is designed for easy op-amp rolling

Temperature

The V7 Vivid op-amps run at higher temperatures than the stock IC op-amps so do expect the chassis of your audio device to become warmer. How warm it will become, it depends on the amount of the V7 op-amps used and heat dissipation by the chassis. The Playmate 2 has a chassis that acts as a large heat sink so it becomes mildly warm, nothing too serious to talk about.

Associated gear

Burson sent a pair of dual and a pair of single V7 Vivid op-amps in order to replace all the op-amps inside the Burson Audio Playmate 2. For the review, the stock power adapter of the Playmate 2 was substituted with the Burson Super Charger. I have used the same headphones as I did in the original Playmate 2 review.

Additionally, I didn't miss the opportunity to test the V7 Vivid in the Aune X8 XVIII DAC which has one removable op-amp. Unfortunately the op-amp socket is awkwardly placed at the bottom of the chassis so in order to use the V7, you will have to place the device upside down or sideways.



Audio stuff

Warning: The listening impressions apply only to the V7 Vivid op-amps and not the V7 Classic which are supposed to sound different than the Vivid’s.

People who own the Burson Playmate 2, or have read my review, will know that it is a device capable of some serious sound performance which combines exceptional musicality and analog timbre with competitive technicalities. Thus said, technicalities are not class leading, transparency and clarity could be better, while noise floor is a little high for use with sensitive earphones.

The most unexpected finding after swapping the stock op-amps with the Burson V7 Vivid was the difference they made in the background noise. I always thought that IC op-amps measure better and produce lower noise than discrete components but I was proven wrong. Surprisingly enough, the Playmate 2 became less noisy and more silent even with sensitive earphones like the FiiO FX15. So don't get scared of the Burson V7 Vivid discrete circuitry because it will not introduce any unwanted noise and additionally it may lower the internal noise of your device.

Apparently, lowering noise and improving blackness also helped with detail extraction, the Playmate 2 became more resolving and finer nuances that were not audible before now emerged from the depths of the recording. All these happened while still retaining its natural flow and non analytical character. With the V7 Vivid op-amps installed at the place of the IC’s, the Playmate 2 gained in clarity, definition and transparency but it didn't lose its natural and organic timbre. It is still very musical and engaging as described in the original review but now with much improved technicalities thanks to the Burson V7 Vivid op-amps.

The Burson V7 op-amps are vivid and sparkling, just as their name suggests. They produce fast and controlled bass, add extra layers of clarity in the mid-range and more energy in the treble without sounding lean or dry. The soundstage is wider and more open than the stock op-amps and the soundstage further expands both in width and depth.

The Burson V7 Vivid op-amps produce a sound that is neutral and linear as they will not emphasize or subdue any part of the frequency range. The sound temperature is neutral, it is not cold but neither as warm as the Muses op-amp that I had installed in the Aune X8 XVIII DAC and compared to the V7 Vivid. With the Muses op-amp, the Aune produced thicker sound and a bit more holographic soundstage but the V7 Vivid offered better layering and more accurate imaging. Additionally, the V7 Vivid op-amp yielded wider dynamics and more impactful low-end, albeit not as visceral, but with better clarity and definition than the Muses. The V7 also sounded more refined and resolving in the treble without introducing brightness or glare.

The V7 Vivid op-amp is an engineering achievement that surprised me a lot as I was not expecting such kind of performance. It is more technical and transparent sounding than the well regarded Texas Instruments NE op-amps while at the same time it produces more natural and harmonious timbre.

The sonic differences described above are not that pronounced as may read. Swapping the stock op-amps with the V7 Vivid is not going to transform your audio device into something else by drastically altering its tonal balance and sonic character. The differences are audible but not in a night and day fashion, it's more about fine-tuning the device than drastically changing its sonic behavior and this is something that ought to be well understood before embarking into the op-amp rolling adventure.



Conclusion

Is it really worth replacing the stock IC op-amps of an audio device with the Burson V7 Vivid op-amps? The answer is a definite yes, as long as you have everything else settled down and you want to fine-tune the sound. Contrary to the common belief, the Burson V7 Vivid op-amps will introduce better technicalities and lower noise than stock IC’s while at the same time produce a harmonious and melodic sound that will further enhance your listening experience. Sound differences may not be that pronounced as when rolling vacuum tubes but still the effects are really audible and so beneficial to the sound quality, to make swapping to the Burson V7 Vivid’s a well worth investment.

The review samples were kindly provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

You can order the V7 op-amps from Burson Audio shop.