Burson Composer 3X Performance (ESS9038, DSD512, Bluetooth, balanced output...)

[ishmaelk]

I preordered the combo Composer + Soloist 3XP. The offer was really good.
I have owned a Conductor SL 1793 and a Soloist MKII, I only put them on sale to save for what may as well be my endgame dac and amp combination.
At least I hope so!

 

[raoultrifan]

Waiting for some thoughts and a compare between the two audio systems.

 

[ishmaelk]

I had been considering cancelling my preorder and buying instead the Conductor 3R. It has everything I want (RCA inputs, preamp, plenty of power...), it's cheaper than the combo and I wouldn't have to wait till they finish production on the Soloist 3XP.
The person at Burson that has been answering my emails with questions told me that the Composer was the best DAC they've ever made and the Soloist 3XP the best headphone amp they've made.
The guy works in sales, I don't forget that. But my experience with Burson set the bar really high and I'm so curious about the (Composer + Soloist) 3XP, that I can't wait.

 

[Sam Spade]

I had been considering cancelling my preorder and buying instead the Conductor 3R. It has everything I want (RCA inputs, preamp, plenty of power...), it's cheaper than the combo and I wouldn't have to wait till they finish production on the Soloist 3XP.
The person at Burson that has been answering my emails with questions told me that the Composer was the best DAC they've ever made and the Soloist 3XP the best headphone amp they've made.
The guy works in sales, I don't forget that. But my experience with Burson set the bar really high and I'm so curious about the (Composer + Soloist) 3XP, that I can't wait.

Alex is a straight up guy. He'd be telling the truth i reckon. But i suspect the difference between the pair and the conductor 3x would be slim

 

[escalibur]

I would say it's more of a matter of preference. If you want to explore with different amps (or DACs) then having them as a separate devices is the only way to go. If you want 'set it and forget it' solution then I don't see any reason why C3P(X) wouldn't suit you in most cases.

I'm sure that either one of them is so good that hearing actual difference would require some serious listening or measuring. In hope that there is actually any 'audible by human' difference.

 

[Kafé]

Hi,
Burson Composer 3X Performance : a review of Soudnews

https://soundnews.net/sources/dacs/burson-conductor-3x-performance-review/

 

[ishmaelk]

Hi,
Burson Composer 3X Performance : a review of Soudnews

https://soundnews.net/sources/dacs/burson-conductor-3x-performance-review/

This review is for a Conductor 3XP, not the Composer. But thanks anyway.

 

[vkenz]

Thanks for the confirmation, appreciate it. I figured that, since the site only mentions "designed" in Australia. Thanks!

hmmm.... they are shy to put made in china?

 

[ScornDefeat]

hmmm.... they are shy to put made in china?

Seems to be the case, and trying to hide behind non-regulated phrases like "designed in X."

 

[raoultrifan]

hmmm.... they are shy to put made in china?

They did moved a big part of their Logistics in HK, but this is happening everywhere when you want to scale up. As long as Quality Check is good and their Customer Service and RMA remains the same, I see no problems.

 

[ishmaelk]

I don't see the problem either. Hong Kong is not some sweatshop in Bangladesh.
My experience with the quality of Burson products and their customer service has always been impeccable.

 

[marcusd]

We just published our review of the new Composer 3X Performance with comparisons to Little Dot's DAC VII, Cayin iDAC-6 MK2, and Chord's Qutest.

https://headfonics.com/burson-composer-3x-performance-review/

Also includes reference to the use of the V6 Classic opamps.

 

[ishmaelk]

We just published our review of the new Composer 3X Performance with comparisons to Little Dot's DAC VII, Cayin iDAC-6 MK2, and Chord's Qutest.

https://headfonics.com/burson-composer-3x-performance-review/

Also includes reference to the use of the V6 Classic opamps.

Very detailed review.
Too bad it didn't include a comparison to another two dacs that are getting a lot of attention (and fantastic reviews) lately: the Topping D90 and the SMSL M400.
Thanks.

 

[marcusd]

Very detailed review.
Too bad it didn't include a comparison to another two dacs that are getting a lot of attention (and fantastic reviews) lately: the Topping D90 and the SMSL M400.
Thanks.

We tried to aim for DACs of a similar price point, and well to be frank 5 DAC comparisons would make it a very long read indeed

 

[ishmaelk]

We tried to aim for DACs of a similar price point, and well to be frank 5 DAC comparisons would make it a very long read indeed

You're absolutely right.
What's very clear in your review is how hard it is to tell what's best in absolute terms when you're putting side by side such well made DACs.