raoultrifan
Headphoneus Supremus
The new Top Of The Line - Conductor Voyager, model 2025 - just got out on the market: https://www.bursonaudio.com/products/conductor-voyager/.
Input/Output connectors
I am more than happy to see again a Conductor based on ESS PRO chip DAC, the first one after the Conductor Voyager 2+, that was using the ESS ES9018. The newer ES9039PRO chip from ESS manufacturer is a technologically upgrade over the previous ESS PRO versions, offering a higher performance and a fully and richer sound. The ES9039PRO DAC chip is having an improved dynamic range and a better THD+N, making it a much better choice for audiophiles and for professional studio equipment.
A few of the ES9039PRO specs details are summarized below:
I will quote below the main technical aspects of the new Conductor Voyager - 2025 model:
"At the heart of the Conductor Voyager is the ES9039PRO DAC — the most advanced chip from ESS Technology, delivering stunning resolution, dynamic contrast, and ultra-low distortion.
Even the best DAC needs the right stage to shine. That’s why we built fully discrete I/V and LP stages, custom-tuned for the 9039PRO. With dual mono architecture and Burson V7 opamps, it transforms digital signals into an immersive, life like performance".
I find Burson's choice of creating a fully discrete I/V stage a very bold one, but definitelly audiophile oriented, in an era where rather cheap integrated opamps can quickly and cheaper create an I/V stage. I see that Burson is developing such discrete I/V stages since the first Conductor Voyager they built (https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/battle-of-conductors.24177/), even prior they developed their first discrete opamps to the market, so I am happy to see the same approach in this new Conductor. A great reading about I/V and LPF stages can be found here: https://www.bursonaudio.com/about-us/i-v-lp-stage-how-do-they-work/, for a better understanding
V7 Pro Vivid discrete opamps handling I/V and LPF stages
New redesigned Silent Power low-noise voltage regulators
"The Conductor Voyager is more than a DAC—it’s an apex Class-A headphone amplifier. Powered by our Max Current Power Supply and delivering up to 10W of pure Class-A power, it drives everything from IEMs to planar magnetic headphones with effortless control, razor-sharp transients, and a silent background that reveals every detail.
Each channel features four high-current gain Onsemi MJE15032 power transistors, made in the USA. These transistors shine under our elevated Class-A bias, delivering the headroom, control, and emotional impact that define the Burson sound".
I see that Burson did a similar approach for the output stage of its previous headphones amplifiers (Soloist headamps) and combo units too (as in Conductor 3X and Conductor GT4 combo units) and I'm pleased to see a transistored output stage inside the new 2025 Conductor Voyager as well. Benefiting of pure Class-A power of 10W/channel should please most audiophiles for sure.
"The Conductor Voyager connects effortlessly with every digital source:
Great to see that Roon Ready gets specified on Conductor's main webpage, given that Roon provides the best streaming experience for music lovers.
The new IR control is now having multiple functions
The Conductor Voyager comes with a brand-new remote control that looks as extraordinary as it performs. Finished in matching space grey and copper, it complements the Voyager’s aesthetic while giving you intuitive, full-range controlfrom up to 10 metres away.
Powered by two AAA batteries for 12+ months of operation, it’s sleek, solid, and futuristic—not just a remote, but an extension of the Voyager experience.
I was used with Burson's remote since they introduced it in PLAY, like 8 years ago, so I wasn't expecting a new remote now. However, I'm glad this new remote version has full control over the Conductor, wihout forcing the listener to operate some features and options from the front LCD panel anymore.
Audiophile low-noise Fusion Core 360W power supply
"Powered by GaN transistors and a 1MHz switching frequency, the Burson Fusion Core delivers 360W of ultra-clean power with zero ground loop noise.
Smaller, quieter, and more efficient than linear or switch-mode supplies — it’s silent, powerful, and built for high-end audio".
Again, I am happy to see an audiophile oversized power supply feeding the new Conductor and I'm looking forward for the first review, so I can read about the dynamics and the self-noise, especially when pairing it with low sensitivity and high sensitivity cans.
Input/Output connectors
I am more than happy to see again a Conductor based on ESS PRO chip DAC, the first one after the Conductor Voyager 2+, that was using the ESS ES9018. The newer ES9039PRO chip from ESS manufacturer is a technologically upgrade over the previous ESS PRO versions, offering a higher performance and a fully and richer sound. The ES9039PRO DAC chip is having an improved dynamic range and a better THD+N, making it a much better choice for audiophiles and for professional studio equipment.
A few of the ES9039PRO specs details are summarized below:
| Dynamic Range (DNR) | +132 dB/ch., +140 dB/mono |
| THD+N (Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise) | -122 dB per channel |
| Technology | Based on the 4th generation of Hyperstream® modulators |
| Other features | Programmable FIR filters |
| Sound characteristics | Generally perceived as having more detail retrieval, a richer and more organic sound, with a wider dynamic range |
I will quote below the main technical aspects of the new Conductor Voyager - 2025 model:
"At the heart of the Conductor Voyager is the ES9039PRO DAC — the most advanced chip from ESS Technology, delivering stunning resolution, dynamic contrast, and ultra-low distortion.
Even the best DAC needs the right stage to shine. That’s why we built fully discrete I/V and LP stages, custom-tuned for the 9039PRO. With dual mono architecture and Burson V7 opamps, it transforms digital signals into an immersive, life like performance".
I find Burson's choice of creating a fully discrete I/V stage a very bold one, but definitelly audiophile oriented, in an era where rather cheap integrated opamps can quickly and cheaper create an I/V stage. I see that Burson is developing such discrete I/V stages since the first Conductor Voyager they built (https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/battle-of-conductors.24177/), even prior they developed their first discrete opamps to the market, so I am happy to see the same approach in this new Conductor. A great reading about I/V and LPF stages can be found here: https://www.bursonaudio.com/about-us/i-v-lp-stage-how-do-they-work/, for a better understanding
V7 Pro Vivid discrete opamps handling I/V and LPF stages
"The Conductor Voyager is more than a DAC—it’s an apex Class-A headphone amplifier. Powered by our Max Current Power Supply and delivering up to 10W of pure Class-A power, it drives everything from IEMs to planar magnetic headphones with effortless control, razor-sharp transients, and a silent background that reveals every detail.
Each channel features four high-current gain Onsemi MJE15032 power transistors, made in the USA. These transistors shine under our elevated Class-A bias, delivering the headroom, control, and emotional impact that define the Burson sound".
I see that Burson did a similar approach for the output stage of its previous headphones amplifiers (Soloist headamps) and combo units too (as in Conductor 3X and Conductor GT4 combo units) and I'm pleased to see a transistored output stage inside the new 2025 Conductor Voyager as well. Benefiting of pure Class-A power of 10W/channel should please most audiophiles for sure.
"The Conductor Voyager connects effortlessly with every digital source:
- USB-C XMOS interface: Supports native DSD512 and 32-bit/786kHz PCM
- Bluetooth 5.0 (Qualcomm CSR8675): Streams in LDAC, aptX HD, and AAC up to 24-bit/96kHz
- Roon Tested: Seamless integration with any Roon Ready system
Great to see that Roon Ready gets specified on Conductor's main webpage, given that Roon provides the best streaming experience for music lovers.
The new IR control is now having multiple functions
The Conductor Voyager comes with a brand-new remote control that looks as extraordinary as it performs. Finished in matching space grey and copper, it complements the Voyager’s aesthetic while giving you intuitive, full-range controlfrom up to 10 metres away.
Powered by two AAA batteries for 12+ months of operation, it’s sleek, solid, and futuristic—not just a remote, but an extension of the Voyager experience.
I was used with Burson's remote since they introduced it in PLAY, like 8 years ago, so I wasn't expecting a new remote now. However, I'm glad this new remote version has full control over the Conductor, wihout forcing the listener to operate some features and options from the front LCD panel anymore.
Audiophile low-noise Fusion Core 360W power supply
"Powered by GaN transistors and a 1MHz switching frequency, the Burson Fusion Core delivers 360W of ultra-clean power with zero ground loop noise.
Smaller, quieter, and more efficient than linear or switch-mode supplies — it’s silent, powerful, and built for high-end audio".
Again, I am happy to see an audiophile oversized power supply feeding the new Conductor and I'm looking forward for the first review, so I can read about the dynamics and the self-noise, especially when pairing it with low sensitivity and high sensitivity cans.
Specs below, as per Burson website:
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Yikes, I was about 5 minutes away from pulling the trigger on a Soloist Voyager with a separate Fusion Core to power it. I don't yet have a desktop DAC but was planning to use one of my transportables (Hugo 2 or D16) for a while till I could pick up something better.
Since the new Conductor Voyager comes with a Fusion Core, can anyone see any advantage of sticking with the Soloist over the Conductor, other than keeping DAC and amp separate for later DAC upgrades? Or, put another way, is the amp stage comparable in the Soloist Voyager and Conductor Voyager or are there trade-offs made at the Conductor amp stage to accommodate the DAC?
Since the new Conductor Voyager comes with a Fusion Core, can anyone see any advantage of sticking with the Soloist over the Conductor, other than keeping DAC and amp separate for later DAC upgrades? Or, put another way, is the amp stage comparable in the Soloist Voyager and Conductor Voyager or are there trade-offs made at the Conductor amp stage to accommodate the DAC?
raoultrifan
Headphoneus Supremus
If you don't need a DAC and you're 110% sure you will never need one (note that we're talking about the ESS ES9039PRO here!) then the Soloist Voyager + Fusion Core might be a good choice for you. If unsure, then go with the Conductor Voyager + Fusion Core because it might be cheaper right now, due to this promotion, and Conductor has the redesigned SP02 low-noise voltage regulators (yes, this new Conductor is the first Burson product featuring these newly redesigned SP02 with a better heatsink and screw-in PCB).
Thanks that's a helpful answer. I've started trying to follow the principle of buy once, cry once - and since I plan to buy a higher end DAC next year I think I'll just stick with the Soloist for now. Looking forward to reading about the Conductor when it drops!
Do the analog inputs get ADC'd like in the conductor GT4
razvand21
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2009
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So in other words this is the end of the upgrade path for the power regulators. I mean it was a heck of an upgrade path! Excuse my sarcasm, but I really loved the upgrades I've made in the last 10 years to keep my Voyager relevant in this fast evolving tech world - pun intended... LOOOL. The upgradability bonus strategy successfully worked one year, with basically 0 upgrades available. Not that I need anything to upgrade, but i'm kind of tired of manufacturers giving you the "upgrade option" for "future proof", and in reality this is just another marketing BS. Maybe they should think of upgrading the firmware, and correct the plethora of errors, especially with the conductor series, not to mention the need to implement basic features in their Conductor series like: balance or input volume memory, or crossfeed, or a less monumental jittery volume knob or input selection without random massive noise floor when switching, etc. Just my two cent opinion. I had the Conductor GT4 and the firmware is in a beta stage at best. I cannot recommend the Conductor GT4 to anyone. WHEN and IF it worked correctly it was a TOTL setup. Very very good SQ! But the endless list of nasty problems (mostly software) I've encountered daily, in the 2 month of ownership, is not even funny. Instead of the Conductor series I would suggest their analog devices like the Soloist series. They know how to make analog amps very well (SQ wise), but they have no idea to implement anything with a digital path involved.
PS. I own now the Soloist Voyager + Cyan 2 but I still strongly believe the 3xGT 2023 was their last true flagship amp as a whole package. Maybe the Voyager has better SQ, but all the rest is a step down IMHO (except the remote and the almost inaudible cooling fan implementation). About the new Voyager Conducto remote ... can someone please introduce them to a product designer? It hurts my eyes and my brain cells. Maybe it could bring them back on track with the amp designs as well... I mean: gun metal + two shades of orange on the sides and knobs/buttons + cyan screen + round fonts + rectangular/sharp box + headphone outputs aligned after the Orion constellation formation = my eyes hurt. Joke aside, I wish them the best, but they need to do something in the right direction.
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SS-Audio
Sponsor: Burson Audio
- Joined
- Aug 6, 2015
- Posts
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We are just a few days to start shipping the first pre-order Conductor voyager units, feel free to chime in and let us know how you are using this unit 
