[JWahl]

I also have the RME w/ my Burson. Just to clarify for me, if you do this headphone power amp mode, are you still using the Burson circuitry? All you're doing is controlling volume via the RME?

The one thing I am uncertain of in this configuration is if the pair of op-amps in the volume stage are bypassed completely. I suspect they are because the sound is a little less "colored" in this mode.

 

[qsk78]

I like how it sounds in this mode. Will keep it like this.

 

[Bazaar]

The one thing I am uncertain of in this configuration is if the pair of op-amps in the volume stage are bypassed completely. I suspect they are because the sound is a little less "colored" in this mode.

That was my next question, what are other benefits of doing it this way? This seems to make sense.

 

[qsk78]

That was my next question, what are other benefits of doing it this way?

More flexible volume adjustments. You get additional gain settings on the DAC (low/high on Composer 3XP in my case) in addition to Soloist gain settings.

 

[betula]

The one thing I am uncertain of in this configuration is if the pair of op-amps in the volume stage are bypassed completely. I suspect they are because the sound is a little less "colored" in this mode.

The complete volume stage is bypassed, so I would think that includes two op-amps too. I have contacted Burson just to be clear. Should have the answer tomorrow.

 

[betula]

The complete volume stage is bypassed, so I would think that includes two op-amps too. I have contacted Burson just to be clear. Should have the answer tomorrow.

Just to confirm, this information is correct. Two op-amps are bypassed as well.
As mentioned earlier though, you must be careful with this mode and lower the volume on the DAC. Otherwise there is a chance to blow your headphones.

 

[djeudoo]

Just to confirm, this information is correct. Two op-amps are bypassed as well.
As mentioned earlier though, you must be careful with this mode and lower the volume on the DAC. Otherwise there is a chance to blow your headphones.

And is it supposed to be better that these two op-amps are bypassed ?

 

[SQ13]

And is it supposed to be better that these two op-amps are bypassed ?

it really depends on your source volume control quality vs the amp’s and if the input is fix or variable

 

[betula]

And is it supposed to be better that these two op-amps are bypassed ?

The less components the signal has to go through, the less distortion you get.

There are two more op-amps in the amp stage.

There is favourable distortion/colouration as well, but it is a matter of taste.
The technically better sound is always the cleanest signal.

 

[afilen]

The less components the signal has to go through, the less distortion you get.

There are two more op-amps in the amp stage.

There is favourable distortion/colouration as well, but it is a matter of taste.
The technically better sound is always the cleanest signal.

Tried out the bypass "trick" yesterday and it was nice having a much more equal volume control coming from my D90 MQA vs getting the big "bump" at volume 52-55. Might keep it like this for a hot minute and see what I like better!

 

[newtophones07]

Has anyone fit this amp with a less colored op-amp like the OP1612, or similar? I want to buy one of these, but I have never really liked the burson op amps. Also is burson making any comments on fixing the odd volume steps that have been reported, or do consumers just have to work outside of those "step areas"?

 

[qsk78]

Also is burson making any comments on fixing the odd volume steps that have been reported, or do consumers just have to work outside of those "step areas"?

Headphone power amp mode can help when your volume is controlled by the DAC (it is very smoothly controlled by Composer in my case, no volume steps)

 

[sabloke]

Venus, meet the Soloist!

 

[djeudoo]

The less components the signal has to go through, the less distortion you get.

There are two more op-amps in the amp stage.

There is favourable distortion/colouration as well, but it is a matter of taste.
The technically better sound is always the cleanest signal.

cross checked, stranged but I prefered with DAC as DAC mode and 3XP as pure amp, think it is warmer, punchier, yes maybe more coloured but in the good way.

 

[Slim1970]

Venus, meet the Soloist!

Nice pairing!