[raoultrifan]

I'm very glad to find out that BURSON Audio is building for us a brand new balanced DAC with balanced headphones amplifier inside!

Several Head-Fiers were expected this, me included, so like always BURSON listens to us and then commits. The non-balanced 'brother" would be the C3-Reference combo from here: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/new...2wpc-headamp-preamp-changeable-opamps.894619/

Meanwhile, let's all check manufacture's webpage https://www.bursonaudio.com/products/conductor-3x/ and a nice pic with the new balanced DAC/headamp combo.

Beautiful and stylish design

7.5W per channel

Able to decode both PCM and DSD files

Very nice look with the well-arranged internals

I can spot both balanced IN and OUT

​

Looking further for the first batch of units to get delivered in our homes and, of course, for the first reviews and inside pics.

 

[raoultrifan]

I can't help noticing returning to roots, by getting back to transistored preamplification stage, just in front of the powerful output buffers

Spotted four solid-state V6 Vivid opamps, most likely for the gain (amplification) stage

Can be positioned either horizontal or vertical on the desk​

 

[raoultrifan]

Seems that the pre-ordering time has arrived: https://www.bursonaudio.com/product/conductor-3x/ is on sale till Nov, 15 at 1594 USD.

 

[AshUsername]

Hmm. My Conductor 3 pre-order hasn't shipped yet. decisions ... could this be a better fit? Pity they didn't announce this sooner as 'coming soon' so people could make an informed decision regarding buying the 3 or waiting for the 3x.

I notice the specs info on the site is incorrect for the 3x as its identical to the 3 for inputs/outputs.

 

[HK_sends]

I've never tried a Burson product (although I've read several reviews) and this just sounded like too good of an opportunity to pass up. Pre-ordered!

Cheers!
-HK sends

 

[human bass]

Damn, 7.5w is crazy. Hell, even the 3.75 of the SE is enough for any headphone. Im impressed.

 

[up late]

i'm puzzled by burson audio's decision to release both the conductor 3 and 3x

 

[raoultrifan]

I've never tried a Burson product (although I've read several reviews) and this just sounded like too good of an opportunity to pass up. Pre-ordered! [...]

Good choice for sure, now looking further for your review.

 

[raoultrifan]

i'm puzzled by burson audio's decision to release both the conductor 3 and 3x

Well, it's all about the diversity I guess.

Although, there are 40-50 Ohms impedance planars that might need a bit more power, so the 1.75-2W provided by the C3X @40-50 Ohms on the single-ended output might not be enough. It's not always about the max. output power delivered, but also about the internal gain, so an amplifier able to deliver 2-3 times more power than we usually need will ensure that with peaceful music we will still have enough output power for our liking.

Also, a lot of people don't have balanced cans yet and don't intend to purchase in the near future, so probably the C3-Ref. should do better for them.

 

[up late]

Well, it's all about the diversity I guess.

Although, there are 40-50 Ohms impedance planars that might need a bit more power, so the 1.75-2W provided by the C3X @40-50 Ohms on the single-ended output might not be enough. It's not always about the max. output power delivered, but also about the internal gain, so an amplifier able to deliver 2-3 times more power than we usually need will ensure that with peaceful music we will still have enough output power for our liking.

Also, a lot of people don't have balanced cans yet and don't intend to purchase in the near future, so probably the C3-Ref. should do better for them.

perhaps but i can't help thinking that the conductor 3x is what the conductor 3 reference should have been - a new totl all-in-one dac/head-amp/pre-amp unit from burson audio with both balanced and single-ended outputs. it's what burson audio fans were asking for following the release of the conductor cv2+. all-in-one dac/head-amp units with both balanced and single-ended outputs from questyle, ifi and phonitor have been on the market for some time. i know which new conductor model i would be buying.

 

[HK_sends]

perhaps but i can't help thinking that the conductor 3x is what the conductor 3 reference should have been - a new totl all-in-one dac/head-amp/pre-amp unit from burson audio with both balanced and single-ended outputs. it's what burson audio fans were asking for following the release of the conductor cv2+. all-in-one dac/head-amp units with both balanced and single-ended outputs from questyle, rme and ifi have been on the market for some time. i know which new conductor model i would be buying.

Well, if you have a circuit designed that will support balanced output as well as (as good as) dual single-ended, then why not take advantage of it (market wise) and offer it to those (like me) wanting a balanced output. It looks like the only real difference between the Conductor 3 and 3X is how it is tied up to the output...the 3 provides two single-ended outputs and the 3X ties it into a single balanced output. They both serve customers that prefer a particular output...excellent marketing. Just my two pennies...

Cheers and All the Best!
-HK sends

 

[up late]

Well, if you have a circuit designed that will support balanced output as well as (as good as) dual single-ended, then why not take advantage of it (market wise) and offer it to those (like me) wanting a balanced output. It looks like the only real difference between the Conductor 3 and 3X is how it is tied up to the output...the 3 provides two single-ended outputs and the 3X ties it into a single balanced output. They both serve customers that prefer a particular output...excellent marketing. Just my two pennies...

Cheers and All the Best!
-HK sends

it will be excellent marketing if burson audio sell enough units from both product lines to justify the cost of manufacture

 

[Gerelt971]

Mmmh, I see an AKG K812 in those pictures ... Good, cause i was looking for a Dac/Amp set up for those headphones ... Hope to see some impressions from this combo.

 

[PaganDL]

Just my 2 cents,

Nice amp...terrible interface.

Hope everyone has a great day !

 

[i20bot]

Hmmm, might just settle with this. Been contemplating upgrading what I have and been going back and forth on other gear but never went for one.