Digital Drive: REVIEW: Burson HA-160D DAC Processors by jaydacus

Model:	HA-160D
Category:	DAC Processors
Suggested Retail Price:	$1095
Description:	USB DAC/Headphone Amp/Preamp
Manufacturer URL:	Burson
Model Picture:	View

Review by jaydacus on February 10, 2011 at 17:48:07
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for the HA-160D

The Burson 160D is the next generation in value DACs. I say "value" not because the Burson is lacking in any features, but because it does not cost 5k. I look forward to reviews comparing it to 5k DACs, but I cannot make such a comparison. The DAC the Burson replaced was the Benchmark DAC1 USB. I started using a DAC mainly as a preamp. I started out using an M-Audio 2496 sound card, but discovered that digital volume control was not good. I started with a $200 Chinese DAC from Ebay and discovered that not all DACs were created equally. I purchased the Benchmark DAC1 USB and didn't look back. After using the Benchmark for a year I started to look around for something else. I had originally planned on getting a Antelope Zodiac, but decided on the Burson when I read a review that put a 3k DAC in second, the Zodiac in 3rd and the Burson in first.

I am convinced that I made the right decision. Even though the Burson is said to need at least 150 hours to hit "full bloom" it already sounds light years ahead of the Benchmark. I could make all kinds of technical comparisons regarding things like detail, harshness, bass response, etc., but more than anything, the Burson is just easier to listen to. It makes music just sound like music. Fun, enjoyable, entertaining,emotional etc. Regardless of your musical taste, what more could you ask for from a piece of audio gear?

Product Weakness:	24 step volume control may leave something to be desired on sensitive speakers.
Product Strengths:	Bass, treble, midrange, inner detail, sound staging. Best volume control in the world in terms of sound quality.

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: ST-120(Bob Latino) 60wpc Tuube Amp
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Burson HA-160D
Sources (CDP/Turntable): PC With Windows 7, Foobar 2000, and ASIO
Speakers: Modified 1975 Cornwall Decorators
Cables/Interconnects: Blue Jeans
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Rock, R&B, and Jazz(some)
Time Period/Length of Audition: 1 week
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): APC Power conditioner
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	ST-120(Bob Latino) 60wpc Tuube Amp
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Burson HA-160D
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	PC With Windows 7, Foobar 2000, and ASIO
Speakers:	Modified 1975 Cornwall Decorators
Cables/Interconnects:	Blue Jeans
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Rock, R&B, and Jazz(some)
Time Period/Length of Audition:	1 week
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	APC Power conditioner
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner