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"High Performance A/V Modifications
& Products!"
Burson Audio
AB-160 Audio Buffer
AB-160 Audio Buffer
WHY AUDIO BUFFER?
If your various audio equipment, cables, speakers, listening room are not working with each other then you cannot expect to hear the full potential of your
system. Therefore, careful matching of audio components is critical in performance optimization of any audio system.
When audiophiles listen to their newly purchased component at home, they often find the sound quality doesn’t match up to what they heard in the
shops demo room. The sonic characteristics that persuaded them into purchasing the machine in the first place have simply vanished. This all too
familiar situation, often leads to most audiophiles blaming the remainder of their system for “not being as good as the one in the shop”. The end result is
often more upgrades and further misinformed or ill-advised investments.
Many audiophiles are not aware that the performance gap between what they hear in the shop and what they hear at home is a direct result of
impedance mismatching between the new machine and the rest of their system. Impedance matching is a complex technical issue in audio design. What
makes it worse, is that the same manufacturer can have different output / input (I/O) impedance standards across their range of products. (See table
below).
If your various audio equipment, cables, speakers, listening room are not working with each other then you cannot expect to hear the full potential of your
system. Therefore, careful matching of audio components is critical in performance optimization of any audio system.
When audiophiles listen to their newly purchased component at home, they often find the sound quality doesn’t match up to what they heard in the
shops demo room. The sonic characteristics that persuaded them into purchasing the machine in the first place have simply vanished. This all too
familiar situation, often leads to most audiophiles blaming the remainder of their system for “not being as good as the one in the shop”. The end result is
often more upgrades and further misinformed or ill-advised investments.
Many audiophiles are not aware that the performance gap between what they hear in the shop and what they hear at home is a direct result of
impedance mismatching between the new machine and the rest of their system. Impedance matching is a complex technical issue in audio design. What
makes it worse, is that the same manufacturer can have different output / input (I/O) impedance standards across their range of products. (See table
below).
While some manufacturers are willing to disclose the I/O impedance figures, most are not too keen. The end result is an audio market full of confusion,
myth and plenty of frustration. Unless the entire audio system is from the same manufacturer within the same product line it is highly likely that impedance
mismatching will exist. Most audiophiles are paying 100% for their systems but are only hearing 70% of its full potential.
This problem can be resolved once and for all by a Burson Audio buffer.
Burson Audio buffer removes any impedance mismatching by acting as an isolation platform between any source components (CD, DVD, SACD player,
Phono preamp, radio, or even IPod) and downstream amplification (preamp, intergraded amp, etc). Burson Audio Buffer is designed to Increase signal
transmission efficiency between all component and unlock the potential of any system.
myth and plenty of frustration. Unless the entire audio system is from the same manufacturer within the same product line it is highly likely that impedance
mismatching will exist. Most audiophiles are paying 100% for their systems but are only hearing 70% of its full potential.
This problem can be resolved once and for all by a Burson Audio buffer.
Burson Audio buffer removes any impedance mismatching by acting as an isolation platform between any source components (CD, DVD, SACD player,
Phono preamp, radio, or even IPod) and downstream amplification (preamp, intergraded amp, etc). Burson Audio Buffer is designed to Increase signal
transmission efficiency between all component and unlock the potential of any system.
Some examples:
MAKING THE BUFFER
Developed on our successful Burson opamp and Burson low noise regulator
technology we built our buffer entirely discrete by hand. We use only the best match
component and closely matched transistors to ensure stable performance for years
to come.
The two mono audio buffer modules are housing in a compartment that is isolated
from the custom build low noise transformer and power supply. This means the
discrete output stages are completely free from any interference; the only things that
ever flow through the Audio Buffer will be clean power and pure Hi Fidelity signals.
Developed on our successful Burson opamp and Burson low noise regulator
technology we built our buffer entirely discrete by hand. We use only the best match
component and closely matched transistors to ensure stable performance for years
to come.
The two mono audio buffer modules are housing in a compartment that is isolated
from the custom build low noise transformer and power supply. This means the
discrete output stages are completely free from any interference; the only things that
ever flow through the Audio Buffer will be clean power and pure Hi Fidelity signals.
Listening Impressions:
Testing CDs:
Sara K’s Water Fall, Eva Cassidy’s Songbird, Jacqui Dankworth’s As the Sun Shines Down On Me and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera.
Musical Fidelity offers a range of tube base buffers. X10-D is one of their older models. X10-D is still an effective upgrade for most of today's CD
players. The X10-D has a tendency of colouring the sound with a touch of "tube warmth" and "rounding" the edges. It is a desirable quality for certain
types of music but it reduces the impact and dynamics of larger scale pieces. We did a direct comparison between our Audio Buffer and X10-D.
Our Buffer outperformed the X10-D on all fronts. Compare to X10-D. The strengths of the Burson Audio Buffer covered all aspects from imaging to
dynamics and from timing to transparency. But it is that last area which it stands proud. Play familiar – very familiar – material, and you will hear the
finest details fully resolved while the fundamentals take on a life and solidity that brings a broad grin to the Team Bursons' wary visage.
Instrumental tone is also well served. Saxophones, double bass, and electric guitar, you name it; the control will extract more character than most. It
reproduces the good bits scale - dynamics, great acoustics and the bad bits compression, limited bandwidth and poor recording in general, not
forgetting less than delightful characteristics in the source.
It was not a surprise to find that the Burson Audio Buffer out-performed the X10-D by a large margin. What surprised us was the amount of improvement
the Audio buffer brought to the Marantz DVD player. It completely removed that digital sound (thin and harsh) in the DVD player which we hated with a
passion and transformed the DVD player into a music machine worthy of this brand name.
With this buffer, Team Burson has once again proven our philosophy that Hi Fidelity music is an affordable right of most who earns a decent pay and
loves music.
Testing CDs:
Sara K’s Water Fall, Eva Cassidy’s Songbird, Jacqui Dankworth’s As the Sun Shines Down On Me and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera.
Musical Fidelity offers a range of tube base buffers. X10-D is one of their older models. X10-D is still an effective upgrade for most of today's CD
players. The X10-D has a tendency of colouring the sound with a touch of "tube warmth" and "rounding" the edges. It is a desirable quality for certain
types of music but it reduces the impact and dynamics of larger scale pieces. We did a direct comparison between our Audio Buffer and X10-D.
Our Buffer outperformed the X10-D on all fronts. Compare to X10-D. The strengths of the Burson Audio Buffer covered all aspects from imaging to
dynamics and from timing to transparency. But it is that last area which it stands proud. Play familiar – very familiar – material, and you will hear the
finest details fully resolved while the fundamentals take on a life and solidity that brings a broad grin to the Team Bursons' wary visage.
Instrumental tone is also well served. Saxophones, double bass, and electric guitar, you name it; the control will extract more character than most. It
reproduces the good bits scale - dynamics, great acoustics and the bad bits compression, limited bandwidth and poor recording in general, not
forgetting less than delightful characteristics in the source.
It was not a surprise to find that the Burson Audio Buffer out-performed the X10-D by a large margin. What surprised us was the amount of improvement
the Audio buffer brought to the Marantz DVD player. It completely removed that digital sound (thin and harsh) in the DVD player which we hated with a
passion and transformed the DVD player into a music machine worthy of this brand name.
With this buffer, Team Burson has once again proven our philosophy that Hi Fidelity music is an affordable right of most who earns a decent pay and
loves music.
Specifications:
Output Noise Level : 0.015MV(nil input)
Maximum Output Voltage :12VRMS
Maximum Input Voltage: 6VRMS
SN:118DB
Frequency Response :0-220KHZ(-3DB)
Gain: 6db (great for passive preamp)
Net Weight: 5 kg
Dimensions (210mm X 145mm X 60mm)
Other Features:
~Dual Mono design for maximum noise separation
~Extreme short signal path less than 6cm on Hi quality PCB
~High Quality components (Elna Audio graded caps, carefully
matched high quality audio transistors, DALE military graded
resistors...) with hand soldering
~Sophisticated power filtering and short circuit protection net work
Output Noise Level : 0.015MV(nil input)
Maximum Output Voltage :12VRMS
Maximum Input Voltage: 6VRMS
SN:118DB
Frequency Response :0-220KHZ(-3DB)
Gain: 6db (great for passive preamp)
Net Weight: 5 kg
Dimensions (210mm X 145mm X 60mm)
Other Features:
~Dual Mono design for maximum noise separation
~Extreme short signal path less than 6cm on Hi quality PCB
~High Quality components (Elna Audio graded caps, carefully
matched high quality audio transistors, DALE military graded
resistors...) with hand soldering
~Sophisticated power filtering and short circuit protection net work
Where can I apply my Burson AB-160 Audio Buffer?
Between digital source (CD-DVD-SACD player) and integrated Amp
Between digital source (CD-DVD-SACD player) and Passive / Active preamp
Between your Preamp and power amp
Between digital source (CD-DVD-SACD player) and Passive / Active preamp
Between your Preamp and power amp
Well guys, what can I say, not much really I am speechless. Firstly thanks so much for sending me the buffer and for the generous offer(s)
I have tested today with my headphone system and my Wadia/iPod set up, although not on my main system as my power amp is still unwell.
I love listening to music, it is my hobby, and it makes me happy, and boy am I happy right now. I am not an expert audiophile reviewer and don’t
understand the technical aspects or the terms that they use, but I have ears and I know what I like when I hear it. I can give you a very simple analogy
from a guy who wears glasses. Without my glasses the world is blurred and with them on I can see really clearly. This is what it’s like with the AB-160 in
my system – it’s like 20:20 vision for your ears. Everything is in the right place and crystal clear.
I read in a review of the AB-100 that it works great on mid-range components, but on high-end kit the difference is less significant. I don’t own any high-
end, but when using the AB-160 with my Wadia 170 I-transport the former applied. The improvement was exceptional. It was as good as the
improvements on the Unison Research Unico CD player which suggests to me that this buffer is a great leveler, bringing everything ‘up’ to a higher
standard. One last comment for now is aimed at all those people (including myself) that “invest” huge sums in cables of varying metallic mixtures to
‘correct’ or ‘enhance’ their audio systems. Stop, stop right now and buy one of these first. You will save yourself a lot of time, expense, and frustration.
The answer is in the buffer – it will bring a smile to your ears.
Richard J UK
A guy with ears
I have tested today with my headphone system and my Wadia/iPod set up, although not on my main system as my power amp is still unwell.
I love listening to music, it is my hobby, and it makes me happy, and boy am I happy right now. I am not an expert audiophile reviewer and don’t
understand the technical aspects or the terms that they use, but I have ears and I know what I like when I hear it. I can give you a very simple analogy
from a guy who wears glasses. Without my glasses the world is blurred and with them on I can see really clearly. This is what it’s like with the AB-160 in
my system – it’s like 20:20 vision for your ears. Everything is in the right place and crystal clear.
I read in a review of the AB-100 that it works great on mid-range components, but on high-end kit the difference is less significant. I don’t own any high-
end, but when using the AB-160 with my Wadia 170 I-transport the former applied. The improvement was exceptional. It was as good as the
improvements on the Unison Research Unico CD player which suggests to me that this buffer is a great leveler, bringing everything ‘up’ to a higher
standard. One last comment for now is aimed at all those people (including myself) that “invest” huge sums in cables of varying metallic mixtures to
‘correct’ or ‘enhance’ their audio systems. Stop, stop right now and buy one of these first. You will save yourself a lot of time, expense, and frustration.
The answer is in the buffer – it will bring a smile to your ears.
Richard J UK
A guy with ears
User Feedbacks-
The buffer arrived this afternoon and immediately went into my gear. initially, i thought it would be prudent to let it burn in for several days before i wrote
to you, but what greeted me has proven such a wait is not needed. i used several cd's which i think might be somewhat universal among us.
first one i listened to was glenn gould's 1981 goldberg variations in its fantastic anolog version reissue. everyone knows that glenn gould had the
annoyance of a habit to hum along as he played. i usually could tolerate or even ignore this idiosyncracy of the great artist, that is, until this afternoon
when the low humming in the first track - aria turned into singing, or rather a recognizable melody, with your buffer's help. once the lyrical and gentle aria
was over, i was greeted by a sudden burst of strength from the second track - variation no. 1 that sent a sensation of surge into my arms through the
finger tips something i would normally feel at a higher volume setting, which sometimes bordered on being too noisy. for this album, my usual volume
had been set at 12 o'clock, and it was at 10 this afternoon.
enigma's name sake album has always been my favorite for test listening, in which case i really only mean "principles of lust" for its excellent
instrumentation. my listening volume was at 9 instead of the usual 11; nevertheless, i was feted with a much more brutal mauling than i had gotten from
any previous volume preference. the bass was rushing at me in waves of throbing vibration that sonically compressed my chest cavity, and the steel
frame of the couch that i sat on also was sending counter-resonance through my body. vocals in this song were no less gorgeous - the latin verse
sounded truly preacherly, the gregorian chant was sonorous all the way to the ceiling, and the female panting was downright erotic instead of immodest.
the last album was the carpenters' greatest hits. karen's voice took on a tinge of melancholy in "yesterday once more" in addition to its already silken
quality, and the background really came through but never intruded to the front. what i like about karen carpenter is sometimes the insouciance and
languorousness in her voice, rather elusive qualities but captured here.
in summary, this buffer has brought clarity, presence, and power. the vocals are much more palpable but not "in your face"; the bass has added more
density and more of a clearly defined shape; the higher register is coming out with aplomb but no shrill. the overall rendition speaks faithfulness and
honesty with fidelity to details. i don't know how much db gain this buffer brings, but whatever it gains here translates not so much in a louder volume as
in true musicality and character.
complements to you all,
Feng Shanghai
to you, but what greeted me has proven such a wait is not needed. i used several cd's which i think might be somewhat universal among us.
first one i listened to was glenn gould's 1981 goldberg variations in its fantastic anolog version reissue. everyone knows that glenn gould had the
annoyance of a habit to hum along as he played. i usually could tolerate or even ignore this idiosyncracy of the great artist, that is, until this afternoon
when the low humming in the first track - aria turned into singing, or rather a recognizable melody, with your buffer's help. once the lyrical and gentle aria
was over, i was greeted by a sudden burst of strength from the second track - variation no. 1 that sent a sensation of surge into my arms through the
finger tips something i would normally feel at a higher volume setting, which sometimes bordered on being too noisy. for this album, my usual volume
had been set at 12 o'clock, and it was at 10 this afternoon.
enigma's name sake album has always been my favorite for test listening, in which case i really only mean "principles of lust" for its excellent
instrumentation. my listening volume was at 9 instead of the usual 11; nevertheless, i was feted with a much more brutal mauling than i had gotten from
any previous volume preference. the bass was rushing at me in waves of throbing vibration that sonically compressed my chest cavity, and the steel
frame of the couch that i sat on also was sending counter-resonance through my body. vocals in this song were no less gorgeous - the latin verse
sounded truly preacherly, the gregorian chant was sonorous all the way to the ceiling, and the female panting was downright erotic instead of immodest.
the last album was the carpenters' greatest hits. karen's voice took on a tinge of melancholy in "yesterday once more" in addition to its already silken
quality, and the background really came through but never intruded to the front. what i like about karen carpenter is sometimes the insouciance and
languorousness in her voice, rather elusive qualities but captured here.
in summary, this buffer has brought clarity, presence, and power. the vocals are much more palpable but not "in your face"; the bass has added more
density and more of a clearly defined shape; the higher register is coming out with aplomb but no shrill. the overall rendition speaks faithfulness and
honesty with fidelity to details. i don't know how much db gain this buffer brings, but whatever it gains here translates not so much in a louder volume as
in true musicality and character.
complements to you all,
Feng Shanghai
"BursonAudio PI-100 Integrated Amplifier Plus Audio Buffer - A smooth and powerful first step" Reviewed by Clive Meakins, Enjoy the Music
"Burson Audio Buffer" reviewed by by Edgar Kramer, 6Moons
“Bursonaudio Discrete Op-amp and Audio Buffer” reviewed by Nick Whetstone, TNT Audio (English version)
"Burson Audio Buffer" reviewed by Max Dudious, Possitive Feedback
"Burson Audio Buffer" reviewed by by Edgar Kramer, 6Moons
“Bursonaudio Discrete Op-amp and Audio Buffer” reviewed by Nick Whetstone, TNT Audio (English version)
"Burson Audio Buffer" reviewed by Max Dudious, Possitive Feedback
Professional Reviews of the Burson Audio Buffer
Contact:
Douglas Jesse
11845 Highland Drive
Warren, Michigan 48089
586-944-5611
asi_tek@yahoo.com
Douglas Jesse
11845 Highland Drive
Warren, Michigan 48089
586-944-5611
asi_tek@yahoo.com
Request More Information about Burson Audio Products!
Use this form to contact us to get more information. You can
also use this form to order by sending us a message to get in
touch with you. We take all forms of payments.
also use this form to order by sending us a message to get in
touch with you. We take all forms of payments.
Stock AB-160
MSRP: $550
Stock AB-160 price:
$500 shipped (USA)
ASi Modified
MSRP: $725
ASi modified AB-160
$700 shipped (USA)
MSRP: $550
Stock AB-160 price:
$500 shipped (USA)
ASi Modified
MSRP: $725
ASi modified AB-160
$700 shipped (USA)
Questions?
Please Email for more info...
Please Email for more info...