Description
For listeners who want one box to handle digital conversion, headphone amplification, and preamplification, the Burson Audio Conductor 160D delivers all three functions in an Australian-designed chassis. Built around a BurrBrown PCM1793 24-bit DAC chip, the 160D accepts digital audio via USB (24-bit/96 kHz) or S/PDIF, then feeds a fully discrete class A headphone output stage capable of 650 mW into 300 Ω and 800 mW into 60 Ω. Three variable gain settings (0.18 W, 1.8 W, 4 W per channel) accommodate everything from sensitive in-ear monitors to low-efficiency planar magnetic headphones, while Burson's 24-step attenuator with <0.1% metal-film resistors keeps volume control precise and quiet. Separate DAC and analog power supplies isolate the converter from output-stage load, and the silver-anodized aluminum enclosure doubles as a monolithic heat sink for sustained class A operation. DAC and preamp outputs let it integrate into any system, whether driving headphones or feeding a power amplifier.
Specifications
| DAC Chip | BurrBrown PCM1793 24-bit |
| USB Resolution | 24-bit / 96 kHz |
| Frequency Response | 5 Hz (–0.3 dB) to 35 kHz (–1 dB) |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | >98 dB at zero circuit gain |
| THD | <0.001% into 6 mW / 300 Ω |
| Output Power (300 Ω) | 650 mW |
| Output Power (60 Ω) | 800 mW |
| Headphone Output Impedance | <5 Ω |
| Line-Out Impedance | 60 Ω |
| Input Impedance | 47 kΩ |
| Power Dissipation | 25 W |
| Dimensions | 265 × 259 × 80 mm |
| Weight | 7 kg |
| Amplifier Topology | Class A, dual-mono, fully discrete |
| I/V Conversion | Fully discrete class A transistor stage |
| Volume Control | 24-step attenuator, <0.1% metal-film resistors |
| Gain Settings | 3-step: 0.18 W, 1.8 W, 4 W per channel |
| Enclosure | Silver-anodized aluminum, monolithic heat sink |
| Audio Components | Elna audio caps, Wima film caps, Dale resistors |
