Description
For audiophiles seeking uncompromising headphone amplification, the Burson Audio HA-160 delivers reference-grade performance from a fully discrete Class A design built in Melbourne, Australia. This solid-state powerhouse drives demanding headphones with authority—delivering 650mW into 300 ohms and 800mW into 60 ohms while maintaining distortion below 0.001%.
The HA-160 showcases Burson's signature HD Opamp modules, constructed from hand-picked discrete transistors rather than integrated circuits, paired with a custom 24-position stepped attenuator featuring precision metal film resistors. Dual 1/4-inch headphone outputs accommodate both low-impedance (15-150 ohm) and high-impedance (150-500 ohm) designs, ensuring optimal drive across a wide range of listening pairs.
The 6mm clear-anodized sandblasted aluminum enclosure doubles as a complete heatsink, eliminating the need for conventional cooling solutions while maintaining a substantial 6kg chassis that resists microphonic resonance. Reviewers at The Absolute Sound praised its tonal balance and clarity, while Head-Fi community members note its ability to reveal fine detail with exceptional image density. The frequency response extends from 5Hz to 35kHz, preserving both sub-bass extension and treble airiness.
Specifications
| Type | Solid-state, fully discrete Class A headphone amplifier |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz (-0.3dB) to 35kHz (-1dB) |
| THD | <0.001% @ 6mW/300 Ohms |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | >98dB at 0dB gain |
| Channel Separation | >70dB at 10kHz |
| Input Impedance | 47K Ohms |
| Output Impedance | 5 Ohms |
| Output Power | 650mW @ 300 Ohms, 800mW @ 60 Ohms |
| Analog Inputs | One stereo pair via gold-plated RCA jacks with Teflon insulators |
| Headphone Outputs | Two 1/4" phone jacks (left: 15-150Ω low Z; right: 150-500Ω high Z) |
| Volume Control | Burson 24-position stepped attenuator with <0.1% metal film resistors |
| Output Stage | Two pairs of A1930/C5171 Toshiba transistors (push/pull) |
| Power Supply Capacitors | Two Nippon ChemCorp 63V/10,000uF storage caps + 14 silver mica caps |
| Enclosure | 6mm clear-anodized sandblasted aluminum (doubles as heatsink) |
| Dimensions | 280 x 110 x 44mm |
| Weight | 6kg |