Burson Audio
Burson Soloist 3X Performance
Best high-power amplifier for audiophiles seeking customizable, reference-grade headphone performance.
The Burson Soloist 3X Performance is a desktop headphone amplifier and pre-amplifier that builds upon the legacy of the original Soloist. It features fully discrete Class-A circuitry and a resistor ladder volume control for precise audio reproduction. This amplifier boasts astonishing power, capable of delivering 8000mW in XLR and 4000mW single-ended, while maintaining a pitch-black background. It utilizes three sets of Burson's proprietary Max Current Power Supplies (MCPS) for clean and abundant energy. The Soloist 3X-Performance also supports opamp rolling, allowing for personalized sound tuning.
$869.00
More Soloist Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
52
/ 731
#52 in Headphone Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
-38%
Below average
Amplifier type
Solid-state
/ Solid-state
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking uncompromising clarity and emotional musical depth
- Headphone collectors needing power for demanding, high-impedance gear
- Design-conscious listeners who value durable, high-end hardware
Who should skip it
- Budget-focused buyers looking for entry-level audio solutions
- Desktop users with limited space or poor ventilation
- Listeners wanting an all-in-one unit with an integrated DAC
Performance breakdown
Drive Capability
Massive power output effortlessly handles even the most demanding planar magnetic headphones.
Background Silence
MCPS technology ensures a pitch-black noise floor for absolute sonic clarity.
Channel Precision
The MUSES72320 controller maintains perfect balance even at very low volumes.
Customization Potential
Gold-plated DIP8 sockets make opamp rolling accessible for personalized sound signatures.
Circuitry Quality
Fully discrete Class-A design delivers a rich and highly transparent signal.
Versatility
Dual functionality as a powerful headphone amp and high-end pre-amplifier.
Key Specs
Amplifier type
Solid-state
Connectivity
Wired
Portability
Not Portable
Output Power (XLR)
8000mW
Output Power (Single-ended)
4000mW
Volume Control
MUSES72320 resistor ladder
Gain Settings
Three levels
Input Buffer Stage
Included
Features
- Fully discrete Class-A amplification for pristine sound
- Proprietary Max Current Power Supplies (MCPS) for clean, abundant energy
- Elitist MUSES72320 volume controller for perfect channel balance
- Headphone Power Amp Mode for bypassing volume control
- Supports opamp rolling for personalized sound tuning
- Exceptional power output to drive demanding headphones
- Low current noise for a pitch-black background
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Burson Soloist 3X Performance for its exceptional sound quality and robust build. Many highlight its ability to deliver a powerful, detailed, and expansive audio experience, transforming their listening sessions. The amplifier's clean power and transparent presentation are frequently mentioned, driving a wide range of headphones with impressive authority. Users appreciate the premium feel and solid construction, reinforcing its high end appeal. This product is often seen as a significant upgrade, offering a refined and engaging sound that justifies its position in the market.
Know before you buy
Yes. With 8000mW of power via the XLR output and 4000mW single-ended, this amplifier is designed to handle even the most demanding planar magnetic and high-impedance headphones with ease.
The MUSES72320 is a high-end resistor ladder volume control that ensures perfect channel balance at any volume level, eliminating the channel imbalance often found in traditional potentiometers at low volumes.
The Soloist 3X Performance features gold-plated DIP8 sockets that allow you to swap out the internal operational amplifiers (opamps). This lets you customize the sonic signature of the device to better match your specific headphones or personal listening preferences.
Absolutely. The Soloist 3X Performance functions as a high-quality pre-amplifier, and it includes a Headphone Power Amp Mode that allows you to bypass the internal volume control if you prefer to use an external DAC or pre-amp to manage your signal.
Burson's proprietary MCPS technology raises the power supply frequency to a level beyond human hearing, which results in a lower noise floor and a 'pitch-black' background, allowing for greater detail and clarity in your music.
Yes, the unit features three levels of gain settings, which allows you to adjust the output to match the sensitivity of your headphones or IEMs, ensuring you have a usable volume range without background hiss.
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Ready to buy?
$869