- Powerful headphone amps/preamps with and without ESS DAC
- Dedicated low noise IEM amplification stage and up to 8W output
- From $1,500 / £1,700 / €1,600 / AU$2,600
Australia-based head-fi company Burson Audio has launched a new series of Class A desktop audio devices. The Stellar series features two models: the Stellar Conductor, which is a high-resolution DAC, Class A headphone amplifier and desktop preamplifier, and the Stellar Soloist, which is a headphone amplifier and preamplifier.
Positioned between the entry-level Party Playmate 3 and Grand Tourer products, the Stellar devices promise to bring the “essence” of Burson’s flagship Voyager series in a more compact and accessible form.
While both products are happy to work with all types of headphones, one of the key selling points is for IEM owners: the Stellar duo comes with a dedicated ultra-low noise IEM amplification stage built around two TPA6120A2 amplifier chips. Burson says the result is a pure, hiss-free experience in highly sensitive ears.
Article continues below.
Burson Soloist Stellar and Conductor Stellar: Key Features and Pricing
Both devices deliver 8W of Class A power through four Onsemi MJE15032 transistors per channel, optimized for high Class A bias and powered by Burson’s Max Current power supply. The enclosures are inspired by spaceships and feature precision-machined fins and vents for optimal heat dissipation.
The Stellar Conductor is based on the ESS9039PRO DAC, whose filters and routing settings have been selected to match the analog output stage, and has been designed to connect to almost anything. It has Bluetooth 5.0 with LDAC, aptX HD, and AAC, and supports high-resolution wireless audio up to 24-bit/96kHz. It’s Roon-ready and its USB-C input supports native DSD512 and 32-bit/768kHz PCM.
The Soloist Stellar dispenses with the DAC and focuses solely on amplification. It has independent channel balance controls for headphones and speakers, correcting for room asymmetry and natural hearing differences.
Both devices have XLR and RCA inputs plus mic bypass for gaming headphones, and the outputs are an XLR preout, an RCA preout, and a mono RCA subwoofer output. Headphone outputs are XLR, 6.35mm and 3.5mm. Headphone output is up to 8 W at 16 ohms and 500 mW at 300 ohms.
Ready to find out the prices? The recommended retail prices for the Stellar Series are (take a deep breath):
- stellar director (Standard Edition): $1,800 / £2,000 / €1,900 / AU$2,800
- Star Soloist (Standard Edition): $1,500 / £1,700 / €1,600 / AU$2,600
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