Impedance mismatching, your audio system may have it. What is it?
Impedance mismatching refers to a situation where the various audio gears are not fully synergised. This usually occurs between the source (CD player, Dac, Ipod) and the rest of the audio setup. When the audio system is not fully synergised, it is not fully optimised, resulting in signal loss and distortion.
Mismatching in Hi End Audio
Different circuitry designs produce different input and output impedance. Therefore,
impedance compatibility needs to be considered before buying any piece of audio
equipment.
However, while some manufacturers are willing to disclose the I/O impedance figures, others are not. Therefore unless the entire audio system is purchased from the same manufacturer within the same product line, it is most likely that impedance mismatching will exist.
As a result, the audio market is full of confusion, myth and plenty of ill-advised investments. Due to impedance mismatching, it is very likely that most audiophiles are only hearing approximately 70% of their systems full potential.
Mismatching in IPod & PC Audio (the file format may be lossless but is the playback
lossless?)
Ipods and PCs can play back lossless audio files that are identical to CD quality. But when connected to a high-end system, they always sound flat and lifeless compared to even a cheap $200 CD player! There always seems to be a need to turn up the volume to achieve a similar level of sound. . Why?
The reason is that the Ipod and soundcards were designed to be compact, light weight and energy efficient. Their audio output stages are completely different to any home based audio equipment. The Ipod is powered by a 5V battery and the soundcard runs on 12V, while, a home audio equipment will always run on 24V+. Therefore Ipods and soundcards were never designed to synergise with any of the hi-end amplifiers, so one can only imagine the amount of impedance mismatch between them.
Therefore, although that audio file is lossless, the play-back through an amplifier is certainly not!
The Solution
The Burson Audio Buffer is designed to remove any impedance mismatch by acting as an isolation platform between any of the source components e.g.(CD, DVD, SACD player, Phono preamp, PC sound card or even an IPod) and downstream amplification (preamp, intergraded amp, etc). The Burson Audio Buffer will increase signal transmission efficiency between all components, unlocking the potential of any system.
Features
Specifications & Application
Output Noise Level : 0.015MV (nil input)
Maximum Output Voltage :12VRMS
Maximum Input Voltage: 6VRMS
SN:120DB
Frequency Response :0-220KHZ(-3DB)
Gain: 3-6dB selectable (great for passive preamp)
Net Weight: 5.5 kg
Dimensions (180mm X 250mm X 80mm)
Other Features:
• Dual Mono design for maximum noise separation
• Extreme short signal path less than 6cm on quality PCB
• High Quality components (Elna Audio graded caps, carefully matched high quality audio transistors, DALE military graded resistors...) with hand soldering
What to expect once your system is synergised?
Once the AB-160 is in place, sonic details that were once lost, will be fully reproduced to create a more complete experience.
Play familiar – very familiar – material, and you will hear the finest details fully resolved, while the fundamentals take on a new level of life and solidity. That “harsh digital sound” will be replaced by a wider and more three dimensional sound stage.
High Sensitivity Input Buffer (HSIB)
Fearing for a loss of transparency, most audiophiles are reluctant to add another component to their audio chain. But those who have tried the AB-160 know that the buffer in fact enhances sonic transparency by synergising the entire audio system.
The AB-160 has achieved absolute transparency through our patented Burson HSIB stage. The HSIB is an FET input stage that has very high input impedance (hence very sensitive to even low level input). This effectively allows our buffer stage to match up to any input or output signal drains, and realise the full potential of the audio system without adding any colouration of its own.
Resonance Free Aluminium (RFA) Enclosure
The AB-160 is housed in a 6mm case, constructed from high precision machined aluminium. This enclosure allows the AB-160, to achieve a very high mechanical damping factor, which reduces any microphonic effects, that may degrade the clarity of sonic performance.
The enclosure was also constructed to act as a giant heat-sink, which allows the Class-A buffer to run cooler, and remain optimised at all times.
Unboxing AB160 by Morten Teinum
In a sunny morning up the hill Morten Teinum (Norway) unpacks his new toy...
Burson AB-160 unboxing from Morten Teinum on Vimeo.
Audio Buffer 160 Reviews
Audio Buffer 160 review by Garry Paternoster (WA)
Audio Buffer 160 review by Louis Cortes (Maxico)
Audio Buffer 160 review by Feng Quan (China)
Audio Buffer 160 review by Richard J (UK)
Integrated Amp 160 & Buffer 160 Review by System Review (Korean)
AB-160 Reviews & Feedbacks
| Audio Buffer 160 review by Stirling E. System:Teac (Esoteric) DV50 multi-format disc playerSonus Faber Musica integrated ampSonus Faber Minima Amator speakersGravis subwooferRega P5/RB700/Exact turntable/arm/cartridge and PS Audio GCPH phono stage.Van Den Hul The First/MC Gold interconnectsIxos Gamma Biwire speaker cable.Didn?t know what to expect from the Burson especially given the high quality of the Teac front-end. On installing the Burson noticed immediately the sound from CD had... Burson Audio Buffer 160 review by Richard J (UK) 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... Burson Audio Buffer - Active vs Passive preamps....... Active vs Passive preamps...or 2 Buffers and a Preamp. - by Henry G.A year or so ago someone created a poll on this subject. I voted for Passive.I should point out that my passive system is excessively passive. After my dac chip to the power amp, I have no active components. The most unusual item is the passive output stage of the dac. That paired with a passive tvc (Promitheus audio) gives a real clarity but a thiness to the sound. It seems that... Burson Audio Buffer 160 review by Feng (Shanghai) Your 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... Audio Buffer 160 review by Alessandro Crea of PC-Tuner (Italian Hi Fi & PC magazine) The popular Italian PC Audio magazine PC Tuner granted the Best Product award for to the AB160 audio buffer.The editor concluded " For all others, the suggestion is given a chance to this little device: You may be surprised. For its qualities and its qualitative value for money, writing PC Tuner decided to give the Burson Audio Buffer AB-160 his award..."Read on at: http://www.pctuner.net/articoli/audio_accessori/1299/Burson-Audio-Buffer-AB-160... Burson Audio Buffer 160 Review by Steve Audio enthusiasts generally have a healthy interest, although cynical at times, around new bits of kit and gear that pop up from time to time in the audio market. When you weed your way through the snake charmers and medicine men you occasionally find something that catches your eye and you want to know more.I'm inquisitive but I get somewhat disappointed when I find what I thought was new, innovative and maybe a little different is just a 'pig w... Audio Buffer 160 - Alpha Audio The Netherlands (In Dutch) http://www.alpha-audio.nl/ Burson Audio is nog niet zo groot in Nederland. Het Australische bedrijf produceert onder meer custom opamps, versterkers in alle soorten en maten en zelfs een aparte klok om jitter te elimineren. De filosofie van het bedrijf is duidelijk en krachtig: 'Burson Sounds good, like a solid state should'. Deze nuchtere kijk op audio past prima binnen de Nederlandse cultuur. Alpha Audio bekijkt en beluistert de Audio Buff... Burson Audio Buffer 160 review by Garry Paternoster Haven?t had a lot of time to date to evaluate the buffer amp but spent today in detailed comparison of the buffer amp in my Audio system. My current system comprises all Audio Analogue equipment all in the latest Maestro range comprising a pair of Class A SE stereo maps run in Bi amp mode with a Stereo line SE Preamp and Ver:1 & Ver:2 Maestro 192/24 CD players fed by a Shunyata Hydra V-Ray power conditioner. My current ... |
| Burson Audio Buffer 160 & Cambridge 640 P pre-amp Terry M The turntable (via pre-amp ) , CD player and cassette deck all go through the Buffer. Position 1 switches the T/T, and position 2 switches either CD player or cassette deck ( connected to that input via a double T type RCA connector ) depending on which is playing. The output of course just goes to the AV amp - - ( select CD position for all three ). Without pulling the entire unit away from the wall, it is almost impossible to give any real idea... Burson Audio Buffer 160 Feedback - George L   Burson Audio Buffer 160 with SONY SCD-X501ES by SR System (French)  Original Post: http://srsystemaudio.blogspot.com/2009/07/burson-audio-buffer-ab-160.html  Audio Buffer 160 - Alpha Audio The Netherlands (In Dutch) http://www.alpha-audio.nl/ Burson Audio is nog niet zo groot in Nederland. Het Australische bedrijf produceert onder meer custom opamps, versterkers in alle soorten en maten en zelfs een aparte klok om jitter te elimineren. De filosofie van het bedrijf is duidelijk en krachtig: 'Burson Sounds good, like a solid state should'. Deze nuchtere kijk op audio past prima binnen de Nederlandse cultuur. Alpha Audio bekijkt en beluistert de Audio Buff... Burson Audio Buffer 160 & Rotel RA-06 review by Luis Cortes (Mexico) Somewhere I read that my Rotel RA-06 was lacking of the lower frequencies, and to try to solve this, I took some decisions, including buying a 12" Velodyne sub. Due to my relatively new interest in sound equipment, I found that was making several mistakes and tried to correct them by several ways:One of my major improvements came until I changed a couple of times my speaker cables, now I use QED silver anniversary XT Biwire and also replacing al... Burson Audio Buffer 160 review by Garry Paternoster Haven?t had a lot of time to date to evaluate the buffer amp but spent today in detailed comparison of the buffer amp in my Audio system. My current system comprises all Audio Analogue equipment all in the latest Maestro range comprising a pair of Class A SE stereo maps run in Bi amp mode with a Stereo line SE Preamp and Ver:1 & Ver:2 Maestro 192/24 CD players fed by a Shunyata Hydra V-Ray power conditioner. My current ... Burson AB-160 Audio Buffer Customer Feedbacks  The sound is realistic. It's terrific. Dave Canada  Audio Buffer XLR Tested by Matt A in his recording studio I have conducted a number of tests on the XLR buffer, and have prepared 2 CDs (see below) These include several short bass guitar tracks, as that is what I usually play, although I haven't played much for the last couple of years due to concentrating on sound engineering. I've also included some distorted guitar tracks.SIGNAL PATHOn both CDs I usedBass:Rickenbacker 4003 bass....through JLM TMP8 pre amps (Joe Malone makes his own gear up in Brisba... |
Clean Power
Just like an athlete needs clean air to perform at an optimum standard – audio equipment needs clean power to reproduce transparent and natural music.
Utilising the Burson Audio discrete (IC free) low noise regulator technology we have ensured that only the cleanest power is running through every component of our AB-160.