It Makes a Statement
The PI-160 makes the statement, that a properly designed solid-state amplifier is no less musical than any of the valve amps. In addition to this, a properly designed solid-state amplifier has the definition and driving power, that valve amps could never achieve.
No ICs.
The primary reason why most solid-state amps on the market sound less musical and more “digital” than valve amps, is due to their use of integrated circuit (ICs) within their circuitry design. ICs are bad for musical reproduction.They suffer from many limitation due to the fabrication process compare to their discrete counter part.
The PI-160 has been designed with no ICs within its circuitry. By doing this, the preservation of the micro detail, the thing that makes music musical is ensured. Our discrete (IC free) approach allowed us to optimise our design and tune our machines to achieve the best in audio reproduction. The elimination of ICs has made the PI-160 far more superior to its IC based competitors - on all fronts.
Features
High Definition
The function of Opamps at the input stage is as important as the lens on a cinema projector. Regardless of the analytical capability of the audio gear, an inferior opamp will halve a machine’s performance, and distort every dB of sonic imagery.
The PI-160 features our acclaimed Burson HD audio opamp. It enables the PI-160 to reproduce music in superior resolution and accuracy.
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 PI-160.
A performance focused volume control
At the time when an audio signal is passing through the volume control, it is still at its weakest. At this stage, the audio signal is very vulnerable to noise pollution and interference. A major source of such distortion is the commonly used remote volume control adopted by most manufactures.
Burson Audio recognized the drawbacks associated with remote volume controls and deemed them unacceptable. Instead, we developed a 24 stepped attenuator, constructed with the best quality components available. Our Burson stepped attenuator ensures preservation of even the weakest audio signal; The air between instruments, the decay after an attack and all micro details that makes music enjoyable.
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Features Inputs Speaker Outputs Case Material
SpecificationsTHD (20Hz - 20kHz @ 8 ohm) Input Sensitivity/Impedance Frequency Response S/N Ratio Number of Channels Output Power/Channel (20Hz - 20kHz) Custom build low noise transformer Color Operation Power Requirement Power Consumption Dimensions W x H x D (mm) Weight (Kg) |
3 sets (one set power amp inputs) 2 sets Polished aluminum
0.01% 240mV/20k 10Hz - 250kHz (+/- 3dB) 98dB (CD, Line) 2 85W @ 8 168W @ 4 1 x 380VA Toroidal Silver Class AB 240V / 120V AC 300W Peak 430 X 100 X 360mm 16.5kg
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Sonic Characteristics
The PI-160 sounds smooth and delicate, with open, extended highs. It has sufficient mid bass punch and the ability to throw a wide, deep sound stage. It is able to exert tight control over the most demanding speakers. Unlike most solid-state amplifiers on the market, the mid and mid high of the PI-160 sounds more transparent and full of substance. Never dry.
If your focus is on craftsmanship, quality and a lot of music then you will realise the PI-160 is a timeless classic.
Resonance Free Aluminium (RFA) Enclosure The enclosure was also constructed to act as a giant heat-sink, which allows the Class-AB output stage to run cooler, and remain optimised at all times.
Integrated Amplifier 160 Reviews
Integrated Amp 160 review by Andrejs Nolle (3AW Radio Station)
Integrated Amp 160 review by Chtis Marlton
Integrated Amp 160 & Buffer 160 Review by System Review (Korean)
Integrated Amp 160 Review by Burkard Schmilgun Director of CPO
PI-160 Reviews & Feedbacks
| Burson Audio PI-160 Creates Music Magic Review by Andrejs NolleProduction Manager - Radio 3AW - Melbourne, AustraliaHaving worked as a Sound Engineer / Radio Producer for 23 years, I?ve seen and heard a lot of gear, and after moving house last year decided to finally upgrade my home music system.First I found new speakers - VERY difficult as I'd loved my Scan Speaks for a long time. Finally settled on AAD 2002s by legendary designer Phil Jones.My NAD C541 made way for a Rega Saturn CDP... Burson Audio PI-160 Review My Burson PI-160 arrived on a rainy Thursday afternoon in December. I made some space, and removed my T-Amp from my setup, and plugged my Nakamichi MB10 cd player into my Burson Audio Buffer, which I plugged into my PI-160. Despite the constant talk of burn in of the amplifier the difference I heard was not subtle and it was immediate. An instant depth was given to the music, and the separation between instruments and vocals was noticeable.Over t... |
Integrated amp 160 Review by Burkhard Schmilgun - Director A & R CPO After using the PI-160 for nearly two months for checking the master CDs for cpo I must confess that I am totally enthusiastic about the warmth and the naturalness of its sound! Before I had used the Yamaha AX-860 but yours is preferable and much more analytic. Burkhard Schmilgun Director of CPO (respectable classical CD label) http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2007/june07/Schmilgun.htm  Burson Audio PI-160 Intergraded Amplifier Feedback by Raymond T   The PI-160 amplifier arrived and it sounds marvelous! I'm currently listening to Vladimir Ashkenazy on my turntable and the experience is best described as breathtaking. Here are some updated pics of my setup if you wish to add them to the playmates gallery. Cheers, Ray http://www.salburg.net/audio.html  Burson PI-160 Intergraded Amplifier Customer Feedbacks  The PI-160 is working beautifully.I find that the music is very clear and natural - realistic. It seem to leap out of a dark background. I can picture the artists playing. I am very pleased with the sound... Dave Canada  |