Burson Fusion Core with Audeze LCD-2 and Audio-Technica ATH-AD2000X

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I’ve had the opportunity to try Fusion Core products from other brands in a similar price range, and while those products also feature impressive designs and specifications, their sound performance ultimately didn’t meet my expectations. One of the main challenges I faced was the limited availability of products that meet the 24V specification.
Unfortunately, Burson doesn’t have a dealer in Taiwan where I could personally experience the performance of the Fusion Core lineup. However, after reading numerous positive reviews and firsthand accounts from international users, I was encouraged to give Burson a try. My previous experience with the V7 Opamp Pro upgrade had already given me confidence in Burson’s products, so I thought their offerings would be a perfect match for my needs.
Now that I’ve experienced the Fusion Core, I can honestly say it has made a dramatic difference. The first listening session revealed an immediate and noticeable improvement: the soundstage feels wider, the overall resolution has been significantly enhanced, and the low frequencies now feel more flexible and deeper than before.
Though we haven’t fully explored the impact of the GaN transistors yet, I’m eager to see how they’ll contribute over time. I’m hopeful that as the Fusion Core continues to run, it will reveal even greater changes and improvements. So far, I’m very impressed and excited to see what’s next!

The System

Listening with

Audeze LCD-2 · Headphones: open-back, planar magnetic, circumaural
  • Impedance: 70 Ω
  • Sensitivity: 101 dB/1mW (at Drum Reference Point) ≈ 112.5 dB/V (calc.)
  • Frequency response: 10 Hz – 50 kHz
  • Plugs / cables supplied: 4-pin XLR cable; 4-pin XLR to 6.35 mm adapter cable; 6.35 to 3.5 mm adapter
  • Other: recommended power >250 mW;

[1]

Audio-Technica ATH-AD2000X · Headphones: open-air, dynamic, circumaural
  • Impedance: 40 Ω
  • Sensitivity: 103 dB/mW ≈ 117.0 dB/V (calc.)
  • Frequency response: 5 Hz – 45 kHz
  • Plugs / cables supplied: 3.0 m cable; 3.5 mm plug
  • Other: 53 mm driver; max input 2,000 mW; 265 g

[2]

Grado Alessandro M2
beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO · Headphones: open-back, dynamic, circumaural
  • Impedance: 80 Ω (page default; 250 and other versions sold)
  • Sensitivity: 96 dB SPL (reference not stated on page)
  • Frequency response: 5 Hz – 35 kHz
  • Plugs / cables supplied: straight cable with 3.5 mm plug and 6.35 mm adapter (current version)

[3]

Burson

Burson Fusion Core · Power supply (GaN, 24 V or 32 V)
  • Other: Fusion Core 24V: 24 V/15 A, 2.5 mm barrel (centre +); Fusion Core 32V: 32 V/15 A, 4-pin DC plug (Timekeeper 3X GT / Voyager / GT4); noise floor <1 µV; 100-240 V AC

[4] [5]

Burson V7 Vivid Opamp · Discrete opamp (single / dual) · discontinued
  • Output impedance: not published
  • Other: Supply ±4 V (8 VDC) to ±16 V (30 VDC); 18 mA single / 35 mA dual

[6] [5]

Specs from manufacturer data unless a source below says otherwise. “calc.” values are worked out from those figures (V = √(P × R); 110 dB SPL used as a loud reference level). Gear listed without specs is not in our spec library yet.

  1. Audeze LCD-2: audeze.com
  2. Audio-Technica ATH-AD2000X: audio-technica.com
  3. beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO: north-america.beyerdynamic.com
  4. Burson Fusion Core product page
  5. Burson Fusion Core User Manual V1.0 (Burson downloads)
  6. Burson V7 Vivid Opamp product page