Burson Timekeeper 3X GT Review by Passion for Sound: “They Keep Getting Better!”

Note: the Timekeeper 3X GT reviewed here is the predecessor of the current Burson Timekeeper GT4. The reviewer’s impressions apply to the 3X GT.

In “They keep getting better!”, Lachlan Fennen of Passion for Sound reviews the 2023 version of the Burson Timekeeper 3X GT monoblocks, priced at $4,000 a pair. He states he has no affiliation with Burson.

Features

• Class A for the first 30W, then Class AB
• An input buffer with two gain settings
• No volume control, so an external preamp is needed
• A front power switch with LED, plus rear 12V triggers, binding posts, XLR and RCA inputs, and input and gain buttons
• Super Charger power supply

System

Lachlan used a Chord Hugo TT2 as DAC and preamp, with Harbeth P3ESR XD and Revel M105 speakers, and showed the amps on a Burson Mothership.

Sound: Clean, Resolving and Spectacular Imaging

He found the Timekeepers clean and resolving without being analytical. Imaging and soundstage were spectacular, and tonality was spot-on. He heard no difference between the XLR and RCA inputs.

Comparison: Enleum AMP-23R

Against the Enleum AMP-23R (about $6,250), the Timekeepers had tighter imaging, more dynamics and a crisper top end, while the Enleum was smoother. With SP1 modules the two were neck and neck. With the SP2 upgrade (about $300), the Timekeepers clearly stepped ahead.

Drawbacks

• The 12V trigger from his Soloist turned the amps on even in headphone mode
• Inputs are switched by rear buttons on each amp, with no remote
• They need space, an extra power outlet and a volume control upstream
• They cannot tame bright speakers

Verdict

Lachlan gives the Timekeeper 3X GT a “resounding recommendation”.

Watch the full review on YouTube.

Discover the full features and specifications on the Burson Timekeeper GT4 product page.