HiFi Huff, a two-channel stereo listener of around 35 years, asked whether a high-end headphone system could win him over in his video “What’s it like to listen to a high end headphone setup?” (9 March 2024). He built it around the Burson Soloist Voyager, which he calls Burson’s flagship headphone amp, with the Audeze LCD-5, Meze 109 Pro and Verum 1 headphones. Here are the highlights.
He first used the system at his bedside, then moved it into his listening room. He likes the look of the Voyager with its copper accents, its simple interface and the small all-metal remote for input, volume and mute. With no built-in DAC, he fed it from a streamer over RCA, and he also plugged a turntable straight in for what he called a more intimate, richer vinyl experience on headphones.
He found it a very quiet amp in use. It does put out heat because it runs in Class A, and he notes it gets a little hot after being left on, which he sees as one of the costs of Class A operation.
Used as a preamp with a stereo power amp, he describes the sound as energetic, open, transparent and a little liquid, with controlled bass. He says it bested a couple of dedicated preamps he has, and he preferred the Burson as a preamp.
With the LCD-5 he heard a warm, fluid, refined sound with a full midrange and tight, controlled bass, while cymbals and treble detail came through shimmery and separated from the music. The pairing created an almost 3D stage, and he says there was nothing bright, thin or analytical about the LCD-5 on the Voyager.
The Voyager powered all three headphones without any issue, with gain on medium. He describes it as “a killer amp” and highlights its 10 Watts of Class A power.
He says the Soloist Voyager and LCD-5 were the first headphone system that had him listening to headphones about as much as his speakers, and calls it a magical, soulful experience. For a rich, refined yet airy and detailed system, he recommends checking out the Burson Soloist Voyager with the Audeze LCD-5.
Watch the full video on HiFi Huff’s YouTube channel: What’s it like to listen to a high end headphone setup?.
Discover the full features and specifications on the Burson Soloist Voyager product page.
