The Conductor Virtuoso is a USB DAC, Headphone Amplifier and Preamplifier in one elegant, beautifully-built package. Many audiophiles use an outboard DAC and headphone amplifier to drive their headphones or desktop systems. The Conductor Virtuoso is a highly-engineered yet modestly-priced component with up to 4 watts of power to drive any headphone with ease. Or consumers can use the Conductor Virtuoso’s preamp functions to make it the center of a headphone and speaker-based desktop system, or a larger speaker system using Burson’s Timekeeper power amp.
Consumers can also use the Conductor Virtuoso’s preamp functions to make it the center of a headphone and speaker-based desktop system or a larger speaker system using Burson’s Timekeeper power amp. Consumers can also use the Conductor Virtuoso’s preamp functions to make it the center of a headphone and speaker-based desktop system or a larger speaker system using Burson’s Timekeeper power amp.
How Virtuoso is it?
Burson has significantly upgraded and refined previous generations of the Conductor. Besides big power, the new Conductor Virtuoso includes a new, stunning 100-step volume control with a fresh and easy-to-read display. When the Virtuoso is turned on the volume indicators appear on the face of the thick, antiresonant aluminum front plate.
Consumers can choose from two interchangeable DAC boards with different sonic characteristics, and the modular design makes for no-fuss upgrades. Another important consideration is Burson doesn’t use densely-packed op-amps but instead all discrete circuitry for superior tonality, clarity and a lower noise floor. The remote control is worthy of the Burson badge, carved from solid aluminum with no visible screws. The touch and feel of Burson products matches their irresistible sound. They’ll pull you into the music in a visceral, exciting way for a lavish musical experience.
The Conductor Virtuoso is shipping now with the ESS9018 Sabre DAC at $1,995USD / €1,850 Euros. The Burr Brown PCM1793 version is priced at $1,495USD / €1,451 Euros.
The suite at the Venetian will is divided into two sections, one dedicated to headphone listening, the other for two-channel audio. The headphone room features two Conductor Virtuosos with the Sabre 9018 DAC and one Conductor Virtuoso with the Burr Brown PCM 1793 DAC. Plus a Soloist and a Soloist SL. The two-channel room features a Burr Brown PCM 1793 DAC and Burson’s new Timekeeper Virtuoso amplifier driving a pair of SVS Ultra Bookshelf speakers. Burson is demonstrating their products on pairs of Audeze LCD-3, LCD-XC, and Audeze’s new EL-8. Audeze are also demoing with a pair of Conductor Virtuosos at South Hall 1, Booth 22018. You can also audition the Timekeeper Virtuoso amplifier at M&K Sound, Venetian Suite 30-330.
Key features of the Timekeeper Virtuoso stereo power amplifier include class-AB operation with a specially-tailored transformer making 100Wpc in 8 ohms and 200 into 4 ohms, 300 bridged into 8 ohms, and an incredible 600Wpc bridged into 4 ohms using one amp per channel. MSRP is projected as $3,450 when released in the first quarter of this year. Due to its small size and huge performance the Timekeeper Virtuoso is suitable for any listening environment, small or large. It looks and sounds great on a desktop and its ideal for high-end home theater or commercial environments where equipment is often hidden. You’ll also see the prototype of the upcoming Timekeeper Virtuoso Integrated Amplifier.
Burson Audio| www.BursonAudio.com |