Things Just Changed FOREVER! 2023 Soloist GT Headphone amp review

[@TheBursonAudio]

Thank you, Passion for Sound. With your encouragement, Burson will continue to innovate for the audiophile community! Cheers mate!

[@PassionforSound]

I can't wait to hear what comes next!

[@asan1050]

Passion for Sound! ThanksMuch!

[@robertnoblitt518]

Hi Lachlan! Thanks for this very interesting review. I'm still using on a daily basis, the original Burson Soloist GT (balanced), and still very happy with it. At my age, I can't be sure I would hear a difference if I upgraded to the new version.

[@PassionforSound]

Hi Bobby, so nice to hear from you twice in short succession! I imagine you'd hear a difference, but it's not to say that it's worth rushing out and swapping it for the new one. If you're already enjoying the music and not feeling the need for anything more, I'd say to stick with it and focus on the music. 🙂🙂

[@invisiblekid99]

Just bought an open box 3X GT (2023) and I am completely blown away. Stunned. £1900 (plus a DAC) which is £1200 than spent on my returned Serenade . Ouch. And I want the SP-02 modules so er, yeah my bank account is a lost less happy then I am. But it is phenominal thing, barring a couple of slight niggles. 1) I much prefer switches for gain. It's 6 button presses to change gain and a LOT volume turning.......and you will need to change in either direction. 2) The senstive volume adjusment. Now, I actually love the micro adjustments in normal running. But considering the power, this amp is a bit of a faff when usiong IEM's. it's so powerful, unnless your running say Tin Hifi P1's you will almost certainly need to drop the volume and gain to low. But you have got to remember to do this otherwise you risk damaging them I'm sure. Perhaps it's the excited noob in me, but swapping and changing in my gleeful state I have to stop and think about what I need to do, espically since niggle No.1. 3) The fan in a dead quier room is a little intrusive for my computer set-up and with Arya's, so browsing the web with a break in music or a talky YT like this you can hear it. but back off a couple of feet and it all but disappears. Overall however, I'm a very happy bunny indeed.

[@PassionforSound]

So glad you're enjoying the sound of the Soloist. Congrats!

[@Nephilim-81]

Amazing what clean power and more refined power supplies can do to the overall sound. ❤

[@PassionforSound]

Absolutely

[@ChuckPappas]

Proud owner of a 2023 model due to your live stream early preview. Really looking forward to upgrading to the SP2 when they become available. Hope that’s soon!

[@PassionforSound]

Great choice! Hope you love the SP2 upgrade as much as I do

[@joshuvaantonio]

Can you kindly tell me which is the best single unit dac/amp for Sennheiser HD800s ? Is burson 3x gt a good one? I hear that they change the sound signature of tracks. I need the hd 800s to perform its best in its full potential but a dac/amp shouldn’t interfere with the musical experience and soundstage ( Ps - i hate stack setup )

[@PassionforSound]

If you're after an all-in-one (not a stack) then I'd be recommending the Chord Hugo 2, Burson Conductor GT4 or Chord TT2. The recently reviewed Dethonray Listening M1 is also a lovely option. Also, thank you so much for your Super Thanks!

[@joshuvaantonio]

@@PassionforSoundFor some reason, your comment didn’t come up in my notifications. Thank you big time ❤

[@PassionforSound]

My pleasure!

[@robertreynolds2212]

Currently own the 2021 version & still enjoy it daily! Update: Took advantage of the promotion Burson had a couple days ago & just received my 23’ Soloist GT. Should be receiving the SP-02 power modules next week.

[@fatdoi003]

are you tempted with v2023 + SP2?

[@PassionforSound]

Still a brilliant device too!

[@robertreynolds2212]

@@fatdoi003 Funny enough, I placed an order this morning. Haha.

[@sjqideez6626]

Thanks for this, looking forward to your Cen Grand Silver Fox review. It powers the ModHouse Tungsten quite well.

[@PassionforSound]

The Silver Fox is lovely. It's going to be quite the battle with the SF vs GT vs AMP-23R

[@DarkFire515]

Good stuff, the 3X-GT with the SP2's is going to be my end-game amp.

[@fatdoi003]

yes, i'll wait for next year EOFY to get one... hope they'll include SP2 as a package

[@PassionforSound]

Definitely a worthy endgame choice IMO

[@StephenMcGregor1986]

awesome review man 🙂

[@PassionforSound]

So glad you liked it!

[@tomdavis6371]

Burson just makes quality products, regardless of price point. I own the Conductor 3 Performance which is at a lower price point and I just love it. Plenty of clean power and I don't hear any noise.

[@PassionforSound]

No, the noise is all inaudible. Just aspects like separation and imaging get better as the power supply improves. That said, I completely agree the whole range is awesome though at each level.

[@tomdavis6371]

Oh I'm sure it gets better and better as we move up the line. I just can't though, it's a budget thing for me and that's OK. I am happy with what I own because it pleases my old man ears tremendously. I really enjoy your thoughts, thank-you.

[@PassionforSound]

So long as you're enjoying the music, you've got everything you need! 🎧🙂

[@aceofspades6667]

Getting the popcorn for this one.. Holo bliss and eneleum competition. 1 idea is an addendum where you use the SIL and sparkos op amps and talk through its improvements or changes to the new 3xGT. Muzg is another op amp thst is getting a ton of buzz for this one

[@PassionforSound]

I'd love to do this, but there are SO many op-amps and I can't afford to buy so many

[@aceofspades6667]

@@PassionforSound good point.. wasn’t sure if they would send to your channel or not.

[@PassionforSound]

Some will, some won't, but the quantity needed makes it a bit trickier to request free samples too

[@urbenkam]

Another amazing review. Clear good comparison. :) I have got the soloist simple version and timekeeper 3iR amp. I wonder if the sp2 units are able for those or these units cannot be upgraded with these chips . 🙏

[@PassionforSound]

Unfortunately, the SP modules are only for the 2023 version GT range at this stage (also, not sure if the Conductor GT has this capability yet)

[@dynamic-audio]

Excuse me. Which is the difference between soloist 3x gt with grey knob amd the version with red knob (in the 2022 versions) ?

[@PassionforSound]

That was entirely an aesthetic change (I.e. internal circuit was the same). The all silver version was an early model when the GT was first released.

[@abehaile2659]

Thanks for the updates and great review. I was on the verge of purchasing the Burson composer 3gt... Until I saw this😅 The 2023 soloist 3GT is $1,760 vs Composer 3GT at $2,000. What DAC would you pair with the Solist to achieve a comparable setup to the all-in-one composer?

[@abehaile2659]

Never mind, I see you've already very clearly laid out your top recommendations for various DACs in the description below😊👍🏾 thanks again

[@PassionforSound]

My pleasure! I hope the recommendations were helpful. 🙂🙂

[@imosolar]

Please how does one connect usb to the Burson conductor DAC amplifier without usb input?

[@PassionforSound]

The Conductor has a USB input. I don't understand the question.

[@S.G54321]

Please do a review of the Topping A70 pro. That things puts out a whopping 17W into 16ohm on balanced. Now that's crazy amounts

[@PassionforSound]

I've got it here now with a review coming soon. I like what I've heard so far, but have done zero comparisons. Of course, maximum power doesn't mean much unless you're driving Abyss, Susvara or HE-6, but we'll see how it goes...

[@phil5743]

Great detailed review - I’m pondering whether one of these would make a good addition to my Chord Hugo 2 and Meze Elites?

[@PassionforSound]

Absolutely! It should provide a nice boost using the Hugo 2 as DAC only

[@greymatterstome]

Another great review. It doesn't appear that it is worth a venture to upgrade from the OG but good to see that is a great addition for new customers. My question is where do these new SP module Soloist units put the 3A and 5A external power supply from Burson. A replacement for? an addition to? Do the SP modules tonally do something similar as those using the OG with the 3A or 5A?

[@PassionforSound]

Great question. The SP modules are different from the Superchargers. They continue to upgrade in the same ways (sonically) as the Supercharger, but do not replace them. I think the 2023 version is worth upgrading to IF someone is then going to also upgrade to the SP2 modules as well.

[@frederf69]

not looking for a HP amp, but thanks much for the review ✌😎👍

[@PassionforSound]

My pleasure 🙂

[@drandrewtan]

As a Conductor 3X GT owner, what do you think of getting the 2023 Soloist 3X GT for the amp section (with DAC via the Conductor)?

[@PassionforSound]

The Conductor GT is a brilliant DAC. Adding the 2023 Soloist GT will take it next level.

[@borislang7210]

Have you tried them with Grados ? Thanks in advance, Boris

[@PassionforSound]

I haven't, but I can't see any reason they wouldn't be a great match

[@OrphanSocks]

I’m a happy owner of the 2023 3X GT!

[@samza9622]

It's good to actually have the money to throw around 3000+ is no joke to throw around for audio. Happy listening enjoy your new gear. May it being you years of joy.

[@OrphanSocks]

@@samza9622 amen brother! Very privileged and lucky to be able to enjoy this gear. Life is short, enjoy music to the fullest!

[@OrphanSocks]

@@samza9622 I should state for the record, I got the amp for a discount from Bloom Audio when they were running a sale. 😎

[@PassionforSound]

Congratulations! Awesome product

[@psysword]

Till the 2024 version. Great and constant progress

[@Reeeepicheep]

This sounds like a good move for Burson quieting the power. I remember the Soloist 3XP being too noisy.

[@FonzVorselaars]

I have a question. I have a Meze Empyrean 2 combined with a Aune S9C and a Eversolo A6 as digital transport. Someone offered me his Burson Soloist 3X GT (from 2022) with the supercharger 5A for 1200 euro's !!! If I should buy the Burson I will have to use the DAC inside the A6 (because I will sell the Aune all in one). Do you think the Burson with the dac of the A6 will be a better combo for the Empyrean 2 as the Aune S9C (amp/dac) with the A6 as digital transport? Looking forward to your answer :) Cheers Fonz

[@PassionforSound]

I haven't tried the S9C, but the GT is a clearly better amp than the S17 Pro so I suspect you'll get enough gain on the amp alone that even a small step backwards on the DAC side of things won't matter. I.e. I think you'll end up in a better place sonically.

[@FonzVorselaars]

@@PassionforSound Thanks for your help. I bought the Burson and will get it this week. Can't wait to hear it. What gain would you use for the Emp 2 (low-mid or high) and what filter sounds the best in your opinion?

[@PassionforSound]

I'd probably stick to medium gain, bit just see what feels best to you in terms of the volume range you need/want. As for the filter, I generally like to stick with the linear phase filters. From there, try fast and slow and see what you like better.

[@FonzVorselaars]

@@PassionforSound In low gain my listening volume is around 30. But you have already a decent volume when you go from 0 to 1 with the volume, You can't get the sound really quiet. In medium gain my volume is around 10-15 Which one would you pick? I guess the low one or not? Isn't it so that the higher the gain the more power you get? Doesn't that influence the total sound or just the volume of the sound? Do you recommend to use the XLR inputs because now I use the RCA and the sound already blows my mind :) What type/brand do you recommend when you would go for XLR? No more questions. Enjoy the weekend. Cheers Fonz

[@PassionforSound]

The gain choice is purely about the maximum and minimum volume attainable, but doesn't affect the sound quality in a good quality amp like this. In other words, just choose the setting that gives you the range of volume adjustment you want. I tend to run mine in medium gain. As for the RCA vs XLR question, if you have a quality DAC, either RCA or XLR will be just fine. XLR and RCA both have their pros and cons, but one is not inherently superior.

[@Bhatakti_Hawas]

Can you make a video on : 1) Best AMPs around 2000$ 2) Best DACs around 2000$

[@fatdoi003]

not sure it's possible to say what's best DAC around any price range.... do you go for measuring or sounding as often good sounding dac like R2R don't measure as well to delta/sigma.... or do you go for resolution or musicality, analog or hi-res sound..... PCM or DSD and MQA, basic dac or with streaming, bluetooth etc..... single unit or add a DDC..... list and combination is quite endless

[@PassionforSound]

I would recommend checking out the link in the description for the PFS Recommends database. It needs updating from the last couple of months of reviews, but is a good way to see what I recommend at each price and has direct links to the reviews and the retailers/manufacturers

[@pokrog]

So have you had the opportunity to swap the opamps in the new GT? I have a set of Sparkos Dual SS2590s in the voltage gain stage, and a pair of Sonic Imagery 994s in the input buffer and it is significantly more detailed and clear than with the stock vivids. I'd love to hear your opinions on that setup if you happen to have them lying around.

[@PassionforSound]

I don't have enough dual op-amps to do this and I prefer to keep the amps in their stock form for comparisons

[@sendler2112]

I just ordered mine with SP2 and V7 op amps. It should be here in a couple days. I also have Sparkos Pro 2590 in my Burson Conductor Reference SE which do sound way better than the V6s it came with. Hopefully the V7s will now be closer to the Sparkos so I won't have to bother making flying leads to change them

[@KXP70]

​@@sendler2112 will you be doing a comparison between the V7s and the 2590s? It would be interesting to see if they operate at the same performance level but with some preference differences, or if the either of them are a true step above the other.

[@sendler2112]

@@KXP70 KZbin then suggested this video where 10 op amps were tried and with sound clips. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oX-niWqJeLNpgMUsi=Rjq3-mbXiBTIENOf The V7 Vivid were better than the Sparkos 3602, which are better than the V6. So the new V7s are a clear step up from the V6s. But probably not quite to the Sparkos Pro 2590s, which sound way better than the 3602s or V6s. They are so large though. It makes them difficult to fit and they must usually be wired to flying leads and oriented edgewise and offset from one another. The real surprise are the LHY which bettered the V7s in a smaller and much cheaper package at $50 for the dual than the 2590s which are $120 for two singles to make up a double on leads. With the Soloist 3X GT having 6 double op amps? we are looking at another $700 to fill it with Sparkos pros and several hours of work. Or $440for the V7. Or $300 for the LHY which fit to just plug right in.

[@PassionforSound]

@sendler2112 I haven't had a chance to properly review them yet, but the V7 Vivid vs Sparkos 2590 is a close battle. The Sparkos still win, I think.

[@kevintj604]

Great review. Would you be able to share what Op Amp modules you used in both?

[@PassionforSound]

They're all V6 Vivids. I keep them stock so that I'm describing what people will hear without any modifications. Glad you liked the video 🙂

[@nadheral-huraibi2150]

Thanks a lot for your great videos. Are there SP 2 modules for the Burson Conductor 3X GT?

[@PassionforSound]

I don't know if the Conductor GT has received the power supply update as yet. Might be best to email Burson on that one.

[@avidnova]

Greatly clarifying and informative review. (someone please tell me what that double decker raised tray is, I wanna!)

[@PassionforSound]

That stand is the Burson Mothership. I just dropped a micro review for that on Friday

[@avidnova]

@@PassionforSound Thanks. I'll check that review! 👍👍

[@mattygraham]

Great products, but they're too loud across the board in low gain. I couldn't use Grados even at "01" in low gain.

[@PassionforSound]

Have you tried a recent one? I had that trouble with the very first version Soloist GT, but I think Burson altered the gain/volume to help with that. I still use it fairly low, but can use IEMs and sensitive headphones just fine now.

[@AbideinChristSealed]

I'm confused that for over $2000 they offer a version without balanced outputs, when the older Soloist 3x had them for just over $900. I'm not seeing the price justified in any of the current models.

[@PassionforSound]

There are balanced and unbalanced versions of the Soloist GT and what you're paying for is a much more complex and high quality circuit that delivers better sound. Balanced circuits and outputs don't make a product inherently better as both approaches have pros and cons.

[@alstonmaccow9386]

I know how much you love these amps but for me there’s only one problem it’s silver and I wish they mad a black one

[@PassionforSound]

It would look awesome in black!

[@neilsnyder7915]

Well shit......i was gonna sell the 2023 GT for the Zahl HM1. Looks like I'm just gonna order SP2 modules and keep it. lol...still ordering HM! I know, nuts.

[@PassionforSound]

Haha. I still think HM-1 will have the edge, but the gap's closing...

[@trun1979]

How does the supercharger enter into the equation mate?

[@PassionforSound]

It's still the preferred power supply and what I use for all listening and testing of these products, especially knowing you can often get them bundled in for free during promotions.

[@trun1979]

@@PassionforSound promotion apparently not accessible from here in Australia though…

[@PassionforSound]

Ah yes. The local retailer will have an unfortunate say in that... ☹️

[@RajaaDima]

What are the headaches that can benefit from that kind of amp that cost so much ?

[@PassionforSound]

It's all about maximum sound quality rather than dealing with any headaches

[@midorihibiki]

Hello, sir. Do you recommend these Sennheiser HD650, HD800s and Denon D9200 headphones to pair with this Burson 3x GT 2023 upgrade? Thank you.

[@PassionforSound]

They're all very different so it depends on the type of sound you'd like.

[@fatdoi003]

this 3XGT now definitely on my audition list as the bang for buck value is seriously enticing ... just nitpicking hope Burson will include 4.4mm output so I don't need to use an adaptor on the XLR btw Lachlan, does the amp include the 5A supercharger or is sold separately or does it really need one?

[@PassionforSound]

The 5A Supercharger is still an upgrade (regardless of the SP modules used). I believe it's a separate purchase, but often bundled.

[@fatdoi003]

@@PassionforSound does supercharger make a big difference?... So 3xGT SP2 + supercharger seems like a good endgame amp

[@PassionforSound]

Yes, regardless of the SP modules, the Supercharger is still the start of it all so still very worthwhile

[@fatdoi003]

@@PassionforSound one final question.... so you have the TT2, so do you still need 3x GT or you just use the TT2 amp for headphones?

[@PassionforSound]

I don't personally need the GT because the TT2 is about on the same level. Some will like it because the GT has a different sonic character than the TT2, but it's a fairly large investment when the TT2 can already do the job perfectly.

[@ousi00]

Interesting to see popular PC fans made their way into Hifi these days. Noctua fans are silent and efficient

[@PassionforSound]

Yes, they do a good job here running at half (I think) speed. Still creates a slight background noise, but nothing you'd hear over music

[@edosan1068]

it's a shame that they can't just figure out a way to provide the upgrade to existing owners, can't help but feel a little annoyed.

[@PassionforSound]

I can understand that feeling. It's a major circuit change, unfortunately so not sure how they'd do it.

[@Smood47]

A fan in a headphone amp? Seems like a huge fail.

[@PassionforSound]

I addressed that in the original Soloist GT review. It's extremely quiet

[@captainspiff3689]

But wouldn’t it create all kinds of vibrations into the chassis / components? I use 3 fans to cool my tube amp, but made sure they do not touch the amp, nor the cabinet the amp is in. I tried noctua fans, but in my experience noiseblocker fans were more quiet.

[@PassionforSound]

As per the original review, they're running the fan at half speed and they've specifically designed the chassis to minimise any vibrations.

[@Smood47]

@@PassionforSound Any fan in a hifi amp is stupid. Sorry. Use heat sinks, make a bigger/better chassis. A fan is dumb.

[@shawnpwatsons1]

Listened to this yesterday. Kind of sterile and boring. Not to my tastes because it's so mid forward with vocals. Sound stage isn't comparable with tube amps or hybrids. Bass was nicely textured though. Waaaay too much money and waaay too big. Boxed it up and it's going on to the next person on the tour. Actually, I'm impressed with my Jotenheim2 for the money and it fits my needs well enough. Think upgrading headphones rather than amp is a bigger bang for the buck.

[@PassionforSound]

Glad you're enjoying what you've got and it sounds like you've clearly identified yourself as a tube fan! 🙂

[@KXP70]

If what you're saying is true about vocals being forward and being sterile (aka uncoloured) then it may be the perfect amp for me 😄

[@masterazlan6999]

Balanced.. Cuz we has 2 ears. Peace!

[@PassionforSound]

Lol. Doesn't really work like that 😁

[@masterazlan6999]

U know why balaced circuitory start? N y its needed Cuz if we just has 1 ears single ended will do. Go on Denials.. Peace bro!

[@masterazlan6999]

Sure the power double up too for both of our ears.. U just a beginner U heard 5.1 channels???Lol .. Learn mo kids... Peace!

[@reallyoldcob]

red knob very ugly 😬

[@PassionforSound]

I have to say that I thought the very first silver only version (no coloured accents) was the best.