Play Music

With Play, Burson offers an extremely versatile Hifi device due to its functionalities and integration possibilities. Thus, the Play comes both as a DAC USB, based on an excellent ES9018 conversion chip accompanied by an XMOS USB interface, but also as an headphone amplifier, based on a Class A circuit and capable of delivering 2W per channel. A consistent power for headphone amplifier that will allow it to accompany the vast majority of headphones on the market, while keeping a precise sound without being aggressive, whatever the volume level.

But the Burson Play goes further by offering a Class A preamplifier with remote control or via the front panel potentiometer. It can therefore be matched with a power amplifier or active speakers without any problem, for a modular system.

Moreover the Play is a product which will associate without concern with the majority of the operating systems like Windows, OSX, iOS or Android.

A special form factor for a new integration

If the Burson Play is so particular, it is also because of its particular form factor. If at first glance nothing is obvious, it is by taking an interest in Burson's proposal that we quickly understand the versatility of the device. Indeed, if this one will be able to be posed in a very traditional way on a desk to accompany your long sessions of listening to the headphones, it also proposes a more discreet integration. Indeed, it can be inserted directly into a 5.25" bay of your computer to erase from your interior. So you can enjoy high-quality headphone listening from your desktop computer, while having an accessible volume controller on the front for easier control. It should also be noted that the integration of the device in a computer will not fail to give your turn a design feature of its own.

Carefully selected components

If we look at the PCB as a whole, we will also see that while Burson did not skimp on the quality of the main components, the rest follows. There are therefore many quality components organized precisely and efficiently. We will note the presence of 4 transistors C5171 and 4 transistors A1930 from Toshiba, a low signal relay Panasonic TQ2-5V, 2 diodes with rectifier barrier Schorrky SS52 or 2 regulators LT1085.

A simple but well thought connection system

On the connector side, Burson is simple and efficient. There is a USB-B port for the XMOS chip and a 6.35mm jack on the front of the device. Two small peculiarities for this Play, we will note the presence of a Pre Out output for those wishing to benefit from an external amplifier but also the presence on the front of a 3.5mm jack connector for the use of a mic.

As far as the power supply is concerned, this can be done via two different connectors depending on the integration chosen. For a classic use, we will choose the DC Jack port but for integration within a computer, we will then turn to the Molex connector, allowing the device to be powered directly from the PC power supply.

sober design, easy ergonomics

The Burson Play has a sober and efficient design so that it can be easily integrated into any current audio system. Its 100% brushed aluminum housing will ensure that the unit's components are properly protected from shock and dust. There is a blue LED display on the front of the unit to indicate the volume (from 0 to 99). This one is of the most beautiful effect, reactive and luminous, in order to be readable in any situation.

Ergonomically speaking, nothing could be simpler. The PLay only has an ON/OFF switch on the rear and a potentiometer on the front panel, allowing you to adjust the volume and switch the unit to MUTE mode. However, Burson's product also offers a compact IR remote control for remote volume control.