Burson Audio - The Conductor - Reference Class DAC / Headphone Amp / Pre-Amp

Sound is amazing but not too sure how I like the volume controller. It goes in steps and seems like when you want it just a tad bit louder or tad bit lower its just not right. Also the the built in dac has issues when using the dac out. You have to disconnect the dac out in order to listen to headphones otherwise ther is couple issues that begin: one being software drivers goes missing and second sound sounds horrible when once you get it to play when dac out is connected by an rca.

I decided to purchase the Burson Conductor after many hours to reading reviews all over the internet. The only issue i had was that it wouldn't pair with my laptop to begin with however the error was due to the drivers not installing properly on my computer. Bursons customer support was very helpful in resolving the issue (less than 45 mins from my initial email).The sound on the other had is amazing, the best i have heard so far paired with my LCD-2.2s. The overall sound presentation of the amp is very flat and accurate. This and the 3 different gain options make it great for use with a wide rage of headphones, witch is great for headphone junkies like my self. I have found a new love for almost all my headphones and music since purchasing the Conductor.BassI listen to a lot of EDM and Hip-Hop so bass is hugely important to me, and not something i would ever happily compromise on however quality should never be sacrificed for quality. The Conductor doesn't emphasize the bass at all however on tracks that are meant to have powerful bass there is no shortage. But most importantly the bass notes are crystal clear. This kind of bass used to be reserved exclusively for outrageously priced home theatre systems, not any more.MidsGiven my love for the lower end I have always payed the least attention to the midrange. I now see the error of my ways. Vocals have improved hugely and instruments like guitars and pianos have come to life in a way i have not experienced up until now. The difference has made such a difference that its changing my taste in music. Classic rock albums like Brothers in Arms and Americas Greatest Hits are now cemented in my playlists.TrebleSimilar to my realization with the mids, having a truly good treble section had influenced my appreciation for certain genres of music that in the past were given very little attention, but to slightly less extent. Guitar solos and cymbals are the stand out. There is no fatigue whatsoever on the LCD-2.2s however with my AKG k612 pros I do find my self needing a break after an hour or so. This may just be me adjusting to the more neutral sound signature of the Conductor.ConclusionFor the price paid it delivered everything i could have asked for and more, I would like to compare it to a Schiit Gunjnir/Mjolnir combo at some stage. It would be hard to look past the conductor as a DAC/Amp/Pre amp combo at this price point. I cant imagine needing to upgrade for a long time.