After taking into account the feedback from its customers, Burson Audio has worked to design the Playmate and meet most expectations. The brand offers a versatile HiFi device, both headphone amplifier Class A with possible integration into a PC, powerful DAC based on a ES9038 conversion chip and an XMOS USB interface and finally preamplifier. The amplifier is able to deliver 2W per channel, a significant power for a headphone amplifier that will allow it to accompany the very large majority of headphones on the market while keeping a precise sound and a beautiful dynamic.

DAC ES9038 & XMOS

The heart of the Playmate is its high-performance ESS ES9038 DAC. This chip based on the proprietary ESS 32bit HyperStream technology is able to perform high quality digital-to-analog conversion by providing excellent dynamic range, very low distortion and of course rich and accurate sound reproduction. The ES9038 is capable of supporting high-resolution files up to PCM 32bit 384kHz and DSD512.

The XMOS USB interface that comes with the DAC will allow you to enjoy a very good digital input to connect your computer or smartphone for example, while also supporting high audio resolutions.

MCPS Power Supply

The Playmate circuit is powered by the Burson Audio Max Current Power Supply (MCPS) that corrects problems of conventional power supplies. This does not use a transformer but transistors in order to greatly limit the resistance of the circuit. Thus, the Playmate can have an instantaneous current supply at any time to supply the circuit according to its needs. The result is a real gain in detail and dynamics. In addition, the MCPS power supply, rather than using many capacitors, increases the operating frequency from 50-60Hz to 170kHz, a frequency that is inaudible to the human ear, in order to significantly reduce noise.

V6 VIVID Dual Discrete AOP for perfect transparency

The Playmate features a series of 4 proprietary dual  discrete V6 VIVID OPA. The latter benefit from superior manufacturing quality and offer an audio signature characterized by high transparency and dynamics. This manufacturing quality is found down to the pines of each PDO, gold plated to ensure excellent conductivity. In addition, for audiophiles who wish to change the OPAs to find a sound that would be more suitable for their listening, they are mounted on DIP8 sockets and can therefore be easily changed.

Carefully selected components

Looking at the printed circuit board as a whole, we will also see that while Burson did not skimp on the quality of the main components, the rest follows. This means that there are many quality components that are precisely and efficiently organized. This includes the presence of high-end ELNA capacitors (Japan), Military Grade DALE resistors (US) and Toshiba transistors (Japan).

A special form factor for a new integration

If the Burson Audio Playmate is so special, it is also because of its particular form factor. If nothing is immediately obvious, it is by taking an interest in Burson Audio's proposal that we quickly understand the versatility of the device. Indeed, if it can be placed in a very classic way on a desk to accompany your long listening sessions with headphones, it also offers a more discreet integration. Indeed, it can be inserted directly into a 5.25" bay of your computer to be erased from your interior. You can therefore enjoy high-quality headphone listening from your desktop computer, while having an accessible volume controller on the front of the computer for easier control. It should also be noted that the integration of the device into a computer will not fail to give it a design feature of its own.

A simple and efficient connectivity

On the connector side, Burson Audio is simple and efficient. The input is therefore a USB-B port associated with the XMOS chip and a Toslink optical connector. At the output, the Playmate offers a 6.35mm jack plug on the front panel. Two small features all the same since 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 panel of a 3.5mm Jack connector for the use of a microphone.

As far as the power supply is concerned, it 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 in a computer, we will then turn to the Molex connector, allowing the device to be powered directly from the PC power supply.

A sober design, easy ergonomics

The Burson Playmate features a sleek design that can be easily integrated into any current audio system. Its 100% Aluminium housing will ensure that the components of the device are protected from possible shocks and dust. On the front of the unit there is a blue display indicating the volume level, the selected input and the sampling rate of the played file.

Ergonomics is simple. The Playmate only has an ON/OFF switch on the back and a potentiometer on the front panel to adjust the volume and select the active source or switch the unit to mute mode. The unit also comes with a compact IR remote control for remote volume control.