Are you torn between the acclaimed Burson Soloist and its enhanced sibling, the Soloist SL? Both represent pinnacle audio engineering, but subtle differences can significantly impact your listening experience. Deciding which one best suits your audiophile journey requires a closer look.
The Burson Soloist has long been a benchmark for headphone amplifier performance, celebrated for its neutral sound and robust build. It offers a pure, unadulterated listening session for even the most demanding headphones. However, the evolution of audio technology and user feedback led to the development of the Soloist SL.
The Soloist SL aims to build upon the Soloist’s strengths, introducing refinements that audiophiles are eager to explore. This comparison will delve into the sonic characteristics, features, and overall value proposition of both the Burson Soloist and the Soloist SL, helping you make an informed choice.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | burson soloist | soloist sl |
|---|---|---|
| Headphone Output Power (32Ω) | 1.7W | 2.0W |
| Headphone Output Power (300Ω) | 180mW | 250mW |
| Output Impedance | < 1Ω | < 1Ω |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz – 75kHz | 10Hz – 75kHz |
| THD+N (1kHz, 100mW) | < 0.002% | < 0.001% |
| SNR (A-Weighted) | > 105dB | > 108dB |
| Gain Settings | 2 | 3 |
| Inputs | RCA | RCA, XLR |
| Outputs | Headphone Out | Headphone Out, Pre-Out |
| Chassis Material | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 170 x 210 x 45mm | 170 x 210 x 45mm |
| Weight | 3.0 kg | 3.1 kg |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Inputs
- Burson Soloist: Offers both RCA and XLR inputs, providing flexibility for different source connections. This allows for both unbalanced and balanced audio signals, catering to a wider range of audio equipment.
- Soloist Sl: Primarily features RCA inputs, with XLR being an optional upgrade. While functional, it offers less built-in versatility compared to the standard Soloist for balanced connections.
- Winner: burson soloist
Outputs
- Burson Soloist: Includes both single-ended (RCA) and balanced (XLR) headphone outputs. This ensures compatibility with a vast array of headphones, from standard to high-end, planar magnetic models.
- Soloist Sl: Features RCA headphone outputs. While it handles most headphones well, it lacks the balanced XLR output for those seeking the potential benefits of a fully balanced headphone chain.
- Winner: burson soloist
Power Supply
- Burson Soloist: Utilizes a robust internal power supply, often featuring a large transformer and extensive filtering. This contributes to a cleaner signal and better dynamic range.
- Soloist Sl: Employs a more compact and potentially externalized power supply solution. While designed to be efficient, it might not offer the same raw power delivery or noise isolation as the Soloist’s internal unit.
- Winner: burson soloist
Build Quality & Materials
- Burson Soloist: Typically boasts a premium, solid aluminum chassis with high-quality internal components. The construction feels substantial and durable, reflecting its audiophile positioning.
- Soloist Sl: Maintains a good build quality with an aluminum casing, but may use slightly less exotic materials or a simpler internal layout to achieve its cost-effectiveness. It’s still a well-made product, but perhaps not as overtly luxurious.
- Winner: burson soloist
User Interface & Controls
- Burson Soloist: Features a straightforward control layout with a volume knob and input selector. The design prioritizes simplicity and ease of use for core amplification functions.
- Soloist Sl: Also offers a clean and intuitive interface, typically with a volume potentiometer and input switching. The user experience is generally similar, focusing on direct operation.
- Winner: Equal
Sound Signature
- Burson Soloist: Known for its dynamic, resolving, and powerful sound. It can drive demanding headphones with authority, offering a detailed and engaging listening experience.
- Soloist Sl: Aims for a similar sonic presentation but might be slightly more refined or less overtly powerful. It still offers excellent clarity and musicality, often at a more accessible price point.
- Winner: burson soloist
Portability & Size
- Burson Soloist: A desktop-oriented unit with a substantial footprint. Its size and weight are indicative of its powerful internal components and robust power supply.
- Soloist Sl: Often designed to be more compact, potentially making it a slightly better fit for smaller desk spaces. While still a desktop device, its smaller form factor could be a consideration for some.
- Winner: soloist sl
Price Point
- Burson Soloist: Positioned as a premium headphone amplifier, its price reflects its advanced features, robust build, and high-end performance. It represents a significant investment for serious audiophiles.
- Soloist Sl: Offers a more budget-friendly entry into the Burson Soloist family. It aims to deliver a high-quality audio experience at a more accessible price, making it an attractive option for those with budget constraints.
- Winner: soloist sl
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Value | burson soloist |
| Connectivity Options | soloist sl |
| Purity of Sound | soloist sl |
| Power Output | soloist sl |
| Build Quality | Tie |
| Ease of Use | burson soloist |
| Pre-Out Functionality | soloist sl |
What They Have in Common
- Build Quality: Both the Burson Soloist and Soloist SL are constructed with premium aluminum chassis, exuding a sense of robustness and durability. This solid build contributes to their aesthetic appeal and ensures they can withstand the rigors of daily use.
- Sound Signature: While nuances exist, both amplifiers generally aim for a clean, neutral, and detailed sound presentation. They are designed to reveal the intricacies of your audio recordings without adding significant coloration, making them suitable for a wide range of music genres.
- Low Output Impedance: A key shared feature is their exceptionally low output impedance, typically less than 1Ω. This ensures that they can drive a wide variety of headphones, including those with demanding impedance characteristics, without introducing frequency response shifts.
- Wide Frequency Response: Both models boast an impressive frequency response that extends far beyond the audible range. This wide bandwidth contributes to a sense of airiness and detail in the sound, allowing for the reproduction of subtle nuances in music.
- High Signal-to-Noise Ratio: The excellent SNR figures on both the Soloist and Soloist SL mean that you’ll experience a very quiet background with minimal hiss, even at higher volumes. This clarity is crucial for appreciating the finer details in your audio.
Burson Soloist Vs Soloist Sl Buying Guide
Target Audience & Use Case
The Burson Soloist is an excellent choice for audiophiles seeking a powerful and versatile headphone amplifier that can drive a wide range of headphones, including high-impedance planar magnetics. It offers a rich, detailed sound signature with ample headroom for demanding listening sessions. If you prioritize sonic purity and a robust build for critical listening at home, the Soloist is a strong contender.
Conversely, the Soloist SL is designed for those who need a more compact and portable solution without sacrificing significant audio quality. It’s ideal for users who move between listening environments or have limited desk space. While it might not match the absolute peak power of its larger sibling, the SL delivers a remarkably refined listening experience for its size, making it a great companion for portable setups or minimalist desk configurations. (See Also: Demeyere 5 Plus Vs Atlantis )
Sound Signature & Performance
The original Burson Soloist is known for its dynamic and engaging sound profile. It presents music with a wide soundstage, excellent instrument separation, and a satisfyingly deep bass response. The amplifier’s technical prowess allows it to resolve intricate details in recordings, making it a favorite for those who appreciate a lively and immersive listening experience. Its power output ensures it can handle even the most demanding headphones with ease.
The Soloist SL aims to replicate the core sonic strengths of the Soloist in a more compact form factor. It offers a similarly detailed and articulate sound, though perhaps with slightly less outright power and scale. The SL excels in delivering a clean, transparent, and musical presentation, making it a joy to listen to across various genres. It maintains Burson’s reputation for musicality and refinement, proving that impressive sound doesn’t always require a large chassis.
Connectivity & Features
The Burson Soloist boasts a comprehensive set of connectivity options, typically including both single-ended RCA and balanced XLR inputs, allowing for flexible integration into various audio systems. It also features high-quality headphone outputs, often including both 1/4-inch and sometimes balanced XLR connections, catering to a wide array of headphone termination types. Its robust build and internal components are designed for longevity and optimal performance.
The Soloist SL, while prioritizing portability, still offers essential connectivity. It usually features RCA inputs for easy connection to pre-amplifiers or DACs, and a standard 1/4-inch headphone output. The focus here is on delivering top-tier amplification in a smaller footprint, so while it might omit some of the more advanced balanced options found on the larger Soloist, it doesn’t compromise on the core functionality of driving headphones effectively and with high fidelity. (See Also: Nikon 50 1 8 Vs 1 4 )
Price & Value Proposition
The Burson Soloist, being the more feature-rich and powerful model, typically commands a higher price point. However, its superior driving capabilities, expansive feature set, and refined sound quality offer excellent value for serious audiophiles who are willing to invest in a flagship amplifier. It represents a significant step up for those looking to unlock the full potential of their high-end headphones.
The Soloist SL offers a compelling value proposition by providing a substantial portion of the Soloist’s sonic performance in a more affordable and compact package. It’s an ideal choice for those who want a high-quality Burson amplifier but have budget or space constraints. The SL delivers a remarkably high level of audio fidelity for its price, making it a fantastic option for upgrading a portable or desktop audio setup without breaking the bank.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy burson soloist If…
- You are looking for a highly capable and neutral headphone amplifier with excellent detail retrieval.
- You primarily use RCA inputs and don’t foresee needing balanced XLR connections.
- You want a robustly built amplifier that offers fantastic value for its performance.
- You are satisfied with two gain settings for matching your headphones.
Buy soloist sl If…
- You require the flexibility of both RCA and balanced XLR inputs for your source components.
- You need the option to use the amplifier as a pre-amplifier for powered speakers or a separate power amplifier.
- You desire slightly more output power and a marginally lower distortion profile for very demanding headphones.
- You appreciate the added control of three gain settings for finer impedance matching.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences in power output between the Soloist and Soloist SL?
The original Burson Soloist generally boasts a higher power output, making it better equipped to drive the most demanding high-impedance headphones and planar magnetics to their full potential. The Soloist SL, while still very capable, offers a slightly more conservative power output due to its compact design. However, for most headphones, the SL provides more than enough juice for a satisfying listening experience.
Is the sound quality significantly different between the two models?
While both amplifiers share the characteristic Burson sound – known for its musicality, detail, and natural tonality – there can be subtle differences. The Soloist might offer a slightly wider soundstage and more dynamic slam due to its higher power reserves. The Soloist SL aims to capture the essence of the Soloist’s sound signature, delivering exceptional clarity and refinement, though perhaps with a touch less perceived scale. (See Also: Samsung Pro Vs Evo 850 )
Which model is better for portability?
The Burson Soloist SL is unequivocally the better choice for portability. Its significantly smaller footprint and lighter weight make it much easier to transport and integrate into mobile listening setups. The original Burson Soloist, while not excessively large, is designed more for a stationary desktop or rack setup and is less suited for frequent travel.
Are balanced connections available on both models?
Typically, the original Burson Soloist offers more comprehensive connectivity, often including both single-ended RCA and balanced XLR inputs, and sometimes even balanced headphone outputs. The Soloist SL, prioritizing compactness, usually features single-ended RCA inputs and a standard 1/4-inch headphone output, making it compatible with a vast majority of headphones but omitting the balanced option.
Which amplifier offers better value for money?
The value proposition depends on your needs. If you require the absolute maximum power and the most extensive connectivity for demanding headphones and a high-end desktop setup, the Soloist offers superior value despite its higher cost. If you seek excellent Burson sound quality in a more affordable and space-saving package suitable for most headphones, the Soloist SL presents exceptional value.
Final Verdict
The Burson Soloist offers unparalleled power and a richer feature set, making it the ultimate choice for those with the most demanding headphones and a dedicated listening space. However, the Soloist SL brilliantly distills the core Burson sonic philosophy into a more compact and accessible package. For many users, the SL provides more than enough performance and musicality without the higher cost or larger footprint.
Winner: Burson Soloist SL