[zybar]

This past Wednesday I received the latest version of the prototype Burson Buffer to try in my system.  I believe this newest version has a different transformer from the previous version I raved about and it also had the gain changed from +6 db's to +12 db's.  I requested the increase in gain due to my system setup.  Wayne cautioned me that +12 might be too much, but I decided that I wanted to try it.

While I no longer had the previous Burson Buffer prototype, I was able to do a direct comparison with the Bolder/Bent/Burson Control Center that has been in my system for weeks.

I won't keep everybody in suspense...this newest version of the modified Burson Buffer is CLEARLY better than previous version or the Control Center!!

It is more dynamic, provides better detail and resolution, and has a much larger presence and space to it.  In fact, when I first listened to it, I thought that I screwed up my level matching because there was such a difference in what I was hearing!   

So after verifying that I did indeed have the same levels (I play a 1000Hz and 100Hz tone and measure it from listening position to a reference level of 90db's), I started listening to my usual test tracks from Ben Harper, Rusted Root, Natalie Merchant, Sam Cooke, Harry Connick Jr., Wilco, Roland Kirk, and The Bad Plus.

I know it sounds cliche, but this newest version really was better across the board.  Where I felt it truly excelled, was in the areas of soundstage, dynamics, and resolution.  This version had a lower noise floor and blacker background than the Control Center.  This directly translated into improved clarity, detail, and texture.  I also found that there was better separation between voices and instruments.  On tracks where there were layered voices or multiple singers, the voices were unraveled with an accuracy I hadn't heard previously - the same thing with instruments.  Luckily, none of this was at the expense of the musical experience.  The music was actually more engaging and in no way clinical or sterile.

As for the soundstage...it seemed like it grew a few feet in all directions.  The presentation while being deeper and wider, while also being a little more forward.  Instead of feeling like I was in the middle of the audience, I now felt like I moved up quite a few rows.  Not to the point where I was front and center, but probably a little closer to the front than the middle.  I really have been enjoying the added spaciousness and dimensionality to the soundstage.

What can I say about the dynamics?  How about "buckle up"!!  This new version hits hard and often - nothing soft or wimpy here.  Thankfully, the improved dynamics weren't fatiguing, grainy, or artificial sounding.  I was happily able to listen for long periods of time and felt like I entered "the zone".  I also found that I could listen at lower levels than normal and still be very happy with the sound.  When lowering the spl's I didn't lose any dynamics or punch. 

Over this weekend I am going to take the modified Burson out of my main system and put it into a second system that consists of the Vista Audio i84 integrated amp (mini review is coming) and the Omega Revolution speakers.  I am curious to hear how the modified Burson works when it isn't directly connected to an amp.

I don't know technically why the Burson works so well and I certainly can't claim I understand Wayne's mods.  I just know that it greatly improves my system and I now consider it an absolutely mandatory component.  If I didn't want to reduce the gain down to +9db's, I don't think I would let this current prototype out of my system!  Anybody who is running a SB2/3 directly into their amp(s) MUST try the Bolder Cable modified Burson Buffer.  I am very, very confident that you will hear a substantial difference in the quality of your sound and if you are anything like me, that directly translates into wanting to listen more.  Isn't that the highest compliment of any component?

Wayne, thanks for giving me a chance to help with the development of this product and for improving the sound of my system. 

George

[bpape]

Hi George.

I couldn't echo what you said more.  When we listened to this piece (with the 6db gain) at Scott's the other night, I heard the same thing.  Imaging, dynamics, space, etc.   To put it in a nutshell, when we switched back to the stock Burson, things just seemed to 'flatten'.

I was so impressed that I've already put in my order with Wayne for one.  I don't know if I'll have it prior to RMAF or not and if I do, I'm quite sure it will still be in the process of breaking in but we'll just have to see.  I'm not normally one to make a snap buy like this but it really was that impressive.  Due to my system setup (preamp in the loop and one with a TON of gain at that) I'll be having Wayne do mine with 3db of gain.

Bryan

[zybar]

Hi George.

I couldn't echo what you said more.  When we listened to this piece (with the 6db gain) at Scott's the other night, I heard the same thing.  Imaging, dynamics, space, etc.   To put it in a nutshell, when we switched back to the stock Burson, things just seemed to 'flatten'.

I was so impressed that I've already put in my order with Wayne for one.  I don't know if I'll have it prior to RMAF or not and if I do, I'm quite sure it will still be in the process of breaking in but we'll just have to see.  I'm not normally one to make a snap buy like this but it really was that impressive.  Due to my system setup (preamp in the loop and one with a TON of gain at that) I'll be having Wayne do mine with 3db of gain.

Bryan

Bryan,

I think what you heard was what I sent to Scott and the previous prototype version - Wayne is that correct?

Assuming that is the case, what I wrote above is in comparison to what you heard.   

So if you liked that enough to buy it, you are in for quite a treat with the final version (whether it is what I am listening to right now or something that is even better).

George

[bpape]

Yes - our listening session was before he had done anything with the new transformer.  I believe it was exactly what you had at your place before with the 6db gain.

Bryan

[Wayne1]

George,

You are correct. Bryan and the rest of GAS, compared the stock Burson Buffer, with the older PS caps rather than the newer Sanyos, to the Modded one that you sent Scott.

The latest revision to the modded unit did increase the gain and uses a custom built "R" core transformer. The custom transformer does help with lowering noise levels and aiding in dynamics. The additional gain means you can drive ANY amplifier and speaker combination without worrying that you will run out of volume.

I do agree with George that 9 db of gain seems to be the right amount to use with a modded SB direct into an amp. This will give you ALL the volume you could possibly want with the extra current that will improve the low end and dynamics. I would almost say that if you really want to get the most out of a modded SB, the modded Burson Buffer is mandatory. The first thing that struck me when I listened to the latest mods was the sense of dynamics. As George mentions in his review, the "hit" of a drum is almost uncanny. Some of the best I have ever heard in my system.

Unfortunately, it will be some time before I am geared up to start build the modded BB. I have come up with a possible alternative.

I CAN mod the stock Burson Buffer in the present case. It will NOT be as good sounding as the full out BOLDER/Burson Buffer, but you can get it done a lot faster. I would be able to change the gain and do the work to the power supply parts. This will NOT include the new transformer. Different input connectors and wiring are possible for an extra charge.

If there are people out there who are interested in getting this mod work done, please let me know. I am thinking of a ballpark price of $250.00 to $300.00 for the basic mod.

I would also be willing to order in stock Buffers from Australia and mod them. The cost to you would be roughly in the $650.00 to $700.00  US dollar range for the basic modded unit. I would ask for 50% up front to order the Buffers from Australia.

Please let me know here or E-mail if any of you are interested in this. If so, I will add this option to the BOLDERCables.com website

[ebag4]

Hi Wayne:
Would the modded stock Burson buffer in the case supplied by Burson be comparable to the Bolder modded version heard by Bryan, Scott and the guys in St Louis recently?  If so,I may be interested in that upgrade, my stock Burson Buffer is on the way.

Best,
Ed

[Wayne1]

Ed,

It would be close, but not quite there.

The modded Buffer they heard had the very expensive Silver WBT connectors, ACME Audio Silver IEC, Silver fuse holder, Silver fuse and all Silver signal wiring. Some may argue that these parts can't make any difference to the sound of a component, but I do hear quite an improvement using these parts.

The mods WILL make the stock Buffer sound better. It will not be quite the same as the full modded unit with all the expensive Silver parts.

If I have time in the next week or so, I will mod my own stock Buffer. Maybe I can send that out to George so he can compare all three versions, dead stock, modded "stock" and the full BOLDER Built Burson Buffer

[jrebman]

 

I would almost
say that if you really want to get the most out of a modded SB, the modded Burson
Buffer is mandatory.

Somehow I knew this was coming

Not a criticism at all, just really impressed with the evolution of this system -- which is now what one really has to call it.

What, in the ideal world would I want?

All of these goodies, including the SB3, in a single box with a single power connection.  Maybe with options for remote volume just before, or just after the buffer (whichever makes most sense), the ability to bypass the remote volume control, and/or maybe one or two extra inputs.  But my guess is by the time you do all that, it won't really be very economical ( or even practical for that matter.)  I think there is something that works in the SBs favor by not having a large, buzzing, radiating transformer in the same box as the audio circuitry.

Oh well, what else around here do I have to sell?

-- Jim

[bprice2]

If I have time in the next week or so, I will mod my own stock Buffer. Maybe I can send that out to George so he can compare all three versions, dead stock, modded "stock" and the full BOLDER Built Burson Buffer

I will most definitely be looking forward to George's impressions.  Even more so, I'd love to be able to compare Wayne's modded stock buffer to my own...hint, hint.

[zybar]

Ed,

It would be close, but not quite there.

The modded Buffer they heard had the very expensive Silver WBT connectors, ACME Audio Silver IEC, Silver fuse holder, Silver fuse and all Silver signal wiring. Some may argue that these parts can't make any difference to the sound of a component, but I do hear quite an improvement using these parts.

The mods WILL make the stock Buffer sound better. It will not be quite the same as the full modded unit with all the expensive Silver parts.

If I have time in the next week or so, I will mod my own stock Buffer. Maybe I can send that out to George so he can compare all three versions, dead stock, modded "stock" and the full BOLDER Built Burson Buffer

Now if somebody could please call my boss and tell him that I can't get to my day to day responsibilities because I am comparing gear and manage to keep me gainfully employed, I would be happy to do the comparison.   aa

George

[bprice2]

George,

You appear to be a baseball fan.  Take one for the team. 

Brett

[zybar]

George,

You appear to be a baseball fan.  Take one for the team. 

Brett

I will do my best.

George

[bprice2]

No pressure...I was just kidding.

[Wayne1]

Brett,

I modded my Buffer this morning. It will take some time for the mods to settle it. If you want to bring your Buffer to RMAF, I would be happy to compare them for you.

Wayne