












Burson Audio - Soloist 3X Performance
Desktop Headphone Amp + Pre-Amp
Unfortunately, even if we desire to, we won't be able to resurrect this product. The Museum is where we pay our respects to end-of-life, old, archived, but not forgotten products. This page was made with a lot of love and will live on for posterity. What to say, we're sentimental people. 😔
While this product is gone forever, here are others we recommend
Why Burson Audio is Special
Designed in Australia
Established & Reputed
Trust us, our reputation speaks for itself 🏆!
I believe that when a brand has decades of proven excellence, you can invest with confidence knowing your purchase is backed by years of audio engineering expertise. These products come from manufacturers with extensive histories of innovation and unwavering commitment to sonic excellence. Think of them like luxury watch brands - their reputation has been earned through decades of consistent quality and innovation.
With their extensive history of innovation and countless satisfied customers worldwide, you can be confident your investment is backed by proven audio engineering expertise and industry leadership 📈.
When you see "🎖️ Established & Reputed" products, expect time-tested excellence from manufacturers who've consistently demonstrated mastery in audio engineering for generations.
Revered by Audiophiles
Audiophiles can be really picky 😤, and if the audiophile community says something sounds good, you can bet it's exceptional! I believe that earning audiophile reverence is like getting a standing ovation from music critics - it doesn't happen unless you've truly achieved something special. This audio gear has earned widespread acclaim from audiophiles worldwide, a community renowned for exacting standards and unwavering commitment to high-fidelity reproduction.
These discerning enthusiasts particularly value its extraordinary precision in sound reproduction and remarkable capability to create thoroughly immersive listening experiences. The audiophile community's endorsement carries significant weight because of their extensive experience with high-end equipment 🏆.
When you see "🙌🏻 Revered by Audiophiles" products, expect audiophile-grade excellence that satisfies even the most demanding listeners and consistently exceeds the highest standards.
Specialist
A masterpiece from experts who know audio inside and out 🔧!
I tend to describe specialist manufacturers as "audio artisans" who focus exclusively on perfecting specific categories of equipment. These products are meticulously crafted by dedicated experts who possess deep knowledge of sound reproduction, ensuring every technical aspect is refined to perfection. Think of them like master craftsmen who spend their entire careers perfecting one specific skill - their focused expertise shows in every detail.
These dedicated experts bring years of specialised knowledge to the design process, resulting in products that consistently achieve exceptional performance standards through focused engineering excellence 🎯.
When you see "🌟 Specialist" products, expect focused expertise from manufacturers who dedicate their entire efforts to perfecting specific audio equipment categories.
Born in 1996
Why we love this DAC/Amp
Premium Economy
Sensible spending meets sophisticated quality in perfect harmony 💫.
I tend to describe premium economy products as finding that sweet spot where exceptional value meets refined performance. Think of it like business class comfort at economy prices - you're getting significantly more than what you paid for. These headphones deliver a refined listening experience that rivals more expensive alternatives, making them an intelligent choice for discerning listeners who appreciate both value and excellence.
This thoughtfully curated selection demonstrates our commitment to bringing you outstanding sound quality and robust construction without requiring a significant financial investment. Each product has been meticulously evaluated to ensure it delivers performance characteristics typically associated with higher price brackets.
When you see "💎 Premium Economy" products, expect refined audio experiences that bridge the gap between entry-level and high-end offerings, delivering impressive clarity and features at accessible price points.
For Budding Enthusiasts
In my experience, discovering good audio gear early on is a bit like tasting great coffee for the first time — once you've had a sip, you're hooked. "For Budding Enthusiasts" is a badge we use for products that are perfect gateways into the audiophile world. They're easy to use, not overly expensive, and give you a real taste of what good sound can be — without needing a degree in audio engineering. 🎧
These are the IEMs, headphones, and DACs that let you dip your toes into premium sound without drowning in choices. They balance performance, price, and practicality beautifully. Whether you're buying your first serious pair or helping someone else start their journey, these picks deliver satisfaction straight out of the box.
When you see '🪴 For Budding Enthusiasts' products, expect simple setups, solid sound quality, and an easy upgrade path — perfect for your first foray into better audio.
Incredibly Popular
Some things deserve all the attention ⭐!
I've found that when something becomes incredibly popular in the audio world, it's usually for very good reasons. This exceptional audio gear has earned widespread popularity by consistently delivering outstanding performance that resonates with listeners across diverse preferences and experiences. Think of it like that blockbuster movie that everyone loves - sometimes, universal appeal indicates genuine quality rather than just marketing hype.
The widespread acclaim isn't just about trend or marketing - it's a testament to genuine quality and performance that has been consistently demonstrated through real-world usage. This popularity has been earned through merit, delivering reliable satisfaction to countless users 📈.
When you encounter "🥇 Incredibly Popular" products, expect proven excellence validated by the collective experience of satisfied users who've made these their go-to choice.
For Audiophiles at Home
I’ve always loved the ritual of coming home, settling into my favourite chair, and firing up a dedicated setup. Gear labelled For Audiophiles at Home is made for those moments — when you can really sit back and appreciate music in its purest form 🛋️. These products tend to be more powerful, larger, and often require wall power — perfect for a stationary rig.
Here’s the trade-off: these setups often involve external DACs, amps, or full-size headphones, which means more space, more power, but also more immersive listening. They shine when used in quiet environments, where detail, depth, and dynamics can truly be appreciated.
When you see '🏠 For Audiophiles at Home' products, expect: exceptional fidelity, stronger output, and the kind of soundstage that makes you never want to leave your listening chair.
Connect With Cable
In my experience, there’s still nothing like the dependability of a wired connection when it comes to audio 🎧. I love describing it as the direct flight of music — no delays, no turbulence. When a product says “Connect with Cable,” it means you’re getting the most reliable signal path, with zero wireless compression and minimal interference.
Here’s what’s actually happening: a physical cable transmits uncompressed analog or digital signals directly from your source to your gear. This results in lower latency, no signal drops, and consistently better sound — especially when paired with a good DAC or amp. It’s ideal for critical listening, gaming, and professional use. The trade-off? You’re tethered — but for a lot of audiophiles, that’s a small price to pay for sonic purity.
When you see '🔗 Connect With Cable' products, expect: pure, uninterrupted sound quality that lets your gear perform at its full potential — perfect for focused, high-fidelity listening.
Built like a Tank
Durability concerns? Rest assured 💪.
I tend to describe these products as audio equipment that's built to survive anything you can throw at them. These headphones incorporate high-grade metal components and reinforced design elements that ensure they can handle demanding conditions while maintaining structural integrity. Think of them as the military-grade vehicles of the audio world - over-engineered for reliability and built to last decades, not just years.
The metal construction provides exceptional strength and longevity while contributing to a premium feel that serious audio enthusiasts appreciate. Whether you're a professional who needs reliable daily-use equipment or someone who values long-term investment in audio gear 🏗️.
When you encounter "🪖 Built like a Tank" products, expect unmatched robustness and durability you can count on for years of intensive use.
Why it Sounds Amazing
Power Output
I like to think of power output in audio gear like engine horsepower, it determines how much muscle your setup really has 💪. Whether you’re trying to drive a pair of power-hungry planar headphones or just want headroom for dynamic peaks, power output is the spec you want to check first.
Technically, it refers to the amount of electrical power (measured in mW or Watts) an amp or DAC/Amp combo can deliver to your headphones. More power means better control, improved dynamics, and the ability to handle demanding gear without distortion. But more isn’t always better, too much power with sensitive IEMs can introduce hiss or harshness.
When you see '🚀 Power Output' products, expect: strong driving capability, better dynamics, and optimal performance with headphones that need serious juice to shine.
Balanced Output
I often say balanced output is like using both hands to carry something heavy — it distributes power evenly and keeps things stable. In audio gear, balanced output helps reduce unwanted noise and interference, especially over longer cables. Think of it as a cleaner, more efficient way to transmit your music, ideal for anyone using high-end DACs, amps, or studio-grade headphones 🎧. You’ll typically find it on gear with XLR or 4.4mm connectors, and it's a must-have if you’re chasing that ultra-clean signal path.
Here’s what’s actually happening: a balanced output uses two separate signals, one inverted, so when interference is picked up along the cable, it gets cancelled out when the signals are recombined. The result? Cleaner audio, better dynamic range, and more power output — especially when paired with balanced headphones. The trade-off? You’ll need gear that supports balanced connections on both ends to really enjoy the benefits.
When you see '⚖️ Balanced Output' products, expect: ultra-low noise, more headroom, and better synergy with high-impedance headphones or sensitive IEMs — ideal for serious listening setups.
DESCRIPTION
ENJOY CLASS-A AUDIO EXPERIENCE WITH THE BURSON AUDIO SOLOIST 3X PERFORMANCE
Burson Audio is well known for challenging the conventional and pushing the boundaries of audio excellence through innovation. They are recognised in the audio industry for their use of discrete audio Opamps in the audio signal chain in their devices. They have also developed an award-winning proprietary Max Current Power Supply (MCPS) that is superior to both transformer-based and conventional switching power supply designs. Leveraging their expertise Burson Audio presents the Soloist 3X Performance. The Soloist 3X Performance is a balanced headphone amplifier with discreet and class-A circuitry to power the most demanding headphone. It powers through any demanding work with precision, reveals micro-details which makes music magical and unveils the emotional core within the rhythms.

EXPERIENCE ASTONISHING DRIVING CAPABILITY WITH THE PROPRIETARY POWER SUPPLY
Burson Audio Soloist 3X Performance is a vastly improved version of the original Soloist, released in 2015. Burson Audio Soloist 3X Performance takes up the concept of the original Soloist, including fully discrete circuitry, a resistor-based volume control (Ladder), and Class A amplification and upgrades to keep up with the times. The Soloist 3X Performance is capable of churning out 8000mW in XLR and 4000mW single-ended. This power enables the Soloist 3X Performance to drive headphones up to 110dB sensitivity without detectable current noise. To achieve such a high power output, Soloist 3X Performance includes 3 Maximum Current Power Supplies (MCPS) specially designed by Burson. These MCPS provide the Class A audio circuit with a large, clean and stable electrical signal.


UTILISING RESISTOR LADDER MUSES VOLUME CONTROLLER WITH THREE-LEVEL GAIN CONTROL
Burson Audio Soloist 3X Performance has been engineered with high-quality components for every aspect of its build. This quality is reflected in the volume control circuit. The Soloist 3X Performance uses the legendary MUSES72320 chip usually used in high-end devices. This resistor ladder circuit provides perfect channel balance, ensuring an incredible sound stage. In addition, this volume control is combined with three-level gain control and an input buffer stage. When combined with three levels of gain and our input buffer stage, the Soloist 3X Performance matches any headphone and loudspeaker amplifier perfectly. Although the MUSE72320 is an incredible volume controller, you can bypass it when your DAC or preamp controls volume. You can also use the Soloist X to boost the driving power of your favourite soundcard while centralising volume control from your favourite playback software or games.



EXPERTLY DESIGNED WITH OPAMP ROLLING CAPABILITY TO TAILOR THE SOUND AS YOU WANT
Burson Audio and the team of engineers working on the Soloist 3X Performance have carefully designed the audio architecture to support Opamp rolling. What this means is that you can change, upgrade and even try out various Opamps to suit your sonic taste. The Soloist 3X Performance comes with Burson V6 high-fidelity discrete Opamp, but Burson does not dictate your listening experience. The Soloist 3X Performance encourages Opamp rolling with gold plated DIP8 sockets along its signal path. With hundreds of audio opamps out there, you have the freedom to tailor your listening experience to your preference. The Burson Soloist 3X Performance energises every note and space in between, bringing accuracy and micro-details.


DURABLY BUILT WITH MACHINED ALUMINIUM HEATSINK ENCLOSURE WITH A SCREEN
Burson Audio is known to transform devices from monsters with heat-fins into elegant, desktop-friendly machines, and they do it through the machined aluminium enclosure. The enclosure of the Burson Soloist 3X Performance is made from high-quality aluminium. The machined aluminium enclosure has a minimal design and acts as a unified heat-sink, which is more efficient than many enclosures. The all-new screen and interface program deliver a calming and intuitive user experience. Its machined solid aluminium knob offers fine control and feels luxurious.

SPECS
INPUT IMPEDANCE | 35 KOhms |
FREQUENCY RESPONSE | ± 1dB 0 – 48Khz |
THD | <0.0015% |
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE (HEADPHONE AMP) | 0.5 Ohm |
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE (PRE OUT) | 25 Ohm |
INPUTS | 1 x XLR 1 x RCA 1 x Mic Bypass |
OUTPUTS | 1 x XLR Preamp/DAC 1 x XLR Headphone Jack 1 X SE Headphone Jack |
WEIGHT | app. 3 kg |
DIMENSIONS | 200 X 250 X 60mm |
IMPEDANCE / POWER (XLR/SE) / SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO / SEPARATION | 16 Ohm / 8/4W / 110dB / 99% |
32 Ohm / 4/2W / 110dB / 99% | |
100 Ohm / 1/0.5W / 112dB / 99% | |
150 Ohm / 600/300mW / 105dB / 99% | |
300 Ohm / 300/150mW / 106dB / 99.50% |
BOX CONTENTS | 1. Burson Audio Soloist 3X Performance (M-120X) |
2. Remote Control | |
3. 24V Power Unit | |
4. Power Cable |
![]() Desktop Headphone Amp & Pre-Amp
|
ENJOY CLASS-A AUDIO EXPERIENCE WITH THE BURSON AUDIO SOLOIST 3X PERFORMANCE
Burson Audio is well known for challenging the conventional and pushing the boundaries of audio excellence through innovation. They are recognised in the audio industry for their use of discrete audio Opamps in the audio signal chain in their devices. They have also developed an award-winning proprietary Max Current Power Supply (MCPS) that is superior to both transformer-based and conventional switching power supply designs. Leveraging their expertise Burson Audio presents the Soloist 3X Performance. The Soloist 3X Performance is a balanced headphone amplifier with discreet and class-A circuitry to power the most demanding headphone. It powers through any demanding work with precision, reveals micro-details which makes music magical and unveils the emotional core within the rhythms.

EXPERIENCE ASTONISHING DRIVING CAPABILITY WITH THE PROPRIETARY POWER SUPPLY
Burson Audio Soloist 3X Performance is a vastly improved version of the original Soloist, released in 2015. Burson Audio Soloist 3X Performance takes up the concept of the original Soloist, including fully discrete circuitry, a resistor-based volume control (Ladder), and Class A amplification and upgrades to keep up with the times. The Soloist 3X Performance is capable of churning out 8000mW in XLR and 4000mW single-ended. This power enables the Soloist 3X Performance to drive headphones up to 110dB sensitivity without detectable current noise. To achieve such a high power output, Soloist 3X Performance includes 3 Maximum Current Power Supplies (MCPS) specially designed by Burson. These MCPS provide the Class A audio circuit with a large, clean and stable electrical signal.


UTILISING RESISTOR LADDER MUSES VOLUME CONTROLLER WITH THREE-LEVEL GAIN CONTROL
Burson Audio Soloist 3X Performance has been engineered with high-quality components for every aspect of its build. This quality is reflected in the volume control circuit. The Soloist 3X Performance uses the legendary MUSES72320 chip usually used in high-end devices. This resistor ladder circuit provides perfect channel balance, ensuring an incredible sound stage. In addition, this volume control is combined with three-level gain control and an input buffer stage. When combined with three levels of gain and our input buffer stage, the Soloist 3X Performance matches any headphone and loudspeaker amplifier perfectly. Although the MUSE72320 is an incredible volume controller, you can bypass it when your DAC or preamp controls volume. You can also use the Soloist X to boost the driving power of your favourite soundcard while centralising volume control from your favourite playback software or games.



EXPERTLY DESIGNED WITH OPAMP ROLLING CAPABILITY TO TAILOR THE SOUND AS YOU WANT
Burson Audio and the team of engineers working on the Soloist 3X Performance have carefully designed the audio architecture to support Opamp rolling. What this means is that you can change, upgrade and even try out various Opamps to suit your sonic taste. The Soloist 3X Performance comes with Burson V6 high-fidelity discrete Opamp, but Burson does not dictate your listening experience. The Soloist 3X Performance encourages Opamp rolling with gold plated DIP8 sockets along its signal path. With hundreds of audio opamps out there, you have the freedom to tailor your listening experience to your preference. The Burson Soloist 3X Performance energises every note and space in between, bringing accuracy and micro-details.


DURABLY BUILT WITH MACHINED ALUMINIUM HEATSINK ENCLOSURE WITH A SCREEN
Burson Audio is known to transform devices from monsters with heat-fins into elegant, desktop-friendly machines, and they do it through the machined aluminium enclosure. The enclosure of the Burson Soloist 3X Performance is made from high-quality aluminium. The machined aluminium enclosure has a minimal design and acts as a unified heat-sink, which is more efficient than many enclosures. The all-new screen and interface program deliver a calming and intuitive user experience. Its machined solid aluminium knob offers fine control and feels luxurious.

INPUT IMPEDANCE | 35 KOhms |
FREQUENCY RESPONSE | ± 1dB 0 – 48Khz |
THD | <0.0015% |
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE (HEADPHONE AMP) | 0.5 Ohm |
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE (PRE OUT) | 25 Ohm |
INPUTS | 1 x XLR 1 x RCA 1 x Mic Bypass |
OUTPUTS | 1 x XLR Preamp/DAC 1 x XLR Headphone Jack 1 X SE Headphone Jack |
WEIGHT | app. 3 kg |
DIMENSIONS | 200 X 250 X 60mm |
IMPEDANCE / POWER (XLR/SE) / SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO / SEPARATION | 16 Ohm / 8/4W / 110dB / 99% |
32 Ohm / 4/2W / 110dB / 99% | |
100 Ohm / 1/0.5W / 112dB / 99% | |
150 Ohm / 600/300mW / 105dB / 99% | |
300 Ohm / 300/150mW / 106dB / 99.50% |
BOX CONTENTS | 1. Burson Audio Soloist 3X Performance (M-120X) |
2. Remote Control | |
3. 24V Power Unit | |
4. Power Cable |
![]() Desktop Headphone Amp & Pre-Amp
|
Don't sweat it, this
Burson Audio - Soloist 3X Performance comes with a 2 Year warranty
from Burson Audio that covers manufacturing defects.
All products featured on Headphone Zone are backed by an original manufacturer's warranty.
Read more about Burson Audio's warranty in India.


SILVER AWARD
Sound News
Mar, 2021
"I knew the newest Soloist 3X would outperform both Conductors in terms of sheer power and driver control. So far, this is the cleanest sounding all discrete Class-A amplifier I’ve tried."
Read More"Extremely powerful headphone amplifier on both balanced and unbalanced outputs. Three gain levels adjustable selector to accommodate all kind of headphones."
Read MoreHave a question? Get in touch!
Check out the most common questions our customers ask. Still have questions? Talk to our Headphone Gurus.

What is the warranty period on Burson Audio Soloist 3X Performance and how do I claim warranty?
What makes the Burson Audio Soloist 3X Performance different from its predecessor?
How much power does the Burson Audio Soloist 3X Performance deliver?
What headphones can the Burson Audio Soloist 3X Performance drive?
What is the benefit of the Max Current Power Supply (MCPS)?
What headphone outputs does the Burson Audio Soloist 3X Performance offer?
