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A Respected Hi-Fi Brand Just Introduced an Elite Desktop Amp for True Audiophiles

It’s capable of driving a wide range of headphones and IEMs.

Close-up of a brushed metal audio device with an orange volume knob and a blue digital display.Burson Audio
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By Tucker Bowe

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Burson Audio is an Australian-based company that specializes in high-end desktop audio components, such as amplifiers, preamplifiers and DACs. And now it’s introducing a new option that’s expected to be of particular interest to audiophiles who use in-ear monitors (IEMs).

Meet Burson’s Conductor Stellar.

Silver and orange Burson audio amplifier with digital display and matching remote on a black reflective surface.
The Conductor Stellar is positioned as a more affordable and compact version of the company’s flagship DAC/amp/preamplifier, the $4,000 Conductor Voyager.
Burson Audio

Headphone amp, preamp and DAC

The Conductor Stellar is an all-in-one hi-fi component that combines a high-resolution DAC, a Class-A headphone amplifier, and a desktop preamp in a single spacecraft-inspired box.  

It’s positioned between the company’s entry-level Party Playmate 3 ($599) and Conductor Grand Tourer 4 ($2,799). According to the company, it “embodies the essence” of the flagship desktop amp, the Conductor Voyager (~$4,000), but comes in a more compact, more accessible design.

Silver and orange audio amplifier with digital display, brown wired headphones, and steaming white cup on white table.
The Conductor Stellar comes with a flagship ESS9039PRO DAC, which helps it deliver “exceptional resolution and dynamic range,” according to the brand. 
Burson Audio

Primed for high-sensitive IEMs

Naturally, the Conductor Stellar is designed to effortlessly power any type of headphone, including demanding planar magnetic models, it’s really optimized for high-end in-ear monitors.

That’s because Burson equipped it with a dedicated ultra-low-noise IEM amplification stage “to provide pure, hiss-free background, even with high-sensitivity IEMs, and reveal exceptional micro-detail and realism.”

The brand claims it sets a new benchmark for IEM listening.

Rear view of a silver audio device with XLR and RCA audio outputs, a USB-C port, antenna, and ventilation grille.
The Conductor Stellar has XLR, 6.35mm and 3.5mm headphone outputs.
Burson Audio

The Conductor Stellar connects to the desktop via its USB-C input (located at the back), which supports native DSD512 and 32-bit/768kHz PCM.

Additionally, it features Bluetooth 5.0 and thus can stream audio to your wireless headphones or earbuds. It supports high-resolution codes (including LDAC, aptX HD and AAC) and can stream lossless audio up to 24-bit/96kHz. It’s also Roon Ready.

Silver and orange Burson audio amplifier with digital display and matching remote control on a black reflective surface.Burson Audio

Availability and pricing

The Conductor Stellar (Standard Edition) is available now from Peter Tyson and select independent UK retailers. It costs $1,800.

About the Author: Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol’s editorial team since 2014. With a passion for consumer tech and hi-fi, he tracks everything from headphones and turntables to smartphones and wearables. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.

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