BTW having two regulators -- one on the PSU PCB and a second on the P3 PCB will definitely reduce noise. Tried both versions (stock and FlexReg) and the FlexReg version was markedly quieter.
@Woka if you look for P3 pcb only searching web you can take a look at ( clone of P3 pcb ) :
https://www.ebay.it/itm/36517628898...EV7VYK&hash=item550633f6d4:g:0qkAAOSwJfplr3eJ
About PSU you have already had good suggestions ( post #4260 )
https://www.ebay.it/itm/36517628898...EV7VYK&hash=item550633f6d4:g:0qkAAOSwJfplr3eJ
About PSU you have already had good suggestions ( post #4260 )
Thanks for the tip. I had already discovered these circuit boards, but I think they are a bad clone.
looking at the photos they are similar if not the same as the ones you see
I believe that giving the opamp best working conditions will improve things, I just removed those 10uf electrolytics from regulators and replaced them with 33uf oscon polymer low esr, did the same thing at c9 and c15, but with oscon 68uf, underneath the board I put a 100nf parallel right on the opamp socket, esr is very low now.
0.25 ohm at 100 hz. 0.2 at 1 khz. 0.23 at 40khz
0.25 ohm at 100 hz. 0.2 at 1 khz. 0.23 at 40khz
Hey everyone,
Once again, I’ll preface this by saying that my review might have some bias—not because I got the opamps for free, but because I’ve had great experiences with Burson gear in the past, and this time was no different. Thanks again, Carlos!
After spending some time with the Burson V7 Classic opamps in my Pearl III, I can say they offer a different experience compared to the V7 Vivids. Both are excellent, but which one works better depends on the setup and your personal preferences. For my Pearl III, the Classics were the better fit. That said, the Vivids are still fantastic in my Whammy headphone amp, where their energetic and detailed presentation really shines.
The Classics offer similar levels of clarity and detail as the Vivids but with a more cohesive presentation. Instruments feel like they blend together naturally, and vocals hold the center stage more firmly, resulting in a balanced and unified sound. Where the Vivids excel at pulling out individual details and separating layers, the Classics deliver a smoother, more integrated listening experience.
Here’s how the V7 Classics performed across the same tracks I used with the Vivids:
David Sylvian: "Mother and Child"
Both the V7 Classics and V7 Vivids have their strengths. The Vivids excel at drawing out layers of detail and presenting them with precision, which makes them ideal for my Whammy headphone amp. Their energy and separation give the music an engaging edge in that setup. On the other hand, the Classics prioritize cohesion, making them a perfect match for my Pearl III. Their ability to bring everything together naturally feels like the right choice for this system.
The recent upgrades to my Pearl III—including dual PSUs and LT4320 rectifiers—have likely enhanced my impressions of the Classics. The extra air and depth from the dual PSUs, combined with the dead-silent background provided by the LT4320 rectifiers, seem to allow the Classics to shine, reinforcing their ability to unify the soundscape.
This review isn’t meant to declare one opamp superior to the other—both the Vivids and Classics are excellent, each with their own strengths. It really comes down to what you’re looking for. The Vivids are the way to go if you want more precise detail and separation. The Classics might be a better fit if you need a more cohesive, natural presentation with centered vocals.
I’d love to hear from anyone else who has tried these opamps, especially if you’ve experimented with similar setups.
Cheers!
Once again, I’ll preface this by saying that my review might have some bias—not because I got the opamps for free, but because I’ve had great experiences with Burson gear in the past, and this time was no different. Thanks again, Carlos!
After spending some time with the Burson V7 Classic opamps in my Pearl III, I can say they offer a different experience compared to the V7 Vivids. Both are excellent, but which one works better depends on the setup and your personal preferences. For my Pearl III, the Classics were the better fit. That said, the Vivids are still fantastic in my Whammy headphone amp, where their energetic and detailed presentation really shines.
The Classics offer similar levels of clarity and detail as the Vivids but with a more cohesive presentation. Instruments feel like they blend together naturally, and vocals hold the center stage more firmly, resulting in a balanced and unified sound. Where the Vivids excel at pulling out individual details and separating layers, the Classics deliver a smoother, more integrated listening experience.
Here’s how the V7 Classics performed across the same tracks I used with the Vivids:
David Sylvian: "Mother and Child"
- With the V7 Classics, Sylvian’s voice is focused and expressive, while Sakamoto’s piano blends beautifully into the mix. The sequence at 0:55 and 2:18 is still rich with detail, but instead of standing out, it feels naturally integrated. Both opamps make this part essential to the piece, but with the Classics, it flows seamlessly within the music rather than becoming a distinct highlight.
- While the Vivids present this track with more precision, the Classics bring out the dynamic range without drawing too much attention to any single element. The acoustic guitar passage at 4:30 feels more connected to the rest of the song, creating a moment with deeper emotional resonance. The percussion and synths also feel less isolated, contributing to the overall balance and cohesion of the track.
- There’s less distinction between the two opamps on this track—both keep the vocals and guitar closely connected, giving the song a natural, intimate flow. However, the Classics subtly allow Mark Kozelek’s voice to hold center stage more securely, enhancing the emotional impact without losing the warmth or subtle details.
- Both the Vivids and Classics present the interplay of instruments and vocals as tight and well-integrated. However, the Classics offer a slightly more relaxed feel, with the bass still controlled but not as upfront as with the Vivids. The result is a groove that feels organic, with instruments working together harmoniously.
- The Classics handle Toure’s guitar with finesse, maintaining its richness while placing it more naturally within the mix. The instruments feel more connected, creating an organic soundscape where every element contributes to the whole, without any one part standing out too prominently.
- This track presents an interesting comparison. The Vivids bring a sharper edge to the electric guitars, which may suit the song’s intensity. However, the Classics smooth out some of the edginess, resulting in a more refined presentation. The bass solos still come through nicely with the Classics, feeling more integrated into the track, while the Vivids provide more dynamic contrast. Both approaches work, but the Classics make the whole experience feel more cohesive.
- The Classics really shine here, with Norah’s voice taking center stage naturally. The piano and instruments support her seamlessly, creating a smooth, intimate listening experience. The richness and detail are all there, but the balance makes everything feel more fluid and engaging.
Both the V7 Classics and V7 Vivids have their strengths. The Vivids excel at drawing out layers of detail and presenting them with precision, which makes them ideal for my Whammy headphone amp. Their energy and separation give the music an engaging edge in that setup. On the other hand, the Classics prioritize cohesion, making them a perfect match for my Pearl III. Their ability to bring everything together naturally feels like the right choice for this system.
The recent upgrades to my Pearl III—including dual PSUs and LT4320 rectifiers—have likely enhanced my impressions of the Classics. The extra air and depth from the dual PSUs, combined with the dead-silent background provided by the LT4320 rectifiers, seem to allow the Classics to shine, reinforcing their ability to unify the soundscape.
This review isn’t meant to declare one opamp superior to the other—both the Vivids and Classics are excellent, each with their own strengths. It really comes down to what you’re looking for. The Vivids are the way to go if you want more precise detail and separation. The Classics might be a better fit if you need a more cohesive, natural presentation with centered vocals.
I’d love to hear from anyone else who has tried these opamps, especially if you’ve experimented with similar setups.
Cheers!
It makes a huge difference whether I'm doing covert advertising about something I was given as a gift or whether I'm writing about something I had to pay a three-digit sum for. I therefore recommend the OPA828 as the successor to the OPA627.
Regards Woka
Ah, the classic covert advertising conspiracy! If only Burson had slipped me a pair of OPA828s or OPA627 too—oh wait, I already tried those...😉 But seriously, whether I paid for them or not doesn’t change what I hear. And hey, if the OPA828 works better for your setup, that’s awesome—every rig has its sweet spot. For me, it’s Burson this time around. Happy listening!
Then please show us some photos of your "Burson construction", because reality lives from facts, not from utopias.
@PhopsonNY and @Woka ...
Wrong thread. If you have something to contribute about Pearl-3...... Thank you.
If not, why not start your own thread, instead of hijacking a perfectly good one???
Sorry to @PhopsonNY ..... Just realized you were sharing your experience on the P-3 😉
Wrong thread. If you have something to contribute about Pearl-3...... Thank you.
If not, why not start your own thread, instead of hijacking a perfectly good one???
Sorry to @PhopsonNY ..... Just realized you were sharing your experience on the P-3 😉
@Woka - here is PhopsonNY Pearl 3 build with Burson V7 Vivid’s.
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/pearl-3-burning-amp-2023.404054/post-7682403
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/pearl-3-burning-amp-2023.404054/post-7682403
Hi all. A couple of things... 1) In my P3 I installed the Sparkos Labs dual discrete OPAMPs. I was wondering if that output stage current setting (R27) that was stated in the assembly documentation would apply, or would the current value be different?? 2) I had initially installed TH TO-92 FETs, but got no audio. These were purchased from the DIYaudio approved eBay source, so pretty sure they are legit. Removed them, and installed the provided SMT FETs, and all was well. Has anyone discovered an artwork error here with the dual footprints? Thanks!!
1) Set to the recommended if you like. Or just use the provided resistors, anything will work.
2) There have been plenty of builds with the discreet parts, and there’s only been one PCB version. The is no art error.
2) There have been plenty of builds with the discreet parts, and there’s only been one PCB version. The is no art error.