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Burson Audio Playmate Headphone Amplifier (with DAC) Special bundle deal - get headamp and headphones for silly low price. See bottom of ad for details. Thanks for reading.This is the original version of the Burson Audio Playmate - a high quality DAC (digital to analogue converter) and headphone amplifier.Specs:high-end ES9038Q2M DAC chip full Class-A output (greatly minimises distortion) power output up to 2W very flat frequency response, extending to 35kHz distortion only 0.0018%. Inputs:USB type C (front panel) USB A on rear panel optical TOSLINK 3.5mm mic input on front panel Outputs:6.35m
At A$400, this Burson Playmate 3 is a clear bargain compared to the obvious alternative of paying A$650–A$850 for typical used units or A$900+ for new. The listing price sits well below the 25th percentile of A$435 from our recent AUD comparables, making the median of A$461 look like a fair price and this A$400 ask a genuine steal.
The Playmate 3 is well-regarded for its massive 3W of Class A power per channel, ESS9039 DAC supporting DSD 512 and PCM 768kHz, and swappable op-amps that let you fine-tune the sound. Even the Standard version drives virtually any full-size headphone with transparency and clean build quality. At this price, you’re getting a high-performance desktop hub that usually demands serious money, with room to upgrade modules later—no caveats needed when the numbers scream buy.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Burson Audio emerged in 1996 in Melbourne, Australia, from a collective of passionate audiophiles united by a pursuit of audio perfection. What began as a labor of love—pooling expertise in engineering, technology, and music for personal enjoyment—evolved into a commercial venture by 2005 with the release of their debut products. This grassroots origin underscores their unwavering commitment to innovative, no-compromise designs unbound by mass-market constraints.
The brand specializes in high-performance categories like Class-A headphone amplifiers, DACs, pre- and power amplifiers, and discrete op-amps, alongside integrated solutions such as the Conductor and Soloist series. Signature innovations include custom-designed op-amps, fully IC-free Class-AB amplifiers like the Timekeeper with its linear power supply, and the proprietary Max Current Power Supply (MCPS) technology. Their minimalist circuits prioritize transparency and power, often featuring high-current mono blocks and discrete components for audiophile-grade reproduction.
Burson occupies a niche boutique position in the high-end hi-fi market, revered by head-fi enthusiasts and discerning listeners for meticulous craftsmanship and exceptional sound quality. Independent and innovative, they stand apart through engineering excellence that challenges conventions, earning a global reputation among those seeking authentic, boundary-pushing audio without corporate dilution.
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