Inquiry: Burl ADC B2 Bomber

Palaver · 29th September 2011

Hi All,

I am aware of one of Burl's (conversion) marketing angles: their AD convertors add a 'beautiful' tone because of the input trannies on the analog part of the circuit, etc.

My question involves Burl's future. Do they plan on offering an upgrade by just swapping convertor chips/clocks (when future technology arrives)? It would be a shame to abandon the metering and analog circuitry once the digital portion becomes obsolete.

I do believe my question is valid, but also somewhat stupid. I believe a lot of forumers agree with my sentiment. I have a much easier time justifying an expensive analog outboard analog than conversion/digital purchases!

My reason for asking is maybe someone has first hand info on this? Perhaps, even someone from Burl could comment? I figured it's at least worth a shot!

Cheers,
Phil

thermos · 29th September 2011

When will the digital portion become obsolete again? Designers still have a hard time bettering the Pacific Microsonics Model 2 from 1997.

Converter chips are important, but way way way less than all other factors. I learned this when beta testing Fred Forssell's newest DAC design. He sent me 2 boards inside the same rack, 1 with a newer set of chips and one with a much older tried and true Burr Brown part (that he used for Manley's Wave Dac). The new one sounded better, but the old one was a close runner up and by far the 2nd best DAC design I've ever heard.

The Burl ADC is amazing, I tried one of those as well. Really really great, if you heard it I don't think you would be thinking about upgrading your ADC chip as soon as the new stuff hit the shelfs. Don't know what you have running now in terms of converters, but my guess is you'll be beyond stoked with your purchase.

Peter Stengaard · 29th September 2011

I just got a Burl. It sounds amazing. I tried the new AvidHD and Apogee Symphony and have the LynxAurora. I kept the lynx and added Burl. Using the Burl to clock the Lynx is a big plus too...much tighter sound

axlepaas · 30th September 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by thermos

if you heard it I don't think you would be thinking about upgrading your ADC chip as soon as the new stuff hit the shelfs. Don't know what you have running now in terms of converters, but my guess is you'll be beyond stoked with your purchase.

+1

robertshaw · 30th September 2011

how much better can converters get? they are limited based on digital technolgy itself

what's next 32 bit converters? 48? would that matter? could we hear a difference? not sure

the analog portions of those higher end units can't get much better.
clocking technology is peaking. The only thing that will happen is
prices will come down on the higher end stuff. And the cheap stuff like 002
and maudio will be obsolete

29th September 2011	#1
Palaver Gear maniac Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 206 Thread Starter	Inquiry: Burl ADC B2 Bomber Hi All, I am aware of one of Burl's (conversion) marketing angles: their AD convertors add a 'beautiful' tone because of the input trannies on the analog part of the circuit, etc. My question involves Burl's future. Do they plan on offering an upgrade by just swapping convertor chips/clocks (when future technology arrives)? It would be a shame to abandon the metering and analog circuitry once the digital portion becomes obsolete. I do believe my question is valid, but also somewhat stupid. I believe a lot of forumers agree with my sentiment. I have a much easier time justifying an expensive analog outboard analog than conversion/digital purchases! My reason for asking is maybe someone has first hand info on this? Perhaps, even someone from Burl could comment? I figured it's at least worth a shot! Cheers, Phil

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

29th September 2011	#2
thermos Lives for gear Joined: Jul 2004 Location: Brooklyn Posts: 3,655	When will the digital portion become obsolete again? Designers still have a hard time bettering the Pacific Microsonics Model 2 from 1997. Converter chips are important, but way way way less than all other factors. I learned this when beta testing Fred Forssell's newest DAC design. He sent me 2 boards inside the same rack, 1 with a newer set of chips and one with a much older tried and true Burr Brown part (that he used for Manley's Wave Dac). The new one sounded better, but the old one was a close runner up and by far the 2nd best DAC design I've ever heard. The Burl ADC is amazing, I tried one of those as well. Really really great, if you heard it I don't think you would be thinking about upgrading your ADC chip as soon as the new stuff hit the shelfs. Don't know what you have running now in terms of converters, but my guess is you'll be beyond stoked with your purchase.

29th September 2011	#3
Peter Stengaard Gear addict Joined: May 2007 Location: LOS ANGELES Posts: 341	I just got a Burl. It sounds amazing. I tried the new AvidHD and Apogee Symphony and have the LynxAurora. I kept the lynx and added Burl. Using the Burl to clock the Lynx is a big plus too...much tighter sound

30th September 2011	#5
robertshaw 3 + infractions, forum membership suspended. Joined: Jun 2006 Location: Boston Posts: 7,120 5 Reviews written	how much better can converters get? they are limited based on digital technolgy itself what's next 32 bit converters? 48? would that matter? could we hear a difference? not sure the analog portions of those higher end units can't get much better. clocking technology is peaking. The only thing that will happen is prices will come down on the higher end stuff. And the cheap stuff like 002 and maudio will be obsolete