Uniti 2 with Burson Conductor Headphone amp

Posted by: schwing on 08 December 2015

I've had my Uniti 2 for about 3 month now and love it. I do most of my listening through headphones via the Burson (Conductor SL9018) and until recently plugged the headphones into the Uniti 2 just to compare - and the difference is very noticeable. The Naim bass is more focussed and hits harder than the Burson which has more rounded/deeper boom bass - I liken it to a bare knuckle punch and a boxing glove punch! The detailing and separation of instruments is better through the Uniti 2 but the soundstage of the Burson sounds more 3-dimensional and less lean.

I'm wondering is it possible to get more of the Naim detailing/separation/bass focus qualities through the Burson? The Uniti 2 headphone port is definitely not an afterthought as it competes on par with the Burson ($1000) though produces a different sound.

Do I upgrade Grado 325 headphones which are good but perhaps not utilising the Burson potential? Or sell the Burson and add the 200/250 (defeating the point of the Uniti).

I connect the Burson to the Uniti 2 using Missing link CRYO via the line out (RCAs)

Thanks!

Posted on: 08 December 2015 by ChrisSU

Adding a 200 or 250 to your Uniti would be a nice upgrade, and then it might make sense to change the Uniti, maybe for a 172 or 272, but that has nothing to do with headphones!

Posted on: 10 December 2015 by schwing

Thanks CHRISSU. I want to keep the Uniti 2. I'm just (happily) surprised the headphone output is as good as the Burson and started to make me doubt the headphone amp is not reaching its potential (considering the outlay).

I think I'll invest in better headphones before anything else!

Posted on: 10 December 2015 by ChrisSU

I guess it depends on your priority, how much do you use headphones vs speakers? 

Posted on: 13 December 2015 by schwing

About 60% headphones 40% speakers. I'm much more critical and immersed in the sound with headphones on so I want to divert my budget in that direction.

Would it be worth trading in the Burson for the Headline and Napsc (better synergy?)- I would be very interested to hear what people who use the Uniti 2 with a Headline think!?