The Burson Audio V7 Classic op-amps were kindly provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review. I didn’t receive monetary or any other kind of compensation and I don’t use affiliate links. The prices are $110 for a pair of single V7 op-amps and $169 for a pair of dual V7 op-amps. You can buy them directly from Burson Audio.
Burson Audio
Burson Audio is the famous brand from Australia that makes award winning DACs and headphone amplifiers, like the Playmate 3, the Conductor and the Soloist. What people don’t usually know is that Burson Audio was one of the first companies in the audio industry who argued against using IC op-amps on the audio signal path. This led them to research, design and introduce their own op-amps that are entirely made with discrete components. They are the Burson Audio supreme sound op-amps that after 20 years of continuous research and development have now reached their 7th generation.
Burson Audio V7 discrete op-amps
After almost two decades of research and development, Burson Audio unveiled their V7 Pro series, the 7th generation of discrete op-amps and the successor of the much acclaimed V6 series. This new generation combines cutting-edge circuitry and exquisite craftsmanship to offer superior sound, better heat management and impressive aesthetics.
Technical information
The Burson Audio V7 op-amp is constructed using up to 8 layers in its PCB design. This approach strategically separates signal path, grounding, and shielding into distinct layers. Although this method is more costly, it is considered the ideal approach for designing analog amp circuits. As a result, the Burson Audio V7 op-amp is not only more compact and practical but also features a shorter signal path and better shielding against EMI.
The V7 is engineered to operate at high temperatures thus it is equipped with a new high-density aluminum shell. This shell effectively dissipates heat from each layer of the PCB into the air, while also safeguarding the sensitive components within. This design allows the V7 op-amp to work with a higher idling current.
Burson Audio uses only the finest audio components, which are matched and tuned in a temperature-controlled environment that simulates real-world operations. The Burson Audio V7 op-amp has reverse voltage protection and is covered by a lifetime warranty.
Two versions in two types each
The Burson Audio V7 op-amp is available in two versions, the Vivid and the Classic.
The V7 Vivid, standing out for its dynamism, clarity, and accuracy, is an ideal choice for applications that prioritize absolute precision and transparency.
On the other hand, the Burson V7 Classic features a completely redesigned output stage, addressing the limitations of its predecessor, the V6 Classic. The V7 Classic now matches the ultra-low noise level of the V7 Vivid, while maintaining the beloved timbre that fans of V6 Classic appreciate. Additionally, it offers improved dynamics and accuracy in the lower frequencies, striking an ideal balance between enjoyment and seriousness.
Both the Vivid and Classic Burson V7 op-amps are available in dual and single variants, just like regular IC op-amps, to cover all usual electronic applications.
Design and build quality
An op-amp is an audio component that spends its life hiding inside the chassis of a device so aesthetics shouldn’t matter a lot. However, the Burson Audio V7 op-amp is so beautifully designed that it would be great if the chassis had a transparent lid cover so you can look at it.
The outer enclosure is made from high-density aluminum that is designed to effectively dissipate heat but is also aesthetically pleasing. The V7 op-amp is exceptionally well made with better construction quality than the plastic-made V6 op-amp.
A few notes about installation
The compact size of the Burson Audio V7 Classic op-amp (15mm x 13mm x 19mm) ensures wide compatibility with various audio devices, from computer sound-cards to DACs and amplifiers. Just make sure that there is enough height clearance inside the chassis to accommodate the V7 op-amp which is much taller than regular IC op-amps. In case that the available height doesn’t allow enough space for vertical installation you can buy Burson’s Audio 35mm, flexible extension lead that can help with the horizontal placement of the op-amps.
Before ordering the V7 op-amps you must consult your device manual or self-identify the type of the stock op-amps. Be careful to distinguish whether the op-amps are dual or single type to order the correct ones.
The installation is extremely easy as long as the op-amps are socketed in DIP8 sockets. Carefully remove the stock op-amps, preferably with an op-amp removal tweezers, and then install the Burson Audio op-amps, respecting the correct orientation. In case you are not sure about what you have to do, you can watch tutorial videos at Burson’s Audio website.
The Burson Audio discrete op-amps have a considerably higher working temperature than IC op-amps and generate more heat, so make sure that the device has good heat dissipation capability and gets well ventilated.
Associated gear
This review is specific for the Burson Audio V7 Classic op-amps. You can read my review about the V7 Vivid op-amps here.
The Violectric V380² is a high-end DAC and headphone amplifier combo unit that is considered as a benchmark in the audiophile community.
The balanced headphone amplifier of the device consists of four separate power amps one for each phase. Each power amp is driven by one NE5534 op-amp at its input stage that is socketed and can be easily removed. These four op-amps were replaced with Burson Audio V7 Classic op-amps.
For this review I have used the Hifiman Susvara and HE1000 Stealth headphones that are well regarded for their transparency, together with Lavricables pure silver cables.
Listening impressions
Direct A/B comparison of the stock IC and the Burson Audio V7 Classic op-amps is not feasible so I had to confine my playlist in a few favorite tracks and write down my observations before and after the installation. To keep things simple, I have used the embedded DAC of the V380² with the Volumio Rivo+ transport.
The NE5534 op-amp is widely used in various audio applications because of its exceptionally low noise, high output drive capability, high unity-gain, maximum-output swing bandwidths, extremely low distortion and high slew rate. This op-amp has excellent technical performance and measurements.
Swapping all the NE5534 with the Burson Audio V7 Classic op-amps didn’t negatively affect the technical performance of the V380² by any means. The sound remained absolutely transparent and clean, retaining the exceptional fidelity and precision that the Violectric V380² is known for, so you shouldn’t be worried about the V7 op-amp compromising the technical performance of the amplifier.
What the Burson Audio V7 Classic op-amps did to the sound was to shift it to a slightly different path that nonetheless still leads to the same audio peak. It is like changing seasoning to your favorite meal so it has the same great taste but with a slightly different aftertaste.
In an already fast and very composed amplifier what the discrete op-amps did was to loosen its attitude a little bit by adding a sense of relaxation without losing discipline. The bass became more elastic and visceral yet still tight and controlled while the treble behaved more politely without giving up its perfect extension and clarity. There was a touch of loss in dynamic impact and attack force but the bass gained in weight and sounded fuller, more visceral.
More listening impressions
Switching back to the simple present, the mid-range remains precise and articulated while it becomes more colorful and harmonically varied. The V380² is an amplifier famous for its exceptionally natural timbre but with the Burson Audio V7 Classic op-amps it becomes even more analog and organic without further coloring of sound or loss of frequency linearity.
The internal DAC of the V380² can sound a bit sharp and sterile at times but not that much with the V7 Classic op-amps that are very effective in confining digital glare to the bare minimum and keeping it under control. The overall transient response is not as lighting fast as with the NE5534 op-amps but the treble fades away in a more natural and convincing way.
Swapping the stock IC with the V7 Classic op-amps is almost like adding a tube buffer just before the power amps. The Burson Audio V7 Classic op-amps have the tendency to induce pleasing sounding harmonics that make the timbre more realistic and lush without affecting the technical performance and the transparency of the amplifier. The soundstage also gets a tube-like treatment and gains in holography and depth layering without much compromises in imaging accuracy.
An Important note
It should be noted that the Burson Audio V7 Classic op-amps don’t make any night and day audible differences but rather a gentle sound shaping that many people will like and prefer over the stock sonic character of the given audio device.
However there is always the possibility that some other users might not favor what the Burson V7 Classic op-amps do to the sound and prefer the stock sonic character.
Also note that all the previously described listening impressions apply to the Violectric V380² DAC/amp that I have used during this review and it is not guaranteed that other audio devices will behave the same.
Vs the Burson Audio V7 Vivid op-amps
After finishing the evaluation of the Burson Audio V7 Classic op-amps, i replaced them with the Vivid variant to see how they compare.
Compared to the V7 Vivid op-amps, the Classics sacrifice a bit of transparency and precision in favor of some extra timbre flavor. The differences are rather minimal, however the V7 Classic op-amps have more organic and analog-like sound characteristics than the Vivid. Choosing between the two depends on whether you want the best possible solid-state fidelity and transparency or if you seek to add a touch of tube-like seasoning to your music.
Both the V7 Classic and Vivid op-amps are better sounding than the stock IC op-amps that are now gathering dust at a remote shelf.
In the end
We all know that tubes and tube rolling lets you discover new sonic paths and add seasoning to your favorite music. But what happens if you don’t own tube gear or you just don’t like tubes? Well, if you are lucky enough to have solid state audio devices with socketed op-amps in the signal path, then you can engage in the op-amp rolling sport that while it might not be as effective as tube rolling, it is equally addicting.
You can try various IC op-amps but I doubt if any of them can sound as good as the Burson Audio V7 discrete op-amps. And between its two variants, the Classic and the Vivid, the latter might be a technical beast but the former is the best option for anyone looking to enhance the harmonic variety and enrichen the melodic line without much compromising the technical performance. Don’t be hesitant, give them a try and you might discover that they can make your favorite music sound even better.
Copyright – Petros Laskis 2025.
+ Rich and colourful harmonies
+ Organic and analog timbre
+ Improved layering and holography
+ Weighty and elastic bass
+ Visceral textures
+ They don't compromise in technicalities
+ Zero noise
+ Available as dual and single variants
+ Very well made and compact sized for discrete op-amps
+ Excellent heat dissipation
+ Easy installation
+ Reverse voltage protection and lifetime warranty
- Not as technical and transparent as the Burson Audio V7 Vivid op-amps
- Considerably bigger than IC op-amps
- They generate more heat than IC op-amps
- Performance is not guaranteed the same across all audio devices
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