The Playmate 3 combines an ESS9039 DAC supporting 768kHz PCM and DSD512 with a high-current headphone amplifier and preamp. It shares core design elements with Burson’s Conductor GT4, including its DAC output stage, single-ended headphone amplifier, opamp rolling, and Silent Power module upgrades.
Features
- 3W Class-A Headphone Amplifier
- ESS9039 High-Resolution DAC
- DSD512 And 768kHz PCM
- Two-Level Gain Control
- Gaming Headset Mic Input
- Swappable NE5532 IC Opamps
3 Is A Party
The Playmate 3 combines a high-performance ESS9039 DAC, 768kHz and DSD512 capability, high-current headphone amplification, and preamp functionality. Its architecture shares the DAC output stage and single-ended headphone amplifier design of Burson’s Conductor GT4 and supports opamp rolling and Silent Power module upgrades.
3 Is Here To Thrill
A 30W idling bias enables up to 3 watts per channel of Class-A amplification, supported by Burson’s Max Current Power Supply architecture.
Connect Them All
XMOS USB-C connects phones, laptops, and streamers while supporting native DSD512 and 32-bit/768kHz audio. The Playmate 3 is also Roon Tested for use with compatible Roon systems.
Fun & Games
The Playmate 3 provides an HD microphone input for PC gaming and an optical input for gaming consoles. Remote preamp operation is optional; the Standard version is specified without a remote.
Quieter Than Battery Power
Burson Silent Power modules provide power filtering intended to reduce regulator noise and preserve low-level musical detail. The page states a noise-filtering rate more than 200 times better than standard regulators.
Super Charge or Go Fusion
Power-supply upgrades can further reduce DC noise. Burson identifies the Super Charger and Fusion Core as upgrade paths, with the Fusion Core using GaN transistors operating above 1 MHz and providing up to 480W.
Playmate Your Way
The Playmate 3 supports ongoing upgrades through swappable opamps, Silent Power modules, and compatible higher-performance external power supplies such as the Super Charger or Fusion Core.
