Burson Funk Review: Powerful Amplifier for All Audio Equipment

Experience excellent sound quality and versatility with the Burson Funk amplifier, delivering outstanding power and performance for headphones and speakers.

Introduction to Burson Funk

If you’ve ever been curious about a high-end amplifier that can handle both stereo systems and headphones with ease, the Burson Funk amplifier is definitely worth a look. Starting at $550 and going up to about $750 depending on configuration, this amplifier packs a powerful punch under the hood with its high-quality Class AB circuitry.

Burson’s reputation for producing musical and robust audio gear continues with Funk. Unlike some of their other models, Funk manages to combine affordability with serious power, and it comes with a solid 5-year warranty to ensure longevity. The audio community still raves about their first-gen products lasting for years without hiccups, so reliability is part of the package.

Just to be clear, this review reflects my personal experience with the Burson Funk, not influenced by any affiliation. The goal? To help you find your next superb audio companion.

Packaging

Burson keeps it simple and effective with their packaging strategy. Instead of flashy boxes, they focus on what matters—functionality and protection during shipping. The pack includes useful extras like a tool for opening the unit, a power converter, and factory-fitted RCA protective caps.

Notably, you don’t have to worry about adapters for headphone jacks—the Funk features both 6.3mm and 3.5mm ports built-in.

Build Quality, Aesthetics & Functionality

This amplifier looks like a solid desktop companion with its large volume wheel and three selection buttons on the front panel. You can easily toggle between speaker output and headphones, switch the power on/off, and adjust headphone output power with two levels (perfect for IEMs or regular headphones).

One standout feature is its bypass for headsets with microphones. You can connect it to your main sound card and use your gaming headphones seamlessly. The headphone amplifier inside is a full 3W Class A beast, capable of driving even notoriously power-hungry models like HIFIMAN He6SE headphones or Audeze LCD-MX4 headphones without breaking a sweat.

The noise floor is impressively low—there’s no background hiss even with sensitive IEMs, making it one of the quietest and most efficient amplifiers for headphones and IEMs in its class. For comparison, it matches the quietness of portable players like the Astell & Kern SE180 portable player.

The Funk’s design doubles as a heat sink, showcasing a slightly industrial look with a high-quality finish. One cool aspect is the ability to swap out operational amplifiers inside, giving you the option to customize sound with VIVID or Classic Burson OP-AMPs.

Turning to the rear panel, you'll find typical RCA inputs plus full-sized speaker outputs powered by a Class AB amplifier delivering 45W. While 45 watts might not sound massive on paper, it’s more than enough for most bookshelf speakers like the Buchardt S400 speakers, NHT C3 speakers, or Dali IKON MK2 speakers, driving them with ease and clarity.

Surprisingly, there is zero distortion even at full volume. Unlike some amplifiers where cranking up the power introduces noise or clipping, the Burson Funk keeps its sound clean and controlled—truly a rarity.

Sound Quality

For testing the Burson Funk, I paired it with a range of DACs including Burson Play DAC, Burson Playmate DAC, Cyrus One Cast DAC, Mytek Brooklyn DAC+, Analog Audio AAdac DAC, and portable players like iBasso DX300 portable player, Astell & Kern SE180 portable player, and Lotoo Paw 6000 portable player.

I also tested it with speakers, including NHT C3 speakers, Buchardt S400 speakers, Spendor S8e speakers, and Dali IKON Mk2 speakers. For headphones, I tested Funk with Sendy Audio Peacock headphones, Audeze LCD-XC headphones, Crosszone CZ-10 headphones, HIFIMAN Arya headphones, Final Audio A8000 headphones, Final Audio E5000 headphones, Campfire Dorado 2020 headphones, Metalure Wave headphones, Unique Melody MEST MK2 headphones, and Audeze Euclid headphones for IEMs.

The sound signature is open, wide, and musical with very little difference between speaker and headphone outputs. Funk impresses with its ease of sound, capable of driving anything you throw at it while maintaining control and finesse. The bass is neutral but fast and smooth, not overpowering but detailed, making it perfect for pairing with warmer headphones or speakers.

The midrange is vivid and natural, delivering a spacious soundstage with excellent detail. Despite a slightly dry and neutral tuning, Funk is remarkably musical—no tube warmth but plenty of soul and natural tonality.

The highs shine with sparkling detail without becoming fatiguing. Burson’s signature light and airy treble shines here, delivering one of the best high-frequency performances you’ll find in this price range.

If you enjoy genres like rock, metal, jazz, or pop, Funk’s dynamic and expressive sound will keep you hooked, revealing new layers and colors in your music.

Comparisons

I compared Burson Funk with some noteworthy amplifiers in the same price bracket: Aune S6 PRO amplifier, Hagerman Tuba amplifier, and Audio-GD Master 19 amplifier.

Burson Funk vs. Hagerman Tuba ($550 vs. $500) — Tuba offers a warm, tube-driven sound mainly for headphones, with a sweeter midrange but softer highs and bass. Funk, by contrast, is more versatile (headphones, IEMs, speakers), has a more neutral signature with greater detail and bass impact, and sounds smoother overall.

Burson Funk vs. Aune S6 PRO ($550 vs. $700) — S6 PRO includes a DAC and balanced outputs but lacks power for harder-to-drive headphones. It offers a colder, analytical sound with less bass. Funk is more natural and musical with stronger dynamics, making it suitable for virtually any headphones or IEMs.

Burson Funk vs. Audio-GD Master 19 ($550 vs. $880) — Master 19 boasts more power and a more colorful, dynamic sound but can be harsher with IEMs. Funk is smoother and better for genres like rock and melodic music, while Master 19 suits EDM and metal. Master 19 is bulky and better as a preamp; Funk wins on size and versatility.

Value and Final Thoughts

The Burson Funk offers incredible value in its price range. It’s basically a media center with a full Class A headphone amp and Class AB speaker amp, delivering power and control that will elevate your audio setup.

The packaging is straightforward but practical, with tools for opening the unit and swapping OP-AMPs, putting customization in your hands.

To wrap up, I’m adding the Burson Funk to the Audiophile-Heaven Hall of Fame for its exceptional performance, value, and thoughtful design.

If you want a smooth, musical, neutral, and powerful amplifier that can handle both your speakers and headphones with ease—this might just be the one that sits proudly on your desk for years.

"Burson Funk is one of the most musical amplifiers I know, delivering natural and engaging sound without compromise."

FAQs

• What types of headphones can Burson Funk drive effectively?
  It can power everything from sensitive IEMs to demanding planar headphones like HIFIMAN He6SE headphones and Audeze LCD-MX4 headphones.
• Does Burson Funk support both speakers and headphones?
  Yes, it features a Class A headphone amplifier and a Class AB speaker amplifier, making it extremely versatile.
• Can I customize the sound of the Burson Funk?
  Absolutely! You can swap the internal operational amplifiers to tailor the sound to your liking.
• Is the amplifier noisy with sensitive IEMs?
  No, it has an exceptionally low noise floor, comparable to high-end portable players, ensuring hiss-free listening.
• How does Burson Funk compare to tube amplifiers?
  It offers a neutral and natural tone without tube warmth but delivers excellent musicality and control suitable for a wide range of music genres.

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