Burmester Katalog Part 1 English

»My mission as a musician and an engineer is to let music lovers forget that they are listening to electrical appliances. The highest level of sound reproduction has been achieved when one stops

thinking about where it is coming from.«

dieter burmester2 3

company philosophy 06 handmade in berlin 06 perfection 08 philosophies and design 10 technology and ease of use 12

burmester productlines 16reference line 18

top line 20 classic line 22

home theater 24

burmester components 26 cd player 28 musiccenter 32 d/a converter 36 surround processor 38 preamplifier 40 phono preamp 46 power amps 48 multichannel power amps 52 integrated amps 54 fm tuner 56 power conditioner 57 loudspeaker 58 racks 64 cables 66

burmester automotive 68 burmester and porsche 70 burmester and bugatti 72

awards 74

technical specifications 77

content

4 5

handmade in berlin

Since 1977 Burmester Audiosys-teme has been manufacturing high-end audio components of unsurpassed quality. From the very beginning the objective has been to create a perfect blend of highest-quality sound, technological innovation and timeless design. Highly trained technicians assemble all Burmester com-

1

ponents by hand in its Berlin factory. Because “Made in Germany” is a label that is taken very seriously by Burmester. Burmester’s research and deve-lopment department constantly strives to not only keep up with the latest advances but to set its own trends and standards. From the first design sketch via a number of prototypes to the

final product shipped from the Berlin factory: each component that bears the Burmester name has been developed in its enti-rety in-house. As an audio pioneer, Burmester has created a number of le-gendary components that have become icons of the high-end audio universe.»Better than Live« financial times

6 7

perfection

To achieve absolute sound qua-lity requires the creative interac-tion of cutting-edge technology, the use of only the finest elec-tronic components and old-fa-shioned craftsmanship. Over 95 per cent of all processed parts and sub-assemblies derive from German manufacturers. Before assembly the components are carefully selected and only those

conforming to tightly defined tolerances are ultimately pro-cessed.

At the end of the manufacturing process each component is not only burned-in and thoroughly measured but also has to pass and extensive listening test before shipping. Approximately 300 computer-aided measure-

»Acoustically perfect«plugged

ments are being taken before and after a seven-day burn-in period. A component advances to the final testing stage only if the measurements show no deviation. Finally, an associate manually tests every function and listens with well-trained ears to make sure that everything is up to Burmester standards.

2

8 9

philosophies and design

»A music freak once told me that Burmester components aren’t really audio systems. They are works of art with musical properties.«

9elf

Burmester considers himself as a guardian and mediator of our musical heritage. The innovative technologies and the highest-quality parts used in his audio components ultimately serve only one purpose, namely, to give full access to the music. By listening to recordings of Elvis Presley, Herbert von Karajan or the Beatles you can bring the full spirit of music into your living room that no concert

stage in the world can offer you anymore. Technical inno-vation and timeless design are the hallmarks of audio systems from Burmester. Their clear and distinctive lines as well as the prominent chrome panels make them into objects of not only musical but also visual art. Chro-me according to Burmester’s design philosophy is much more than just an optical ele-ment. It signifies the high value

and longevity of his products at first glance. However, not only the visual impression but also the touch and feel of operating a Burmester amplifier or CD player leaves a lasting impression.For good reason several weeks of development work are spent on a simple detail like a con-trol knob to make sure that its creamy clicking sound during turns satisfies even the most demanding customer.

art for the ear – our motto is a promise

3

10 11

technology and ease of use

Burmester designs his audio systems for music lovers with a strong sense of acoustic and visual esthetics. Naturally, their technical content, reliability and long-term value are beyond question for many years.Even the most advanced tech-nology is subject to constant improvement. Therefore, Burmester builds progress into every component by taking

future factory upgrades into account. A customer buying today can thus enjoy the latest in audio technology for a long time to come. Factory upgrades and repairs are subject to the same strict quality controls as new compo-nents. By saving the test pro-tocols and measurements for every shipped system the factory can upon request return each

component to its original as-new condition. With logical and self-explanatory functionality Burmester designs ease of use into every compo-nent. Their full enjoyment should not require work. Even though technology can do more and more, Burmester believes that the use of it should not be a mystery to humans.

»Dieter Burmester builds the world’s best audio systems«brand eins

4

12 13

14 15

burmester productlines

reference line top line classic line home theater

5

16 17

With respect to sound quality, innovation and manufacturing quality our reference line claims to set the standards worldwide.Through the uncompromising

application of technical know-ledge and highest-quality parts in this product line we define today’s “State of the Art” in au-dio technology. The Reference name for this

extraordinary product line was practically suggested to us. Au-dio magazines all over the world named them as their reference components – a status they have often defended for years.

»Just take the most enthusiastic of my sound reviews from the last five to ten years and add a few percentage points in every respect….«

image hifi

18 19

Burmester’s top line has many technical similarities with the Reference Line, however, in a more compact design. The perfect fusion of sound and design has given this line iconic status which is reflected in audio

»This combination underscores its claim with unbelievable power and authority.«

lp - holger barske

reviews all over the world. From their first release on all Burmes-ter components in the ranks of this product line have been enthusiastically praised by the international audio press.

20 21

The classic line impres-ses with its concentration on the essential. Apart from achieving high standards of sound quality and design we put special em-phasis on their ease of use. The operation of each component is simple and self-explanatory.With regard to technology and

quality this product line profits substantially from the research and development work done for our Reference and Top Lines. While its appearance is more simple and compact it leaves nothing to be desired with respect to elegance and ease of use.

»Why invest in the stock market when there are Burmester components? No one manufactu-res more beautiful and sensual high-end masterpieces. Don’t be deceived by the name: If you purchase the Classic Line you don’t just buy classical components but genuine archetypes.«

home vision

22 23

Great care taken in develop-ment and thorough quality control during the manufac-turing process as well as un-compromising standards with regard to the sound is the basis for the success of our product lines. Of course, Burmester also offers multi-channel products for home theater and Surround Sound applications for a genuine high-end sound experience.

»Hello goose bumps!« heimkino

24 25

burmester components

cd player musiccenter d/a converter surround processor

preamplifier phono preamplifier power amplifier

multichannel power amplifier integrated amplifier

fm tuner power conditioner loudspeaker racks cables

6

Burmester develops and manu-factures high-end audio equip-ment that meets the highest standards with regard to sound quality, function and design. In addition to the technical aspects, the emotional compo-nent of the sound is of para-mount importance. It is hardly

»A one-stop-shop would be great. Many discerning listeners think it isn’t possible. They are wrong.«

Hifi Test

surprising that the uniquely warm, natural and full-bodied sound of Burmester audio systems is well known to music lovers all over the world. Bur-mester is not only a synonym for hifi equipment, but also for a unique and very special musical experience.

26 27

All of the CD players made by Burmester enthral the liste-ner on account of their musical warmth, which goes hand in hand with an incredible wealth of detail. Countless benchmark tests conducted by leading trade magazines have vouched for the fact that our CD players generate a kind of sound that is normally produced only by analog LPs. This is the result of innovative circuitry, selected DA converters and upsampling technology with sampling rates of 96 or 192 kHz.

We set the international stan-dard with the invention of belt-driven CD drives. As in the case of analog record players, the belt-driven CD player has the advantage that it separates the sound carrier from the drive motor. It ensures that the CD rotates in an absolutely constant manner, with no unevenness or disruptive vibrations. The CD is read with far greater precis-

ion, since there is no electrical jitter (frequency variations in the transmission of digital signals). The handmade drives of our Reference Line and Top Line CD players employ this type of drive technology.

The digital input ports make it possible to attach other ex-ternal digital devices such as set-top boxes, SAT receivers or Blu-ray™ players, which can thus benefit from the remarkab-le qualities of the internal DAC converter. Some of our CD play-ers even have a volume control which eliminates the need for a separate preamplifier. Our pro-ven module system means that our CD players can to a large extent be adapted to incorpo-rate new technologies so your unique listening pleasure is gua-ranteed well into the future.

An MMI module with Bluetooth and a USB port is available for CD players in the current Bur-

cd player

mester range that includes the Reference Line, Top Line and Classic Line. The MMI modu-le facilitates wireless integra-tion into an existing system of devices such as a laptop, an iPhone® or a Blackberry® with an A2DP profile. The module functions as a Bluetooth® recei-ver. It is of course also possible to link up with a PC via the USB port. The USB connection faci-litates the loss-free transfer of uncompressed data and leads to the very best results in terms of sound.

The new module is not only an optional extra for new CD players. Customers who alrea-dy own a Burmester CD play-er from one of these product lines can also benefit from these developments. 069, 089 and 061 have been equipped with an MMI slot from the start of production and for this reason can easily be used with the new module.

7

»When dreams become reality . . .«hifi stars

28 29

061classic lineThe 061 is a top loader with a direct-drive mechanism. With its MMI slot, which makes it possible to attach other digital devices, the 061 is well

cd player

089top lineThe Top Line 089 belt-drive CD player combines a number of new features with the familiar Refe-rence Line technology. Burmester’s combination of belt drive, a sam-ple rate conversion (SRC) function

102classic lineThe direct-drive Classic Line 102 CD player has a very sophisticated high-end DA converter that posses-ses the salient features of the con-verter used in the 061 CD player.

equipped for the future. Tonal ba-lance and subtle details are per-fectly combined in the 061 player. Its precision-built top-loading case

of 96kHz/24bit or 192kHz/24bit and corresponding conversion has been the global benchmark for many years. On account of its two digital ports and its optional volume control, the 089 can also be used as

This converter can also be accessed by external devices such as TV set-top boxes or Blu-ray™ players via the integrated digital ports. All inco-ming digital stereo signals are con-

made of milled aluminium makes it a sheer pleasure to insert a CD.technical specifications p.79

verted by a sample rate converter to the sampling frequency (96 kHz or 192 kHz) selected by the user. technical specifications p.79

a preamplifier. The digital ports of the 089 make it possible to connect other external digital devices via the improved internal DAC conver-ter and to achieve a superb level of sound quality (up to 192kHz/24 bit).technical specifications p.78

cd playercd player

069reference lineThe 069 CD player combines the latest converter technology with the familiar Burmester belt-drive system to create a CD player that is unsur-passed and quite simply state-of-the-art. On account of its three digital

ports, an analog port and its opti-onal volume control, the 069 can also be used as a preamplifier.The 069 CD drive is based on a heavy low-resonance block cut from a single piece of metal. The sheer

mass of this mechanical screen shields the CD drive from mecha-nical or acoustic interference. The 069 is available in versions with an internal or an external power sup-ply unit.technical specifications p.78

cd player

30 31

The 111 Musiccenter is a genuine all-rounder that can certainly do far more than merely act as a ser-ver. On account of its fully-fledged preamplifier unit and its integrated reference-level DA converter it can be utilised as the central element within your hifi setup. Three analog and six digital ports are available to the music lover which enable a number of other devices to be attached. The preamplifier section is

isolated galvanically from the server section in order to exclu-de potential interference from the server unit and the analog section with the integrated DAC converter.

Like all other Burmester pre-amplifiers it is constructed on the basis of symmetrical circuit technology and has a comple-tely DC-coupled signal path without capacitor interference.

The sophisticated analog X-Amp2 output circuits obtain their signal from a reference DA converter section, which ensures that the sound is both subtle and musical.

musiccenter8

32 33

111reference line

The new Reference Line Musiccen-ter not only makes a good impres-sion on account of its outstanding sound quality, but above all due to the incredible speed with which it processes very large amounts of data. Any track you select is ready to be played in a fraction of a second. The local player can be steered via the device itself, via a web browser, or with the help of a specially deve-loped Burmester app via an iPad®. Wi-Fi streaming is also possible. A high quality rip of an existing CD collection can be created via the integrated slot drive. The database automatically detects and adds mis-sing album covers and title informa-tion. Since forward error correction (FEC) on audio CD drives occurs

only a few seconds in advance, old and scratched CDs can produce an audio data stream that contains sporadic skips. Unless appropria-te countermeasures are adopted, interfering noise may well diminish your listening pleasure. When a CD is being read out or ripped (in contrast to being played) there are no real-time requirements, which means that audio data can be read out more than once. The Burmester Musiccenter can process this data on a very high resolution quality level and use it to assemble a data stream that does not have these flaws.

Your precious musical data is pro-tected by two mirrored hard disks, each of them with a 3 TB capacity.

One of the hard disks is the place where you save your music library, and the second one saves the iden-tical information so that in the event of hard disk failure you can be sure that your data is always secure. The system hard disk is a solid-state disk (SSD). Forthcoming updates may include optional SSD solutions to re-place the current data storage hard disks. Your data is also safe in the event of power cut. The uninterrup-tible power supply (UPS) makes it possible to shut down the server in an orderly manner and provides the best kind of protection for the music stored on your hard disks and for the system stability.

technical specifications p.80

musiccenter34 35

d/a converter

The 113 DAC converter was developed at the same time as the MMI module for the 069, 089 and 061 CD player models. It has two digital input ports, two analog output ports, a USB input port (Class2Audio) and a Bluetooth® input port, which

113In addition to the superiority of the sound attained in the area of DA conversion for external devices such as set-top boxes, Blu-ray™ players or SAT receivers, the 113 DAC facilitates the wireless integ-

d/a converter

ration into an existing setup of all devices such as laptop, iPhone® or Blackberry® that have an A2DP profile. Here the 113 functions as a Bluetooth® receiver. It goes without saying that it is also possible to link

a computer to the 113 DAC via the existing USB connection. The USB connection facilitates the loss-free transmission of uncompressed data and leads to the very best results in terms of sound.technical specifications p.81

in addition to the normal SBC codec also supports the aptX® codec in order to extract the maximum of sound quality from the restricted Bluetooth® trans-mission waveband.The sophisticated analog out-put circuits obtain their signal

9

from the latest kind of converter section. With its freely adjustable sampling frequency (48 kHz, 96 kHz and 192 kHz), it ensures that the sound has a finely chiselled and musical quality.

with bluetooth® and usb port

»The converter is great. It sounds absolutely Burmester-like, rich and as clear as crystal, and includes USB and Bluetooth connections that could hardly, at present, be better implemented.«

einsnull

36 37

057top lineFive years after Burmester Audiosys-teme had begun to make its mark in the world of Surround with the 007 Surround Processor it unveiled ano-ther multichannel device, the 057 Surround Processor. The 057 is ca-

pable of processing up to 7.1 chan-nels, possesses symmetrical signal amplification lines and an automatic clipping avoidance feature. Prior to D/A conversion the digital signals are upsampled to 96kHz/24bit. As in

007reference lineThe goal of the development pro-cess was to build a processor that made no compromises when it came to sound quality while also being easy to use. Certain features of the 007 had already proved their worth in other Burmester

087classic lineThe 087 is capable of processing up to 5.1 channels and, like the 007 and 057 processors, includes lip-sync delay for the optimal synchroniza-

tion of images and sound. Prior to D/A conversion the digital signals are upsampled to 96kHz/24bit. Des-pite its complexity, the 087 func-

components. In 007 the upsamp-ling technology that was featured in our CD players is used simulta-neously on eight channels. Prior to DA conversion the digital signals are upsampled to 96kHz/24bit. The video switch is housed in

surround processor

At the turn of the millennium Burmester Audiosysteme made a successful foray into the Sur-round era with its 007 Surround Processor. The 007 is the first multichannel device within the established product lines and we hope it will be just as suc-cessful as Her Majesty’s agent

surround processor

who bears the same moniker! In 2005 it was followed by the Top Line 057 Surround Processor, and in 2008 by the Classic Line 087 Surround Processor.

Our objective in developing our Surround processors is easy to understand and entirely in

keeping with the traditions of our company. It is the uncom-promising sound quality of the processors combined with maximum ease of use. In fact, our Surround processors are yet another example of our compa-ny philosophy.

the large external power supply unit. None of the input ports have predetermined names, and au-dio and video input ports can be assigned to each other in specific ways.technical specifications p.82

tions in a very logical way and can be intuitively operated. Superfluous control elements and functions were deliberately omitted.technical specifications p.82

the case of 007, the device is com-pletely DC-coupled, in other words, it omits coupling capacitors in the si-gnal path that might affect the quali-ty of the sound. technical specifications p.82

surround processor

surround processor

10

». . . does not fight shy of passages that pull out all the stops, or of corners taken at high speed«heimkino

38 39

808 mk5 preamplifierreference lineEver since it was unveiled in August 1980 (the reason for the number 808), the 808 has received inter-national acclaim. It has reached its fifth generation and continues to serve as a benchmark in the edi-

torial departments of noted trade magazines throughout the world. This exceptional preamplifier has now been manufactured without interruption for more than 30 years. Its basic modular structure was re-

volutionary when it first came out, and it is still a cutting-edge device more than a quarter of a century later. New kinds of state-of-the-art technology have been added to its forward-looking underlying design. technical specifications p.83

preamplifier

The Burmester success story started with a preamplifier, and in fact the legendary 777 was the first device developed by Dieter Burmester. It was followed by many other successful models. One of these is the 808, which has reached its fifth generation

and continues to serve as a yard-stick for preamplifiers all over the world. The 30th anniversary of the company was marked by the appearance of a further Burmester high-end device. The 077 continues to uphold the Burmester tradition of produ-

cing internationally acclaimed and prizewinning preamplifiers.A common factor of all Burmes-ter preamplifiers is their modular design, which aims to provide long-lasting listening pleasure of the very best kind. Most of them operate in Class A, and, like

11

»The soundscape is rich and glowing without ever seeming like too much of a good thing. The dynamics of a song are thrillingly conveyed without inducing as much as a hint of edginess.«

image hifi

other Burmester devices, they are all based on DC coupling.Needless to say, you will have the benefit of the symmetrical circuit technology that Burmes-ter has been using for 30 years and continues to improve and enhance, and from the Burmes-ter X-Amp 2 range of amplifiers. Burmester X-Amp modules are

discrete, i.e. they are symmetri-cal operational amplifiers with integrated DC offset com-pensation constructed on the basis of single selected parts. This means that amplifiers can function without interference from coupling capacitors in the signal path with direct current of up to several hundred kHz.

Therefore the signal is not affec-ted by phase shifts or frequency cutoffs in the low-frequency segment. This means that the usual debate about which cou-pling capacitor sounds best is unnecessary - the best acoustic results are achieved without coupling capacitors.

40 41

088top lineThe 088 preamplifier combines many of the technical refinements of the Reference Line with the compact structure of the Top Line devices. It

099 dac preamplifierclassic lineThe Classic Line 099 Preamp was developed to cater for the increa-sing use of a variety of digital de-vices and to bring together images and sound. The music lover can

benefits from tried and tested de-velopments that already gave the Reference Line 077 preamplifier its superb sound quality. The perfect

preamplifier

choose between six digital input ports in order to connect a wide range of digital devices such as digital satellite receivers, digital set-top boxes, play consoles and PCs.

And when it comes to sound quali-ty, its three analog inputs meet the highest requirements. technical specifications p.84

fusion of sound and design seen in the 088 preamplifier appeals to the senses and is a source of endless delight and listening pleasure. technical specifications p.84

077reference lineThe 077 is just one of a number of Burmester preamplifiers that have received international awards. The principal development goal was to incorporate the great sound of its

predecessors in the up-to-date de-sign of the Reference Line devices. The logical controls enhance your listening pleasure, and the unclutte-red nature of the design speaks for

preamplifier

itself. However, the 077 preamplifier makes its mark primarily on account of its inner values. technical specifications p.83

035classic lineIts uncluttered and pleasing ap-pearance and its elegant simplicity have turned the 035 preamplifier into one of the favourite products in the Classic Line. The Burmester-

preamplifier

designed X-Amp amplifier stages are part of the basic configuration of the 035. Most of them operate symmetrically in Class A and are entirely based on DC coupling. This

allowed the sound qualities of the preamplifiers in the Reference Line and the Top Line to find their way into the 035. technical specifications p.84

42 43

44 45

100 phono preamplifiertoplineIn the full configuration the 100 pho-no preamplifier has two symmetri-cal phono ports (XLR 3pol. female), which are available as MC and/or MM versions. This makes it possib-le to attach record players with two pickup systems or to attach two re-cord players simultaneously with dif-ferent pickup systems (MM/MC). The 100 phono preamplifier automati-cally detects the MC or MM module and is thus very simple to operate.

Since the input resistance of an MC cartridge is adjustable, it is possible to discover the optimal impedance level for every pickup system. This is also true of the adjustability of the

input capacity of an MM pickup sys-tem. The input impedance circuitry makes use of relays. By taking the shortest possible signal paths it is possible to reduce interference couplings to an absolute minimum. In order to attain an optimal adjust-ment of levels and volume, a ran-ge of six settings for selecting the input sensitivity of each module is available.

A special feature of the new 100 phono preamplifier is the AUTO ADJUST function. This means that by merely pressing a button you can automatically balance the channels of the pickup system to a 0.2 dB

phono preamp

Burmester’s 100 phono pre-amplifier is a real must for all devotees of analog listening and harks back to the success of the 838 phono preamplifier in the 1980s. The net result is a return to the roots of the Bur-mester success story plus the state-of-the-art technology of the 21st century. The 100 phono preamplifier was designed to give vinyl lovers the very best in listening pleasure and to enable

them to make digital backup copies of their vinyl musical tre-asures. The 100 phono preamp-lifier conjoins specially selected parts, circuit technology, preci-sion engineering and perfect analog sound. In other words, it is the best combination in the world of sophisticated analog signals processing and applied technology. This preamplifier makes it possible to create high-resolution and high-quality

copies of an analog collection of vinyl LPs and transfer them to a server, to a hard disk, or directly to a CD burner. The extraneous voltage that causes white noise, humming and distortion is down to the lowest possible level. The phono preamplifier’s perfor-mance metrics reach the theore-tical and practical minimum, and are currently — and will probably remain — state–of–the–art for a long time to come.

12

(2 %) level of accuracy and with a channel inequality of 6 dB.

The DC-coupled signal path omits coupling capacitors, since they can cause interference, and this leads to very precise bass reproduction. There is no phase shift in the audible part of the range. The optional A/D converter module with its USB and S/PDIF output ports enables the new 100 phono preamplifier to produ-ce digital versions of analog vinyl recordings. In other words, you can archive your vinyl collection by bur-ning them on CDs or adding them to your music server. technical specifications p.85

»The 100 model is the best phono preamplifier that I have ever been privileged to hear. In every respect. A great musical experience.«

hifi & records

46 47

Amplifier technology has always been one of the core competences of Burmester Audiosysteme. Like all of our high-end amplifiers, the power amplifiers are constructed in a symmetrical way and are entirely DC-coupled. A typical feature of Burmester power amplifiers is their extremely high damping factor. In combination with a wide class-A range this allows

power amps

every connected loudspeaker to perform at its very best.In the power amplifier section, Burmester produces a balanced variety that ranges from its mo-numental flagship to its “tiniest” unit. On account of their gigan-tic volume, Burmester power amplifiers are absolutely top of the line in the field of amplifier construction.All Burmester power amplifiers

909 mk5 power amplifierreference lineSince 1990, the 909 stereo power amplifier has been the pinnacle of amplifier technology. All other Burmester power amplifiers such as the 911, 956 and 036 - and our multichannel power amplifiers - are its direct descendants.On account of its gigantic power,

trade magazines consider this giant amplifier to be the non plus ultra of power amplifiers. This legen-dary amplifier certainly also owes some of its fame to its imposing appearance. The massive heat sinks with their silver anodized ribs are a global icon that stands for Bur-

are stereo devices that can be bridged with the help of an external mono adapter. Mono versions of the amplifier can also be supplied directly from the factory, i.e. with internal bridges. In mono mode the devices can produce up to three times as much power. A mono adapter bridge makes it easy to expand an existing system by adding a second amplifier.

mester power amplifiers and their sophisticated and melodious sound qualities.The 909 power amplifier ensures the very best performance from any loudspeaker.technical specifications p.86

13

». . . a rich palette of sound, a vast sense of space, and a world of dynamic shadings from the amplification paths enable the stress-free and relaxing kind of listening that everyone is after.«

48 49

036 power amplifierclassic lineThe 036 stereo power amplifier combines a more compact design with many of the features of the more imposing Burmester power

911 mk3 power amplifiertop lineThe 911 MK3 stereo power amplifier is our second-largest amplifier and one of the most powerful on the glo-bal market. The big wattage giant is conside-red to be one of the fastest power amplifiers in the world. Based on insights gained from the design of the much-acclaimed 909 model, it

956 mk2 power amplifierclassic lineThe 956 MK2 stereo device com-plements the Burmester family of amplifiers that has been accorded numerous international awards. The high-quality internal cables enable

the amplifier’s high current to flow unimpeded to the large loudspea-ker terminals. Thus the sound of the 956 MK 2 amplifier is characterized by excellent spatialization, musical

warmth, and a minimal level of distortion. technical specifications p.86

amplifiers. The structure is again symmetrical and the device is entirely DC-coupled. An intelligent protective circuit monitors the ope-

rating status with regard to tempe-rature, DC offset and power surges. technical specifications p.86

has been continually improved and developed and, as version MK 3, has already reached the third generati-on.The 911 MK3 can continuously supply high current in a seemingly effortless manner, and can thus easily power loudspeakers with low impedance values and very complex

loads. This amplifier is held in high esteem on account of its warm and detail-rich sound. In fact, the 911 is unsurpassed in its ability to decipher minute details at extremely high volumes on the best loudspeakers in the world. technical specifications p.86

50 51

The 037 and 039 multichannel power amplifiers have achieved worldwide recognition. They give loudspeakers what they need in every conceivable situa-tion. The unmistakable design of their heat sinks puts the finishing touch to the visual appearance of every home theatre system.

multichannel power amps

Good spatialization and the mu-sical warmth of its sound com-bine favourably with the other home theatre components.The amplifier paths of the 037 3-channel device are identi-cal to those of the 036 stereo amplifier, of the 039 6-channel amplifier, and those of the 032

0373-channelOn account of its ability to keep supplying high current in a seemin-gly effortless manner, the 037 can power loudspeakers with low im-

0395/6-channelThe 039 multichannel power amplifier is available as a 5-chan-nel or a 6-channel version. It can continuously supply high current in a seemingly effortless manner and

multichannel power amp

can thus easily power loudspeakers with low impedance values and very complex loads. Although the 039 is a 6-channel device it can be bridged for mono operation via

pedance values and very complex loads. On account of its detailed resolution even at extremely high volumes it is, much like the 039

and 082 integrated amplifiers. For this reason it is very easy to combine these devices. This leads to “total coherence amp-lification” (TCA), which, among other things, facilitates 5-channel systems by combining 037 with other stereo power amplifiers or integrated amplifiers.

multichannel power amplifier, ideal for use in home cinemas. technical specifications p.87

an external Y bridge cable, which transforms it into a 3-channel am-plifier.technical specifications p.87

14

»Our home cinema experience has been enriched in a way we never thought possible.«dvdigital

multichannel power amp

52 53

Burmester integrated ampli-fiers take their bearings from its preamplifiers and power ampli-fiers, many of which have been accorded international awards. They are equipped with the pro-ven X-Amp amplifier technology and a tone control system that can be deactivated, and like all

integrated amps

Burmester amplifiers are sym-metrically constructed and are entirely DC-coupled. Burmester integrated amplifiers operate in a stable way even when they are driving loudspeakers with criti-cal impedance levels. They have a distinctively warm, strong and full-bodied sound and at the

101classic lineThe 101 Integrated Amplifier is the latest integrated amplifier in the Burmester product range and a supreme example for the perfect combination of efficient class D power sections and an analogue power supply. With its power re-serves thus made available the 101 easily achieves in a compact design

integrated amp

the warm and well-balanced sound which is known to be a trademark of the Burmester tone. The switch-able "Smooth“ function produces a pleasant and at the same time detailed sound image even with low volume levels.Within the Burmester sound world the 101 integrated amplifier

commends itself as a perfect game partner for the 102 CD player, notably when combined with the loudspeakers from the Burmester portfolio. The additional balanced outputs also allow to use it as a de-dicated preamp or for bi-amping .

technical specifications p.88

15

integrated amp

»This amplifier wields its seemingly limitless power in a very cultivated manner, and in fact with a great deal of charm.«

hifi & records

same time impress the listener with a wealth of details. Also, like all other Burmester amplifiers, these integrated amplifiers are carefully made by hand in the factory in Berlin and subjected to comprehensive testing before being sent to the customer.

032classic lineOn account of its sizeable 650 VA power supply unit, the 032 has no difficulty in maintaining a constant high current supply and is thus able to power large loudspeakers with

integrated amp

very low impedance values and very complex loads. It is exceptionally well equipped for home cinemas on account of its Home Theater Thru-put system, which permits signals to

bypass the preamplifier stage and to be sent directly to the amplifier. technical specifications p.88

082classic lineIn spite of the fact that the power supply unit is slightly smaller than in the case of 032, 082 still delivers an impressive performance, and the sound quality is almost on a par with that of the more powerful 032.

It is an ideal partner for Burmester CD players, and in particular for Classic Line 061. The 082 amplifier also makes our listening dreams come true. It exudes a warm, strong and full-bodied sound that at the

same time impresses the listener on account of its capacity for detail. We attain this goal with a type of circuit design that is based on symmetrical DC-coupled amplifier paths. technical specifications p.88

54 55

High-end FM tuners provide access to a vast amount of music that is played by radio stations. Lie on your sofa and listen in to a live broadcast of a concert, or simply enjoy music programmes of your choice and the incom-parable reception qualities of

fm tuner

a Burmester FM tuner. In addi-tion to their intuitive controls and ease of use, Burmester FM tuners impress listeners prima-rily on account of their superb reception and their overload resistance. The unusual front end and all of the IF stages and

931 rds fm tuner

The 931 RDS tuner, which is entirely DC-coupled and has a high-quality front end, provides the listener with unbeatable sound quality in the FM tuner segment. The front end was developed autonomously and is the

The Power Conditioner 948 is one of our most innovative pro-ducts and is the result of many years of basic research. Burmester Audiosysteme identi-fied a very small level of DC vol-tage amounting to no more than a few mV DC, which is always

and to varying degrees superim-posed on the mains AC voltage, as the reason for the pheno-menon of sound loss at various times of the day.The patented principle for the loss-free elimination of the-se vestiges of direct current is

power conditioner

948The 948 Power Conditioner adds three essential functions to your high-end setup. First, it provides you with active DC compensation. The patented circuit design, which does not limit the power supply to the attached devices, makes it possible to connect large amplifiers or even several large mono power

power conditioner

their filters are based on know-how developed by Burmester Audiosysteme and represent a state of the art that is currently unsurpassed by any other digital radio system.

an active amplifier system that works in parallel to the electric power supply, and this makes it possible to attach large ampli-fiers without the sort of power li-mitation that can have an adver-se effect on the sound quality.

result of intense research and top-quality components. Other special features are the sound quality that emanates from the excellent solution of the wide-IF issue on the basis of 400 kHz bandwidth and the

symmetrical output stages. Need-less to say, a tuner of this format is calibrated by hand. The 8-pole IF filters used are unique in the world and help to give the 931 tuner a very superior sound quality.technical specifications p.89

amplifiers to the 948 Power Condi-tioner. With traditional passive filters this would be either impossible or would lead to a loss of sound. These improvements in the sound are upheld throughout the day. Secondly, the 948 Power Condi-tioner has two 10A high frequency filters that can be applied to one

or more of the eight sockets in order to prevent interference from reaching the attached devices.Thirdly, the 948 has eight radially wired electricity supply sockets, making an external socket board superfluous. technical specifications p.90

16 17

»High end without voodoo.«hifi test

»Music and images together with the Burmester 948 can only be described as follows: inge-nious, masterful, simply brilliant.«

heimkino

56 57

Since 1994 Burmester Audio-systeme has been making loudspeakers that are able to fill a listening space with an impressive sound and conjure up a three-dimensional musical experience for the listener. Inst-ruments sound remarkably true to life and whatever the volume, the sound is always smooth and perfectly balanced.

We use bass reflex cabinets for the dynamic and uncompressed rendition of bass notes. They enhance the lower registers and at the same time minimize dis-tortion. Column loudspeakers owe their slim appearance to the fact that the bass speakers are fitted into the side.

We run in every loudspeaker chassis for seven days before proceeding to the assembly stage. The parameters are mea-sured, and the computer puts together pairs with extremely close tolerance levels. Only identical stereo loudspeakers

can create a perfect three-dimensional soundscape.

Typical Burmester features are the low-loss internal wiring and the stable and made-to-last con-nection terminals. Furthermore, all our column loudspeakers can operate with different wiring and amplifiers for the low and middle/high frequency drivers (bi-wiring and bi-amping).

Loudspeakers that appeal even to musicians Musicians are the most critical of listeners. In their opinion, our loudspeakers literally seem to explode when large orchestras play suitably loud passages, not to mention the fact that the va-rious instruments sound remar-kably true to life.

Loudspeakers which give you all the notesOur loudspeakers reproduce all the audible octaves right down to the lowest bass notes. The low frequencies are the ones

loudspeaKer

which convey a sense of mighty orchestral power and generate true emotion.

Loudspeakers for quiet listeningOur loudspeakers are construc-ted in such a way that even if you turn the volume down, the sound is always smooth, with the correct tonal balance.

Loudspeakers for loud musicOur loudspeakers enable you to listen to very loud music. How-ever, they are still as precise as ever and never become strai-ned.

Loudspeakers with an attractive designThe appearance of a loudspea-ker should fit in with and enhan-ce the interior design of your home. This presupposes design perfection and the use of high-quality materials.

18

»Full of vitality, as if it were a stage monitor in a fancy case.«audio

POWER

S8

IR

58 59

B100 loudspeaker

The B100 is the flagship of the Bur-mester loudspeaker line. Smoo-thness, true-to-life dynamics and time-optimized sound are at the top of its agenda. In practice it is an ae-sthetic loudspeaker which, despite its imposing size, fits harmoniously into the interior design of your home

and is the source of pure listening pleasure. The B100’s three paths are separated from one another by phase linear filters. Middle and high frequency speakers are arranged in what is known as a d’Appolito confi-guration, which facilitates symmetri-cal emission, a high level of impul-

se stability and relaxed listening for long periods of time. Even high de-cibel levels of well above 115 dB are not a problem as far as this impo-sing transducer is concerned.technical specifications p.91

colours in the low frequency range. I addition to this the sound of the ribbon tweeters is now emitted in a different way. This distributes the overtones more widely and makes the result sound even more velvety. We have kept the look and the feel of the loudspeaker and the proven

membrane and magnetic technolo-gies as well as the B80’s high sound neutrality and its fascinating authen-ticity in reproducing the sound of instruments and voices. technical specifications p.91

B80 mk2 loudspeaker

The B80 MK2 is an acoustically outstanding and also visually plea-sing loudspeaker which, despite its considerable size, can be integrated into virtually any kind of interior design. In the MK2 version the audio crossover has been noticeably im-proved and with it the range of tone

60 61

B25In spite of its relatively small size, the B25 can fill even large spaces with the entrancing sound of music. It can also unfold its potential in

loudspeaker

B10The B10 loudspeaker was originally designed as a near-field studio monitor to be used exclusively for sound re-cordings in Dieter Burmester’s private studio. As a result of its tremendous success the idea was later adapted to create a surprisingly good shelf loudspeaker which takes up little room. technical specifications p.92

loudspeaker

S8Burmester’s mighty S8 subwoofer is a kind of “bass factory” in the home theatre setup. Even if the sound is at hurricane level, this colossus, which weighs 60 kilos, brings across the bass frequencies in a subtle and so-phisticated manner. Its impressive und uncompromising rendering of low frequencies creates the unshakeable foundation for the experience of three-dimensional sound. technical specifications p.93

subwoofer

C8 center loudspeaker

In conjunction with other Burmester loudspeakers, the C8 center speaker provides a high degree of linguistic comprehensibility and voice localization. Thanks to its low bass frequencies and its high sound le-vel stability, the C8 can also easily perform the functions of a full-range loudspeaker. Its flexible design means that it can be placed virtually anywhere. This makes it easy to integrate into the interior design of your home, both as a stand-alone speaker and as part of a Burmes-ter rack system. technical specifications p.93

conjunction with small amplifiers and can easily be integrated into any type of interior design.technical specifications p.92

961 mk3

The 961 loudspeaker hails from the early years of Burmester’s suc-cessful line of loudspeakers. The low, middle and high frequency

loudspeaker

speakers of the 961 MK3 combine in perfect harmony and ensure the best kind of sound neutrality.technical specifications p.92

62 63

The solid Burmester racks are a logical continuation of the integrated audio systems design philosophy. Experience

racKs

has shown that the best sound quality emanates from a stable construction made of aluminium and furnished wood.

V3technical specifications p.94

rack

V5technical specifications p.94

rack

V6technical specifications p.94

rack

The story of the Burmester racks began with Dieter Burmester’s Reference Line setup at home. As a result of its positive tonal

V1technical specifications p.94

rackVtechnical specifications p.94

base

19

and visual features, this private project soon took on a life of its own, and led to a new and separate product.

All of the racks can be supplied with surfaces made of Elsber-ry or Macassar, and there is a special edition in white Carrara.

Please enquire about other finshes, which can be specially made to order.

64 65

We have developed the best pos-sible internal wiring with various types of cable in order to meet our exacting demands in terms of sound. Of course, these cables are also the best way of connec-ting the various devices to each other.

As it makes its way from its source via the various amplifier stages and loudspeakers to the listener, every particle of sound passes through many metres of connec-ting cables. The homogeneous signal path is provided by the internal wiring of CD players, pre-amplifiers, amplifiers, and louds-peakers, which is always made of the same material. The louds-peaker cables are also part of this chain and are made of the same material as the internal wiring.

Unadulterated reproduction can only be achieved using high-qua-lity cable connections. Burmes-ter cables are characterized by secure socket contacts and the best kind of conducting material in conjunction with a sensible internal design and particularly effective insulation.

Cables can be made specially to fit your needs and specifications. Please ask your dealer to supply genuine Burmester cables. He will be happy to assemble the right connections. technical specifications p.95

cables20

66 67

burmester automotive

At Burmester we have always been interested in cars, and as a result we were delighted to accept the challenge to fit a high-end sound system into one. After the successful debut of the Burmester Sound System in the Bugatti Veyron, we were able to acquire another renowned part-ner, Porsche. The experiences, the challenges and the exciting cooperation in the context of these two projects have enabled us to set new global standards for the automotive industry. Burmester on board. Most of

us spend quite a lot of time in our cars. More perhaps than we spend in our living rooms back home.And for many people the car has become a kind of mobile retreat, a place where they can forget about their cares and anxieties, at least for a time. That is why drivers increasingly appreciate a comfor-table and leisurely ambience in their cars. The sound of music can significantly contribute to making driving a far more pleasant ex-perience. And music is no longer simply some kind of background

noise: it is becoming an emotio-nal event in its own right.Intense research and develop-ment have made it possible to transfer Burmester’s long expe-rience of providing high-end sound for the living room to the automotive industry. Listening to music in the car is no longer a compromise affair. Burmester sound systems now make it possi-ble to enjoy the warm, natural and full-bodied Burmester sound in cars as well.

21

»It is the best car hifi that this author has ever heard – and that expressly includes systems which are five times as pricey.«

holger biermann - stereoplay

68 69

The sound from Weissach is being enhanced from Berlin. By Burmester. Since the introduction of the Burmester high-end Surround sound system at the time the new Porsche Panamera was launched, it has been the bench-mark for factory-installed integ-rated car hifi systems. This status was successfully defended in

the next project, the Porsche Ca-yenne, and in the iconic Porsche 911 sports car.Intense research and develop-ment have made it possible to transfer Burmester’s long expe-rience of providing high-end sound for the living room to the automotive industry. The use of materials found in Burmes-ter high-end systems certainly

burmester and porsche

injects some “Burmester DNA” into the vehicle, which is now filled with a full-bodied, warm and detail-rich sound. Listening to music in the car is no longer a compromise affair.The activation of the louds-peakers via separate amplifier channels makes it possible to adapt them to the interior of the vehicles. Moreover, it makes the

music sound exhilarating and facilitates a convincing sounds-tage. A highly efficient amplifier system, lightweight Neodym magnets, similarly light alumi-nium loudspeaker baskets and various weight-reduced synthe-tic materials are in keeping with the lightweight construction that tends to be found in sports cars. This means that the total weight

of the system is remarkably low, especially in view of its incredi-ble power.The Burmester sound system has several innovative ways of enhancing individual listening pleasure. For example, in the Panamera and the Cayenne the sound can be optimized for the front or rear seats by merely pressing a button. In Porsche

sports cars fitted with a Burmes-ter system it is possible to select “Smooth”, “Live” or “Surround” settings to obtain the best sound for one’s listening pleasure.The superiority of the system is the net result of innumerable de-tails, and of one overriding goal, and that is perfect sound.

22

70 71

In the case of the Bugatti EB 16.4 VEYRON Burmester and the Bugatti engineers designed a superlative sound system as this out-of-the-ordinary car called for out-of-the-ordinary ideas, also for listening to music.The Bugatti project marked the start of Burmester high-end sound systems for cars. In con-

trast to the normal method of integrating a complete sound system into an existing vehicle, Burmester and the Bugatti team tried to figure out the best ar-rangement of the components in the car whilst the monocoque was still at the design stage.Such cooperation in the early stages of the construction of the

bodywork and the interior was necessary in order to attain to the best performance, musicality and design.Thus, the controls were comple-tely redesigned. The goal was to enable the driver to use them effortlessly even at high speeds.

burmester and bugatti

23

72 73

awards24

Burmester has earned much praise and numerous awards from audio magazines both in Germany and abroad, among other things for highest musicality and manu-facturing quality. Deciding factor for these honours has always been the fact that

Burmester sets standards for the whole industry rather than copying others.

74 75

Burmester Audiosysteme GmbHWilhelm–Kabus Strasse 47 ∙ 10829 Berlin ∙ Germany

Tel.: +49–30–7879680 ∙ www.burmester.deSubject to technical modifications.