Burmester 101 Integrated Amplifier

The Burmester 101 is the latest integrated amplifier in the Classic Line — a sterling combination of efficient power amplification with an analogue power supply, delivering the warm and balanced sound Burmester is famous for from a single chassis. Its remarkable power reserves come from a power supply and output stage engineered specifically to preserve the tonal character of Burmester amplification at a Classic Line entry price. Balanced signal paths and DC-coupled circuitry throughout preserve the architectural discipline of the larger Reference Line electronics.

The engineering premise for the 101 is that the Classic Line integrated tier should not compromise the Burmester amplifier character to hit its price point — the amplifier should be quieter, less powerful, and simpler than the 032 above it, but it should not sound different in kind. What the 101 gives up compared with the 032 is the 650 VA supply, some connectivity, and some peak headroom; what it retains is the balanced X-Amp signal path, DC coupling, and the Burmester tonal character that defines the whole line.

In a Classic Line system, the 101 anchors a compact one-chassis-plus-loudspeakers configuration with sources from the 175 turntable, 111 Musiccenter, or 151 MK2. Chrome front panel over the Classic Line chassis, hand-assembled in Berlin with the same quality-control process applied to the Reference Line. Partners naturally with the B18 or B28 loudspeakers as a compact two-piece system where the room and budget do not accommodate the larger 032 or a full separates configuration.

At $15,000 in current Burmester pricing, the 101 is available at the Scottsdale showroom. Walk in during business hours or book ahead for a prepared listening session with the B-Series loudspeaker pairing.