Have you ever taken a car ride in a late-model Mercedes-Benz and noticed the Burmester logo engraved on one of the loudspeaker grille covers? The German manufacturer of ultra high-end components and loudspeakers plays in the upper echelon of buyers and they don’t turnover their lineup very often unless the latest generation of products exceeds every expectation.
First previewed at High-End Munich 2024, Burmester has announced the availability of the new addition to its Classic line, the Burmester 232 2-channel integrated amplifier.
Burmester claims that the 232 sets new standards with expanded connectivity, functionality, and new industrial design while delivering exceptional sound quality consistent with Burmester’s international reputation.
Connectivity & Modular Expansion
The Burmester 232 starts by incorporating modular design, allowing it to be customized for individual preferences. In its “stock” configuration, it can function as an analog 2-channel integrated amplifier but can also accommodate digital (including HDMI-ARC) and streaming sources.
Streaming service support includes TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, and Apple AirPlay. Future over-the-air updates will make the 232 Roon Ready and offer Internet Radio Search.
Upcoming updates will enable the three USB ports to support playback from USB storage devices.
In addition, two optional input modules are being offered:
DAC Module: This module converts external digital audio sources, including those from popular streaming services with the highest possible quality.
Phono Module: This enables the 232 to accommodate turntables with MC cartridge systems. The phono module preamp is built on the foundation of the Burmester phono preamplifier 100 and the Burmester 077 reference preamplifier.
Control
The Burmester 232 provides three types of control.
- Wireless Remote for controlling its functions.
- Burmester Conduct App for iOS and Android. Just as with the wireless remote, app allows control of the integrated amplifier from a smartphone such as volume, source switching, display brightness, input levels, or input names.
- Onboard HaptiControl rotary dial and touch sensors on the front panel status display. This Human-Machine Interface (HMI) unit combines a high-resolution display and touch sensors with the unique HaptiControl rotary knob for an intuitive and precise user experience. Despite the wide-ranging and complex functionality, Burmester maintains a focus on simple and intuitive operation
Proprietary Software
In addition to control, Burmester includes software that provides efficient monitoring of protection circuits and firmware updates.
The 232 integrated amplifier’s software is not ‘off the shelf’ but is developed in-house. According to Burmester, their development team designed a new DAC module for the 232, resulting in significantly improved sound fidelity, minimal noise, extremely low distortion, and dynamic playback with precise staging and a natural, musical sound profile. The DAC will decode up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM.
New Heatsink Design
One of the major issues with amplifiers is heat generation and how they handle it can determine its long-term operational stability. To address this effectively, Burmester has implemented a new heatsink design for the 232 that extends radially from the center of the housing. The 232 is the first amplifier from Burmester that uses this design. The improved thermal performance keeps the transistors responsible for signal amplification consistently at their optimal operating point.
With improved heat dissipation, the internal operating temperature is reduced by approximately ten degrees, significantly increasing the lifespan of all components. The uniform heat distribution also allows for higher power output without the risk of overheating or shutdown.
Customer Portal
In addition to the 232, Burmester is also providing access to its new customer portal. This portal provides a user-friendly overview of all the main functions of a new device (such as the 232) and offers detailed explanations of existing features. It also provides information on customer software updates ensuring they always stay up to date.
Specifications
| Product Type | 2-channel Integrated Amplifier |
| Price | $21,600 Standard Configuration: +$4,500 w/ Optional Phono Module +$8,800 w/ Optional DAC Module $34,900 Total w/ both Modules |
| Output power stereo (CEA) per channel at 4 Ω | 150 W (determined on pre-series device) |
| Pulse Power Stereo (CEA) per channel at 4 Ω | 200 W |
| Pulse Power Stereo (CEA) per channel at 8 Ω | 110 W |
| Inputs (analog) | 2 x Balanced XLR |
| Inputs (digital) | 3 x USB 1 x HDMI 1 x Coax RCA 1 x Optical (TOSLINK) 1 x AES EBU |
| Outputs (analog) | 1 Stereo XLR 1 Sub-Out (mono) |
| Outputs | 1 x Coax RCA, 1 x Optical (TOSLINK) |
| Headphone Output | 6.3 mm (stereo jack) |
| Remote Control | Yes |
| Optional Modules | DAC, Phono MC |
| Dimensions (WHD) | 450 x 177 x 480 mm (17.7 x 9.97 x 18.9 inches) |
| Weight | 29 kg (64 lbs) |
The Bottom Line
At its base price of $21,600, the Burmester 232 Integrated Amplifier is one of the most expensive of its kind. Its optional phono and DAC modules lets customers use components they already own, while providing flexibility for a streamlined high-end audio solution for those with budgets that stretch to $35K.
Price and Availability
The Burmester 232 Integrated Amplifier is available through Burmester Authorized Dealers starting at $21,600 USD in its standard configuration or up to $34,900 with optional modules.
- Phono Module: +$4,500
- DAC Module: +$8,800
For more information: burmester.de
Related Reading
- MOON 250i v2 Integrated Amplifier: The Audiophile System Builder
- Vincent Audio’s SV-500 MK Hybrid Integrated Amplifier Adds HDMI ARC and 32-bit/384kHz Hi-Res Support
- Luxman’s L-505Z Integrated Amplifier Completes the Z Series Range with Some Key Features Found on More Expensive Models
- Marantz’s Model 10 Integrated Amplifier is Designed For Those Who Love the Past
- Best Integrated Amplifiers: Editors’ Choice
