Burmester 218
Power amplifier
The 218 power amplifier is visually and sonically oriented towards their flagship 159 amplifier.
At the same time, the Reference Line power amplifier consistently benefits from the experience and knowledge that Burmester has derived from four decades of successful amplifier development.
Power Amplifier
The 218 power amplifier is visually and sonically oriented towards their flagship 159 amplifier.
At the same time, the Reference Line power amplifier consistently benefits from the experience and knowledge that Burmester has derived from four decades of successful amplifier development.
Power and elegance are perfectly combined behind the characteristic cooling fins.
This monumental, but at the same time stylish, power amp easily handles even the most demanding loudspeakers.
The almost inexhaustible power reserves lead to an impressive sovereignty in music reproduction, which is supported by an outstanding spatial resolution and musical warmth.
Design
The design of the 218 power amp closely follows the look of the largest and most powerful mono power amp in the company’s history, the 159.
The 218 inherits the clear lines and distinct appearance of Burmester’s flagship amplifier.
In particular, the screw-less finish of the lid and the absence of additional decorative elements emphasise this minimalistic and effective visual aspect.
Despite the expansion demands of the space, this reduction to the essentials means that only a few millimetres have had to be added to the overall height compared with existing and previous models.
The expansion inside is clearly recognisable by the extension of the classic Burmester heat sinks, which, however, has been largely compensated for by the minimalistic design of the lid and base plate, so that existing placement racks can continue to be used if necessary.
As a nod to the traditions of the Burmester amplifier portfolio, the familiar decorative lines that take up the course of the heat sinks can be found on the housing lid of the 218 power amplifier.
The rear panel is milled from solid and closes it at a 45 degree angle of the heat sinks. A solid plate closes the case at the bottom.
Handmade
In the development and manufacturing process, only the best quality components are selected to meet their exacting tolerances.
In addition, several days of test runs as well as further intensive quality controls culminating in detailed final listening tests under real conditions are added.
Every single assembly receives a 100% inspection according to Burmester quality standards before installation.
This elaborate manufacturing process ensures that in the end the customer receives a product that is exceptional in every respect.
Burmester 218 Main Features
- Completely symmetrical design
- Optimised protection circuits outside the signal path
- Stereo and mono operation possible
- Input stages in Burmester X-Amp technology (Class A)
- Completely DC-coupled signal path without sound-distorting capacitors in the signal path
- Generously dimensioned power supply allows high current delivery capability
- Effortless control of any loudspeaker due to high damping factor over the entire frequency range, even at high frequencies
- Stable at all loads over the entire frequency range
- Solid screw terminals for speaker cables
- Remote on/off via Burmester devices (remote switch-on voltage: 10V DC)
- Integration into Smart Home control possible
Nocturnal Noir
Black, the colour of the night, has inspired not only legendary icons like Elvis Presley and Alannah Miles but also our portfolio. This dark hue is now available as a new standard option.
Burmester 218 specifications
Device type – Dual-channel power amplifier
Weight – 42 kg
Width – 496 mm
Height – 216 mm
Depth – 479 mm
Voltage ranges (Model 218-240) – 230 – 240 V~, 50/60 Hz
Voltage ranges (Model 218-220) – 220 V~, 50/60 Hz
Voltage ranges (Model 218-120) – 110 – 120 V~, 50/60 Hz
Voltage ranges (Model 218-100) – 100 V~, 50/60 Hz
Power consumption STBY (230 V) – 0,46 W
Output power stereo (IEC 62368-1) at 2 Ω – 400 W
Output power stereo (IEC 62368-1) at 4 Ω – 275 W
Output power stereo (IEC 62368-1) at 8 Ω – 165 W
Connections:
- Balanced input (stereo or mono bridge with adapter)
- Unbalanced input via adapter ( adapter supplied)
- DC input / output for remote ON/OFF
- Remote control (remote control is optionally available)
- BurLink interface
- Loudspeaker outputs















Ultimately, it was his demand for quality and his spirit of innovation that led to the formation of Burmester Audiosysteme GmbH in 1978.
Had Dieter Burmester not been so exacting and at the same time so creative, he would probably not have decided to design-engineer his own amplifier. Since he no longer considered using a hi-fi amplifier featuring tube technology, given relatively severe distortions, low damping factor compared with low-frequency membranes and rapid ageing, Burmester incorporated op-amp technology, modelled on modern measuring instruments, into his amp. Ultimately it was his high quality standards and spirit of innovation that led in 1978 to the establishment of Burmester Audiosysteme GmbH and which still form the basis of the company’s philosophy to this day. An unwillingness to compromise on the choice of components and the quality of workmanship combined with the principle of only launching a product if it represents a clear technical enhancement, compared with competitors’ products.
1980
The world’s first modular preamplifier
Dieter Burmester developed and produced the world’s first modular preamplifier. The legendary 808 is still produced today and in the meantime continues to show the way in the fifth evolutionary stage.
1983
The Phono Preamplifier
Dieter Burmester introduced symmetrical switching technology in the high-end segment with the 838 phono preamplifier.
1990
The stereo power amplifier 909
In 1990 the stereo power amplifier 909 is launched. It marked the foundation for all future generations of Burmester power amplifiers such as the 911, 956 and 036. The massive heat sink with its anodised silver ribs has become a characteristic design element for Burmester components across the globe.
1997
The Reference Line
The new product line completed the Burmester portfolio. The new Burmester Reference Line is now known for setting the standard in sound quality, innovation and processing quality in the high-end segment around the world. The naming of this extraordinary series was practically predetermined by the specialist magazines around the world: Reference – because all the products from this line are honoured with reference titles.
2005
Entering the automotive segment
Burmester is the first High-End sound manufacturer worldwide to be implemented in a luxury automobile. Bugatti, for whom Burmester developed an exclusive sound system over the course of three years, implemented the system in the model 16.4 Veyron.
2009
Porsche and Burmester
With a High-End surround sound system for the Porsche Panamera, Burmester set a new benchmark for automotive sound. Today, this award-winning system is available in all Porsche models.
2018
The Signature Line is complete
With the Burmester Signature Line, the company has made it possible for listeners to enter a new dimension of musical enjoyment. This product line, which perfectly combines with Burmester’s 175 turntable, is notorious for its many technological progressions and represents the zenith of sound reproduction quality. 



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