Burmester 232
The new Burmester 232 Classic Line Integrated Amplifier meets all the requirements desired of a modern amplifier.
It combines unique advanced functionality with the unparalleled sound quality for which Burmester is globally renowned.
Integrated Amplifier
A ‘Swiss army knife’ of an amplifier, the 232 stands out for its range of versatile features and compatibility.
A powerful streaming integrated amplifier with extraordinary musical communication ability, it can operate in pure analogue but excels equally with processing various digital sources.
IMPRESSIONS
Dedication to the highest precision in every detail.
The 232 Integrated Amplifier combines traditional Burmester aesthetics, albeit in a new ‘house’ look.
Distinctive design elements of the Classic Line merge with minimalist controls, making the 232 a meticulously crafted work of art, designed in a full ‘360° approach’—for a sculptural presence in the living space.
Sound Quality
Despite the variety of digital connectivity options and features, the sound is still defined by its analogue circuitry technology.
With its warm, open, yet powerful and detailed sound, the 232 Integrated Amplifier embodies the sonic ideals expected of a Burmester amplifier.
The operational amplifiers used are of the highest quality and allow the music signal to pass through unaffected.
This almost entirely eliminates any impact on the sound quality.
The generously sized power transformer serves as the centrepiece, providing effortless authority regardless of which speakers the Class A/B output stages of the 232 perform with.
The amplifier stages of the 232 are fully dual-mono constructed, starting from the secondary windings of the transformer, to minimise electrical and magnetic coupling between the channels.
The supply voltage remains absolutely stable for each channel, ensuring precise impulses.
The sustainably reduced crosstalk enables stable and sharply defined stereo imaging.
Modularity
The 232 can be configured according to customer preferences due to its unique modularity.
It can be operated as a purely analogue integrated amplifier, but adeptly handles the processing of digital sources when required.
The specially designed digital-to-analogue converter module transforms the 232 into a high-performance digital integrated amplifier.
It processes digital signals from leading streaming services like Tidal Connect/ Qobuz Connect and Spotify Connect with the highest precision, delivering exceptional sound quality.
The newly developed phono module for moving coil cartridge systems is based on the phono signal processing from the Burmester Reference Preamplifier 077 and the award-winning Phono Preamplifier 100.
The 232 combines the processing of the finest analogue signals with the world of digital music at the highest level.
Design
The new Burmester 232 Integrated Amplifier is the first product to feature the new Burmester design.
The aesthetic appearance contains new, modern elements yet preserves the Burmester heritage.
An elegant, timeless line harmonises with prominent surfaces, such as the heatsink profile and the top surface.
The new design language transforms the 232 into a work of art that is thoughtfully considered in a 360-degree approach and offers a sculptural presentation in any domestic environment.
The 232 embodies the quintessence of the essential without neglecting quality and usability.
Extensive studies have optimised the heatsink profile thermally.
Scaled across product lines and power levels, it follows the approach of performance enhancement and is therefore much more than just a design element.
It radiates from the center of the housing and represents the biggest departure from the more traditional appearance of previous generations of Burmester products.
The systematic use of chrome serves as a tribute to the design of Burmester products of previous decades and highlights individual elements.
Partnering with older Burmester units remains harmonious and seamless.
The result creates an interplay of technical, elegant and organic room environment friendly forms.
This is reinforced by the contrast of matte and glossy surfaces.
Streaming
With the optional digital-to-analogue converter module, the 232 transforms into a powerful streaming integrated amplifier with a variety of digital interfaces.
It supports TIDAL Connect and Spotify Connect and is also Roon Ready – this feature will be enabled via an over-the-air update.
Three USB ports will, following an upcoming software update, allow playback of music files.
New Rotary Encoder
The new Burmester rotary control, called HaptiControl, serves as the primary operational element of the 232, alongside the app and remote control, equipping the integrated amplifier with innovative haptic feedback technology.
The haptic feedback adjusts according to the respective functions, including features such as rotational resistance, number, and spacing of clicks.
In addition to controlling classic functions such as input selection, volume adjustment, or scrolling through playlists, the rotary control in the 232 also acts as a power switch.
Control Concept
The new control concept combines the all-new Burmester app for device control with on-device operation (HMI) or via remote control.
The approach of simplifying operational steps has been applied across all possible control options.
The placement of the display behind mirrored glass allows the display to completely recede into the background when in a standby state.
This integration further contributes to the minimalist approach to the appearance. The full graphic display supports a variety of characters.
Specifications Burmester 232
| Weight | 29 kg |
| Width | 450 mm |
| Height | 177 mm |
| Depth | 480 mm |
| Inputs analogue | 2 balanced XLR |
| Inputs digital | 3 USB, 1 HDMI, 1 electrical RCA, 1 optical (TOSLINK), 1 AES EBU |
| Outputs analogue | 1 Stereo XLR, 1 Sub-Out (mono) |
| Outputs digital | 1 electrical RCA, 1 optical (TOSLINK) |
| 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 |
| Headphone stereo-jack | 6,3 mm |
| Remote controlled | yes |
| Optional module | DAC, Phono MC |
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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