Burmester 232 Integrated Amplifier

Berlin, Germany | 2024 – The new Burmester 232 Classis 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.

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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 enitely eliminates any impact on the sound quality.

The generously sized power transformer serves as the centerpiece, 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 minimize 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-analog converter module transforms the 232 into a high-performance digital integrated amplifier. It processes digital signals from leading streaming services like Tidal 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 analog signals with the world of digital music at the highest level.

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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 harmonizes 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 optimized 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-analog 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.

Technical Details