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Power amplifiers stereo — Burmester 956 MK2
Description, images, technical data and specifications
Burmester 956 MK2
Image source - (c) Burmester
The 956 MK2 is a stereo power amplifier from Burmester's Classic Line, derived from the larger 909 and in production since 1996. Earlier 956 units can be upgraded to MK2 status, and the current version is priced at about USD 22,000. Hand-assembled in Berlin, it can run in stereo, bi-amp or bridged mono with the appropriate adapters.
Key specs that matter
Output is 240 W per channel into 4 ohms in stereo and 500 W into 4 ohms bridged to mono. Input sensitivity is 700 mV and gain is 31.5 dB. Frequency response extends from below 10 Hz to 220 kHz, signal to noise ratio exceeds 103 dB, THD plus noise is below 0.005%, damping factor exceeds 1,000 and rise time is 25 V/µs. There is one balanced XLR input. The chassis measures 480 x 185 x 482 mm and weighs 31 kg.
Engineering and use context
Burmester fits its X-Amp modules at the input, discrete circuits working in Class A, and the amplifier runs with low overall feedback. Internal wiring uses 10 mm copper conductors to carry the high output currents. Protection circuits monitor temperature, DC offset and peak current, guarding both amplifier and loudspeakers. Adapters convert the 956 MK2 for bi-amping, where each channel drives the bass or treble section of one loudspeaker, or for bridged mono, where two channels combine into one of higher power. The design follows the topology of the 909, but the case is 313 mm lower than that of the 909 MK5 and 41 kg lighter. Its frequency range and damping factor match those of the larger amplifier, while THD plus noise is slightly higher than the 0.003% of the 909 MK5. Bridged, the output is a little more than twice the stereo figure per channel, and the gain is 5 dB lower than that of the 909 MK5.
Pairing
The 956 MK2 is designed for Burmester's Classic Line preamplifiers, such as the 035, connected over balanced XLR. With its stereo output, it drives most floorstanding loudspeakers, and two units in bridged mono raise the output for demanding loads. Its input sensitivity is reached by the output of practically any preamplifier.
Alternatives
The Burmester 909 MK5 is the larger Reference Line stereo power amplifier, weighing 72 kg.
Key specs that matter
Output is 240 W per channel into 4 ohms in stereo and 500 W into 4 ohms bridged to mono. Input sensitivity is 700 mV and gain is 31.5 dB. Frequency response extends from below 10 Hz to 220 kHz, signal to noise ratio exceeds 103 dB, THD plus noise is below 0.005%, damping factor exceeds 1,000 and rise time is 25 V/µs. There is one balanced XLR input. The chassis measures 480 x 185 x 482 mm and weighs 31 kg.
Engineering and use context
Burmester fits its X-Amp modules at the input, discrete circuits working in Class A, and the amplifier runs with low overall feedback. Internal wiring uses 10 mm copper conductors to carry the high output currents. Protection circuits monitor temperature, DC offset and peak current, guarding both amplifier and loudspeakers. Adapters convert the 956 MK2 for bi-amping, where each channel drives the bass or treble section of one loudspeaker, or for bridged mono, where two channels combine into one of higher power. The design follows the topology of the 909, but the case is 313 mm lower than that of the 909 MK5 and 41 kg lighter. Its frequency range and damping factor match those of the larger amplifier, while THD plus noise is slightly higher than the 0.003% of the 909 MK5. Bridged, the output is a little more than twice the stereo figure per channel, and the gain is 5 dB lower than that of the 909 MK5.
Pairing
The 956 MK2 is designed for Burmester's Classic Line preamplifiers, such as the 035, connected over balanced XLR. With its stereo output, it drives most floorstanding loudspeakers, and two units in bridged mono raise the output for demanding loads. Its input sensitivity is reached by the output of practically any preamplifier.
Alternatives
The Burmester 909 MK5 is the larger Reference Line stereo power amplifier, weighing 72 kg.
Specifications
Model name
956 MK2
Input sensitivity (mV)
N/A
Input impedance (balanced) (Ω)
1
Input impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Max current (A)
N/A
Output power (8Ω) (W)
N/A
Output power (4Ω) (W)
N/A
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (0% global feedback) (%)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (100% global feedback) (%)
N/A
Max power consumption (W)
N/A
Damping factor
N/A
Dimensions (mm)
480 × 185 × 482
Weight (kg)
31
Official link
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