CD / SACD players and transports — Burmester 111

The 111 Musiccenter is a multi-functional digital source component from Burmester, combining a music server, CD player, CD ripper, DAC and full analogue preamplifier into one groundbreaking unit. Burmester describes this as an audiophile masterpiece setting a new standard for digital music reproduction, and its DAC section draws directly on circuitry from the brand's flagship 069 CD player, with the balanced preamplifier stage derived from the acclaimed 077 model.

Key specs that matter

Three balanced XLR analogue inputs and three RCA plus three TOSLINK digital inputs are provided, alongside one XLR and one RCA analogue output plus one RCA and one TOSLINK digital output, with a 6.3mm headphone jack on the front panel. Upsampling is switchable to 96kHz/24-bit or 192kHz/24-bit. Format support covers CD-Audio, ALAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, WMA, MP3, AAC and DSD, with the DAC operating at 32-bit resolution and files handled up to 384kHz. Dynamic range reaches 110dB. A slim-profile CD-ROM drive sourced from TEAC handles disc playback and, more importantly for Burmester's own design intent, CD ripping - the brand explicitly considers direct CD playback to be an "add-on" feature, with the slot drive's primary purpose being to rip a collection to internal storage, reading scratched or older discs multiple times if necessary to fully recover the audio data rather than accepting real-time playback dropouts. The preamplifier section is galvanically isolated from the server section in a two-chamber construction specifically to prevent server-related interference reaching the sensitive analogue circuitry, using fully DC-coupled, balanced circuitry with no coupling capacitors in the signal path. Sophisticated analogue X-Amp 2 output stages draw their signal from a Reference D/A converter section. A 7-inch colour LCD touchscreen (800x480 pixels) dominates the fascia, and Wi-Fi, Ethernet and Bluetooth connectivity support internet radio and network streaming. At 455 x 199 x 408mm and 27-28kg, the eye-catching rotary knobs are developed specifically for this model and mounted at the end of a lengthy manufacturing process.

Sound and use context

Expect a smooth, creamy and luscious sound quality typical of the Burmester house character - the brand states the 111 is bound to evolve further through software updates over its lifetime, and reviewers specifically noted that experiencing genuine Burmester-level high fidelity from a computer-based audio source no longer requires the flagship CD player's considerably higher price.

Pairing

Though designed to connect directly to a power amplifier given its built-in preamplifier functionality, the 111 can also feed an integrated amplifier via selectable audio-profile menu presets, with XLR-to-RCA adapters supplied for connecting single-ended sources to the balanced analogue inputs.

Alternatives

Burmester's flagship 069 CD player and 077 preamplifier, whose respective circuit technologies the 111 directly incorporates, sit above this model as standalone reference-tier alternatives for buyers wanting the brand's absolute best in each specific category rather than this comprehensive all-in-one solution.