Интегральные усилители — Burmester 232

The 232 is a Burmester integrated amplifier, part of the Classic Line, announced in February 2025 at GBP 15,500, EUR 17,900 or USD 25,000 for the base unit. It accepts two optional modules - a moving coil phono stage at USD 5,000 and a DAC and streaming module at USD 10,000 - so it can be configured from a pure analogue amplifier to a complete system in one case.

Key specs that matter

Output is 95 W per channel into 8 ohms and 155 W into 4 ohms, with pulse power of 110 W and 200 W. Frequency response extends from below 10 Hz to above 110 kHz, THD plus noise is below 0.0048% at 50 W into 4 ohms, signal to noise ratio exceeds 120 dB and damping factor exceeds 1,000. The base unit has two XLR inputs, an XLR pre-out, an XLR subwoofer output and a 6.3 mm headphone jack. The case measures 450 x 177 x 480 mm and weighs 29 kg, finished in silver or black.

Engineering and use context

The amplifier is dual mono from the secondary windings of the transformer onward, DC-coupled and Class AB, and it works in Class A up to about 8 W. Four bipolar output transistors are used per channel, and the supply holds 100,000 µF of capacitance. The MC module adds one balanced input with six loading options of 33, 47, 91, 120 and 390 ohms and 47 kohms, variable gain and a subsonic filter. The DAC module uses a single ESS chip handling up to 32 bit and 768 kHz and DSD, with three USB inputs, HDMI ARC, coaxial, optical, AES and a microSD slot. Streaming through the module includes Roon Ready, AirPlay, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect and internet radio. With both modules fitted, a turntable, a television and a streaming library can all connect to the 232 without further boxes. DC coupling means the signal passes from input to output without coupling capacitors. Like Burmester's other components, the 232 is built by hand in Berlin. It is the newest integrated amplifier of the Classic Line, which also includes the 082 and the 101.

Pairing

With its power into low impedances and high damping factor, the 232 drives most floorstanding loudspeakers. The XLR subwoofer output connects an active subwoofer, and HDMI ARC on the DAC module links a television. Moving coil cartridges connect directly with the MC module, using the six load settings to match the cartridge.

Alternatives

The Burmester 082 is an older Classic Line integrated amplifier with 100 W into 8 ohms, three XLR and two RCA inputs and no module slots.