Усилители мощности стерео — Burmester 216

The 216 is a two-channel power amplifier that Burmester, active in Berlin since 1977, places in its Top Line. It took over from the long-running 911 MK3 and borrows both styling and circuit ideas from the 159 monoblock. The UK price at launch was GBP 23,800, and the US list price was USD 35,000 per unit.

Key specs that matter

In stereo the 216 is rated at 100 W per channel into 8 ohm, 165 W into 4 ohm and 245 W into 2 ohm. Bridged for mono use it reaches a maximum continuous output of 490 W. Signal enters through balanced XLR sockets only, and an adapter handles single-ended sources. The case measures 496 mm wide, 191 mm high and 479 mm deep, and the unit weighs 35 kg. Power consumption in standby is 0.46 W, and versions are built for 230-240 V, 110-120 V and 100 V mains at 50 or 60 Hz.

Engineering and use context

The circuit is completely symmetrical from input to output. Its input stages work in Class A and use Burmester X-Amp modules first developed for the 159. The signal path is DC-coupled, so no capacitors sit between input and speaker terminals. Burmester states that the damping factor stays high across the whole frequency range and that the amplifier runs stably into any load, which is why it targets speakers with low impedance and complex load curves. Solid screw terminals take the speaker cables. The top panel is brushed aluminium with integrated heat sinks, the lid is finished without visible screws, and mirrored glass completes the front. A trigger input lets a Burmester preamplifier switch the 216 on and off remotely, a BurLink interface allows external control, and the amplifier can be integrated into smart home systems. Each unit is assembled by hand from components selected to narrow tolerances, then goes through several days of test runs, further quality checks and a final listening test before it leaves Berlin. The US warranty period is two years.

Pairing

Any partner preamplifier should offer XLR outputs, since the 216 lacks native RCA inputs, and Burmester's own models also make use of the switching trigger. The rising output into lower impedances suits speakers whose impedance falls well below nominal. For larger speakers, a second 216 allows both amplifiers to run bridged in mono mode, with one chassis dedicated to each channel.

Alternatives

The Burmester 218 is the larger, higher-output stereo model of the Top Line.