Burmester 218 power amplifier
34600
The Burmester 218 power amplifier is visually and sonically influenced by their flagship 159 amplifier. At the same time, the Reference Line power amplifier consistently benefits from the experience and knowledge that Burmester has derived from four decades of successful amplifier development. Power and elegance are perfectly combined behind the characteristic cooling fins. This monumental yet stylish power amplifier easily handles even the most demanding loudspeakers. The almost inexhaustible power reserves leads to impressive faith in music reproduction, which is supported by an outstanding spatial resolution and musical warmth. To meet the high expectations of a Burmester product, tried and tested circuit designs and new components were carefully matched and tested over a long period of time to find the perfect combination.
The design of the Burmester 218 power amp closely follows the look of the largest and most powerful mono power amp in the company‘s history, the 159. The 218 inherits the clear lines and distinct appearance of our flagship amplifier. In particular, the screwless finish of the lid and the absence of additional decorative elements emphasize this minimalistic and effective visual aspect. Despite the expansion demands of the space, this reduction to the essentials means that only a few millimetres have had to be added to the overall height compared with existing and previous models. The expansion inside is clearly recognizable by the extension of the classic Burmester heat sinks, which, however, has been largely compensated for by the mimalistic design of the lid and base plate, so that existing placement racks can continue to be used if necessary. As a nod to the traditions of the Burmester amplifier portfolio, the familiar decorative lines that take up the course of the heat sinks can be found on the housing lid of the 218 power amplifier. The rear panel is milled from solid and closes it at a 45 degree angle of the heat sinks. A solid plate closes the case at the bottom.
The 218 power amplifier is visually and sonically oriented towards our flagship 159 amplifier. At the same time, the Reference Line power amplifier consistently benefits from the experience and knowledge that Burmester has derived from four decades of successful amplifier development. Power and elegance are perfectly combined behind the characteristic cooling fins. This monumental, but at the same time stylish, power amp easily handles even the most demanding loudspeakers. The almost inexhaustible power reserves lead to an impressive sovereignty in music reproduction, which is supported by an outstanding spatial resolution and musical warmth. To meet the high expectations of a Burmester product, tried and tested circuit designs and new components were carefully matched and tested over a long period of time to find the perfect combination.
This is coupled with completely new circuit designs and optimised signal routing. The thermal concept is optimally adapted to the internal structure and the housing design and thus ensures comprehensive temperature control, even at high power demands. This not only has a positive effect on the service life of the components, but also ensures absolute dedication to music reproduction due to stable temperature level. The oversizing of the power supply elements provides consistently stable and reliable power, even with demanding loudspeakers. In addition to all the sonic benefits, there is now also the option of integrating the power amplifier into a home control system for greater ease of use. The power supply has been designed from the ground up. Particular emphasis was placed on a low-interference grounding concept that also sets new standards in terms of sound quality thanks to the new signal and cable routing. The power amplifier trains are largely based on proven technology from our previous renowned models and have been carefully optimized without losing focus on the sonic advantages that Burmester power amplifiers have delivered for for decades. Contemporary microcontroller technology ensures consistent status monitoring of the amplifier and allows the connection to home control systems with the BurLink interface. The support capacitors on the power amplifier have also been optimized to provide improved and thus even greater dynamic impulse response. As with previous products, we rely on renowned aspects from the Burmester DNA, such as DC coupling without coupling capacitors in the signal path to achieve maximum precision in bass reproduction, as well as balanced signal routing for the best possible sound experience.
DEVICE DIMENSIONS
Width 496 mm
Height 216 mm
Depth 479 mm
Weight 42 kg
*The dimensions do not include the lengths of the plugs used for connection.
POWER CONSUMPTION OFF/STBY/ON
Model 218-240 0.07 W/0.46 W/65 W
POWER CONSUMPTION WHEN MAX
Model 218-240 1,720W
Model 218-220 1,670W
Model 218-120 1,680W
Model 218-100 1,620W
POWER OUTPUT**
**Power output measured with model 218-240 at 230 V~, 50 Hz.
POWER OUTPUT IN STEREO (IEC62368-1)
per channel:
2Ω 400W
4Ω 275W
8Ω 165W
PULSE POWER IN STEREO (CEA) per channel:
2Ω 575W
4Ω 355W
8Ω 200W
POWER OUTPUT IN MONO (IEC 62368-1):
4Ω 785W
PULSE POWER IN MONO (CEA):
4Ω 1,165W
Damping factor (100 Hz/4 Ω)> 1,500
Amplification Stereo/Mono 34.2 dB/40.2 dB
Input resistance sym/asym 1.9 kOhm/12 kOhm
Input sensitivity (1 % THD+N, 4 Ω) 770 mV
Power frequency response (-3 dB, 1/8 Power rating, 4 Ω)< 5 Hz – > 180 kHz
THD+N (1 kHz/50 W/4Ω) < 0.0097 %
SNR (20 Hz – 20 kHz)> 81 dB
