Burmester Reference System

[JSCC]

Yesterday I was given a chance to audition another top German brand - Burmester and the top setup too - their REFERENCE system comprising of the 069 CD player (and pre if one chooses to uses it akin to like the McIntosh MCD500), the 077 Preamp, all powered by the 948 Power conditioner and a single 909 Power amp, all playing thru the B100 Reference speakers. To top it off, this dealer also partner the Continuum Criterion Turntable.

1. The build quality is right up there with the best. All chrome and very 'steel' looking with "green lighted" display.

2. The Power amp is humongous. Never seen anything like that at all and will definitely NEVER fit into a any hifi rack. It had to standalone and my, how majestic is looks! Dont know the power specs, but surely, powering the B100 speakers was never an issue.

3. The speakers are build to a very high standard of fit and function. Again, the looks are every different from what we are used to. The "high frequency unit" looks like a pleated AMT design ... but as I have limited time, I would ask for more details in my next visit.

4. To top it all up, the Continuum Criterion TT was also hooked up to it. This is the first time I am seeing a Continuum turntable and it does loom different, especially the arm. Again due to time constraint, I do not have the chance to audition it. Next visit, sometime this week perhaps.

5. First impression: The Pricing (S$300k - sans the Continuum TT) for the entire system is almost close (+/-) to a full MBL Reference system. Jim/Howie, this would give us, if we have pocket deep enough to go for this level of performance, an alternative, in looks, at least for now!

Well, the sound - I have heard many times "Isnt She Lovely" by Levinston Taylor BUT nothing like this before. The vocals are so lifelike, imaging so correct (and by that I mean the size of the singer, not bloated or expanded). It just like he IS singing right in front of me! There was a sense of spatial air about the music, the acoustic guitar so lifelike, so extended. And when the deep notes comes in, it just go low, lower ..... without any form of distortion!

It is but one song, and the entire system etched upon me that I MUST go back to have a second, no make it many more times to audition this system. It is indeed, to me, a really viable alternative choice between a full MBL Reference when I have the monies to upgrade! However, a second or more audition will be needed before I can confirm its performance is really on par/matching to that of the MBL's.

Nonetheless, an unforgettable experience ... Of course, the MBL XTreme still top the list of speakers/system I have ever listened to BUT then, this is one strata that is beyond my mortal reach. This lower MBL system (101e MkII) and now this Burmester ... is achievable.

I have attached some pictures of the entire system to share. Well, in my next visit, I make sure I take some pictures of the REAL system to share!

Thanks.

[Tonepub]

I'm certainly a fan of Burmester, and you don't even have to spend that much. I've got the 011 preamplifier and a 911mk. 3 amplifier and couldn't be happier!

[JSCC]

Originally Posted by tonepub

I'm certainly a fan of Burmester, and you don't even have to spend that much. I've got the 011 preamplifier and a 911mk. 3 amplifier and couldn't be happier!

Jeff, I sometimes wonder how many gears you have ....

[howiebrou]

Jerry,

Get the Burmester system, Jim can get the MBL reference system and we can all do a three way swap every two years!!!

[JohnThomas]

Originally Posted by tonepub

I'm certainly a fan of Burmester, and you don't even have to spend that much. I've got the 011 preamplifier and a 911mk. 3 amplifier and couldn't be happier!

I agree 100%. But every once in a while I crave another 911MK3

John

P.S.Jerry I thought the wife had your hands tied these days.

[JSCC]

Originally Posted by JohnThomas

I agree 100%. But every once in a while I crave another 911MK3

John

P.S.Jerry I thought the wife had your hands tied these days.

Hi John,

Nah, she no longer need to tie my hands cause she EMPTIED my pocket and sign the cheques! I am good as BROKE!

When Howie was here with the family, I nearly ended up doing the restaurant dishes just to buy the dinner! Lucky she gave me "face" because of Howie's presence.

But once a while, when the upgrade "itch & virus" attacks, no choice but to bite the lips, have a listen, gawk at the equipments and then dream about it .... and try to work out a scheme to see if I can make that "LAST" purchase statement that much more convincing than ever before!

Well, I do try to look for the second tier/third tier Burmester combo but seemingly, this shop only carries the REFERENCE, so it becomes a HUGE dream. Not that impossible though as I think I have garnered "enough points" for a good bonus. BUT then, she holds the purse strings ... so ... just got to work on the "gift of the gab"!

Tomorrow I am going for a second audition and I promise myself I am going for a good 2 hours session - not just that one song! Hopefully, I can come out still thinking my current Meridian is still a viable option for a good 2 years.

Meanwhile, just surf and read the reviews and brochures. After all S$300k is a lot to blow off ... and there ARE a lot of combo's that fight in this pricing category!

Cheers!

[JohnThomas]

Originally Posted by JSCC

Hi John,

Nah, she no longer need to tie my hands cause she EMPTIED my pocket and sign the cheques! I am good as BROKE!

When Howie was here with the family, I nearly ended up doing the restaurant dishes just to buy the dinner! Lucky she gave me "face" because of Howie's presence.

But once a while, when the upgrade "itch & virus" attacks, no choice but to bite the lips, have a listen, gawk at the equipments and then dream about it .... and try to work out a scheme to see if I can make that "LAST" purchase statement that much more convincing than ever before!

Well, I do try to look for the second tier/third tier Burmester combo but seemingly, this shop only carries the REFERENCE, so it becomes a HUGE dream. Not that impossible though as I think I have garnered "enough points" for a good bonus. BUT then, she holds the purse strings ... so ... just got to work on the "gift of the gab"!

Tomorrow I am going for a second audition and I promise myself I am going for a good 2 hours session - not just that one song! Hopefully, I can come out still thinking my current Meridian is still a viable option for a good 2 years.

Meanwhile, just surf and read the reviews and brochures. After all S$300k is a lot to blow off ... and there ARE a lot of combo's that fight in this pricing category!

Cheers!

Ok Jerry you never told us about your second audition. I'm starting to get the itch for either another 911MK3 or trade up to a single 909 MK5 if the opportunity arises. I was wondering if you had a chance to here the difference ? I read the old 909 wasn't as refine as the 911MK3. It' hard to even fine specs on the 909mk5.

John

[JSCC]

Originally Posted by JohnThomas

Ok Jerry you never told us about your second audition. I'm starting to get the itch for either another 911MK3 or trade up to a single 909 MK5 if the opportunity arises. I was wondering if you had a chance to here the difference ? I read the old 909 wasn't as refine as the 911MK3. It' hard to even fine specs on the 909mk5.

John

Hi John,

Sorry ... I did not do the second audition as intended. Too much things to do since then PLUS ... I was too smitten with my own system to be able to find the time.

Also, knowing myself, I may not be able to resist IF the Burmester itch comes. So, I avoided it altogether. A thousand apologies!

Cheers!

[TommyC]

Originally Posted by JohnThomas

I agree 100%. But every once in a while I crave another 911MK3

Some users suggest if a stereo amp is bridged, you lose a tiny bit of refinement compared to the non-bridged version. But you do gain some headroom, dynamics, and power.

[Talk2me]

Please don't forget the "new" Top Line pieces from Burmester, the 089 and 088. I have a friend with a an almost full Burmester system, Focal Stella speakers and Mark Levinson No 53 mono amps. I comp[ared my 089 CD/PRE?DAA to his 069 w/ outboard power supply and was not embarrassed!. The 089 was at least 89% as good (or great ) fo alot less money. I have never, ever heard anything sound as good as the "Burmester sound". It has all the joy and love of tubes and anolog, but has the strengths of solid state.