Burmester 911mk3 - is it right for me?

[jdebonth]

I found a killer deal on a 5 month old mint condition 911mk3 at over 40% off the European retail price, just takes a 2hr drive across the border into Germany.

I recently acquired a Weiss Medea DAC and have found I no longer use the C2300 preamp, the sound is better in all aspects when going power amp direct. I think the Medea's excellent beefy class A fully discrete analogue output stage is to thank for this.

So I am seriously considering replacing the C2300 and MC402 with a 911mk3. The setup will be MacMini - Weiss Medea FW - 911mk3 - PMC EB1i. The stereo/mono flexibility of the 911 is a big plus also as I will be able to add a 2nd in the future when funds allow.

Any comments on this setup? My design goal is complete accuracy and neutrality. I will not be able to audition prior to purchase so if the sound is somehow too fast/fatiguing (my worry) I will be able to sell it at minimal, if any, loss.

To me looks and 'bling factor' play ZERO role in my decision, I am going purely for no-compromise sound quality and technical design. Does it sound like the burmester would be the right match for me? At this price are there other less 'flashy' brands that outperform the 911?

[Rocco]

Go straight with 911's...You'll be very happy and not return back anymore.

[JohnThomas]

That's a great deal and you will love it. But I would definitely find a Burmester preamp next for good synergy.

[jdebonth]

Originally Posted by JohnThomas

That's a great deal and you will love it. But I would definitely find a Burmester preamp next for good synergy.

John, Joe - I used to be a firm believer in the preamp. Not a single DAC I tried sounded better without the preamp. Then came the Medea with the no-compromise analogue output stage design.

Running it with the C2300 gives a great and easy to enjoy sound but its like the high's are dipped in a hint of 'liquid tube warmth'. Sounds GREAT, but it makes all different types or recordings some somewhat similar. Without the pre the high's are so incredibly hyper-detailed yet so tonally accurate and natural sounding its like hearing deeper into the recording as the recording engineer had intended it to sound. Every recording sounds unique and this keeps me on my toes.

Other tonal qualities of the C2300 are virtually transparent- I think this is why it's such a highly regarded preamp. As I have only 1 source I am somewhat lucky as I don't need to use a pre to get in the way of the sound.

What I am trying to achieve with my system is complete accuracy and neutrality; I want to remove as much coloration as possible from the equipment so that what I am hearing is ONLY the music as it was recorded. I have found removing the preamp to be taking a step towards this design goal.

These are my experiences of course, as always, and especially with other converters, YMMV.

[joeinid]

Originally Posted by JohnThomas

That's a great deal and you will love it. But I would definitely find a Burmester preamp next for good synergy.

Awesome deal. Run don't walk. You will love it. I agree with John, add a Burmester preamp and you will not believe your ears.

Joe

[Anatta]

I heard once the EB1is and they had very bloated bass; I think they need an amp with a high damping factor to control them and control is Burmester's middle name.

As for your last question, check this review (the 911mk3 is also mentioned).

Innerworld Audio - Audionet Amp Max Monoblocks

[Rocco]

Originally Posted by Anatta

I heard once the EB1is and they had very bloated bass; I think they need an amp with a high damping factor to control them and control is Burmester's middle name.

As for your last question, check this review (the 911mk3 is also mentioned).

Innerworld Audio - Audionet Amp Max Monoblocks

Hello.

I know very well the Audionet Amp Max Monoblocks and their sound is great, but I prefer over to them the sound of a stereo Burmester 911 MK3 which has extreme neutrality, musicality, linearity, refined sound and better tonal balance; all of there parameters are amazing with Burmester. I did a direct comparison side by side 3 years ago. During the years and around the world I had the pleasure to listen closely all I can simply affirm/consider the Burmester 911 MK3, especially the mono-pair, the sonically best power amps (no matter solid state or tube) at any price.

According the attached rewiew, I'm not agree because were used Transparent cables that even they're excellent cables, unfortunataley with Burmester not match perfectly and consequently the sound is not so good, because being the 911's is an amp with an high damping factor, his overall performance, especially the dynamic, will be deteriorate.

[jdebonth]

Originally Posted by Anatta

I heard once the EB1is and they had very bloated bass; I think they need an amp with a high damping factor to control them and control is Burmester's middle name.

Anatta - that is awesome to hear - the EB1i's are notoriously difficult to integrate into even moderately large listening rooms; it took me months and months and required the purchase of a calibrated measuring microphone and analyzing waterfall plots to dial them in... I am now getting fantastic bass with my MC402 (@ 400W into 8ohm). I'm hoping with slightly less power at 350W into 4ohm and the higher damping factor the bass will be improved further.

[Echo]

THE best SS amp there is. I am also trying to purchase one, but that have to be an older version because of the not cheap prices of that beauty....

[joeinid]

Hi Echo,

Welcome to AA!



Where are you from? First name? Any system yet?

Joe