Burmester B18 & 101: Refined Sound For Audiophiles

The Burmester B18 loudspeakers and 101 integrated amplifier are highly sought after by audiophiles for their refined sound and precise performance. The B18 loudspeakers boast a 2.5-way floorstanding design that features a ring radiator tweeter and glass fiber diaphragm woofers, while the 101 integrated amplifier boasts a class D amplifier with 120 watts per channel.

Both of these pieces of equipment are known for their warm, focused and neutral sound profile, making them an ideal choice for both audiophiles and as a lifestyle product.

The Burmester B18 and 101 are designed with the discerning audiophile in mind, delivering a level of performance that is unmatched by many other products on the market. These pieces of equipment have been crafted with careful attention to detail, from the high-quality components used in their construction to the meticulous engineering that has gone into their design.

Whether you are a serious audiophile looking for the best possible sound quality or simply someone who appreciates the finer things in life, the Burmester B18 and 101 are sure to impress. In this article, we will take a closer look at the features and performance of these two exceptional pieces of audio equipment and explore why they are such a great choice for those seeking refined sound.

Key Takeaways

  • The Burmester B18 loudspeakers are 2.5-way floorstanding bass-reflex towers with a sensitivity of 88dB, 4-ohm impedance, and frequency response of 42Hz-30kHz, and come with a bass switch to adjust bass response.
  • The Burmester 101 integrated amplifier is a Class D amplifier with 120 watts per channel, and comes with a full complement of RCA and XLR inputs, balanced pre-out, inboard headphone amp, home theater bypass, and remote control.
  • The Burmester gear is warm, precise, and focused, with a hint of neutrality. The B18 and 101 provide refined, elegant, and well-dressed sound, and the 101’s warmth may win over those unsure about class D amplification.
  • The Burmester B18 loudspeakers are highly recommended for audiophiles and as lifestyle products, as they are compact, easy to live with, and enrich life to an uncommon extent. The foam plugs for rear ports limit bass response, and are left out for optimal sound.

B18 Loudspeakers Features

The Burmester B18 loudspeakers are 2.5-way floorstanding bass-reflex towers, designed to deliver high-quality sound with precision and clarity. These speakers feature a ring radiator tweeter and glass fiber diaphragm woofers, providing excellent balance and detail in sound reproduction.

The high-molecular-weight thermoplastic polymer enclosure is optimized using FEM analysis, ensuring that the sound produced is free from any unwanted vibrations or resonance. Additionally, the speakers come with a bass switch that can be adjusted to suit individual preferences, providing a tailored listening experience.

The optimized enclosure of the Burmester B18 loudspeakers is an essential feature that contributes to their refined sound quality. The high-molecular-weight thermoplastic polymer enclosure is designed to reduce any unwanted vibrations or resonance, ensuring that the sound produced is clear and precise.

The adjustable bass response feature is also a standout feature, allowing users to adjust the bass output to their preference. With a sensitivity of 88dB, 4-ohm impedance, and a frequency response of 42Hz-30kHz, the Burmester B18 loudspeakers are a perfect addition to any audiophile’s collection, delivering outstanding sound quality and clarity.

101 Integrated Amp Features

Like a conductor leading an orchestra, an integrated amplifier serves as the central hub of a sound system, boasting a multitude of inputs and features that cater to the needs of any audiophile. The Burmester 101 integrated amplifier is a class D amplifier with an analog power supply, providing 120 watts per channel. It boasts a full complement of RCA and XLR inputs, as well as a balanced pre-out, inboard headphone amp, and home theater bypass. The back panel is well-laid out and beautiful, showcasing the attention to detail that Burmester is known for.

What sets the Burmester 101 apart from other integrated amplifiers is that it uses class D modules that are built right in their factory in Berlin. This allows for a more efficient use of power and less heat generation, resulting in a smaller and more practical chassis. Despite being a class D amplifier, the Burmester 101 still manages to provide a modicum of the classic Burmester sound with its warmth and precision. The result is a remarkably elegant and well-dressed sound that is sure to win over even the most discerning audiophiles.

Review and Recommendations

Reviewing the Burmester B18 loudspeakers and 101 integrated amplifier reveals a warm and precise sound with surprising energy, making them highly recommended for those seeking compact and practical lifestyle products that enrich the listening experience.

The refined sound quality evaluation of these products caters to audiophile preferences, providing a hint of neutrality, and a modicum of the classic Burmester sound.

The Burmester B18 and 101 offer a well-dressed sound that is elegant and refined.

The warm tonality of the 101 may win over those unsure about class D amplification, while the B18’s surprising energy fills big spaces.

The foam plugs for the rear ports offer clear choices for positioning, and the room adaptation toggle on the back panel helps optimize the sound.

Overall, these products are highly recommended for audiophiles seeking a compact and practical lifestyle product that enriches their listening experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the price of the Burmester B18 loudspeakers and 101 integrated amplifier?

The price of the Burmester B18 loudspeakers and 101 integrated amplifier is $28,000 for both, making them a high-end audio product that may not be affordable for many consumers. However, considering the quality of sound, the Burmester B18 and 101 are worth the price.

The B18 loudspeakers are designed with a ring radiator tweeter and glass fiber diaphragm woofers, enclosed in a high-molecular-weight thermoplastic polymer enclosure optimized using FEM analysis. Meanwhile, the 101 integrated amplifier has a full complement of RCA and XLR inputs, balanced pre-out, an inboard headphone amp, home theater bypass, and remote control.

Burmester builds their own class D modules in their Berlin factory, which is a testament to their commitment to producing high-quality products. Comparing the Burmester B18 and 101 to other high-end audio brands, they provide refined, elegant, and well-dressed sound that delivers a modicum of the classic Burmester sound.

While the Burmester 101’s warmth may win over those unsure about class D amplification, the Burmester B18’s surprising energy fills big spaces. Overall, the Burmester B18 and 101 offer excellent value for money and are highly recommended for audiophiles and as lifestyle products.

Does the Burmester 101 integrated amplifier have a built-in phono stage for turntables?

The Burmester 101 integrated amplifier does not have a built-in phono stage for turntables, which may be disappointing for vinyl enthusiasts. However, there are alternative turntable amp options available for use with the Burmester B18 and 101, such as an external phono preamp or a separate turntable amplifier.

It is important to note that the Burmester 101 is a class D amplifier with 120 watts per channel and a range of inputs, including three XLR inputs, two RCA inputs, balanced pre-out, inboard headphone amp, home theater bypass, and remote control. While it may not have a built-in phono stage, the Burmester 101 still provides a refined and elegant sound that is well-suited for audiophiles.

How does the Burmester B18 loudspeaker compare to the larger B28 and B38 models?

When comparing the Burmester B18 to the larger B28 and B38 models, it’s important to consider the size of the room they will be placed in. While the B28 and B38 offer more powerful bass and a larger soundstage, the B18 may be a better option for smaller rooms due to its compact size and surprising energy.

In terms of sound quality, the B18 holds up well against other high-end loudspeakers, with a refined and focused sound that is warm and precise with a hint of neutrality.

Overall, the Burmester B18 is a strong choice for audiophiles looking for a compact and elegant loudspeaker option for smaller spaces.

What type of connectors are used for the RCA and XLR inputs on the Burmester 101 integrated amplifier?

The Burmester 101 integrated amplifier is equipped with a full complement of RCA and XLR inputs that allow for a versatile signal transmission. RCA connectors are commonly used in consumer audio equipment and are known for their simplicity and affordability, while XLR connectors are preferred in professional audio settings due to their balanced signal transmission and noise-rejection capabilities.

The Burmester 101’s use of both types of connectors provides options for a wide range of audio sources and setups. The signal transmission through these connectors is efficient and reliable, ensuring that the sound delivered by the amplifier is of the highest quality.

Can the Burmester B18 loudspeakers be bi-wired or bi-amped?

The Burmester B18 loudspeakers can be bi-wired but not bi-amped.

The bi-wiring option allows for separate connections of the speaker’s high and low-frequency drivers to the amplifier, whereas bi-amping separates the amplifier between the high and low-frequency drivers.

Bi-wiring is often a subject of debate among audiophiles, with some claiming that it improves the clarity and separation of sound, while others argue that it has little effect on sound quality.

However, bi-amping is generally considered to provide superior sound quality, as it allows for more precise control over each driver’s power and frequency response.

While the Burmester B18 loudspeakers cannot be bi-amped, their sound quality is still exceptional, and they offer many benefits, including a refined and elegant sound that fills even large spaces with surprising energy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Burmester B18 loudspeakers and 101 integrated amplifier provide a refined and sophisticated sound for audiophiles.

With a 2.5-way floorstanding design, the B18 loudspeakers feature a ring radiator tweeter and glass fiber diaphragm woofers, while the 101 integrated amplifier boasts a class D amplifier with 120 watts per channel. These features combine to provide a warm, precise, and focused sound with a hint of neutrality that makes it a highly recommended choice for both audiophiles and as a lifestyle product.

Overall, the Burmester B18 and 101 are an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality sound experience. Their features and performance make them a great choice for refined sound, and their reputation in the audiophile community is well earned.

If you are looking for a speaker and amplifier combination that is both precise and warm, then the Burmester B18 and 101 are definitely worth considering. So why wait? Take the plunge and experience the refined sound of the Burmester B18 and 101 for yourself.

Burmester B18 & 101: Refined Sound For Audiophiles

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