Burmester 232 Integrated Amplifier

Complimentary White Glove Delivery • Travel Reimbursement*

The Burmester 232 Integrated Amplifier introduces a new generation of Burmester design, amplification and modular system architecture. At its core is a sophisticated analog integrated amplifier delivering 150 watts per channel into 4 ohms, backed by 200 watts of pulse power into 4 ohms, greater than 1,000 damping factor and a fully dual-mono Class A/B output architecture.

What makes the 232 especially compelling is its ability to evolve around the system. In its standard configuration, it is a high-performance analog integrated amplifier with balanced XLR inputs. Add Burmester's optional DAC module and it becomes a high-resolution digital hub and network streamer with HDMI ARC, USB, AES/EBU, optical and coaxial connectivity. Add the optional MC phono module and the 232 can directly accommodate a high-end moving-coil turntable system.

The result is a Burmester amplifier that can remain resolutely analog or become the center of an exceptionally sophisticated modern audio system.

150 Watts Per Channel with 200-Watt Pulse Capability

Burmester rates the 232 at 150 watts per channel into 4 ohms, with 200 watts per channel of pulse power into 4 ohms.

Its power amplifier operates in Class A/B and is engineered around substantial current delivery and loudspeaker control rather than simply maximizing a published wattage figure.

Burmester specifies a damping factor of greater than 1,000 at 100 Hz into 4 ohms, giving the amplifier the low output impedance required for precise control over demanding loudspeaker drivers.

The 232 is equally at home driving compact high-performance monitors or substantial floorstanding loudspeakers when appropriately matched to the room and listening requirements.

Fully Dual-Mono Power Amplifier Architecture

The 232's power amplifier is constructed in a dual-mono configuration beginning at the secondary windings of the power transformer.

This reduces electrical and magnetic interaction between the left and right channels while providing each channel with a stable power supply.

Channel separation matters because a stereo amplifier is reproducing two independent signals simultaneously. Minimizing interaction between them helps preserve the spatial and dynamic information encoded in the recording.

This architecture brings the design philosophy of serious separate power amplification into a single integrated chassis.

Massive Power Transformer

At the center of the 232 is a generously specified power transformer designed to maintain stable voltage as the demands placed on the amplifier change.

Musical signals are highly dynamic. A power amplifier may move from relatively modest output to a substantial transient almost instantaneously.

A robust power supply gives the output stages the electrical reserves necessary to respond to those demands without relying on a lightweight supply architecture.

Extremely Low Distortion

Burmester specifies THD+N below 0.0048% at 50 watts into 4 ohms.

The company uses carefully selected operational amplifiers in the 232's analog circuitry and has engineered the signal path to be exceptionally short and low in noise.

The power amplifier also employs closely matched complementary NPN and PNP input transistors to minimize distortion within the amplification stages themselves.

The goal is to achieve linearity through the underlying circuit architecture rather than relying excessively on corrective measures later in the signal path.

Wide-Bandwidth Amplification

The 232's amplifier section extends beyond the audible frequency range, with a specified bandwidth of below 10 Hz to greater than 110 kHz under Burmester's stated measurement conditions.

The purpose of this bandwidth is not to reproduce ultrasonic information for its own sake. Wide-bandwidth analog circuitry can maintain consistent phase and transient behavior throughout the audible range without approaching the limits of the amplifier's operating bandwidth.

Combined with its low distortion and high damping factor, this gives the 232 a technically formidable analog foundation regardless of which optional modules are installed.

Modular System Architecture

The 232 is designed to adapt to the system rather than forcing every owner to purchase functions they may never use.

Two major optional modules are available:

Burmester DAC and streaming module
Burmester MC phono module

A customer building a purely analog system can use the 232 as an analog integrated amplifier.

A digital-focused system can add the DAC module and transform it into a network-connected streaming amplifier.

A vinyl system can add the MC phono module.

For a system using all three formats, both modules can be installed to create an exceptionally capable single-chassis control center.

Optional High-Resolution DAC and Streaming Module

With the optional digital module installed, the 232 becomes considerably more than an integrated amplifier.

The module adds support for digital sources and network streaming, with connectivity including USB, HDMI ARC, coaxial S/PDIF, TOSLINK optical and balanced AES/EBU.

The architecture supports high-resolution PCM and DSD playback, giving the 232 the ability to serve as the primary digital source and converter for a complete system.

Digital outputs are also provided through coaxial and optical connections.

High-Resolution Streaming

With its digital module installed and connected to the network, the 232 supports a broad range of modern streaming platforms and protocols, including:

Qobuz Connect
TIDAL Connect
Spotify Connect
Roon Ready
Apple AirPlay
Internet radio
UPnP and local network libraries

Local music can also be accessed from compatible USB storage.

This makes it possible to build a sophisticated streaming system around the 232 without requiring a separate network streamer and DAC.

HDMI ARC for Television Integration

The optional digital architecture includes HDMI ARC, giving the 232 a particularly useful role in systems where the same high-end loudspeakers are used for both music and television.

A compatible television can send digital audio directly to the amplifier, eliminating the need for a conventional AV receiver in a high-performance two-channel video system.

For customers who prioritize stereo reproduction but also want their primary loudspeakers handling television, concerts and movies, HDMI ARC dramatically simplifies the system.

Optional Moving-Coil Phono Module

Burmester also offers a dedicated MC phono module for the 232.

Rather than requiring an external phono preamplifier, the module allows a high-quality moving-coil cartridge to connect directly to the integrated amplifier.

The phono architecture draws on Burmester's experience developing components such as the 077 Reference Preamplifier and 100 Phono Preamplifier.

For an analog-focused system, this means the 232 can combine line-level sources, a serious moving-coil turntable and power amplification within one chassis.

HaptiControl

The 232 introduced Burmester's HaptiControl rotary encoder, a central control that combines physical movement with programmable haptic feedback.

The rotary control handles functions such as volume adjustment, source selection, menu navigation and playlist browsing while providing tactile feedback to the user.

Instead of replacing physical interaction with a touchscreen, Burmester uses modern control technology to make the physical interface more sophisticated.

Eight touch-sensitive controls surrounding the display provide direct access to additional functions.

Burmester Conduct App

The 232 can also be operated through the Burmester Conduct App, giving the user control over playback, source selection, streaming and system functions from a compatible mobile device.

Traditional remote operation remains available through the supplied IR/Bluetooth remote.

This provides three distinct control methods:

HaptiControl and touch controls on the amplifier
Burmester remote control
Burmester Conduct App

Dedicated Headphone Amplifier

Headphone playback is not treated as an auxiliary convenience feature.

Burmester developed a dedicated low-noise, low-distortion headphone amplifier for the 232, accessed through its 6.3 mm headphone connection.

The current technical documentation specifies output capability up to approximately 720 mW into 16 ohms and 620 mW into 32 ohms.

That makes the 232 a complete personal listening source as well as the centerpiece of a loudspeaker system.

Preamplifier and Subwoofer Outputs

The 232 can also operate as a preamplifier, providing an upgrade path to separate power amplification without requiring replacement of the entire component.

Balanced XLR preamplifier output is provided, along with a dedicated mono subwoofer output.

This makes the 232 particularly flexible for systems that may eventually grow beyond the capabilities or configuration of a conventional integrated amplifier.

A New Burmester Design Language

The 232 was the first component to introduce Burmester's new generation of industrial design.

Its large central HaptiControl dial, sculpted heatsink architecture and visually floating chassis replace the more traditional appearance of earlier Classic Line components while retaining unmistakable Burmester materials and construction.

The heatsink structure is functional as well as visual, radiating outward from the center of the chassis to provide the thermal management required by its Class A/B amplifier stages.

Technical Details

Specification	Burmester 232
Product Line	Classic Line
Product Type	Modular Integrated Amplifier
Amplifier Class	Class A/B
Amplifier Architecture	Dual Mono
Continuous Output	150 W per channel into 4 Ω
Pulse Output, 4 Ω	200 W per channel
Pulse Output, 8 Ω	110 W per channel
Damping Factor	>1,000 at 100 Hz / 4 Ω
Frequency Response	<10 Hz to >110 kHz under specified conditions
THD+N	<0.0048% at 50 W / 4 Ω
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	>112 dB at 1 kHz / 1 V
Analog Inputs	2 × balanced XLR
Analog Pre-Out	Balanced XLR
Subwoofer Output	Mono
Headphone Output	6.3 mm stereo
Headphone Output, 32 Ω	Up to 620 mW
Headphone Output, 16 Ω	Up to 720 mW
Optional Modules	DAC / Streaming, MC Phono
HDMI ARC	With digital module
AES/EBU	With digital module
Coaxial Digital Input	With digital module
TOSLINK Input	With digital module
USB Audio	With digital module
Coaxial Digital Output	With digital module
TOSLINK Digital Output	With digital module
Network Streaming	With digital module
Qobuz Connect	Supported with digital configuration
TIDAL Connect	Supported with digital configuration
Spotify Connect	Supported with digital configuration
Roon Ready	Yes with digital configuration
Apple AirPlay	Supported with digital configuration
Internet Radio	Supported
Local Network Playback	UPnP / library playback
User Interface	HaptiControl rotary encoder
Mobile Control	Burmester Conduct App
Remote Control	IR / Bluetooth
BurLink	Yes
Width	450 mm / 17.7 in
Height	177 mm / 7 in
Depth	480 mm / 18.9 in
Weight	Approx. 29 kg / 64 lb
Standard Finishes	Silver / Black
Custom Finishes	Available
Manufacturing	Berlin, Germany

The 232's 150-watt continuous rating should not be confused with its 200-watt pulse rating. Burmester's launch literature lists 150 watts per channel into 4 ohms under CEA continuous testing, while the current operating documentation specifies 200 watts of pulse output into 4 ohms and 110 watts into 8 ohms.

Burmester 232 at The Grid HiFi

The Grid HiFi in Houston specializes in Burmester high-end audio and complete reference two-channel systems. The modular architecture of the 232 makes system configuration particularly important because it can be specified as anything from a focused analog integrated amplifier to the center of a complete streaming, digital and vinyl playback system.

We can configure the 232 with the appropriate DAC/streaming and MC phono modules, match it to the right loudspeakers, and design the entire system around your room and listening priorities.

For a streamlined Burmester system, the 232 can eliminate separate streamer, DAC, phono preamplifier and preamplifier chassis while retaining serious amplification. For systems that may grow later, its preamplifier outputs provide a path toward separate Burmester power amplification.

We can also design the complete system around the 232, including loudspeakers, turntable and cartridge matching, streaming, networking, cabling, power conditioning, equipment support, speaker positioning and final setup.

Complimentary White Glove Delivery • Travel Reimbursement*
Qualifying purchasers may receive airfare reimbursement for your private audition.
Considering the 232? Let’s build your dream system around it. Call (713) 218-8120.
*Restrictions apply. Contact us for details.