Burmester 151 MK2 Musiccenter

Complimentary White Glove Delivery • Travel Reimbursement*

The Burmester 151 MK2 Musiccenter is a high-end music server, network streamer, CD player, CD ripper, DAC and analog volume-controlled digital source in one Top Line component. Developed from technology used in Burmester’s Reference Line 111 Musiccenter, the 151 MK2 is designed to manage stored music, streaming services, internet radio, CDs and USB sources while providing reference-level digital-to-analog conversion. Burmester Media Production

With variable analog output, the 151 MK2 can connect directly to a power amplifier or active loudspeakers, eliminating the need for a separate preamplifier in a streamlined reference system. Select fixed output and it integrates conventionally with an existing preamplifier.

Music Server, Streamer and CD Player

The 151 MK2 brings multiple digital sources into a single component. It can play CDs, rip a CD collection to internal storage, access music stored on USB drives or network storage, stream internet radio and access supported streaming services including TIDAL, Qobuz and IDAGIO. Stereophile

CD ripping is particularly important to the Musiccenter concept. Rather than reading a disc only in real time, the ripping process can repeatedly read problematic sections to recover the audio data before storing the resulting music file. Album information and artwork can also be associated with imported music.

Reference-Level D/A Conversion

The 151 MK2 uses a symmetrically constructed converter section with selectable 96 kHz/24-bit or 192 kHz/24-bit upsampling. Its analog output stages use Burmester’s fully balanced circuit topology. Burmester Media Production

The signal path is completely DC-coupled and avoids coupling capacitors. Burmester specifically uses this architecture to prevent phase shift within the audible range and maintain precise low-frequency reproduction. Burmester Media Production

Analog Volume Control

A major advantage of the 151 MK2 is its analog volume control. Instead of reducing volume digitally, which can reduce available digital resolution as attenuation increases, Burmester performs level control in the analog domain. This preserves the digital signal's full resolution even at low listening levels. Burmester Media Production

The variable output incorporates sufficient output capability to drive a compatible power amplifier or active loudspeaker directly. For systems using a dedicated preamplifier, the 151 MK2 can instead operate at fixed output level.

This makes the 151 MK2 particularly flexible as either a complete digital front end or a dedicated source component in a larger Burmester system.

Fully Balanced Analog Circuitry

Burmester builds the 151 MK2 around a sophisticated fully balanced analog architecture. The analog output stages receive their signal from the balanced D/A converter section, while the DC-coupled signal path eliminates coupling capacitors.

The combination of balanced processing, reference-derived conversion technology and analog level control makes the 151 MK2 much more than a conventional network streamer. It is designed as the digital control center of a reference two-channel system. Burmester Media Production

Music Storage and Library Management

The 151 MK2 provides internal music storage and can import music from CDs, USB media and other supported sources. Current documentation and reviews describe SSD-based internal storage, while earlier versions of the 151 used mirrored HDD storage, so storage configuration should be confirmed for the specific unit being ordered. Stereophile

Music can also be accessed from external USB storage and network-attached storage. The Musiccenter functions as a UPnP/DLNA server, allowing stored music to be made available to compatible players elsewhere on the network. Burmester

Network and System Control

The Burmester 151 MK2 integrates into a home network through Ethernet or Wi-Fi and can be controlled through its front panel, Burmester remote control, web interface or Burmester app.

BurLink and remote input/output connections provide additional integration capabilities for sophisticated audio and control systems. Auditorium

Key Features

• Top Line high-end Musiccenter
• Music server and network streamer
• Integrated CD player and CD ripping
• Integrated reference-level D/A conversion
• Selectable 96 kHz/24-bit and 192 kHz/24-bit upsampling
• Fully balanced analog circuitry
• Completely DC-coupled signal path
• Analog volume control
• Fixed or variable analog output
• Direct connection to power amplifiers or active loudspeakers
• Internal music storage
• USB music playback
• Network-attached music playback
• Internet radio
• TIDAL, Qobuz and IDAGIO support
• Ethernet and Wi-Fi networking
• UPnP/DLNA functionality
• Burmester app control
• Web browser control
• BurLink system integration
• Handcrafted in Berlin, Germany Burmester Media Production

Technical Details

Burmester 151 MK2 at The Grid HiFi

The Grid HiFi in Houston specializes in reference digital audio and complete high-end two-channel systems. The 151 MK2 can form the digital foundation of a sophisticated Burmester system, whether used directly with a power amplifier or paired with a dedicated preamplifier, reference amplification and loudspeakers.

We can configure the complete system around the 151 MK2, including amplification, loudspeakers, networking, power conditioning and cabling, with the goal of maximizing the performance of the system as a whole.

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