Burmester 909 MK5 Reference Power Amplifier

Complimentary White Glove Delivery • Travel Reimbursement*

The Burmester 909 MK5 Power Amplifier is the monumental Reference Line amplifier that has defined Burmester power amplification for decades. Delivering 600 watts per channel into 4 ohms, the 909 MK5 combines a completely symmetrical architecture, Burmester X-Amp technology, extraordinary current capability and a damping factor greater than 1,000 to control even extremely demanding loudspeakers.

Its power is only part of the story. The 909 MK5 is engineered to maintain control as loudspeaker impedance falls, remaining stable with loads down to 1 ohm. For systems requiring still greater reserves, the 909 MK5 can be bridged for mono operation, delivering 1,930 watts into 4 ohms from a single amplifier.

At approximately 159 pounds, nearly 20 inches tall and built around an enormous power supply, the 909 MK5 is a true reference amplifier designed for systems where loudspeaker control, dynamic headroom and scale cannot be compromised.

Reference-Level Power Delivery

The 909 MK5 produces 600 watts per channel into 4 ohms, but its ability to drive difficult loudspeaker loads is equally important.

Burmester specifically engineers the 909 for stable operation with loads down to 1 ohm. The combination of high current capability, an oversized power supply and extremely low output impedance allows the amplifier to maintain control when loudspeaker impedance becomes difficult.

This gives the 909 MK5 the electrical reserves required for large reference loudspeakers, complex crossover networks and systems where substantial low-frequency driver control is essential.

X-Amp Architecture

The 909 MK5 incorporates Burmester's proprietary X-Amp technology within a completely symmetrical amplifier architecture.

As with Burmester's other high-end power amplifiers, the design emphasizes balanced signal transmission and a direct signal path. The amplifier achieves a published frequency response extending from below 10 Hz to 220 kHz at -3 dB, with THD+N below 0.003% and a signal-to-noise ratio greater than 105 dB.

The objective is not simply enormous output power. The 909 is engineered to combine that power with the low noise, bandwidth and resolution required of a Reference Line component.

Damping Factor Greater Than 1,000

Burmester specifies a damping factor greater than 1,000 into 4 ohms for the 909 MK5.

High damping factor gives the amplifier substantial electrical control over loudspeaker driver movement. This becomes particularly important with large woofers and loudspeakers presenting difficult impedance curves, where an amplifier must control the driver's return movement as effectively as it initiates it.

Combined with the 909's high-current architecture, this allows the amplifier to maintain bass control and transient precision even when driving demanding reference loudspeakers at substantial output levels.

1,930-Watt Mono Operation

The 909 MK5 can be transformed from an exceptionally powerful stereo amplifier into a dedicated reference mono amplifier.

Using Burmester's external mono adapters, the 909 MK5 delivers 1,930 watts into 4 ohms in bridged mono operation. The amplifier can also be ordered from Burmester in an internally configured mono version.

A pair of 909 MK5 amplifiers in mono configuration therefore provides each loudspeaker with its own amplifier chassis, power supply and enormous output reserve.

For systems built around exceptionally demanding full-range loudspeakers, this represents the ultimate expression of the 909 platform.

Bi-Amping and Multi-Amplifier Systems

The 909 MK5 also supports bi-amplification using Burmester bi-amping adapters.

With loudspeakers designed for separate amplification of their frequency sections, multiple 909 amplifiers can be configured to provide independent amplification for different portions of the loudspeaker system.

Burmester's BurSync connection allows multiple 909 amplifiers to be synchronized, while remote input and output connections provide coordinated power control within a complete Burmester system.

This gives the 909 MK5 an unusually broad range of system configurations despite its extreme power capability.

Balanced Connectivity

The 909 MK5 provides balanced XLR inputs for stereo and mono operation. An unbalanced source can be accommodated in stereo operation using the appropriate supplied adapter.

A balanced XLR Through output allows the incoming signal to be passed to additional amplification, an important capability when configuring multi-amplifier or bi-amped systems.

Loudspeaker output is handled through Burmester's substantial binding posts, while 10V DC remote control allows compatible Burmester components to switch the amplifier as part of an integrated system.

Processor-Controlled Protection

An amplifier capable of this level of output requires equally serious protection.

The 909 MK5 incorporates processor-controlled error diagnosis to monitor amplifier operation and protect the system when abnormal operating conditions are detected.

This protection is particularly important when the amplifier is driving low-impedance loudspeakers or operating within large multi-amplifier reference systems.

Technical Details

Burmester's current product information specifies 600 watts per channel into 4 ohms, 1,930 watts in 4-ohm mono operation, >1,000 damping factor, >105 dB signal-to-noise ratio and <0.003% THD+N. The current sheet also lists the 909 MK5 at 72 kg and 482 × 498 × 482 mm.

Burmester 909 MK5 at The Grid HiFi

The Grid HiFi in Houston specializes in Burmester Reference systems and world-class two-channel audio. The 909 MK5 belongs in a system designed as a whole, with amplification, preamplification, source components, loudspeakers, power infrastructure and cabling selected to operate at the same level.

Whether you are considering a single 909 MK5 in stereo, a pair in mono configuration or a multi-amplifier reference system, The Grid can design the complete system around the amplifier and the loudspeakers it will control.

Complimentary White Glove Delivery • Travel Reimbursement*
Qualifying purchasers may receive airfare reimbursement for your private audition.
Considering the 909 MK5? Let’s build your dream system around it. Call (713) 218-8120.
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