Burmester B18 Loudspeakers

Complimentary White Glove Delivery • Travel Reimbursement*

The Burmester B18 Loudspeaker is a slender 2.5-way floorstanding speaker engineered and handcrafted in Berlin for high-end two-channel systems where musical resolution, controlled bass and elegant proportions are equally important. Its compact footprint combines a ring-radiator tweeter with dedicated 170 mm midrange and bass drivers in a carefully tuned bass-reflex enclosure.

With 88 dB sensitivity, 4-ohm nominal impedance and a 42 Hz to 30 kHz frequency response, the B18 is designed to deliver the scale and authority of a serious floorstanding loudspeaker without requiring an imposing cabinet. Burmester also incorporates adjustable bass tuning to help optimize the speaker for different rooms and placement conditions.

2.5-Way Driver Architecture

The B18 uses a 2.5-way configuration built around three purpose-selected drivers.

High frequencies are reproduced by a 25 mm ring-radiator tweeter. The lightweight diaphragm and powerful magnetic system are engineered for fast transient response, transparency and detailed high-frequency reproduction.

Below the tweeter is a 170 mm glass-fiber midrange driver, accompanied by a second 170 mm glass-fiber driver dedicated to bass reinforcement. The bass driver supports the system below approximately 400 Hz, while the transition between the midrange and tweeter occurs at approximately 2.3 kHz.

This configuration allows the B18 to retain a narrow front baffle while providing greater low-frequency capability and dynamic headroom than a conventional two-way design.

Bass-Reflex Cabinet and Room Adaptation

The B18 uses a rear-ported bass-reflex enclosure to extend low-frequency response while maintaining the speaker's slim proportions. Burmester specifies bass extension to 42 Hz at ±3 dB.

A rear-panel Room Adaptation control provides two bass alignments for different placement and listening-room conditions. This gives the installer or owner an additional tool for optimizing bass response when the loudspeakers must operate closer to room boundaries or when the acoustics of the space require adjustment.

For a speaker of this level, that adjustability is valuable. Placement, listening distance, boundary reinforcement and room dimensions can significantly affect the final low-frequency balance.

Dedicated Crossover Chamber

Burmester houses the B18's crossover network in a separate internal cabinet chamber, isolating the crossover components from the primary acoustic volume and the pressure generated by the loudspeaker drivers.

The crossover operates at approximately 400 Hz and 2.3 kHz, integrating the dedicated bass driver, midrange and ring-radiator tweeter into the B18's 2.5-way architecture.

Matched Loudspeaker Pairs

Burmester takes an unusually rigorous approach to loudspeaker matching. The company states that every loudspeaker chassis is run in for seven days before assembly. Driver parameters are then measured, and computer analysis is used to create stereo pairs with extremely close tolerances.

This matching process is particularly relevant to stereo imaging. Closely matched left and right loudspeakers help maintain consistent amplitude and tonal behavior between channels, contributing to the precise three-dimensional presentation expected from a high-end two-channel system.

Elegant, Room-Friendly Design

At just over 8 inches wide, the B18 presents a relatively narrow visual profile despite standing approximately 41.6 inches tall and weighing nearly 77 pounds per speaker.

Its restrained cabinet design and Burmester detailing allow it to integrate into sophisticated residential spaces without visually dominating the room.

Finish options include high-gloss white, high-gloss black, walnut and Makassar, providing choices ranging from contemporary monochromatic finishes to traditional wood veneers.

Technical Details

Burmester's published B18 specifications confirm the 2.5-way rear-ported architecture, 4-ohm impedance, 88 dB sensitivity, 120-watt rating and 42 Hz to 30 kHz frequency response.

Burmester B18 at The Grid HiFi

The Grid HiFi in Houston specializes in Burmester high-end audio and complete reference two-channel systems. With a loudspeaker like the B18, the amplifier is only part of the equation. Proper placement, listening position, room interaction, cabling and system matching can substantially affect the performance ultimately achieved in the room.

We can build the complete system around the B18, pairing it with the appropriate Burmester amplification, digital or analog sources, cabling and power infrastructure, then helping optimize the loudspeakers for the listening space.

Complimentary White Glove Delivery • Travel Reimbursement*
Qualifying purchasers may receive airfare reimbursement for your private audition.
Considering the B18? Let’s build your dream system around it. Call (713) 218-8120.
*Restrictions apply. Contact us for details.