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Burmester 032
Integrated amplifier
For Classic Line
With a mighty power supply and a wide variety of connectivity range, the 032 Integrated Amplifier effortlessly delivers complex loads. Excellent resolution and musicality perfectly describe the 032 amp.
Integrated Amplifier
The 032 Integrated Amplifier offers a wide variety of connectivity that far exceeds the normal range of integrated amplifiers. A PRE OUT output, for example, allows the connection of a separate power amplifier or the central volume control of different listening zones within a multi-room application. With its mighty 650 VA power supply the 032 Integrated Amplifier effortlessly delivers continuous high current in order to perfectly control even large speakers with low impedance and complex loads. Excellent special resolution and musicality are the hallmarks of the 032.
Design
The heat sinks in typical Burmester design keep the 032 cool even under full power. The chromed control element is located on the front in between the attractive heat sinks the front. This mid-section milled from solid brass encompasses the display circuitry and protects it effectively against any unwanted spurious noise radiating on parts of the amplifier processing audio signals. The solid rotary knob switches both channels identically via an incremental encoder.
Handmade
During assembly the transistors are carefully connected to the generously dimensioned heat sinks on both sides via a massive block of copper which takes care of optimal heat distribution and dissipation. The driver stages are installed on a separate internal heat sink. This prevents working point drift of the driver stages due to large thermal fluctuations in the heat sinks of the amplification stages. In the final assembly step the high-chrome control element is gently connected to the complex innards of the integrated amp.
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Burmester 032 Integrated Amplifier
The Burmester 032 is a muscular, exquisitely built integrated amplifier that marries authoritative control with refined musicality. As noted by Tom Martin of The Absolute Sound, its defining traits are relentless power, exceptional transient control and a firm grip on complex passages. The sonic signature emphasizes tight, tuneful bass, clear midrange and well-managed treble, delivering a focused, stable soundstage. Performance highlights include 170 W per channel into 4 Ω, balanced inputs and pre-outs, a 6.3 mm headphone jack and surround-thru capability, making it versatile for two-channel and HT setups. The 28 kg chassis and premium finish reflect envy-worthy craftsmanship, while bypassable tone controls and remote operation add usability. Ideal for audiophiles driving demanding speakers who prioritize authoritative dynamics and build quality.
Pros
- Top-tier build quality and finish, described as envy-worthy craftsmanship.
- Powerful, authoritative dynamics with exceptional transient control and a firm ‘grip’ on music.
- Well-featured connectivity — balanced XLRs, RCA, balanced pre-outs, headphone jack and surround-thru for HT integration.
Sound Quality
90/100
Dynamics
92/100
The review cites "relentless power" and an "undeniable 'grip' on music," directly supporting strong transient control, headroom and authority. Given the 170 W/4 Ω specification (Class AB high-power expectation), the amplifier meets the higher dynamics band and reviewers describe it as having effortless control.
Soundstage Imaging
88/100
The review does not explicitly discuss width/depth or pinpoint imaging, so the score is conservative but positive given the amplifier's strong control and high-end design. "Grip" and power control imply stable, well-focused images even if holographic staging was not directly mentioned.
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Build Quality
95/100
Reviewer directly praises the unit's construction as "envy-worthy craftsmanship," indicating top-tier materials, finish and assembly. The substantial 28 kg chassis and Burmester reputation further support a reference-level build assessment.
Features Connectivity
89/100
Unit offers 3 XLR and 2 RCA inputs (balanced XLR inputs +2), balanced pre-outs (sym/asym, treated as balanced outputs +2), a 6.3 mm headphone jack (+2), Surround Thruput/home-theater bypass (+1), remote control (+1) and bypassable tone controls (+1). These features exceed the baseline and place it in the well-featured range.
Value for Money
86/100
Reviews provided do not comment on price or relative value, so the default neutral baseline is applied. The listed price (~€/$30,000) positions this as a high-end purchase, but without reviewer value judgments the score remains cautiously neutral.
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