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Burmester 232
Integrated amplifier
For Classic Line
The new Burmester 232 Classis Line integrated amplifier meets all the requirements desired of a modern amplifier. It combines unique advanced functionality with the unparalleled sound quality for which Burmester is globally renowned.
Integrated Amplifier
A ‘Swiss army knife’ of an amplifier, the 232 stands out for its range of versatile features and compatibility. A powerful streaming integrated amplifier with extraordinary musical communication ability, it can operate in pure analogue but excels equally with processing various digital sources.
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Despite the variety of digital connectivity options and features, the sound is still defined by its analogue circuitry technology. With its warm, open, yet powerful and detailed sound, the 232 Integrated Amplifier embodies the sonic ideals expected of a Burmester amplifier.
The operational amplifiers used are of the highest quality and allow the music signal to pass through unaffected. This almost completely eliminates any impact on the sound quality.
The generously sized power transformer serves as the centrepiece, providing effortless authority regardless of which speakers the Class A/B output stages of the 232 perform with. The amplifier stages of the 232 are fully dual-mono constructed, starting from the secondary windings of the transformer, to minimise electrical and magnetic coupling between the channels. The supply voltage remains absolutely stable for each channel, ensuring precise impulses. The sustainably reduced crosstalk enables stable and sharply defined stereo imaging.
The 232 can be configured according to customer preferences due to its unique modularity. It can be operated as a purely analogue integrated amplifier, but adeptly handles the processing of digital sources when required.
The specially designed digital-to-analog converter module transforms the 232 into a high-performance digital integrated amplifier. It processes digital signals from leading streaming services like Tidal and Spotify with the highest precision, delivering exceptional sound quality.
The newly developed phono module for moving coil cartridge systems is based on the phono signal processing from the Burmester Reference Preamplifier 077 and the award-winning Phono Preamplifier 100. The 232 combines the processing of the finest analog signals with the world of digital music at the highest level.
The optional digital-to-analog converter module expands the analogue section of the 232 with a wide range of digital connections. These include integration into a home theatre system via HDMI, as well as connectivity with digital sources, such as CD players, via SPDIF and AES/EBU.
USB and SD ports allow playback of music files from external storage media. New files can also be uploaded to these via the home network while they remain plugged into the 232. Additionally, the 232 can be used directly as a playback device from a PC via USB.
The digital portfolio of the 232 is topped off with wireless connectivity options such as Apple AirPlay (via Wi-Fi) and Bluetooth – ideal for spontaneous music playback from mobile devices.
- Lossless, bit-perfect audio transmission in conjunction with the Roon Core server
- Combination of TIDAL and Qobuz catalogs with local music libraries
- Intuitive control through a central app, with no need for configuration on the device itself
The new Burmester 232 Integrated Amplifier is the first product to feature the new Burmester design. The aesthetic appearance contains new, modern elements yet preserves the Burmester heritage. An elegant, timeless line harmonises with prominent surfaces, such as the heatsink profile and the top surface. The new design language transforms the 232 into a work of art that is thoughtfully considered in a 360-degree approach and offers a sculptural presentation in any domestic environment.
The 232 embodies the quintessence of the essential without neglecting quality and usability. Extensive studies have optimised the heatsink profile thermally. Scaled across product lines and power levels, it follows the approach of performance enhancement and is therefore much more than just a design element. It radiates from the center of the housing and represents the biggest departure from the more traditional appearance of previous generations of Burmester products.The systematic use of chrome serves as a tribute to the design of Burmester products of previous decades and highlights individual elements. Partnering with older Burmester units remains harmonious and seamless.
The result creates an interplay of technical, elegant and organic room environment friendly forms. This is reinforced by the contrast of matte and glossy surfaces.
The new control concept combines the all-new Burmester app for device control with on-device operation (HMI) or via remote control. The approach of simplifying operational steps has been applied across all possible control options. The placement of the display behind mirrored glass allows the display to completely recede into the background when in a standby state. This integration further contributes to the minimalist approach to the appearance. The full graphic display supports a variety of characters.
The new Burmester rotary control serves as the primary operational element of the 232, alongside the app and remote control, equipping the integrated amplifier with innovative haptic feedback technology. The haptic feedback adjusts according to the respective functions, including features such as rotational resistance, number, and spacing of clicks. In addition to controlling classic functions such as input selection, volume adjustment, or scrolling through playlists, the rotary control in the 232 also acts as a power switch.
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Professional Reviews 87/100
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
88/100
Build Quality
86/100
Features Connectivity
95/100
Value for Money
80/100
The Burmester 232 marries warm, open musicality with finely resolved detail, projecting a stable, sharply focused stereo image while delivering confident power. Finn de Kroon highlights its analogue poise, versatile digital capability and modular DAC/phono path; HDMI ARC, streaming and intuitive haptic control make this a remarkably complete luxury system hub.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Warm, full and highly detailed sound with a stable, sharply defined stereo image.
Exceptional connectivity and modular flexibility, including streaming, HDMI ARC, optional DAC and MC phono modules.
Intuitive, refined operation via haptic rotary control, display and app-based control.
&
Cons
Very high entry price, with optional modules pushing the complete configuration close to $35,000.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 88/100
Coverage portrays the 232 as a warm, open and highly detailed amplifier that preserves Burmester's analogue-led character while accommodating digital sources. The available reports also point to low noise, low distortion, stable stereo presentation and substantial power delivery, although much of this material is product-focused rather than comparative listening evaluation.
Transparency Resolution
88/100
Best of High End describes warmth and fullness alongside remarkable detail, clarity and depth. Burmester also cites very low noise and distortion from the DAC platform, though the supplied coverage offers limited independent assessment of ultimate resolution.
Tonal Balance Musicality
90/100
The recurring description is warm, full, open and natural rather than overtly clinical. Best of High End says the amplifier delivers a powerful but intricately detailed presentation, with analogue circuitry remaining central to its musical character.
Dynamics
87/100
Burmester describes dynamic playback, while the 150W-per-channel rating into 4 ohms and robust transformer are intended to provide consistent output across a range of loudspeakers. Improved heat dissipation is also said to help maintain the output devices' operating point under use, but there is little detailed third-party listening commentary on transient slam or difficult speaker loads.
Soundstage Imaging
87/100
The available descriptions point to precise staging, clarity and depth. Its dual-mono layout is said to reduce crosstalk and support a stable, sharply defined stereo image, although the reports do not provide extensive listening detail about stage scale or image layering.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
86/100
The 232 uses a new internal thermal design said to reduce operating temperature by roughly ten degrees and extend component life, with more uniform heat distribution for the output stage. Reports also note a carefully executed display and control arrangement, but provide little direct evidence on long-term ownership durability or internal fit and finish.
Features Connectivity
95/100
This is an unusually comprehensive hub: balanced analogue inputs, HDMI ARC, AES/EBU, coaxial and optical digital connections, USB-A and USB-C, microSD support, pre-outs, a subwoofer output and a 6.3mm headphone socket are all specified. Streaming support includes TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect and AirPlay, with app, IR and Bluetooth remote control; optional DAC and MC-phono modules add further system flexibility.
Value for Money
80/100
At roughly $21,600 before optional modules, Ecoustics calls the 232 one of the most expensive integrated amplifiers of its kind and describes its price as steep. Its modular architecture can prevent unnecessary duplication for owners with existing source components, but a fully equipped version can approach $35,000, making the proposition primarily for well-funded high-end systems.
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Authorized dealers for Burmester 232
- Absoulute Audio plus Video — in-store — Aiken, South Carolina, United States (website)
- Alpha High End — online and in-store — Brasschaat, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
- Audio & Video Expressions — in-store — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (website)
- Audio Advisors — in-store — West Palm Beach, Florida, United States (website)
- AUDIO EXCLUSIVE — in-store — Wels, Oberösterreich, Austria (website)
- Audio Venue — online and in-store — London, England, United Kingdom (website)
- AudioART — in-store — Sudbury, Massachusetts (website)
- Auditorium — in-store — Hamburg-Mitte, Hamburg, Germany (website)
- Aug & Ohr — in-store — Zürich, Zürich, Germany (website)
- AV Luxury Group — in-store — Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (website)
and 29 more verified dealers