Potato score: 92.27

92%

Burmester B38 #1
Burmester B38 variant 1
Burmester B38 variant 2
Burmester B38 variant 3
Burmester B38 variant 4
Burmester B38 variant 5
Burmester B38 variant 6

Burmester B38

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Bi-Wire Capable

Loudspeaker

For All Lines


The B38 loudspeakers are the latest addition to Burmester’s B-Series. This series is characterized by its slim and timeless design, which integrates perfectly into any environment. Similar to the smaller pair B18, the new B38 loudspeakers distinguish themselves through their three-dimensional stage image and amazingly transparent sound.


Loudspeaker

The B38 loudspeaker is the top product in Burmester’s successful B series. Closely related both visually and acoustically, the B18, this larger model benefits from both an elegant design and significantly increased capacity. The acoustic principle behind this creates an audio experience more inspiring than ever before. Scaling up the concept gave rise to a plethora of opportunities – and these have been made full use of. In this loudspeaker, the 3-way principle involves a side-firing woofer. The aim of this is to achieve a slim and elegant design, which can be seamlessly integrated into a wide range of living environments, while at the same time wowing listeners with its impulsive and powerful bass reproduction.


With attention to detail.

Recognisable as a typical Burmester even from the very first glance, the B38 loudspeaker makes use of characteristic design elements of Burmesters loudspeakers.


Design

In terms of purist elegance, the design is simply perfect. One example of this is the screwless, integrated front panel, whose appearance accentuates the slim shape of the loudspeaker. This makes it look less technical, or mechanical, and more like an elegant item of furniture. Adorned with high-quality matt lacquer or selected veneers, the aluminum frontage completes the unit’s astounding visual effect.


Technical Details

The Burmester B38 Loudspeaker offers two different options for individual adjustment of the audio experience, which can help to significantly reduce room influences. Firstly, a two-stage switch on the rear of the housing causes a wide-range bass roll-off of 1-3 dB between 150 Hz and 37 Hz. In addition to this, a cylinder made of porous foam, which is fully or partially inserted into the bass reflex tube, can be used to influence the bass response mechanically and to adapt it to the spatial situation or personal listening taste.


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Overall Score 92/100

Rating for [object Object]

Deliciously Crispy

Packed into a slim cabinet, the B38 delivers deep, controlled bass from its 32cm side‑firing woofer, paired with AMT clarity highs and a remarkably wide soundstage with lively dynamics. Reviewers at HiFi News and Audiophilepure praise its precision, build and room‑tweak flexibility.

HiFi News

"That wasn’t the case this time, with the B38 providing superb insight into each quick note, while lending plenty of steely bite to the six-string riffs above."

Pros

  • Powerful, extended bass with excellent grip and control from the 32cm woofer.
  • AMT tweeter delivers clean, detailed highs with wide dispersion and high‑frequency reach.
  • Open, well layered soundstage and incisive dynamics that retain composure at high levels.
  • Hefty, well‑braced cabinet and premium finishes with thoughtful engineering and room‑adapt controls.

&

Cons

  • Voicing is forward and direct rather than warm; some listeners may find it less cosy.
  • 86 dB sensitivity and 4 Ω nominal impedance mean it benefits from high‑power amplification and careful placement.
  • Premium price positions it firmly in the high‑end segment rather than as a value proposition.

Sound Quality

93/100

Bass

95/100

Multiple reviewers praise the 32cm woofer's extension, grip and control; HiFi News calls the bass 'delicious' and 'deep-diving', Audiophilepure cites strong impact on tracks like Daft Punk's 'Da Funk'. Frequency spec lists -3dB to 37Hz, supporting authoritative low-end. Matches 'large tower' band; excellent extension and slam noted.

Mid

92/100

Reviews note superb insight and distinct tonal texture: 'strings, horns and congas... distinct tone and texture' (HiFi News) and strong vocal/lead presence. Midrange is coherent through crossover and conveys detail and musicality, with only minor positional tweaks affecting strictness.

Treble

93/100

AMT tweeter delivers succinct, clean highs with reach to 33kHz per the spec and reviewers: 'clean, composed nature' and 'effortless highs' (HiFi News, Audiophilepure). Highs are detailed and dynamic without added brightness or harshness.

Soundstage Imaging

91/100

Multiple reports of open, wide staging and focused imaging: 'soundstaging was open and wide' and a forward, well-placed centre image. Reviewers describe good layering and instrument separation across genres.

Dynamics

93/100

Described repeatedly as lively with rapid attack/decay and retained composure at high levels: 'plenty of dynamism', 'each element landed with rapid attack and decay', and 'didn’t lose its clean, composed nature' even at loud levels.

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Build Quality

95/100

Hefty, well-engineered cabinet with 38mm two-layer walls, FEA-optimised bracing, stainless-steel driver ring and a spring-mass floor decoupling base. Reviewers call it 'clearly engineered with finesse' and note premium materials and finish.

Features Connectivity

80/100

Passive baseline applied. Features include gold-plated OFC terminals with bi-wire/bi-amp support, bass-port sealing, a bass-boost/room-adapt toggle and floor-decoupling base; these are noted but do not change the passive baseline score.

Value for Money

75/100

Performance is excellent for a high-end floorstander, but the stated price (~€35k / £-level mentions) positions it firmly in a premium bracket. Reviewers praise sound vs expectations but do not describe exceptional 'value' given the cost.

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