Burmester 232 Integrated Amplifier

BURMESTER 232 integrated amplifier

The new Burmester 232 integrated amplifier from the Classic Line meets all the requirements of modern amplifier products and combines this variety of functions with the exceptional sound quality for which Burmester is known worldwide.

The new Classic Line integrated amplifier is characterized by broad compatibility. It supports a variety of analog and digital input sources to enable seamless integration into existing audio setups.

10 reasons to buy

The Burmester 232 integrated amplifier offers a successful combination of innovative technology, impressive sound quality and elegant design. Here are ten convincing arguments why it is the perfect choice for audiophile music lovers:

1. Flexible design: Compact, modular system with digital interfaces and superior sound quality.
2. Cutting-edge technology: High-quality DAC supports 32-bit / 768 kHz for exceptional audio performance.
3. Optimized cooling: Improved heatsink structure increases both performance and longevity.
4. Innovative control: The new Burmester HaptiControl rotary control enables precise and individual operation.
5. Advanced connectivity: First Burmester product with HDMI and Roon-Ready function (update from Q2/Q3 2025).
6. Future-proof software: Simple updates always guarantee the latest features.
7. Individual design: Available in silver, Nocturnal Noir or as a tailor-made BESPOKE version.
8. Ease of use: Intuitive control thanks to almost identical operation of the app and device.
9. Audiophile phono module: Optional MC phono module at reference line level for the highest demands.
10. Powerful processor: Modern single board computer for consistently strong performance.

The technical highlights

- First product in the new Burmester design
- New D/A converter
- New rotary encoder with haptic feedback (customizable) for volume, input selection, etc.
- Modular design (phono module, DAC)
- Supports all common streaming providers
- New app for operation
- New audio concept for preamplifier (including volume control) and headphones
- High quality operational amplifiers at the input for sound performance
- Extra short and low-noise signal path for minimal signal interference
- New, dedicated headphone amplifier designed for low distortion and low noise levels
- New input transistors of the power stages with almost perfect pair matching (NPN, PNP) for minimal distortion.

The sound quality

Despite the large number of digital connection options and functions, the sound is still determined by the analogue circuit technology. With its warm, full and powerful sound with impressive detail, the 232 integrated amplifier realizes the ideal sound of a Burmester amplifier.

The operational amplifiers used are of the highest quality and, in conjunction with the intelligent volume control, allow the music signal to pass through unaffected. This virtually eliminates any impact on the sound quality.

The transformer is the heart of the system and ensures effortless sovereignty, regardless of which loudspeaker the Class A/B power amplifier of the 232 is used with. Since the two amplifiers in the power supply and transformer are double mono, the electrical and magnetic coupling between the channels is minimized. The separate amplifiers reduce the likelihood of crosstalk, ie that the signal from one channel influences the other. Each amplifier has its own independent power supply, which
means that the supply voltage for each channel is kept stable and independent.

This results in a stable and sharply separated stereo image and precise impulses.

modularity

The 232 can be operated as a pure integrated amplifier, but can also process digital and analog sources equally well. Its modularity means it can be configured to suit customer preferences.

In addition to its sonic sovereignty, the new D/A converter module is extremely versatile. It can convert internal audio streams, such as those from streaming services or Burmester servers, as well as external digital sources at the highest level. The new converter generation naturally supports DSD and sampling rates of up to 768 kHz in 32 bit.

The phono module for MC pickup systems is based on the phono signal processing from the Burmester reference preamplifier 077 and the award-winning phono preamplifier 100. It combines the processing of the finest analog signals with the world of digital music at the highest level.

The design

The new Burmester 232 integrated amplifier is the first product in the new Burmester design. The new device design is characterized by elegant, timeless lines. It is characterized by a more harmonious use of prominent surfaces such as the heat sink profile or the cover surface, thus creating the impression of a sculptural appearance in the room.

Above all, the new base concept reinforces the effect of lightness and suggests that the massive amplifier is floating. This design element is scaled from the Classic Line to the Signature Line, but is an integral part of each product line in its respective design.

The heat sink profile was thermally optimized in extensive studies. Scaled across the product lines and performance levels, it follows the approach of increasing performance and is therefore much more than just a design element. It extends radially from the center of the housing and represents the biggest break with the more traditional appearance of the previous generation of Burmester devices.

In combination with the organic lines of the base, the new shape creates a play of technically precise elegance and organic, home-friendly shapes. This is reinforced by the contrast between matte and glossy surfaces.

The service

The aim of the new operating concept was to immediately simplify the control of a versatile and therefore complex device.

The new operating concept combines the new Burmester app for device control with operation on the device (HMI) or via a remote control. The approach of reducing operating steps was used across all control options.

Placing the display behind mirrored spy glass allows the display to be completely hidden in the background when idle. This integration further contributes to the purist approach to the appearance. The full graphic display enables the support of a wide range of characters, so that, for example, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Russian information can be displayed.

The touch sensors on the front of the device are only visible when needed. This makes it possible to make the front look much calmer and more restrained. In combination with the new monochrome display and a rotary encoder whose feel can be adapted to the individual operating states, the operation of the device, the human machine interface, has been completely redesigned: minimalist use of the control elements with a significant increase in haptic feedback on the focus control element.

The rotary control

In addition to the app and remote control, the new Burmester rotary control serves as the main control element of the 232 and equips the integrated amplifier with innovative haptic feedback technology. The haptic feedback adapts to the respective functions. This includes features such as rotary resistance, number and intervals of ticks. In addition to controlling classic functions such as input selection, volume adjustment or scrolling through playlists, it also replaces the power switch.

Thanks to the feedback in different haptics, it is able to provide the user with a very individual operating experience compressed into one control element. Its functions range from fine to coarse and heavy grids, blocking the ends and beginnings of lists, or a turning feeling with constant force. The haptic feeling of the rotary control always relates directly to the contents of the display.

Streaming and SBC

The central communication interface of the 232 is the powerful Single Board Computer Module (SBC). It establishes the connection between the network and the device. It has a Gigabit LAN interface, WiFi and Bluetooth.

A slot within the SBC module guarantees the future-proof use of the 232 through the possibility of implementing future standards, e.g. WiFi or Bluetooth.

When using the optional D/A converter module, eARC-capable devices can also be played on the 232 via the HDMI interface. The USB interfaces serve as an audio interface for Windows, MacOS, Linux and Android OS or enable the playback of music from a USB storage medium.

The central Core Logic application on the Linux-based operating system of the SBC handles all commands, communication and event handling and also manages the control via the new Burmester Conduct app. In addition, the graphic display (UI layer) and audio processing are managed in several parallel threads. This ensures that the correct audio codecs, bit and sampling rates are processed for the best possible sound quality and that smooth display and operation are possible at all times.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Audio inputs:

• Analogue:
  • 2 balanced XLR
• Digital:
  • 1 USB-B (on the converter module)
  • 1 USB-C (can be used on the SBC)
  • 1 HDMI (can be used with converter module)
  • 1 electrical RCA (on the converter module)
  • 1 optical (TOSLINK, on the converter module)
  • 1 AES/EBU (on the converter module)

Audio outputs:

• Analogue:
  • 1 stereo XLR
  • 1 Mono Sum Sub Out
• Digital:
  • 1 electrical RCA (on the converter module)
  • 1 optical (TOSLINK, on the converter module)
• Speakers:
  • 1 stereo
• Headphones:
  • 6.3 mm jack

DA converter (optional module):

• Formats:
  • SPDIF/PCM up to 32-bit 768 kHz
  • DSD256 via DoP and native DSD512

Bluetooth:

• Standard: 5.4
• Codecs: A2DP (audio, can be used with converter module)

Modules:

• DAC
• Phono
• MC

Speaker connection:

• Oxygen-free copper, gold-plated, compatible with cable lugs

Connectivity:

• Compatible with typical SmartHome solutions from the audio sector

Dimensions:

• 450 x 450 x 177 mm

Weight:

• 29 kg

Connections:

• Burlink

Steering:

• Burmester Conduct App
• remote control (included)
• Touch sensors and rotary controls on the device

Streaming:

• Supports all common streaming providers

Standard versions:

• silver or black (aluminum anodized)

Bespoke by Burmester: Unique high-end audio creations

The 232 integrated amplifier is part of the Burmester Bespoke program.

Burmester's Bespoke program offers you the opportunity to design integrated amplifiers, loudspeakers and other high-end audio products according to your individual ideas. Each piece is handcrafted as a unique item with a personal touch to meet the highest standards.

Whether decorative details or complete surfaces - you can color the products in almost any color you want or refine them with a variety of materials. The possibilities range from classic designs to unique creations that perfectly match your style and your environment.

With Bespoke you create an exclusive piece that reflects your personality not only in terms of sound but also visually.

Interested? Contact us.