Burmester Audiosysteme - 956 MK2 Power Amplifier

The stereo power amplifier 956 MK2 extends Burmester’s power amp portfolio consisting of the legendary 911 and 909, which have garnered international renown. The 956 MK2 offers an unusually high damping factor with an extremely short rise time to deliver large currents. Thus it combines loads of power with great dynamics and excellent musical timing. Its sound is marked by impressive spatial resolution and warmth. Internal wiring to supply power to the output stages and transfer signals to the speaker binding posts consists of 10 mm high-purity copper wire. This ensures that the high currents of the power amp are transferred without loss to the speakers. This amp coaxes airy sound images and bone-rattling dynamics even from loudspeakers with lowest impedances and complex loads.

Design

Of course, like all Burmester products for high-end home audio the 956 MK2 power amplifier is also hand-assembled in the Berlin factory and is subject to the same strict quality control procedures. Up to 300 computer-aided measurements are taken before and after a one-week burn-in period. The protocols of these tests are saved and may later be used, if necessary, to return a damaged unit to its original state. They also serve as reference for future upgrades to incorporate technological advances.

Handmade

The 956 MK2 sports heat sinks in the unmistakable Burmester design that has by now become a classic. Visually as well as technically this power amp incorporates the same design and construction principles that mark its bigger siblings. Just like the 909 and 911, its DC-coupled signal paths are free from distorting capacitors. This guarantees detailed and convincing musicality at any volume and even at difficult orchestral passages. The layout of the circuitry is balanced throughout and together with the Class-A amplification stages provides precise and honest reproduction of any kind of music.