After 7 years of development, power and control have reached previously unattainable levels of performance and measurement. The 159 benefits both from the wealth of experience evidenced by Burmester’s track record in power amplifier development and from the latest discoveries in analogue amplifier technology. While being forward-looking in terms of form and technology, it remains, however, typically “Burmester”. Together with the BC350 Loudspeakers, the 159 Mono Power Amplifiers are the first models of the new Burmester “Signature Line”. For the first time since the beginning of the eighties, Burmester has again developed a dedicated mono block. In terms of the company’s history, the 159 Mono Power Amplifier crowns the success stories – especially with power amplifiers – by uniting traditional Burmester virtues with state-of-the-art technology. At the same time, it is the most powerful power amplifier that Burmester has ever created. This monumental amplifier is also absolutely uncompromising in its inner structure. All sound-relevant components originate from German manufacturers and were specially designed in accordance with the stipulations of the Burmester development team for this ambitious project. This extraordinary effort over a period of many years has made it possible to consistently implement the very peak of what is technically feasible.
ADJUSTABLE DAMPING FACTOR
The adjustable damping factor offers the customer the opportunity to adjust the amplifier to their personal sound preferences and to the respective requirements of the speaker. Adjustments are made by use of a rotary encoder on the rear of the housing and can be read via both the operator panel and on the scale of the rotary encoder.
CIRCUIT TECHNOLOGY
Alongside the benefits of the amplifier in terms of sound, a further highlight is the thermally optimized circuit design. Thanks to its circuit technology which is registered for patent approval, the amplifier reaches its optimised working points within just a few seconds and maintains them regardless of the operating temperature. Therefore, a warm-up phase is not required. Right from the start, the 159 Mono Power Amplifier delivers the natural and substantial sound for which Burmester is globally renowned. The generous reserves of peak power are carefully monitored in real time by an analogue computer, making sure that the operating range of every output transistor is always maintained. This extensive and seamless control system detects any impermissible operating status and is thus able to provide secure protection of the amplifier.
DESIGN
To preserve the purist design, the control unit is hidden under the opulent aluminium cover. Pushing the cover to the rear allows access to the control console, with a concentrically positioned push lever and relevant information concerning the device, such as operating status or the damping factor display. The characteristic heat sinks with their silver-anodised ribs are recognised worldwide as a hallmark of Burmester power amplification, symbolising the harmony and illustriousness. Design and function merge to form a truly majestic product.