Burmester Audiosysteme is a German manufacturer of high-end audio equipment founded in 1977 by Dieter Burmester in Berlin, Germany. Dieter Burmester, an electrical engineer and musician, started the company after building a custom preamplifier that attracted attention from fellow audio enthusiasts. The company has remained in Berlin throughout its history and continues to manufacture all products at its Berlin facility. Dieter Burmester passed away in 2015, but the company continues under the leadership of his long-time team.
The product range includes power amplifiers, preamplifiers, integrated amplifiers, CD players, network music players, turntables, and loudspeakers. The flagship 159 mono power amplifier and 808 reference music center represent the top of the range. Burmester products are recognizable by their chrome-plated front panels and minimalist industrial design, which has remained consistent across the product line for decades. The company also produces a Top Line, Reference Line, and Phase 3 range to address different price segments.
Burmester has developed several proprietary technologies, including X-Amp amplifier modules (a discrete, belt-driven, fully balanced Class A/AB amplifier topology), proprietary DAC circuitry, and art-drive CD transport mechanisms. The company uses balanced circuit topology throughout its product range and manufactures its own loudspeaker drivers for select models. All products undergo a 100-hour burn-in and extensive quality testing before leaving the factory.
Burmester has established a prominent position in the automotive high-end audio market with systems available in Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, and Bugatti vehicles. The Burmester 3D surround sound system in Porsche has become a frequently specified option. Home audio products range from approximately $5,000 for Phase 3 entry-level components to over $50,000 for Reference Line amplifiers, with complete systems exceeding $300,000.