Hello Wayne:
I am sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Interestingly enough, I was at RMAF, in great part co-marketing Burmester's new 100 Phono Preamp for the show. You would be interested to know that the Top Line system was in play with the B30s. That said, I spent a great deal of time listening in a different environment than my own.
Given the room and the 911Mk3 amp used, I might have to say that the B30s bass was better than I had heard it in my A/B testing with the 961. The B30s are quite remarkable, but I would still give the advantage in "refinement", texture, and subtle accuracy to the 961MK3.
As I do with most expensive gear, I would strongly recommend hearing them as well as dealing with a dealer that will provide you with comprehensive advice, no risk purchase policy, an upgrade program. As is the case with several of my lines, my clients usually have the desire to move up the Burmester line as they can afford it over a long period of time. Frankly, the client who can purchase a Reference Level Burmester system are relatively few and far between.
That said, as you are aware, there are very few of us Burmester dealers across the US. Please feel free to contact me to discuss arrangements in which you could demo the Burmester gear, depending upon where you are located.
Back to your questions....
I would say that regarding the quality of Bass (i.e. resolution and accuracy of bass vs extension) with your music breakdown, that the 961 would win out. Both will accommodate large rooms.
Retail price points for the speakers being discussed are:
B30: $15,995
961Mk3: $19,995
B50: $34,995
The B30 shares more with the B20 and B25 while the 961 shares more character and design with the B50 and above.
The B50 elevates performance substantially over the B30 & 961, (as well it should given the price substantial price jump) All three are going to perform extremely well in most spaces, but I would not necessarily rule out the B50 because of the potential for over powering your room unless it is quite small. It would be more a question of price/performance. The B50 yields much of the B80/B100 magic and will be more capable of expressing all that your 911 amp is capable of.
What size is your room?
Finally regarding your electronics question. I have the 061 and the 089 on my floor. I display the 061 with a pair of 035s. I have also had the 089 with the 088 and 911, as well as directly with the 911Mk3.
This one's far easier than the speaker discussion. As good as the 061 is, the 089 is truly in a completely different league and will far outperform the 061/088/911 simply run directly through the 911. Adding the 088 (presumably at a later date, actually raises the bar again, but more subtly unless one needs the extra inputs of the preamp.
Again, give the complexities of these combinations, the considerable investment and added room/gear considerations that we had not gotten into, I would strongly suggest that you give me a call so that we can discuss your system objectives in more detail.
Thanks,
Auravis Systems LLC
Draper (SLC), Utah
(801) 558-1625
