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Burmester or Pass?

Hey guys just looking to bounce this off the community for some feedback...

I have an opportunity to grab a Burmester 911 Mk.3 or a Pass X350.8 -- both about the same price but the Burmester is 13yrs old (with apparently 10hrs usage if I am to believe what I'm told). Pass comes with factory warranty. We can throw in a pair of Bryston 28B3 monoblocks too, for sh*ts and giggles. Will be driving a pair of Focal Scala Utopia's.

The age + price of the 911 Mk.3 has me leaning toward the X350.8 right off the bat. The X350.8 seems to be getting lauded with accolades but the 911 is considered by many to be one of the best designs ever. The 911 seems overly expensive on paper... but it's about the sound in the end... that damping factor certainly has me intrigued.

Am I crazy to pass up on a 911 Mk.3? Or is the best bet to stick with the Pass? Just looking for some fellow enthusiast opinions...
degen
12 responses Add your response
koslekt1's avatar
koslekt1
82 posts
 

I am a huge Burmester fan and have owned the 911mk3. I've also had the Pass 60.8 and heard the 250.8 in a couple systems. Here is my take: the 911 is all about dynamics and control - look at the damping factor! The preamp absolutely has to be the very best to have the 911 sound good. If you tend to enjoy PRaT, I'm not sure how a 911 can be beat. One of the things Pass does better, IMO, is allow the notes to decay naturally, and add a little more relaxation to the music. They are also more forgiving of ancillary equipment.  And of course Pass service is top notch,  so there is that. They each have their flavor and i think it depends on what is most important to you. Either way, you'll be getting a sweet amp!

silvaup4
3 posts
 

Burmester 911 mk3 all hands down. I am surprised, sonically, you would compare it with Pass which is great but much stronger bass, but slower and muddier comparing to the jaw-dropping Burmester power amps. 
I can understand if you hesitate among the same grade of amps like Gryphon, Goldmund, Boulder etc. That would be a tougher choice then. 

hr1's avatar
hr1
125 posts
 

Burmester Amp are very superior in terms of sound, build quality and timeless design than Pass. Pass amps did NOT worth the money for the sound and overall quality offered; parts used in their electronics are very cheap and low quality. 3 friends of mine moved after a proper comparison from Pass (XA 160.6, XA 200.5 and INT 250) to Burmester (911 Mk3, 911 Mk3 in monos, 032). Burmester gears are in a superior league and their sound is really outstanding.

The Burmester 911 Mk3 is a very special power amp. One of very few best amp ever made.

albertobat62's avatar
albertobat62
1 posts
 

Just my Opinion dear friends,but with Focal La Scala,between Burmester and Pass,there are many different.If you like high details,speed and huge control ( too much for me ),go a head with Burmester.If you prefer Airness,Musicality,Fullness in Harmonics,move to Pass Labs.I I had Burmester and Spectral in the past and few months ago I move to Pass Labs for this reasons.I don’t care HIFI suond,but I prefer Human suond ( as we are ! )

twoch
429 posts
 
I pick Pass.  1.   ive listened to pass
Amps before.  Not sure how old it was.  
  The 13 y.o. guy. Leakey caps 
Maybe?  
Pass made in usa. By a guy most
People know of somewhat 
gkr7007's avatar
gkr7007
155 posts
 
The Burmester is a stunning amp.  Nothing wrong with PassLabs but the 911 is really something special.  I heard one hooked up to a pair of Sanders model 10e speakers with hi Def downloads thru a Musical Paradise mp d2 and was completely blown away.  And that's tough to do for an old timer like me.  Definitely one of the finest listening sessions I ever had.

dht4me's avatar
dht4me
83 posts
 
With out a doubt the Burmester for sonics and the rare ability to hold value. I have Symphonic Line amps that share similar German build quality , plated and polished chassis and sonics. They are on 24/7 and I did eventually get them re capped which was pretty easily done at the local tech. The sonics alone are special in the 911 and it would be my main criteria for purchase.
joeinid's avatar
joeinid
658 posts
 
+1 for the Bryston 28B3. I had the 28BSST2’s and they were great, the new Cubed amps are spectacular. Having a 20 year warranty is a huge bonus.
meadowman's avatar
meadowman
143 posts
 
If the weather 28b3s are an option to audition then give them a shot.  No joke.  
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
You will impress every visitor way more with the Burmester.
joeinid's avatar
joeinid
658 posts
 
The Burmester may eventually have to be biased. It tends to drift over time and there is a specific procedure to do so. Getting service for a used Burmester amp might prove to be difficult. Pick the Pass or Bryston.
mechans
3,048 posts
 
If you are cleared by the EEs here that both would drive the Scala Utopias, then your decision has to be made on the basis of the sound.  Can you get the Burmester at a price that would allow you sell it  if you don't love the sound? It appears to be a bit old for a very high price, no matter where they start, and no I  don't trust that it is virtually NOS.
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