Audio Research vs Burmester Audio

If vinyl is your thing, you need to consider Einstein phono stage which is favorably reviewed worldwide. It's also German, so you know the quality is top notch.

When I was working in Singapore, the dealer who carries Burmester also carries Einstein. When he was showcasing Continumm TT, that $120k giant, he chose to use Einstein pre and phono over Burmester though he did use Burmester power amp.

You are in an enviable position. I have been an Audio Research enthusiast for many years and believe in their approach to initial value and long-term support. Having said that, I feel that over the years ARC has moved away from the 'traditional tube sound' and now make their products to be as absolutely neutral and transparent as possible.

It appears in contrast, that Burmester has a sonic signiture in mind and chooses to design to that ideal. Ultimately it's a decision of preference. I do think, however, that an AB comparison will reveal that there are some significant differences between the two companies.

I have a Burmester 911 Mk 3 amp. While the Burmester 011 pre is perfect for it, I chose not to use that pre because it lacks a balance control. After trying an MBL 5011, I ended up with a Krell Evo 202, which has a 50 ohm output impedance (the Burmester amp likes a pre with a low output impedance). After some experimentation with interconnects, I purchased a Kimber Select 1136 (with wires to the XLR pins inverted at the factory, to accomodate an American pre to a German amp), and I am now very happy with the results. The Burmester is a fully balanced amp, and it needs careful matching if it is to sound its best. So if you decide to get the 911 Mk 3, your choice of preamps and cables is limited if you want to get the amp to sound its best. It would not be a good idea, for instance, to drive a Burmester amp with an ARC preamp. You are probably best off with either all ARC electronics or a Burmester amp with either a Burmester or Krell preamp.

Brauser what is the Burmester sonic signature? What are the significant differences between ARC and Burmester?

I have never had the opportunity to hear Burmester and would have to either buy or fly so any thoughts would be welcomed. I have been currently looking at the ARC 210's and considered but ideally I would prefer their 610T's but then I got to personally experience first hand the heat they produce, sorry but just way too much for me. Which ever amps I go with I would be using in a mono block configuration so if I went with Burmester that would mean two 911 MKIII's set up in mono block configuration and/or I would even consider the 909's but obviously they would have to offer substantial improvement due to to the extra cost. I tried another German manufacturer, MBL 9008's and did not like them, too mechanical sounding.

Speakers MBL 101E's, pre-amp currently ARC REF3 but would be willing to change. Redbook CD's played only on this set-up. Most recent amps CAT JL3 Sig. MKII mono's.

Kusina, your post came up after I had already sent mine. Could you have a read and reply back to it thanks

You mentioned you had the "XLR pins inverted at the factory, to accommodate an American pre to a German amp"

Could you have not just reversed the speaker connections or if your pre offered an "INVERT" button like my REF3 pre has just used that?

Do you know if the MBL 9008 is built the same way.