Is Burmester 232 worth the price?


Just bought a Burmester 232 integrated amplifier for a hefty price tag. Similar priced models like Accuphase E800 are available for half off on eBay.

 

Did I make a good decision or should I have gone with Accuphase or Esoteric? Pointers are greatly appreciated. Why is Burmester considered ultra high end?

madhusudan_ramaswamy

Strange I took a look at the 232 product page and this is what it said, I guess the Dac is an option then.

 

  • First product in the new Burmester aesthetic design
  • New D/A converter
  • New rotary encoder with haptic feedback (customizable) for volume, input selection, etc.
  • Modular design (phono module, DAC)
  • Supports current streaming providers
  • New operation app
  • New audio concept for preamplifier (incl. volume control) and headphones
  • High quality operational amplifiers at the input for sound performance
  • Extra short and low noise signal path for minimal signal interference
  • New dedicated headphone amplifier designed for low distortion and low noise level
  • New input transistors of the power amplifiers with almost perfect pair equality (NPN, PNP) for minimal distortion

So, if I’ve got this right you’re using a $330 Wiim streamer/DAC with an amp and speakers worth upwards of $40k.  I know you said you don’t think DACs are all that important and assume you’re of a similar mind about streamers, so all I’ll say is you’re not getting near the performance your other equipment is capable of.  As an analogy, what you’ve got here is like having budget all-season tires on a Ferrari — sure it’ll work, but you won’t get nearly the performance out of it that you paid dearly for. 

@soix Theoretically what you say is true. But the fact is my ears are pleased without compare. Keep in mind I have not fully completed my upward progression yet. Am getting new high quality RCA cables tomorrow. If there is a mid end DAC/streamer you can recommend, I will be happy to look into it.