Burmester · Classic Line
$19,000
Burmester · Classic Line
The 036 is the smallest Burmester power amplifier: 170 W per channel into 4 Ω from a 4.2-inch-tall chassis, with a 450 VA toroidal transformer, 88,000 µF of reservoir capacitance and the same high-damping, fast-rise-time design brief as its larger siblings.
Price is per stereo amplifier. Two 036s can be bridged into monoblocks with Burmester's mono adapters.
Authorized Burmester dealer · Delivery and installation by Pearl Audio · Trade-ins welcome
The story
Burmester designed the 036 around two criteria it applies to all its power amplifiers, fast signal processing and the ability to deliver high current, and then fitted the result into a chassis only 4.2 inches tall. The gain stages use Burmester's X-Amp modules, and the circuit is laid out for a high damping factor and a rise time of 1.5 microseconds into 4 Ω, so that the amplifier responds to the signal and holds the loudspeaker cone without lag. The power supply is larger than the size of the amplifier suggests: a 450 VA toroidal transformer feeds a main reservoir of 88,000 µF, with a further 12,000 µF per channel placed next to the output stages so that current for transients is available locally. Rated output is 170 W per channel into 4 Ω at 1% THD+N, and a bridged pair delivers 350 W into 4 Ω. The lid is solid aluminum and the sides carry the silver anodized cooling fins that identify every Burmester amplifier back to the 909.
Burmester describes the 036 as detailed and homogeneous, with agility in the upper registers and deep bass with power in reserve, and says it offers much of the character of its larger amplifiers in compact form. Those are the manufacturer's words; we have not found a full review from one of the major publications, so we would rather you hear it than take anyone's description on trust. In our experience the 036 behaves as the specification suggests, with more grip on a loudspeaker than its size implies.
Each channel has one balanced XLR input, and a 10 V DC trigger in and out lets a Burmester preamplifier switch it on and off. Burmester's mono and bi-amp adapter cables convert it to a monoblock or to bi-amplified operation. The 036 is the natural partner for the 035 preamplifier in a Classic Line system, and a sensible first power amplifier for anyone who starts with a 101 or 232 integrated and later wants to use its preamp outputs. The 956 MK2 above it adds 70 W per channel and a taller chassis; the 216 in the Top Line moves to Burmester's newer heat-pipe design.
The 036 belongs to Burmester's Classic Line. It has the chrome-plated front panel and silver anodized fins, and its 4.2-inch height lets it sit in a standard rack shelf.
| Type | Dual-channel (stereo) power amplifier, bridgeable to mono |
| Power output, stereo | 170 W per channel into 4 Ω (1 kHz, 1% THD+N); 8 Ω rating not published by Burmester |
| Power output, bridged mono | 350 W into 4 Ω (1 kHz, 1% THD+N, Burmester North America specification) |
| Topology | X-Amp gain stages; class A/B output stage |
| Inputs | 1 pair balanced XLR; 10 V DC trigger in/out |
| Outputs | 1 pair loudspeaker terminals |
| Gain | Not published by Burmester |
| Damping factor / bandwidth | Not published by Burmester as figures; rise time 1.5 µs into 4 Ω |
| Power supply | 450 VA toroidal transformer; 88,000 µF main reservoir plus 12,000 µF per channel |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 18.9 × 4.2 × 19.0 in (480 × 106 × 482 mm) |
| Weight | 41.9 lb (19 kg) |
| Finish | Chrome-plated front panel, silver anodized aluminum fins, solid aluminum lid |
| Sold as | Single stereo amplifier |
Burmester 036 product page and specifications (Burmester Home Audio)
Burmester's power amplifiers, from the Classic Line to the Signature Line.
The matching Classic Line preamplifier is the 035 Preamplifier; the 101 and 232 integrateds can drive the 036 from their preamp outputs.
Plan your Burmester system with Pearl Audio
Pearl Audio is an authorized Burmester dealer. Contact us to arrange an audition of the 036 alongside the 956 MK2 and 216 in our Portland showroom. Call (503) 222-2599 or email sales@pearlaudio.com.
The Pearl Audio experience
A system at this level should be heard, thoughtfully matched, and properly set up. From the first audition to long-term ownership, you work with the same people, in person.
Hear the 036 Amplifier by appointment in one of our two purpose-designed demonstration rooms, with your own music and time to compare without pressure.
We deliver and install throughout the Portland area, taking care of placement, connections, ventilation and system configuration ourselves.
We support everything we sell for as long as you own it, whether the answer comes by phone, in your home, or through factory service.
Trade-in assistance and qualifying 100% Trade-Up options give you flexibility when your listening priorities or your system change.
