Burmester · Top Line
$22,000
Burmester · Top Line
The 100 is Burmester's reference phono preamplifier: a very quiet, fully adjustable MM/MC stage built on plug-in phono modules, with automatic correction of cartridge channel imbalance and an optional analog-to-digital module for archiving records.
Price includes one phono module (MM or MC) and the Burmester Reference Check test record. Second input $5,750; ADC module $4,100.
Authorized Burmester dealer · Delivery and installation by Pearl Audio · Trade-ins welcome
The story
Burmester's phono heritage runs back to the 838 of the 1980s, and the 100 was designed to carry it into the present. The amplification sits on plug-in phono modules: one input is supplied, set up as moving magnet or moving coil at order, and a second module can be added so two tonearms or two cartridges share the unit, selected by a front-panel toggle. Each module offers gain in six steps, 37 to 52 dB for MM and 57 to 72 dB for MC, with resistive loading for moving coils from 33 Ω to 47 kΩ in six positions and capacitive loading for moving magnets from 68 to 400 pF, all adjustable while a record plays. The inputs are balanced XLR, with RCA adapters supplied for conventional tonearm cables. The 100's distinctive feature is automatic channel calibration: play the supplied Burmester Reference Check record and the unit measures the cartridge and corrects channel imbalance of up to 6 dB in 0.2 dB steps. A switchable subsonic filter handles warped discs and a phase switch is provided. The outputs are balanced XLR and RCA, switchable between fixed and variable level, so the 100 can drive a power amplifier directly. An optional analog-to-digital module records to a computer over USB at 24-bit resolution and 48, 96 or 192 kHz, with coaxial and optical digital outputs.
Reviewers return to how quiet it is. Jeff Dorgay at TONEAudio compared it with other top-tier phono stages and found that "the 100 exceeded the other two in terms of dynamic contrast and the lowest noise floor," with the tonal richness he associates with Burmester electronics. What Hi-Fi? called it "one of the finest phono stages money can buy," describing "a huge soundstage" packed with precisely focused and layered instruments and noting that it "adds very little hiss to the sound, even on its higher gain settings." Both heard a presentation that is slightly warm and full rather than lean.
The 100 suits a serious vinyl listener with one or two turntables, especially one running low-output moving coils, and its balanced inputs favor balanced tonearm wiring. It feeds any of Burmester's preamplifiers over XLR, or runs straight into a 216 or 218 power amplifier using its variable output. One limit to note: equalization is RIAA only, with no alternative curves for early records. For a complete analog front end, Burmester's 257 turntable can be ordered with its own phono module instead.
The 100 belongs to Burmester's Top Line. It has the chrome-plated front panel and brushed aluminum housing, and at 4 inches tall it fits a standard rack shelf.
| Type | Solid-state MM/MC phono preamplifier with plug-in phono modules |
| Inputs | 1 phono module standard, 2nd optional (each MM or MC); balanced XLR inputs, RCA adapters supplied |
| Gain | MM 37–52 dB in six steps; MC 57–72 dB in six steps |
| Resistive loading (MC) | 33, 75, 220, 390, 1,000 Ω and 47 kΩ |
| Capacitive loading (MM) | 68–400 pF |
| Channel balance | Automatic correction with supplied test record, up to 6 dB in 0.2 dB steps |
| Equalization | RIAA |
| Outputs | 1 balanced XLR, 1 RCA; fixed or variable level; phase switch. With ADC: 2 RCA and 2 TOSLINK digital outputs, 1 USB |
| Filters | Switchable subsonic filter |
| Options | Second phono module ($5,750); ADC module, 24-bit at 48/96/192 kHz ($4,100); fully equipped with both, $30,000 |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 19.0 × 4.0 × 14.0 in (482 × 102 × 356 mm) |
| Weight | 19 lb (8.6 kg) |
| Finish | Chrome-plated front panel, brushed aluminum housing |
| Sold as | Single unit with one phono module and test record |
Burmester 100 Phono product page and specifications (Burmester Home Audio)
Burmester's analog options, from a phono module to a dedicated phono stage.
The 100 feeds any Burmester preamplifier, or drives the 216 or 218 directly from its variable output.
Plan your Burmester system with Pearl Audio
Pearl Audio is an authorized Burmester dealer. Contact us to arrange an audition of the 100 Phono with your cartridge in our Portland showroom and to talk through the module and ADC options. 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 100 Phono 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.
