Toronto Audiofest 2024

To me, Burmester equipment is the audio equivalent of Porsche cars—sleek-looking, expensive, and designed for high performance. And as my visit to the Burmester room proved, Burmester gear is fun and exciting to listen to, which is what I assume driving a Porsche is like. (Maybe one day, I'll let you know for sure.)

The Burmester room was showing an all-Burmester system, down to the cabling, that included a Music Center 111 ($55,000) music server/CD player/CD ripper/preamplifier, a 164Wpc, 218 power amplifier ($50,000), a pair of BC150 loudspeakers ($150,000/pair). On static display was the company's 808 MkV preamplifier ($50,000), while racks were by Modulum.

On FLAC files of different musical genres, the system produced a luxuriant, colorful garden of sound, with excellent imaging, vivid tones, inner-space transparency, corrugated texture, and a beguiling sense of musical momentum. It was a captivating demonstration.

Another neat thing about Burmester is its Bespoke World, a program that allows you to order your Burmester product however you like, or, as the company puts it on its website, it offers "handcrafted individual pieces according to your personal preferences." You want your 232 integrated amplifier in British Racing Green? You got it. Burmester's Eric Dubouays told me at the show that some customers want their speakers' color to match that of their car. Or their favorite watch. There's a premium to pay for the privilege, of course, but for anyone considering it, I doubt price matters.

When I asked Eric if Burmester will do any type of finish for a customer, he said, "Yes, unless it's just not doable."