Burmester 218 Reference Line Power Amplifier

The 218 carries Burmester’s Reference Line aesthetic and is unmistakably descended from the company’s flagship 159 mono amplifier. Four decades of amplifier development converge in a chassis whose screwless lid, milled solid rear panel, and parallel heat-sink fins are recognizable across the room.

Inside, an oversized linear power supply with an ultralow-noise toroidal transformer and very low-impedance signal pathways drives a completely symmetrical, DC-coupled circuit. A Burmester X-Amp (Class A) input stage feeds the dual-channel topology, which can be bridged to mono via the supplied adapter for considerably more reserve into difficult loads.

The damping factor remains high across the audio band, which translates into firm, articulate bass and an unforced soundstage even with low-impedance speakers. Power reserves are described by Burmester as nearly inexhaustible, supporting the company’s signature combination of musical warmth and spatial resolution.

Every 218 is hand-assembled in Berlin from components held to exacting tolerances, run in over multiple days, and passed through detailed listening tests before delivery. Each assembly receives a 100% inspection per Burmester’s quality protocol.