BURMESTER 036

The Burmester stereo power amplifi er 036 is a proud descendent of our internationally
highly acclaimed family of power amps 909, 911 and 956. Our reference amp 909 has
marked the pinnacle of audio amplifi cation since 1990. Many of the insights gained in
designing the 909 have infl uenced the concept of the 036.
Like all amplifi ers from Burmester the 036 is, of course, completely balanced and DC-cou-
pled without any distorting capacitors in the signal path. Also, the 036 sports the same
cool-looking heat sinks which Dieter Burmester designed for his bigger amps.

The 036 is a stereo amp. However, all Burmester stereo amps can easily be bridged into
mono operation using external mono adapters. If two amps are ordered as a mono pair we
will bridge the amps internally at the factory free of charge. The rise time (the quickness of
the amp) is the same whether it operates in stereo or mono mode.
Furthermore, we offer bi-amping adapters for using a pair of 036 with speakers that require
bi-amping.
All our amplifiers are run through a long battery of tests to make sure each one conforms
to our reference prototype. After the first computer-aided set of about 300 test measurements
the units are continuously burnt-in at nominal load for 7 days. After that we run a
second set of the same computer-aided tests. Only when the two results are identical the
unit will be released for a listening test. If this final test meets our standards the unit will be
packed and shipped. With this arduous process of testing and re-testing we want to make
sure that each 036 fulfils our guarantee of reliability and musicality to our customers.
THE CONCEPT
The 036 offers balanced circuitry and it is entirely DC-coupled. There are no distorting capacitors
in the signal path. An intelligent protection circuit outside the signal path monitors
during operation for overheating, DC offset and overloading.
A special feature of the 036 is its extremely high damping factor. This high damping factor
coupled with the ability to quickly deliver large amounts of current (rise time at 4Ω is
only 1.5 μS) enables the amp to effortlessly drive virtually any loudspeaker over its wide
frequency response. With its mighty power supply the 036 is able to deliver high currents
continuously and thus easily control speakers with low impedance values and complex
loads. The frequency response is practically load-independent. Very good spatial resolution,
natural musical warmth and negligible distortion characterize the sound of the 036.
The transistors of the output stages are placed on the oversized heat sinks that form the sides
of the housing. The driver stages, however, are located on a separate internal heat sink.
This keeps the wide temperature fluctuations of the heat sinks from shifting the working
points of the amplification section.
Internal wiring of the 036 is done with 10 mm² high-purity copper cable.
This ensures that the high currents of the power amplifier reach the massive bindings posts
without loss. With respect to signal-carrying conductors we consciously omitted copper
rails - which have become all the rage these days – to avoid unwanted micro phonic effects.
For the internal connections that carry music signals we use our electrically and magnetically
shielded “Burmester SILVER” cable.

THE SOUND
The 036 is widely acclaimed for its naturally warm musicality and detailed imaging. In its
capability to unlock the smallest sonic detail in the world’s best speakers even at very high
volumes the 036 is second to none.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Bridgeable into mono operation by external mono adapters or internally at the factory when
ordering a pair of 036 mono amps
Bi-amping with the use of external bi-amping adapters
Balanced circuitry throughout like all Burmester components
Input stages in proprietary X-Amp technology (Class A)
Low overall negative feedback
Signal path completely DC-coupled, no distorting capacitors
High current delivery capabilities due to an oversized power supply
High damping factor enables effortless control of any speaker over the entire frequency
range, even at high frequencies
Stable at any load over the entire frequency range
Massive binding posts for connection of speaker cables (use only spade plugs!)
Remote on/off switching in connection with Burmester pre-amps and D/A converters with
variable output (remote control current: 10V DC)
A protection circuit outside of the signal path monitors the 036 during operation for overheating,
DC offset and overdrive.
AVAILABLE INPUTS/OUTPUTS
Balanced inputs (stereo/mono)
Unbalanced inputs by using the supplied adapters (only in stereo mode)
10V DC input for remote on/off switching by Burmester pre-amps and Burmester D/A converters
with variable output
Bindings posts for loudspeaker hook-up (stereo/mono)
AVAILABLE FINISHES AND ACCESSORIES
Standard model with housing in silver anodized. Custom finishes upon request.