BURMESTER 956 MK2

The 956 MK 2 like all our amplifiers 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 956 MK 2 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 burnt-in at nominal load for a week. After that we run a second set of
the same computer-aided tests. Only when the two results are identical will a unit be released
for a listening test. If this final test meets our standards the unit will be packed and
shipped. By this arduous process of testing and re-testing we want to make sure that each
956 MK 2 fulfills our guarantee of reliability and musicality to our customers.

THE CONCEPT
The 956 MK 2 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 956 MK 2 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) enable the amp to effortlessly drive virtually any loudspeaker over it’s wide
frequency response. With its mighty power supply the 956 MK 2 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 spacial
resolution, natural musical warmth and negligible distortion characterize the sound of the
956 MK 2.
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 956 MK2’s inputs 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 conciously omitted copper rails
- which have become all the rage these days – to avoid unwanted microphonic effects.
For the internal connections that carry music signals we use our electrically and magnetically
shielded “Burmester SILVER” cable.

THE SOUND
The 956 MK 2 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 956 MK 2 is second to none.

UPGRADES
The new MK 2-version differs from its predecessor mainly by an expanded Class-A operation.
Consequently, it gets noticeably warmer. For this upgrade the driver stages on the
interior heat sink are changed and the whole amp is completely re-tuned. The new driver
stages exhibit a considerably more linear power supply than their predecessors. This clearly
improves the sound and lowers harmonic distortion. Additional holes have to be drilled
into the bottom of the housing for sufficient airflow to cool these drivers located on the
internal heat sinks. In comparison with the MK 1-version the power supply has been re-designed
and the resistance lowered further. This is made apparent by the 3mm thick copper
rails fixed to the power supply board. These rails connect the large electrolytic capacitors
and serve as mass. The result of this extra material expense is a considerably lower internal
impedance of the power supply than the 75 μm thick copper on the circuit board.
For internal signal leads we changed the cables to “Burmester SILVER”.
The most obvious discriminating feature of the MK 2-version are it’s silver anodized housing
walls and heat sinks like those of the latest incarnations of the 911 MK 3 and the 909. All 956
MK 1 can be upgraded to a MK 2-version including a new two year warranty. However, the
upgrade does not change the housing finish.