Burmester 808 MK5 Reference Line Preamplifier

Brand: Burmester | SKU: 808MK5ReferenceLine | UPC:

Price
$77,000
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Since its introduction in August of 1980 the 808 preamplifier has garnered international acclaim. Now in its fifth generation, it has successfully defended its position as reference component in highly regarded audio magazines all over the world. This extraordinary preamplifier has now been in production for over 30 years and it has still no equal with respect to sound quality and the scope of its features. The modular design of the 808 MK5 was revolutionary at its introduction and it has lost none of its appeal more than 25 years later. On the basis of its original design later generations have incorporated the latest in technological innovation. This has not only kept this audiophile instrument on the cutting edge of development but it has helped to define new trends in musical reproduction.

Design
When fully equipped the top of the preamp shows an impressive array of up to 20 special potentiometers and a number of toggle switches on top of chromed, engraved cover plates. This immediately points to the almost unlimited usability of the 808 as the control center of an audio system, whether at home or in a professional setting. Three large rotary dials for input selection and volume settings dominate the high-gloss chrome front. These stepped attenuators dial into every setting with a positive and pleasing click. With its latest-generation external power supply the 808 MK5 cements its status as an international icon in high-end audio.

Handmade
Burmester originally developed the 808 not only to play music but as a top-notch instrument to directly compare the sound of different pickup systems. Thus, from the beginning new thinking, innovative engineering and hand-selected highest quality components went into this preamplifier. That has never changed. Each 808 MK5 is carefully assembled in the Berlin factory. Each single input and output module is built with the same precision and has to pass muster in a final multi-tiered quality control.

The modular concept, which connects the input and output modules by using a bus system, was newly optimized with great effort. A completely new addition is the IR remote control. Volume is set in 60 logarithmically tuned steps by a passive R-2R network consisting of precision resistors and gold-plated Reed relays. Only this extreme sophistication can guarantee the desired 100 per cent equal channel balance. In remote mode, the mechanical precision volume control functions to set a maximum volume limit. The new metal hand-held remote control 003 is supplied as standard. The complete internal circuitry for signal paths now consists of Burmester silver cable, which is shielded electrically as well as magnetically. The power supply of the 808 MK 5 has been completely reworked and is now housed in a casing as big as a Basic power amp. This power supply provides the DC necessary for the 808 MK 5 (and only DC is transferred into the preamp from the power supply via an 18- pin shielded cable). Two 50VA transformers with overall 163.000 F filtering capacitance provide an ultra-clean and stable power supply, and steep roll-off HF-filters provide an extremely clean DC-voltage. The individual audio amplification stages of the 808 are decoupled against the supply voltages. As with the 808 MK 3 XLR version, the four possible balanced inputs are now connected using gold-plated 3-pin Cannon (XLR) terminals located on the rear of the component. Depending on preference, six of the ten inputs can be equipped with balanced or unbalanced modules.

All modules of the 808 MK 5 are equipped with class-A X-amp amplification stages. Layout design of all modules is discrete, which means their components have been carefully selected and paired using a special color code. The input and output modules are adjustable via proprietary potentiometers individually for each channel. If the controls are turned to their maximum level, they function as a switch and are shorted out of the signal path. Two 24-step precision volume controls for the separately controlled outputs allow a direct comparison of two power amps, as well as independent access to different living areas. Like all Burmester Reference Line components, the 808 MK 5 now rests on a 15 mm thick bottom plate made of aluminum. In connection with the spiked feet, which rest on carbon fiber spring pucks, vibrations and footfall effects of any kind are effectively avoided. The MC2 module is a completely new design; its sophisticated circuitry was partially realized in SMD technology. The MC2 offers fully balanced signal processing and DC-coupling. The 808 MK 5 has remote facilities to switch up to four Burmester power amps on and off.

Brand Burmester
Model Reference Line 808 MK5
XLR Outputs 2
RCA Outputs 2
Subwoofer Outputs 0
Optical Outputs 0
Coaxial Outputs 0
HDMI Outputs 0
XLR Inputs 4
RCA Inputs 8
Optical Inputs 0
Coaxial Inputs 0
AES/EBU Inputs 0
HDMI Inputs 0
Phono Input No
USB Inputs No
DAC No
Streaming No
Apply Airplay No
Bluetooth No
12V Trigger No
Room Correction No
Signal to Noise Ratio - Line (dB) > 107
Dimensions (H x W x D) 3.78"x 18.97" x 13.19"
Weight (lbs) 22
Warranty 3 Years

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Price
$77,000.00
$75,000.00
$40,000.00
$36,975.00
$60,000.00
Brand
Burmester
Burmester
Octave
Accuphase
Burmester
Dimensions (HxWxD)
3.78"x 18.97" x 13.19"
6.2" x 17.8" x 13.7"
Preamp: 5.98" x 17.1" x 18.9", Power Supply: 5.98" x 8.66" x 18.9"
6.14" x 18.78" x 16.22"
7.9" x 18.5" x 16.1"
Weight (lbs)
22
55.1
Preamp: 37.9, Power Supply: 25.4
54.2
59.5
Cabinet Type
Based on 296 reviews
93%
(276)
6%
(17)
1%
(3)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)

Great speakers For my needs. Wanted a nice full sound floor standing speaker that wasn’t harsh. Using them just for music in our fireplace room not for home theater. Not a complaint at all on their lack of lower end frequencies, I pretty much knew when I ordered them I’d be adding a sub to the mix to fill in where they leave off. Now to pick the sub 😅😂

Fast shipping and products arrived perfectly. Thank you for a good experience

The delivery was quick and the unit arrived earlier Then expected because I live on the west coast.
The Eversolo T8 is everything as advertised and reviewed. The unit took about 8 hours of use to lose the bright forward sound. I’m happy with my purchase from Sate and Sound.

I'm glad I made the choice to purchase this amplifier! I couldn't be happier and the sound is quite captivating.

I just came back from visiting my big brother out of state who has a system in the mid 5 figure mark. When I came back I was inspired to upgrade but decided to wait. But then my Sub stopped working. I saw these on sale and thought “Is it meant to be?” Of course it was. I have these paired with a NAD T-778 streaming Qobuz. So far I am really enjoying these. I am hearing old songs as if they are new again. I have been listening to music more than ever. Bass is solid and highs are crisp. A truly immersive speaker. While I wouldn’t dare say they are as good as my big brother’s setup, they are close enough to put a smile on my face. I think they are a solid option for the price range. I am very satisfied and they are still breaking in.

Absolute game changer! Love the device - terrific sound quality, intuitive interface and beautiful design!

A
Yamaha A-S501 Stereo Integrated Amplifier with Built-in DAC Customer Return
Anonymous

My amplifier arrived safely and has functioned wonderfully without issue. Thank you!

Reference caliber exotic retro-futuristic LP spinner. Few rivals. Few are so flexible.

I started years ago with an Ortofon Blue and this directly replaced a Mofi Mastertracker. I have coupled the LVB250 with a Darlington MB8 phono preamp and I can finally say that I am satisfied. This cartridge is exceptional and I don't think I'll ever need anything better.

Really good service and extremely fast shipping. Also good price on receiver.

Love the power of it it really feels like the gate way into high end it sounds beautiful happy with your service.Everything was all I hoped it would be thank you

I bought the M2si integrated amplifier to drive my 2.7 magnepans. It does a very nice job of doing just that. That the amplifier is advertised as dipping gracefully or smoothly down to 2 Ohms was a primary point in the buy. Plus, Safe and Sound had a very good buy on this amplifier at $ 799.00. The build quality is very good and it has a large toroidal transformer to better handle high current and increase bass response. The preamp is full Class A and is a strong point for this Class A/B amplifier. Great buy! You can't have it all at this price though. The motorized volume knob does not have an easy viewing of where it is set as it is an inset indention without a light marker. Also, no standby power for the amp but it does have excellent heat management as the chassis has a colder side versus the hotter 2 channel amplifiers side. It is a fully discrete amplifier (wonderful, no integrated except for maybe op-amps at the preamp front). 5 year warranty, hard to beat. The amplifier has to be broken in as treble is at first very forward , but settles after a good break in period. The silver white looks very sexy and has a kind of older vibe. The M2si is British and has a brightness to it which can be toned down if you use the right speakers. Magnepans can change resistor values at the terminals or maybe even use specific DACs. No complaint about not having digital inputs at all since there are plenty of line level inputs as you can use outboards which gives you more opportunities any way. I have three different DACs into the line level inputs so all I have to do is switch out the single coax cable I want to change some of the response. I like a very well made Class A/B like this unit compared to the Class D which I have tried. Soundstage is wide and there is a lot of headroom compared to a lot of class D. If the M2si performs at 90% of what their end does like it has been said, then wow. Way to go Musical Fidelity.

I have all Arcam equipment, the sound is fantastic. The price was amazing.. MusicLife app is so/so. Great piece of equipment..

Safe and Sound is an excellent place to buy audio gear. This phono preamp is excellent, as sounds as advertised and the price was right!

Amazing to deal with and best service on the planet

So pleased with the quality as well as pretty much next day delivery. Great company

Excellent CD player. Very impressed with the quality of the open box service. Absolutely impeccable, couldn’t tell from a brand new unit. Your customer service is also tops. Thanks for great shopping experience!

A
Marantz PM7000N Integrated Stereo Amplifier with HEOS Built-in
Anonymous

Amazing sound. Perfectly pairs with the components I have. Vinyl has never sounded better.

Unit sounds great butyou can hear sound bleeding through the speakers and amp at zero volume. Also bind post so small myspade pugs either too large to accommodate. Unit turned off several times, not sure why possible connection but I could not figure out maybe due to heavy load speakers .Ssrvice and sales always fantastic!

Super quick shipment and communications! Always great experience with Safe and Sound! The T8 is amazing! Big improvement over DMP 6!

These outperform my previous speakers by a wide margin: more punch, more body, higher articulation. The vocals are mesmerizing.

I was trying to scale down from a surround to a stereo setup and looking to upgrade DAC from Marantz av8805a. I have the Anthem mca 525 gen 2 amps and Sonus Faber Sonetto iii g2. It took about 70+ to burn in. It was an upgrade, but it is very subtle and hard to even notice unless really paying attention. This does fell like within the territory of diminishing returns. I don't know if it's because of my speakers, but it is the best speaker I can get given the size and weight for a small walkup apartment. However, I still decided to keep it because it is much lighter and runs cooler than the Marantz. It is also a little bit clearer (the Marantz sounded a little bit muddied, which I didn't even notice after years of using until I was comparing it with m3ai) and I noticed that it sounded louder at the same db level because of this (this means I can listen at lower db levels than I would with Marantz). I do miss the ability to fully control the Marantz via the android app. Overall a good DAC, but subtracting a little bit of points for the high price.