Audiophilepure

https://www.stereophile.com/content/burmester-232-classic-line-integrated-amplifier

Examining the bottom of the unit, I discovered thin felt pads rather than dedicated footers. Since I hadn’t yet received a link to an online manual or conducted technical interviews, I checked with Norm Steinke, Burmester’s US sales manager, to see if he objected to me trying aftermarket supports. Once he gave the okay, it took all of 15 minutes to learn how much better the unit sounded when supported by Wilson Pedestals. “Dramatically quieter backgrounds,” I scribbled in my characteristically hideous handwriting. “A HUGE improvement. Everything seems louder because it stands out more against a blacker background.” Bass was strong and excellent from the get-go, but now it sounded even more controlled. I urge prospective owners to explore different support options and to use whatever works best for their sound and wallet.

The first time I listened after the burn-in, the W4 greeted me with neutral tonality. There is no boost or excessive energy anywhere in the frequency range; bass, midrange, and treble are equally represented, yet the overall presentation is lively and energetic.

Although the bass is flat, neutral, and extended, it is not the tightest, the most detailed, or the most textured I’ve heard. There is good punchiness in the mid-bass and good rumble in the sub-bass, but the grip or control of the W4 over the IEMs and the headphones is loose.

https://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0202/silbatone.htm

So it seems the review above is one of those reviewer unadulterated raves. Well dammit it all if you had this piece in your system i would challenge you to say bad things about it. Ok, so it is three large chassis, takes up quite a bit of physical real-estate, weights what seems like a ton and costs $30,000. So what?!?! The end result is a unit that reproduces music beyond that of any other pre-amplifier ever heard… and i have heard more than one cares to mention. This is not a subtle improvement over my reference units either, but then again all my reference pre-amplifiers price added together do not equal the price of this unit. Sadly, i decided to not sell a few of my chachkies to buy this unit. The good news (for me) is that the United States distributor Joe Roberts sent me the Silbatone JI300 integrated 300B stereo integrated amplifier. While it is not battery powered, next month my review of the JI300 will be complete and we may get some idea where the magic to this Silbatone stuff is. If you have the financial means to buy the C-102 pre-amplifier, this wonderful piece is beyond any lousy Class rating system or fave of the month club. What we have here is something so far beyond what i previously felt possible that the gauntlet has been raised for other designers to step up to the challenge. Of course in the end what really matters is that you…

https://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0216/GIK_4A_Alpha_Panel_Diffusors_Review.htm

I have generally been very pleased with GIK products and the 4A Alpha Panels are no exception. The fit and finish is exceptional, the choice of fabrics are extensive enough to meet the needs of most rooms, the size and weight make them incredibly versatile to place. In addition, the diffusion adds a useful feature to an already world-class panel. Even though the 4A Alpha panel offers more features and options than most of GIKs offerings, they are also one of the best values! The 4A would make a great first or last addition to treating any good listening room. I found the Alpha panels to be a significant upgrade to the 244 bass traps in my first and second reflection points. A deeper quadratic diffuser would certainly be necessary within a more lively room than mine, yet the diffusion the GIK 4A Alpha panel offers was a noticeable benefit within my listening room. More bass diffusion may be necessary if you find that your side walls are part of your bass management problem. In my room, these positions are not overly critical to control bass anomalies. GIK also offers a variety of finishes and veneers that should work well with virtually any décor.

https://www.soundstageultra.com/index.php/equipment-menu/1300-burmester-232-integrated-amplifier

The Burmester repeated this level of excellence on the Rolling Stones classics “Sympathy for the Devil” and “Street Fighting Man” from Beggars Banquet (50th Anniversary Edition) (24/192 FLAC, ABKCO / Qobuz). Mick Jagger’s voice was ideal, Nicky Hopkins’s piano contributions had great presence, and the drive and pace were electric. The way it all hung together, with everything in its place in a large image, pressed all my buttons.

The Burmester’s warmth was evident in the 2019 mix of “Something” by the Beatles, from Abbey Road (Super Deluxe Edition) (24/96 FLAC, Universal / Qobuz). The deep bass really kicked, while the dynamics and level of detail were extremely high.

The Spanish ensemble Cuarteto Casals has released a stunning cycle of Dmitri Shostakovich’s string quartets. Part of the second volume of this cycle (24/96 FLAC, Harmonia Mundi / Qobuz), String Quartet no. 8 in C Minor, op. 110, is one of Shostakovich’s most profound and popular works. I enjoyed the wonderful rich string tone the Burmester conveyed here, in a recording that offers power, realism, and atmosphere in equal measure. The image size and depth were ideal.

The Egret’s Sub-bass is solid and well-extended, providing a firm foundation for orchestral timpani, synthesizer drones, and modern electronic production.

It digs down with good authority without overwhelming the presentation, although fans of hip-hop and electronic music may themselves want more bass quantity.

Mid-bass elevation adds warmth and body to bass guitars and kick drums without bleeding into the midrange or creating bloat. Bass guitars benefit particularly from the warm tilt, gaining natural weight and presence while maintaining clarity and definition in dense mixes.

Texture and speed are where the Egret truly excels. Individual bass notes have clear attack and decay characteristics, and the planar driver’s inherent speed keeps the low end tight and articulate.