Burmester Reference Line - 249 Preamplifier

Inspired by iconic milestones and driven by a visionary spirit, Burmester combines over four decades of audiophile expertise with masterful craftsmanship. This claim results in uncompromising perfection - a constant striving for new standards and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. A prime example of this commitment is the new Reference Line. Its sound is moving - with newly defined sophistication in depth, clarity and spatial presence.

A new dimension in audiophile control. Whether analog or digital, vinyl or streaming - the 249 brings out the best in every source. State-of-the-art technology is at work inside - intuitive to operate and embedded in a new design that combines clean lines with iconic value. The 249 stands for perfect balance: highly complex engineering meets purist elegance. Analog soul merges with digital precision - united in one masterpiece.

The 249 serves all purposes without compromising individual functionality, allowing maximum connectivity while retaining discrete analog technology.

Clearer and More Stable Sound from Compact Circuits

Older components have been replaced with modern SMD chips, making mounting easier,

more accurate, and more dense

Circuit design has been streamlined by significantly shortening signal paths minimizing

internal resistance and interference

Ideal resistance and the lowest possible susceptibility to interference ensure precise and

clean sound behavior

Next Level Amplification

Three-stage, fully analog and complementary X-AMP 3 signal amplifier that features

outstanding audio characteristics thanks to targeted compensation techniques

Its very high linearity is almost completely independent of other operating factors, ensuring

the highest fidelity

All components used are within very narrow tolerance ranges, selected according to the

highest standards, especially the transistors

Being in Control

Two adaptive haptic rotary knobs for smooth and fast interaction

Not constrained by a defined function, both rotaries fully adapt to the context of

available menu items

New haptic Reference Line 250 Remote Control in a simple, elegant design

Sound quality

External power supply, fully balanced audio path and dual regulated voltages minimize interference which also results in near-silent operation. Optional: On the digital side, one of the world’s most powerful DAC chips ensures stable sampling at the highest rates.

New X-AMP 3 inside

Specially constructed for use in the newly designed Burmester high-end products, the discrete design allows for optimal sound quality.

Connectivity

Conveniently use any analog or digital source you like from turntables to streaming services.

Modularity

DAC, Phono and Line modules can be added individually. To enable compact modules, the signal paths have been significantly shortened, whilst the assembly has been streamlined.

Design concept

The 249 will be the first Reference Line device to feature the new design concept. The full-surface mirror on the front of the 249 and its power supply give it a breathtakingly light appearance.

Weight: 18kg Preamplifier, 17kg Power supply

Dimensions: Width 450mm, Height 160mm, Depth 380mm

Analog inputs: 3 Stereo XLR

Digital inputs: 1 USB-C, 2 USB-A, 1 HDMI, 2 RCA, 2 TORX, 1 AES EBU

Analog outputs: 2 Stereo XLR, 1 Mono Sum Sub Out

Headphone output: 1 Stereo 6.3mm

DAC: SPDIF/PCM up to 32bit 768kHz, DSD256 via DoP and native DSD512

Bluetooth: 5.4 aptX, aptX-HD, aptX-adaptive, AAC, SBC

Connectivity: Ethernet, CAN bus to control and read out connected devices (Compatible with KNX systems)

Streaming: Tidal, Spotify, Apple Music, Qobuz, Internet Radio

Controller: Burmester Conduct app, Reference Line 250 Remote Control, haptical rotaries and touch sensors on device