THE CONCEPT

     The 956 MK2 is a stereo amplifier which cab be bridged into mono operation by using external adapters. It will double the power output but still maintaining the typical finesse sound which is always associated with the brand Burmester.

     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 4W is only 1.5 mS) enable the amp to effortlessly drive virtually any loudspeaker over it's wide frequency response. With the mighty power supply, 956 MK 2 is able to deliver high currents continuously and thus easily control speakers with low impedance values and complex loads.

     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 unit from getting unreasonably hot in order to achieve a stable performance during a long extended usage.

     Internal wiring of the 956 MK 2 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. It also avoids using copper rails to prevent any unwanted microphonic effects. For the internal connections the electrically and magnetically shielded "Burmester SILVER" cable is used extensively to carry the music signals.

THE TEST

     All the Burmester amplifiers are run through a long battery of tests to make sure each one conforms to the company’s reference prototype. It uses computer aided method to do about 300 test measurements before releasing the unit for final listening test. By passing the final procedure then the unit will be eligible for shipping to dealers.

     By this arduous process of testing and re-testing, Burmester wants to make sure that each unit will fulfill the guarantee of reliability and musicality to the customers.

CONCLUSION

     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.

 
 
  Technical specifications:

- Rated power output: Stereo, 2x240 W at 4 ohms; Mono, 1x500 W at 4 ohms
- Continuous peak current: 34 A
- Damping factor: >2000
- Signal-to-noise ratio: >81 dB
- Input sensitivity: 790 mV for full volume, 510 mV for 100W at 4 ohms load
- Frequency response: 0-200kHz (-3dB)
- Rise time (stereo/mono): 1,4 µs at 4/8 ohms load and 1,9 µs at 1 ohm load
- Oversized power supply with 188.000 µF filter capacity and 600 VA toroidal    transformer.
- Using additional local filtering close to the output stages of 12.000 µF per channel
- Weight: app. 30 kg (66lbs.)
- Dimensions: 482 x 191 x 482 mm (W x H x D)
   
SPECIAL FEATURES:

- Bridgeable into mono operation by external mono adapters
- Bi-amping with the use of external bi-amping adapters
- Balanced circuitry throughout
- 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.
- 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 956 during   operation for overheating, DC offset and overdrive.
- Balanced inputs (stereo/mono)
- 10V DC input for remote on/off switching by Burmester pre-amps and   Burmester D/A converters with variable output