Burmester and Robbe & Berking Unveil a $331K Limited Edition Sound System — Audiophile Heaven or Just Hype?

So here's the scoop: Burmester, the German high-end audio brand that's a big deal in the audiophile world, has teamed up with Robbe & Berking, a 150-year-old silverware manufacturer renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship. They've created a limited edition sound system priced at a staggering $331,000. Yep, that's not a typo — over three hundred grand for an audio setup.

A Fusion of Luxury and Craftsmanship

For those who might not know, Robbe & Berking isn't just any silverware company. They're masters of silver craftsmanship and even have a shipyard where they restore luxury yachts. This collaboration celebrates their 150th anniversary by merging Burmester's audio expertise with Robbe & Berking's artisanal silver and yacht-grade wood. The result? An opulent sound system that's as much a work of art as it is a feat of engineering.

What's Included in This Opulent System?

So, what do you get when you drop the price of a supercar on a sound system? Let's break it down.

BC150 Loudspeaker

Design & Aesthetics: These floor-standing speakers are decked out with side panels made from luxurious oak used in Robbe & Berking's yacht restorations, giving them a nautical flair. The front baffle features a silver-plated relief inspired by the waveforms of Robbe & Berking's classic Belvedere design. Silver inlays and a champagne-colored aluminum frame add to the elegance.

Technical Details:

• Type: Floorstanding, 3-way, bass-reflex design
• Drivers:
  • 2 x Air Motion Transformer (AMT) tweeters
  • 18 cm midrange driver with an elliptic voice coil
  • 32 cm woofer with a sandwich cone
• Frequency Response: 34 Hz to 20 kHz (+/- 3 dB)
• Sensitivity: 88.5 dB (2.83 V/1 m)
• Impedance: 3 ohms
• Dimensions: 12.17 x 66.42 x 23.66 inches (W x H x D)
• Weight: 396 lbs per speaker

111 Musiccenter

Design & Aesthetics: The 111 Musiccenter isn't just a fancy name for a CD player—it's a complete digital hub encased in champagne-anodized aluminum with silver-plated knobs and accents. A silver stripe elegantly wraps around its center, making it as visually stunning as it is functionally impressive.

Technical Details:

• Functionality: Combines a music server, CD player, CD ripper, DAC, and analog preamplifier
• Streaming Services: Supports TIDAL, Qobuz, IDAGIO, and internet radio
• Inputs:
  • Analog: 3 x XLR
  • Digital: 3 x RCA, 3 x TOSLINK
• Outputs:
  • Analog: 1 x XLR, 1 x RCA
  • Digital: 1 x RCA, 1 x TOSLINK
• Upsampling: Up to 96 kHz/24-bit, switchable to 192 kHz/24-bit
• Remote Control: Yes
• Dimensions: 17.91 x 7.83 x 16.06 inches (W x H x D)
• Weight: 59.5 lbs

218 Power Amplifier

Design & Aesthetics: Completing the trio, the 218 Power Amplifier features the same champagne-colored anodization and silver-plated accents, ensuring visual harmony across all components. Its minimalist design belies the power it packs under the hood.

Technical Details:

• Type: Dual-channel power amplifier (stereo or bridged mono operation)
• Output Power:
  • Stereo Mode:
    • 165 W per channel @ 8 Ω
    • 275 W per channel @ 4 Ω
    • 400 W per channel @ 2 Ω
  • Bridged Mono Mode:
    • Significantly increased power output
• Connections:
  • Inputs: Balanced (stereo or mono bridge with adapter)
  • Remote Control: Compatible
  • BurLink Interface: For integration with other Burmester components
• Dimensions: 19.53 x 8.5 x 18.86 inches (W x H x D)
• Weight: 92.7 lbs

The Craftsmanship Behind the Luxury

What sets this system apart isn't just the high-end audio components—it's the meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship. Every piece is handcrafted, with elements produced at Robbe & Berking's factory in Flensburg and finished at Burmester's facility in Berlin. The use of yacht-grade wood symbolizes the fusion of two brands dedicated to timeless elegance and quality.

The silver-plated accents aren't just for show; they're a nod to Robbe & Berking's heritage. The wave-like silver relief on the BC150 speakers echoes the company's classic Belvedere silverware pattern, adding a touch of historical significance.

Is It Worth the Hype (and the Price Tag)?

Let's be honest: $331,000 is a jaw-dropping amount for a sound system. But for that price, you're not just buying audio equipment; you're investing in a limited-edition masterpiece. The collaboration between Burmester and Robbe & Berking brings together the pinnacle of audio engineering and masterful craftsmanship.

For Audiophiles: The technical specs are undeniably impressive. The BC150 speakers promise an immersive soundstage, thanks to their advanced drivers and meticulous design. The 111 Musiccenter serves as an all-in-one solution for high-resolution audio playback, while the 218 Power Amplifier ensures every note is delivered with precision and power.

For Collectors: This system is as much about aesthetic appeal as it is about sound. The handcrafted elements, limited availability, and the story behind the collaboration add layers of value that go beyond mere functionality.

Final Thoughts

In a world where streaming music from a smartphone to wireless earbuds has become the norm, it's refreshing to see a commitment to high-fidelity audio taken to such an extreme. The Burmester x Robbe & Berking limited edition sound system isn't for everyone, but for those who can appreciate—and afford—it, this might just be the ultimate listening experience.

Would You Take the Plunge?

So, what do you think? Is this the epitome of audiophile heaven, or is it an over-the-top extravagance? Whether you're seriously considering it or simply daydreaming, there's no denying that this collaboration has produced something truly unique.

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