Burmester 911 MK3 Power Amplifier

Welcome

Dear music lover, Congratulations on your purchase and thank you for choosing Burmester. You have chosen a product that combines absolute fidelity and uncompromising quality with technical innovation and maximum versatility. Before using the device for the first time, we recommend that you read through the entire manual at least once so that you can make full use of the capabilities of this exceptional audio device. Should you still have questions, please speak to your dealer or contact us directly. We're always happy to discuss your special requests, no matter how unusual. We love a good technical challenge. We wish you an exceptional listening experience.

Your Burmester team

Device Overview

The Burmester 911 MK3 Power Amplifier features several key components on its front and rear panels.

Front Panel:

• (1) STAND-BY LED: Indicates the amplifier's standby status.
• (2) POWER BUTTON: Used to switch the amplifier between standby and operational modes.
• (3) POWER LED: Illuminates when the amplifier is in operational mode.

Rear Panel Connections and Controls:

• (4) ANALOG INPUT RIGHT: Balanced XLR input for the right audio channel.
• (5) SPEAKER RIGHT (positive): Red binding post for the positive connection of the right speaker output.
• (6) SPEAKER RIGHT (negative): Red binding post for the negative connection of the right speaker output.
• (7) AC VOLTAGE SELECTOR/FUSE BOX: Contains a voltage selector and fuse holder for power management.
• (8) AC INPUT: Connection point for the power cable.
• (9) MAINS SWITCH: The main power switch to disconnect the device from the mains supply.
• (10) SPEAKER LEFT (positive): Blue binding post for the positive connection of the left speaker output.
• (11) SPEAKER LEFT (negative): Blue binding post for the negative connection of the left speaker output.
• (12) ANALOG INPUT LEFT: Balanced XLR input for the left audio channel.
• (13) REMOTE OUT jack: 3.5mm jack for sending remote on/off signals to other Burmester devices.
• (14) REMOTE IN jack: 3.5mm jack for receiving remote on/off signals from other Burmester devices.

Additional rear panel markings include SERIAL NUMBER, REGULATIONS, CE certification, and the Burmester logo.

Wiring Diagrams

The 911 MK3 supports multiple connection configurations:

Stereo Wiring Diagram:

Connect the pre-amplifier's right channel to input (4) and the left channel to input (12). Connect the amplifier's speaker outputs (5, 6 for right; 10, 11 for left) to the corresponding speaker terminals. Positive terminals are typically red, and negative terminals are blue.

Mono Wiring Diagram (Bridged):

For bridged mono operation, a MONO ADAPTER is required. Connect the pre-amplifier's left/right channel to the adapter, which then connects to amplifier inputs (4) and (12). Speaker outputs (5) and (10) are used for the bridged output. Terminals (6) and (11) must not be connected in this mode.

Bi-Amping Wiring Diagram:

For bi-amping, BI-AMP ADAPTERs are used. Connect the pre-amplifier's left/right channel to the respective adapters. The amplifier's speaker outputs are then connected to different drivers within the speaker: outputs (5) and (6) for the woofer, and outputs (10) and (11) for the tweeter/mid-range driver.

Accessories:

The following accessories are relevant for specific connection types:

• MONO adapter cables (14): For MONO operation of the 911.
• BI-AMP adapter cables (15): For BI-AMPING operation of the 911.
• Adapter plug XLR-RCA: Required to connect unbalanced cables to the balanced input jacks. This is included in the scope of delivery.

Starting Up the Device

Scope of Delivery:

The device package includes:

• 1 package
• 1 operation manual
• 1 power cable
• 2 XLR-RCA adapter plugs
• 1 remote cable

Packaging:

It is recommended to keep the original packaging for future transport needs.

Setup:

Carefully remove the amplifier from its packaging and place it in a suitable location that ensures good air circulation.

Connecting the Device

Before connecting, ensure the mains switch (9) is OFF and the mains plug is not inserted. Follow the connection procedures carefully.

Mains Voltage:

The factory-set mains voltage corresponds to the country of purchase. If a different voltage is required, the unit must be sent to Burmester for adjustment. Consult your dealer if unsure about the local mains voltage.

Inputs:

The 911 features two balanced inputs (4, 12) that can also be used in unbalanced mode with the provided adapter plugs. Balanced connections are recommended for optimal sonic performance.

Outputs:

Speaker cables connect to the binding posts (5, 6, 10, 11). Copper spade lugs are recommended for speaker cable termination; banana plugs are advised against. Ensure correct speaker connections before connecting to the amplifier. Speaker outputs can carry potentially fatal voltages.

Remote Operation:

Connecting the REMOTE OUT (13) jack to a Burmester device's REMOTE IN jack allows remote switching of the 911, with the 911 acting as the master. Conversely, connecting the REMOTE IN (14) jack to another Burmester device's REMOTE OUT jack allows remote switching of the 911, with the 911 acting as the slave.

Operating the Device

AC Input:

Connect the power cable to the AC input (8) and plug it into the mains socket, ensuring the mains switch (9) is OFF.

Mains Switch:

The mains switch (9) on the rear panel disconnects the 911 from the mains supply. In the OFF position, all LEDs are off. In the ON position, the device enters standby mode, indicated by the STAND BY LED (1).

POWER Button:

The POWER button (2) switches the 911 between standby and operational modes. In operational mode, both the STAND-BY LED (1) and POWER LED (3) are lit. In standby, only the STAND-BY LED (1) is lit. Upon switching to operational mode, the amplifier performs a self-check, which may take a few seconds before the speaker outputs become active.

Connection Options

Stereo Mode:

Connect as follows:

• (4) Input, right channel
• (5) Speaker output, positive, right channel (red binding post)
• (6) Speaker output, negative, right channel
• (12) Input, left channel
• (10) Speaker output, positive, left channel (blue binding post)
• (11) Speaker output, negative, left channel

Mono Mode:

Connect as follows (using MONO ADAPTER):

• (4) MONO ADAPTER, red side
• (5) Speaker output, positive (red binding post)
• (6) Must not be connected
• (12) MONO ADAPTER, blue side
• (10) Speaker output, negative (blue binding post)
• (11) Must not be connected

Bi-Amp Mode:

Connect as follows (using BI-AMP ADAPTER):

• (4) BI-AMP ADAPTER, red side
• (6) Speaker output, positive, woofer
• (5) Speaker output, negative, woofer
• (12) BI-AMP ADAPTER, blue side
• (10) Speaker output, positive, tweeter/mid-range driver
• (11) Speaker output, negative, tweeter/mid-range driver

If unsure about connections, consult your Burmester dealer.

The Protection Circuit

The 911's protection circuitry monitors overheating, DC offset, and peak current to safeguard the device.

• Temperature: If temperature limits are exceeded, speaker outputs switch off, and the device enters standby. The POWER LED (3) will extinguish. The amplifier can only be switched back on after cooling down.
• DC Offset: If DC offset at the speaker terminals exceeds tolerance, speaker outputs switch off. They reactivate once the DC voltage drops below the limit.
• Peak Current: If peak current at the speaker terminals exceeds the maximum limit, speaker outputs switch off. They reactivate once the current drops below the limit.

General Instructions

Please read this manual carefully and keep it accessible. Contact your dealer for any questions.

Operating Temperature:

Ensure the device operates within optimal temperature ranges to prevent malfunction. Allow the device to acclimate after unpacking before connecting and operating.

Setup Location Guidelines:

• Avoid direct sunlight.
• Protect from excessive heat, cold, humidity, and dust.
• Ensure adequate air circulation; do not place on enclosed shelves. Ventilation slots must remain unobstructed.
• Keep away from liquids and do not place containers on the device.
• Do not place open flames (e.g., candles) on the device.

Mains Voltage:

Verify that the mains voltage specified on the rear panel matches your household voltage. Any voltage change must be performed by a qualified professional. Always use the supplied 3-wire power cable and ensure a properly functioning protective earth connection.

Important Operating Notes

Start-up:

Switch off all audio system components before installation. Only switch them on after confirming all connections are correct. Do not operate if the device appears damaged or has liquid ingress.

Connections:

Never touch connecting terminals with fingers to avoid static discharge damage to circuitry.

Connection Cables:

Burmester supplies balanced and unbalanced cables for optimal sound quality. The BURMESTER-POWER cable is recommended for the cleanest power supply.

Hot Components:

The housing may become warm during operation; handle with care.

Resetting:

If the device is unresponsive, reset it by switching it off and on using the mains switch (9).

Lightning Strikes:

To protect against overvoltage from lightning strikes, unplug the power cable from the mains socket. Simply switching off the mains switch is insufficient.

Fuses:

Fuses are internal and should only be replaced by qualified technicians.

Warranty:

A three-year warranty is provided. It is valid if the device has been connected properly, not overloaded, mechanically intact, and the warranty application submitted correctly. Tampering or dismantling parts voids the warranty.

Symbols:

• [info] This symbol indicates important operating instructions found in the manual.
• [high-voltage-warning] This symbol warns of dangerously high voltage on or inside the device.
• [recycling-symbol] German law requires proper disposal of this device and accessories via municipal collection points or voluntary recycling programs, not with household waste.

Care and Technical Specifications

Care:

Never wipe the housing with a wet cloth or chemical agents. Ensure no liquids enter the device.

PLEASE NOTE: The device should only be opened by qualified professionals due to the risk of high voltage. Always unplug the power cable before opening.

Available Accessories:

• MONO adapter cables (14) for MONO operation of the 911.
• BI-AMP adapter cables (15) for BI-AMPING operation of the 911.

Technical Specifications

Connection Options

• Balanced input (stereo/mono)
• Unbalanced input using supplied adapter
• 10 V DC Input/Output for Remote on/off via Burmester devices
• Speaker outputs (stereo/mono)

Versions

Standard version features chrome brackets, engraved chrome triangle, and anodised silver housing. Custom versions (e.g., black) are available on request.