Overview
The Top Line range from Burmester is not their top tier range even though the $33,000 MSRP of this 089 CD player seems to suggest otherwise. In fact, the Top Line is only their mid-tier range. Above it is their Reference Line and the Signature Line which has price tags that will make your jaw drop. As the flaghsip CD player under the Top Line range, it is only superseded by the $75,000 069 CD player from the Reference Line range. At less than half the price of the 069, don’t expect to get less than half the performance of the 069. In fact, the difference between the two is quite marginal and you would have to listen real hard to pick the 069 as the better player. Built and finish of the 069 is of course miles ahead of the 089 but the main common features are still there – top loading design, chrome faceplate, aluminum body and most importantly, the same reference standard, musical DNA. Music playback on the 089 is as close to the real thing as any competing reference players out there in the market. From the high notes to the bass notes, everything is evenly balanced, clear and well placed in the soundstage. Switch on the front allows you to switch between 44.1 kHz or 192 kHz and will even work as a DAC for your other digital sources. It even has one line input for an analog source and can even act as a “preamp” of sorts when you select its variable output function (via its XLR out only). So technically, you just need to add a poweramp and you are good to go as a two component system (similar to their phase 3 system but on a much higher sonic level and if you don’t have other digital or analog sources).
Unit is in very good condition. Minor scuff marks here and there but nothing major. We have the original box, manual and remote and will securely pack this beauty for safe shipping.
