232
Operation manual

2.1. ABOUT THIS OPERATION MANUAL

This operation manual describes the installation, connection and startup of the Burmester 232 integrated amplifier.

Please read this operation manual in full and keep it in a safe place.

2.2. MEDIA DATABASE

learn more

Caution! High-intensity sound

Loud output signals can damage your hearing.

Set the connected amplifier to a low volume before switching it on. Avoid listening at high volume levels for long periods of time.

2.7. WHAT CAN I DO WITH THE 232?

The Burmester 232 is an integrated amplifier.

The 232 enables playback from analogue sources. Fitted with the optional digital module, it includes digital inputs and streaming functionality and supports Apple AirPlay, Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect.

The 232 is also available with an optional phono module for connecting record players with moving coil (MC) systems.

You can use the 232 as a preamplifier for separate power amplifiers and connect an active subwoofer.

The 232 can be operated on the device itself using the HaptiControl control knob and touch-buttons, with the included remote control, or with the Burmester Conduct app.

3.1. NOTES ON UNPACKING

Carefully remove the device from the packaging.
Remove all the packaging materials and padding from the device.

Attention! Damaging the housing

To avoid damaging the housing, do not use any pointed or sharp objects to open the packaging.

Caution! Risk of injury due to heavy weight

The device is very heavy and can cause injury if it falls.

The device should only be unpacked and set up by persons who are experienced in handling heavy loads. If necessary, have a second person help you unpack and set up the device.

• Box containing the 232
• Power cable
• Remote control
• XLR/RCA adapter (2)
• Fitted cover
• Quick start guide
• Warranty certificate
• W-LAN antennas

Attention! Danger due to improper installation.

Please consider the following aspects when choosing the installation site:

Only place the device on level and load-bearing surfaces.

The device requires ventilation from below. This is ensured by the height of the feet. Place it only on firm surfaces, not on high-pile carpet.

Never use the device outdoors.

Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, excessive heat, cold, moisture and dust.

Ensure adequate ventilation. Never place the device on an enclosed shelf.

Do not cover the slots or openings on the device. These are important for ventilation.

Do not expose the device to dripping or splashing water, and do not place containers of liquid on the device.

Never place open fire sources, such as lit candles, on the device.

3.3. OVERVIEW OF THE 232

FRONT OF THE 232

(1)       Rotary encoder

(2)       Power LED

(3)       IR sensor

(4)       Display

(5)       Touch buttons

REAR OF THE 232

(6) Earthing screw

(7) Balanced analogue input 1, right channel

(8) Balanced analogue input 1, left channel

(9) Balanced analogue input 2, right channel

(10) Balanced analogue input 2, left channel

(11) Phono module slot

(12) Balanced analogue output (pre-out),
right channel

(13) Balanced analogue output (pre-out),
left channel

(14) Wi-Fi antennas

(15) Wi-Fi antennas

(16) Balanced subwoofer output (sub-out),
mono

(17) Digital module slot

(18) USB port

(19) Ethernet/LAN

(20) HDMI ARC input / Micro SD slot

(21) USB interface

(22) USB interface

(23) Positive (+) loudspeaker output, left channel

(24) Remote-out socket

(25) Remote-in socket

(26) Negative (-) loudspeaker output, left channel

(27) BurLink connection

(28) Headphone output

(29) Power jack

(30) Mains fuse

(31) Mains switch

(32) Negative (-) loudspeaker output, right channel

(33) Positive (+) loudspeaker output, right channel

3.4. POWER CONNECTION

Attention! Device temperature after unpacking

If the temperature is too high or too low, this can cause the device to malfunction.

After unpacking the device, leave it to sit in the room for a time before connecting and switching it on.

Danger! Power connection and protective earth conductor

Use the 3-wire power cable supplied with the device to connect it to the power supply. The protective earth contact must not be rendered ineffective.

The voltage is set to the national standard for the country in which you purchased your Burmester device at the factory. If your device is to be operated with a different mains voltage than the one set at the factory, please contact your Burmester dealer. They know which modifications have to be made to the device.

Before putting the device into operation, check to see whether the power voltage specified on the back panel of the device matches the mains voltage in your household.

If you are uncertain of the mains voltage at your installation site, please make sure you check with your authorised Burmester dealer prior to installation.

CONNECTING THE POWER CABLE

1. Before connecting the device, make sure that the power switch (31) on the back of the device is in the “OFF” position.

2. Plug the enclosed power cable into the power jack (29) on the back of the 232.

3. Plug the power plug into a nearby socket.

Note: route the power cable in such a way that it cannot be damaged. Do not use the power cable if it has been damaged.

3.5. CONNECTING THE LOUDSPEAKERS

The 232 features solid binding posts for holding the loudspeaker cables securely. Use loudspeaker cables terminated with spade lugs. Proceed as follows to connect the loudspeakers:

• Switch off the 232.
• Connect the loudspeaker cables according to your operation manual and route them to the 232.
• Release the loudspeaker’s binding posts on the 232 (23), (26), (32), (33) and slide the spade lug for each loudspeaker cable under them.

Make sure that the polarity of the connections is correct in each case. It is important that you make all connections in phase:

Positive output of the power amplifier (+) = positive input of the loudspeaker (+)

Negative output of the power amplifier (-) = negative input of the loudspeaker (-)

• Screw the spade lugs for the loudspeaker cables hand-tight using the loudspeaker’s binding posts. Make sure that the cable connections are secure.

Attention!

Make sure that no conductive metal parts of the loudspeaker cables or the spade lugs make contact with parts of the 232 housing.

LOUDSPEAKER CABLES

Burmester recommends using cables with a large cross-section to connect the loudspeakers to the power amplifier. A large cross-section allows you to maintain the damping factor of the power amplifiers for optimal control of the loudspeakers.

Best results are achieved by using original Burmester loudspeaker cables, which have the same electrical and tonal characteristics as the internal wiring of Burmester loudspeakers and amplifiers.

Attention!

The insulation on your selected speaker cable must match that of the original Burmester loudspeaker cable and must have a flame rating of at least VW-1. Please contact the manufacturer or your dealer for details.

3.6. SWITCHING THE 232 ON AND OFF

Once you have installed the 232 and connected it to the mains and loudspeakers, you can switch it on.

Move the mains switch (31) on the rear of the device to the “ON” position. The 232 is now in standby mode.

To switch the 232 on and off from standby mode, press the HaptiControl rotary encoder or the button (1) on the remote control.

4. Configuring the 232

4.1. CONFIGURING THE 232

You can set the 232 to your individual preferences. You can do so in the Settings area of the Burmester Conduct app or on the device.

CONDUCT APP AND INFORMATION

You can find the Conduct app for configuring and using the 232 here:

You can find more information in the chapters Settings and Operating the 232 in this guide.

4.2. LIBRARY (AUDIO SOURCES)

In the library, you can select from the available audio sources.
To select the phono input, the optional phono module must be installed.
The optional digital module must be installed before you can select digital sources.

TIDAL CONNECT

The 232 supports Tidal Connect.

1. Play a track and tap the “Now Playing” bar

2. Tap to select the device in the top right corner

3. Select the 232 as the playback device

SPOTIFY CONNECT

Use Spotify Connect

When connecting to the speaker for the first time, all devices need to be on the sameWiFi.

1. Open Spotify and play something.

2. Press at the bottom of the screen.

3. Pick the device you want to play on.

Note: you require a user account/subscription to use Tidal/Spotify Connect.

AIRPLAY

The 232 supports AirPlay.

Apple AirPlay lets you enjoy your favourite music or podcasts in every room with your home audio system and loudspeakers – either with a touch of your finger or through a simple prompt to Siri – directly from your iPhone, iPad, HomePod, HomePod mini or Apple TV.

How to use AirPlay on the 232:

• Make sure that your device is connected to the network

• Open the app from which you want to use AirPlay on your IPhone or IPad

• Tap the icon

 • Select the 232 as the AirPlay device

We recommend getting the latest iOS version to use AirPlay with the Burmester 232.

INTERNET RADIO

The 232 includes an integrated web radio player. You operate the web radio player through the Conduct app.

INSTALLING THE DIGITAL MODULE

Instructions for installing the DAC module can be found in a separate installation manual.

DIGITAL INPUTS

To connect a digital source device to one of the digital inputs, proceed as follows:

1. Switch off all the devices.

2. Connect your digital source devices to the desired 232 inputs.

3. For playback, select the connected source directly on the 232 or using the remote control, the web UI or the Conduct app.

Note: if your digital source devices do not have the appropriate outputs, please consult your dealer for more information.

DIGITAL OUTPUTS

The 232 has 2 digital outputs (34), (35).

The audio signal of the selected digital audio source is applied at the digital outputs. The digital output signal cannot be controlled.

To connect a device to one of the digital outputs, proceed as follows:

1. Switch off all the devices.

2. Connect your digital devices to the desired 232 outputs.

3. Only switch on the 232 if you are sure that your downstream devices are set to a low volume, where applicable.

CONNECTING THE DIGITAL OUTPUTS

To connect a device to one of the digital outputs, proceed as follows:

1. Switch off all the devices.

2. Connect your digital devices to the desired 232 outputs.

3. Only switch on the 232 if you are sure that your downstream devices are set to a low volume, where applicable.

Attention!

The output signal is output at the maximum level at the digital outputs of the 232. When used improperly, this can lead to the destruction of the connected devices and damage to your hearing.

Note: Audio signals from the HDMI-ARC are not sent to the optical-Out.

4.4. ANALOGUE AUDIO INPUTS

LINE INPUTS

For the connection of analogue audio sources, two balanced line level inputs are available on the 232.

To connect an analogue source device to the line inputs L1 (7), (8) and L2 (9), (10), proceed as follows:

1. Switch off all the devices.

2. Connect the right and left channel of your analogue source device to the desired 232 inputs.

3. For playback, select the connected source directly on the 232 or using the remote control, the web UI or the Conduct app.

Make sure that the connectors are connected securely.

4.5. ANALOGUE AUDIO OUTPUTS

PREAMPLIFIER OUTPUT/PRE-OUT (OUTPUTS R AND L)

At the balanced preamplifier output (12) (13), the audio signal of the selected device is available for the connection of separate power amplifiers.

The 232 can be used as an audio source for preamplifiers or as a preamplifier for external power amplifiers. For this purpose, it is possible to output the output signal on the pre-out with a fixed or variable level.

More information can be found in the chapter Settings.

The use of separate Burmester power amplifiers further increases playback quality. Your dealer will be happy to advise you.

SUBWOOFER OUTPUT (SUB-OUT)

At the balanced sub-out (16), the audio signal of the selected device is available in mono for the connection of an external, active subwoofer.

Note: to ensure the connection is correct, refer to the operation manual for the subwoofer used.

To connect a separate power amplifier or subwoofer, proceed as follows:

1. Switch off all the devices.

2. Connect both pre-out outputs (left and right) on the 232 with the relevant inputs on your power amplifier.

3. Connect the sub-out on the 232 with the input of an active subwoofer.

The sub-out can be switched on and off in Settings.

Before switching on the devices, make sure that all the connections are made correctly.  If the playback volume is low, first make sure that the music signal is free from interference.

ASSIGNMENT OF THE ANALOGUE INPUTS AND OUTPUTS

The analogue inputs and outputs of the 232 are balanced (XLR 3-pin) and have the following pin assignment:

PIN1=GND, PIN2=NEG, PIN3=POS.

For sound-related reasons, the inputs and outputs should be balanced.

UNBALANCED WIRING OF CONNECTION CABLES

For trouble-free operation on power amplifiers or subwoofers with unbalanced inputs, the negative output signal (XLR pin 2) must be connected to earth (XLR pin 1) in the connection cable.

Note: for optimal signal transmission, we recommend using Burmester connection cables. If your source devices do not have the appropriate outputs, you can use adapter cables with the appropriate wiring. Your Burmester dealer will be happy to advise you on your choice.

HEADPHONE OUTPUT

You can connect headphones with a 6.3 mm jack plug (28) to the rear headphone output.

More information can be found in the chapter Settings.

4.6. NETWORK CONNECTIONS

LAN CONNECTION

A LAN connection (19) for connecting the 232 to a network is available at the rear. You can find instructions on setting up network connections in Settings.

Attention!

The Ethernet/LAN connection must only be connected to a home network (LAN network inside the building).

INSTALLING THE WI-FI ANTENNAS

To install the supplied Wi-Fi antennas, remove them from the packaging and carefully connect them to the antenna ports (14), (15) on the rear of the 232. Then manually screw down the Wi-Fi antennas using the union nut. For optimal Wi-Fi reception, position the antennas upright.

All device settings and customizations for the 232 are configured in Settings.

On the device, you press and turn the HaptiControl control knob to configure the settings, which are shown on the display.

You can also access the settings using the Burmester Conduct app.

Note: if necessary, all the configured settings can be
reset to the factory settings under Settings/Maintenance/Factory Reset.

5.1. AN OVERVIEW OF THE SETTINGS

The settings for the 232 are broken down into the following areas:

5.2. DEVICE SETTINGS

GENERAL SETTINGS

Username

Enter a user name. This name appears when you switch on the 232, if the welcome text is activated.

Device Name

Here, you enter a device name for the Conduct app and for communicating with other Burmester devices.

Date & Time

The 232 receives time information from the internet. If you wish, you can set a different time zone. Select your preferred time format (12h/24h).

USER INTERFACE – DISPLAY & CONTROLS

Brightness

Set your desired display brightness.

Display Timeout

Choose whether the display remains permanently switched on or set the time after which it is to switch off.

ENERGY SAVING SETTINGS – ENERGY MANAGEMENT

Auto Standby

Energy-saving mode is enabled when the 232 is delivered. The device switches to standby mode after the selected period of inactivity.

Switch energy-saving mode on and off as required.

Use Idle Time to select the time after which you want the device to switch to standby mode.

NETWORK SETTINGS

Status

Shows whether a network connection is established.

Network Information

Shows the IP address of the device and whether a Wi-Fi or LAN connection is established.

IP Configuration

If necessary, choose between automatic (DHCP) and manual IP address assignment (static IP).
When using manual address assignment, enter the IP address, gateway and subnet mask.

Network Setup

Connect the 232 to a Wi-Fi network from the list of available wireless networks or enter the Wi-Fi name (SSID) of a hidden wireless network manually. Where applicable, you are prompted to select the appropriate encryption (WEP, WPA, etc.).
After entering a password, click “Connect” to connect the 232 to the network.

AUDIO PROFILE

5.3. INPUTS – SOURCE MANAGER

To change the settings for a specific input, select it from the list of inputs in the source manager. The parameters that can be configured differ depending on the input.

INPUT SETTINGS

Note: some of the listed settings are not available for every source.

Rename

Enter a name of your choice for the selected input.

Input Level

If necessary, you can set the desired input level/gain for the selected input here. This can be used to balance level jumps from source to source.

Set as Default

Select the input you want to always be displayed in the first position in the input list and to be set after the device is switched on.

Move

Move the sources in the library to a position of your choice.

Hide /show from library

Hide or show inputs/sources that are not required in the library.

AirPlay

Deactivate AirPlay if you do not want AirPlay playback to be available on the 232.

TIDAL Connect

Deactivate Tidal Connect, if you do not want TIDAL playback to be available.

Spotify Connect

Deactivate Spotify Connect, if you do not want Spotify playback to be available.

5.4. OUTPUT SETTINGS – OUTPUT MANAGER

Speaker

Activate or deactivate the loudspeaker outputs on the 232.

Subwoofer

Activate or deactivate the subwoofer output.

Attention! 

If you are operating the preamplifier output with a fixed output level (Fixed Output ON), power amplifiers or active loudspeakers must not be connected to this output. The output signal is output at the maximum level in this setting. This can lead to the destruction of the connected power amplifiers and loudspeakers and damage to your hearing.

Headphones

Hot Plug – automatic detection

When you connect the headphone jack, all the other activated outputs on the 232 are switched off.

When you unplug the headphone jack, the 232 switches back to the previous state.

5.5. MESSAGES

Read

Shows messages about the 232 system status.

Delete Messages

Deletes the current message.

Delete all Messages

Deletes all the messages.

5.6. MAINTENANCE

SOFTWARE UPDATE

Automatic Update: Off

Switches off the automatic update function.

Search for Update

Searches for any available software updates. If an update is found, you start the installation by choosing Install now.

The Device is up to date

Your device has the latest version of the software.

FACTORY RESET

Choose execute factory reset to reset the 232 to the factory settings.

5.7. INFORMATION – ABOUT

Provides information such as the device type, software version and manufacturer serial number.

6.1. OPERATING THE 232

OPERATION ON THE DEVICE

All settings can be configured by turning (select) and pressing (enter) the HaptiControl control knob (1).

There are also eight touch-buttons (5) for quick access.
The functions that can be selected are displayed next to the respective touch-button on the display.

(1)       Rotary encoder

(5)       Touch buttons

REMOTE CONTROL

The compact Burmester remote control provides convenient access to practically all the functions of the 232.

Remote control button assignment

USING THE BURMESTER CONDUCT APP

Download the Burmester Conduct app.

SWITCHING THE 232 ON AND OFF

To switch on the 232, set the POWER switch (31) on the rear of the device to “ON”.

The 232 is now in standby mode.

The 232 can be activated at any time on the device or using the remote control. To enable the device to be switched on with the Conduct app too, Smart Standby must be activated. You can find more information about this in Energy Management for the 232.

To switch the 232 on and off at the device, press the HaptiControl control knob.

To switch the 232 on and off with the remote control, press button (1).

SELECTING THE AUDIO SOURCE – LIBRARY

On the display of the 232, you can find the audio sources in the library. If you have not assigned a name, the predefined input names appear there (XLR 1, XLR 2, etc.). Digital sources and “Phono” can be selected only if their corresponding modules are installed.

Selecting the audio source on the device

Select the desired audio source by turning and pressing the rotary encoder or using the touch buttons.

Selecting the audio source with the remote control

Switch between the audio sources using buttons (8) and (10) on the remote control.

Streaming services and AirPlay

Note: the 232 automatically switches over to the relevant streaming services or Airplay as you begin to play them in the app. They are therefore not located in the library selection list.

Selecting the audio source in the Conduct app

You can find all the sources that can be played in the selection list (library). Select your desired source.

MUTE

To mute the outputs of the 232 temporarily, press the HaptiControl control knob on the device briefly, select <Pause/Stop> in the Conduct app or press the Mute button (14) on the remote control.

Note: the digital outputs on the digital module are not muted.

6.2. MEDIA CONTROL

REMOTE

The remote connection allows you to switch your Burmester devices on or off remotely. If you connect the REMOTE OUT (25) jack of the 232 to the corresponding REMOTE IN jack on a Burmester device, you will be able to switch it on and off remotely when switching the 232 on and off.

If you connect the REMOTE IN (24) jack of the 232 to the corresponding REMOTE OUT jack on a Burmester device, you will be able to switch the 232 on and off remotely when switching the device in question on and off.

BURLINK

You can use the BurLink interface to control practically all the functions on the device and read out information.

The BurLink interface can be operated via the 9-pin D-SUB jack (RS-232). RS-232 configuration: 115200 Baud, 8 bit, parity: none, 1 stop bit, no hardware handshake

The BurLink commands must be sent in capital letters. All BURLINK commands must end with CR or $0d.

If required, you can find the BurLink command list in the downloads for the 232 on our website.

7.1. ERROR INDICATION AND TROUBLESHOOTING

The 232 is equipped with extensive protection circuits that protect it and the connected loudspeakers from damage in the event of a fault.

The protective circuits of the 232 react to excessively high DC components on the input and power amplifier output, overheating and short circuits.

If the device switches off, disconnect the device from the mains by setting the mains switch on the rear (31) to zero (0).  Check all connections and leave the device to cool down if necessary. Then switch on the device again.

If an error is shown again, switch off the device, fully disconnect it from the mains by setting the mains switch on the rear (31) to zero (0) and pull the mains plug.  Please contact your dealer.

If you cannot switch on the device and the power LED does not light up even though the mains voltage is connected, this may be due to a faulty fuse.
In this case, you must always have the device checked by your Burmester dealer.

Only authorised personnel are permitted to change the fuses.

SOFTWARE UPDATE/FIRMWARE UPDATE

You can carry out a software update under Settings/Maintenance/Software Update.

7.2. WARRANTY

We at Burmester have crafted a product that meets the highest standards. 
Every detail is carefully thought out and consciously conceptualised. All used components and materials are handpicked, tested and incorporated by us so that the best achievable product quality and a long service life are ensured.

We hereby guarantee that your Burmester product has successfully passed an extensive checkout routine and has left our factory in perfect shape.

We provide a three-year warranty on your Burmester device. In order for the warranty to be valid, the device must have been connected and operated properly without overloading, the mechanical integrity of the device must not have been compromised, and the device must have been registered. The warranty expires if the device has been tampered with in any way or if parts of the housing, connections or terminals have been dismantled.
 
Please register your product with the serial number in the warranty certificate at www.burmester.services/warranty and activate your warranty extension.

7.3. CARE

Liquids and chemical agents can cause damage to the surface of the housing.

Ensure that no liquids get into the device. Do not use chemical agents when cleaning.

7.4. DISPOSAL

German law stipulates that this device and its accessories must not be disposed of with household waste (grey bin, yellow bin, compost bin, paper or glass). Instead, they must be handed in at municipal collection points or to voluntary recycling programmes.

9. Declaration of conformity

Burmester Home Audio GmbH hereby declares that the Burmester 232 radio system conforms to the applicable provisions of the Radio Equipment Directive (2014/53/EU). The full text of the EU declaration of conformity is available at the following internet address:

learn more

10. Installation instructions 232 modules
(phono and DAC)

Caution!

Incorrect handling and installation can damage the modules and the 232! Read these instructions completely before installation.

Caution!

Risk of injury to children

This appliance presents various risks of injury if used incorrectly. This appliance is not intended for use by children.

Keep children away from small parts that can be swallowed!

Caution!

The module can be damaged by electrostatic discharge!

Take suitable measures to avoid electrostatic charges during the entire installation process.

Danger!

Dangerous electrical voltages in the device!

1. switch the 232 off completely.
2. Disconnect the 232 from the mains by pulling out the mains plug.
3. Position the 232 so that the rear is easily accessible.
4. unscrew the module cover of the module in question (2 mm Allen key included).

Installing the module

Caution!

The modules may only be installed in the corresponding module slots!

• Phonomodule: Left slot (viewed from behind the device)
• DAC module: Right slot (viewed from the rear of the device, near the USB LAN and HDMI connections)

Mixing up the modules will destroy them and damage the device!

Position of the Modules

For the DAC module only:

a) Carefully pull the ribbon cable, which is clipped to the inside of the module cover, with the module cover slightly out of the device and remove it from the clip.

b) Thread the cable from below through the opening in the DAC module without twisting it.

c) Insert the connector of the cable into the socket next to the opening and press it carefully until the two side latches close.