Loudspeaker
BX100
Operation manual
Dear music lover,
Thank you for choosing this Burmester audio component.
We sincerely appreciate your trust in us.
You have chosen a product that combines absolute fidelity and uncompromising quality with technical innovation. Before using the device for the first time, we recommend that you read through the entire operation 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
1. About this device
The BX100 Loudspeaker impresses with its vivid spatiality and generous sweet spot. Its combination of both agile and precise reproduction creates a listening experience that completely envelops you.
Features:
- Free-standing Air Motion Transformer: Provides a wide soundstage for direct sound throughout the room, crystal-clear treble reproduction, and a precise stereo image.
- Natural sound: Uniform sound dispersion, even away from the main axis, provides an unadulterated listening experience beyond the sweet spot.
- Four-way principle: The audio signal is finely tuned and distributed across four specialised chassis for impressive fidelity and dynamic precision.
- Sound adjustment: Frequency response can be individually adjusted via gold-plated copper bridges to accommodate different rooms and listening preferences.
- Innovative diaphragm design: High-quality, ultralight diaphragms made of polypropylene and carbon fibres provide powerful yet detailed sound reproduction.
2. General information
2.1. ABOUT THIS OPERATION MANUAL
This operation manual describes the installation, connection and startup of the Burmester BX100 Loudspeaker.
It also provides information for professionals. Sections intended for professionals are marked accordingly:
HAVE THIS WORK CARRIED OUT BY A SPECIALIST OR HAVE INSTRUCTED PERSONNEL HELP YOU CARRY IT OUT!
Please read these operating instructions completely and keep the printed or saved PDF version.
2.2. MEDIA DATABASE
Additional materials such as images and product information are available in our media database.
Learn more
2.3. INTENDED USE
This device is intended for use in home music systems.
2.4. PERMISSIBLE OPERATING CONDITIONS
Please only ever use your Burmester device under the following conditions:
Maximum altitude: 2000 m
Humidity < 50 %
Temperature range: 20-30 ° C
2.5. MEANING OF WARNING SYMBOLS AND WORDS
This document uses the following warning symbols and words:
The general hazard symbol, in conjunction with the warning words CAUTION, WARNING or DANGER, warns of the risk of serious injury. Follow all of the subsequent instructions to avoid injury or death.
The general mandatory symbol in conjunction with the word ATTENTION indicates a hazard that could damage or destroy the device.
The lightning symbol, in conjunction with the warning word DANGER, warns of potentially fatal electrical voltage.
This warning symbol, in conjunction with the warning word CAUTION, warns of high-intensity sound.
ATTENTION:
Indicates a hazard that could damage or destroy the device.
CAUTION:
Indicates a hazard that poses a low or moderate risk of injury.
WARNING:
Indicates a hazard that could cause serious injury or death.
DANGER:
Indicates a hazard that will lead directly to death or serious injury.
2.6. IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Caution! Risk of injury to children and pets
This device poses various injury risks if used improperly. Never leave your children and pets unattended with the device. This device is not intended for use by children.
Danger! Hazardous voltages
The loudspeaker outputs on a power amplifier can carry potentially fatal voltages.
Do not touch the loudspeaker connectors on the device and the loudspeaker.
Warning! Danger due to improper installation
Do not operate the speakers outdoors. Avoid direct sunlight, excessive heat, cold, moisture, and dust.
Do not expose the speakers to dripping or splashing water, and do not place containers with liquids on them.
Do not place any objects of any kind on the speakers. This can affect the stability of the speakers and may cause them to tip over.
Do not place any open sources of fire, such as burning candles, on the speakers.
Warning! Incorrect wiring or excessive volume
Incorrect wiring or excessive volume levels can damage components of the system.
Before switching on the system, check all cable connections for correct polarity (plus, minus). After rewiring, slowly increase the volume until you are sure that everything is connected correctly.
Warning! Danger due to improper operation
Set the connected amplifier to a low volume before switching it on.
Do not touch the speaker drivers of your speaker while it is in operation. Touching them can damage the drivers.
Caution! Risk of injury due to tipping over
Your speaker may tip over if handled improperly.
Only place the speakers on level, stable surfaces.
Make sure that the speakers are always standing perfectly upright.
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 BX100?
The BX100 is a passive loudspeaker for connection to integrated or power amplifiers. In the terminal area, it offers the option to separately connect the bass and mid-high frequency ranges using bi-amping for optional sound optimisation, as well as level adjustment of the low and high frequency ranges using bridges.
2.8. OVERVIEW OF THE BX100
(1) Midrange driver
(2) Free-standing AMT
(3) Woofer
(4) Low-midrange driver
(5) Height-adjustable feet
(6) Terminal cover
(7) Binding posts
(8) Outriggers with spikes (optional)
(9) Copper bridges for sound tuning
(10) Bass reflex ports
(11) Bolts for releasing the side panels
(12) Polymer dowels for mounting the side panels
3. Unpacking, installing and connecting
3.1. NOTES ON UNPACKING
HAVE THIS WORK CARRIED OUT BY A SPECIALIST OR HAVE INSTRUCTED PERSONNEL HELP YOU CARRY IT OUT!
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 loudspeakers are very heavy and may cause serious injury if tipped over or dropped.
The loudspeakers must only be unpacked and positioned by qualified personnel experienced in handling heavy loads.
Warning! Suffocation hazard!
Some of the pieces are delivered in fitted fabric covers and plastic bags. Remove the packaging from the vicinity of children.
Keep children away from small parts that can be swallowed. Never leave children alone with the device unattended.
Packaging
Keep the packaging for later transport.
SCOPE OF DELIVERY
Please check the scope of delivery for completeness and damage.
If parts of the delivery are missing or if you notice any damage when unpacking the loudspeakers, please do not connect them and consult your Burmester dealer instead.
- Packaging with the BX100 Loudspeaker (left and right version)
- Presentation box with warranty documents
- Cleaning set (packed inside the bass reflex port)
- Foam plugs for bass attenuation
3.2 ADJUSTING THE FEET
HAVE THIS WORK CARRIED OUT BY A SPECIALIST OR HAVE INSTRUCTED PERSONNEL HELP YOU CARRY IT OUT!
Caution! Risk of crushing injuries
Seek assistance from a qualified professional. Secure the loudspeaker sufficiently against tipping before readjusting the feet.
Standard height-adjustable feet
For stable positioning of the loudspeakers, they must stand upright; tilted positions should be avoided. The height-adjustable feet mounted to the bottom of the loudspeaker can be manually adjusted for leveling. Ensure that the feet are fully screwed in before beginning to level by unscrewing.
If manual adjustment of the feet is not possible, a suitable 12 mm open-ended wrench may be used with the assistance of a qualified professional or trained personnel:
1. For a perfectly horizontal setup, place a spirit level on top of the loudspeaker. Adjust the feet until the bubble is centered in the vial.
2. Open the lower side panel (see section below).
3. Position the 12 mm open-ended wrench on the upper part of the foot thread located inside the housing (grey-shaded area).
4. Adjust the height-adjustable foot as needed using the wrench.
5. Repeat the process on the remaining feet until the loudspeaker stands upright and does not wobble. Avoid unscrewing the feet unnecessarily far.
Optional outriggers with spikes
For stable positioning of the loudspeakers, they must stand upright. To achieve this, each spike can be height-adjusted by turning.
Caution! Risk of crushing injuries
Seek assistance from a qualified professional. Secure the loudspeaker sufficiently against tipping before readjusting the feet.
1. For a perfectly horizontal setup, place a spirit level on top of the loudspeaker. Adjust the spikes until the bubble is centered in the vial.
2. Use either the pointed tips with the smaller recess on the silver support discs (left illustration), or the spherical tips that fit the rear recess of the support discs (right illustration).
3. Adjust the spikes to the desired height. To do this, turn the spike assembly – consisting of a silver tip, black cone, and black locking disc with thread – on the threaded rod inside the outrigger feet, then fix the height using the locking disc.
4. Repeat the process until the loudspeaker stands upright and does not wobble. Avoid unscrewing the spikes unnecessarily far.
3.3. THE CORRECT SETUP POSITION
Spatial imaging increases as the distance between the loudspeakers and the wall grows, while bass response decreases. The BX100 Loudspeakers are designed so that they do not need to be placed near walls to boost the bass. The distance between the two loudspeakers should be approximately 4 metres, and the space between them should remain as unobstructed as possible. The distance to the listener should also be around 4 metres. Positioning the loudspeakers along the longer wall of a rectangular room is preferable to placement along the shorter wall.
Place the BX100, if possible, in the acoustically “hard” area of the room (near smooth walls and window surfaces) — as opposed to the acoustically “soft” area (dampened by upholstered furniture, books, and carpets).
We recommend positioning the loudspeakers so that the side-mounted woofers face inwards. The letter at the end of the serial number (-L, -R) on the label on the box designates whether it is the left or right loudspeaker. Under certain individual room conditions, positioning the woofers facing outwards may also yield good results.
Distance to rear wall: Minimum 5 cm
Distance to side wall: Minimum 100 cm
The loudspeakers can be toed-in according to your preferences, which has the following effects on the sound image:
Loudspeakers not toed-in
- Enhanced spatiality and a wider soundstage
- Treble level decreases
- Bass level increases up into the lower midrange
- The sound image gains warmth
Loudspeakers toed-in towards the listening position
- More precise imaging and soundstage
- Treble level increases
- Bass level decreases up into the lower midrange
- The sound image gains clarity
3.4. OPENING THE TERMINAL COVER
Warning! Hazardous voltages
Switch off the power amplifiers. The loudspeaker outputs on a power amplifier may carry life-threatening voltages.
Caution! Risk of pinching
When reinserting the cover, hold it only by its lower opening to avoid injury.
The terminal cover is held in place by magnets. To open the terminal cover of the BX100, reach into the recess and pull the cover toward you. To close it, carefully position the terminal cover – highlighted in grey in the illustration – at the upper edge. The terminal cover will be pulled into position by magnets.
3.5. CONNECTING THE LOUDSPEAKERS
(1) Connected copper bridges for connecting one power amplifier output per loudspeaker
(2) Connections for the woofer unit
(3) Connections for the midrange/treble unit
Before connecting, please also refer to the operating instructions of the connected components.
Ensure that all connections are made correctly. It is essential that all connections are made with correct polarity:
Positive output of the power amplifier (+) = Positive input of the loudspeaker (+)
Negative output of the power amplifier (–) = Negative input of the loudspeaker (–)
Caution! Improper connection may cause damage!
A short circuit or incorrect wiring can damage the loudspeakers and other components.
3.6. SPEAKER CABLES
Burmester recommends using cables with a large cross-section for the connection between loudspeakers and power amplifiers. A larger cross-section helps preserve the damping factor of the power amplifier, ensuring optimal control of the loudspeakers.
The best results are achieved when using original Burmester speaker cables, which feature the same electrical and sonic characteristics as the internal wiring of Burmester loudspeakers and amplifiers. These cables have been specifically matched and tested for compatibility with our loudspeakers.
Caution!
The insulation of the speaker cable must be equivalent to that of the original Burmester speaker cable and must at least meet the flammability requirements according to VW-1.
Please consult the manufacturer or your authorised dealer for further information.
3.7 THE CLASSIC CONNECTION
In this configuration, each power amplifier channel is connected to one loudspeaker via a two-wire cable. For stereo playback, this requires either a stereo amplifier or two mono power amplifiers. Connect the loudspeakers as follows:
1. Switch off the amplifiers.
2. Open the terminal cover of the BX100 as previously described.
3. Ensure that the connection bridges are inserted into the terminal posts.
4. Connect one end of the speaker cable (black conductor) to the negative terminal for the mid-/high-frequency unit (minus terminal (–)).
5. Connect the other end of the speaker cable (black conductor) to the negative output of the power amplifier.
6. Connect one end of the speaker cable (red conductor) to the positive terminal for the mid-/high-frequency unit (plus terminal (+)).
7. Connect the other end of the speaker cable (red conductor) to the positive output of the power amplifier.
8. Repeat steps 2 to 7 for the second loudspeaker.
9. Reattach the terminal cover, routing the speaker cables downwards through the remaining opening.
Speaker terminals with inserted connection bridges for classic operation
3.8 BI-AMPING
In bi-amping mode, woofers and mid-/high-frequency drivers are connected to separate power amplifier channels. This offers significant sonic advantages, as the amplifier channel driving the mid-/high-frequency unit is relieved from the high power demands of the woofers. However, this configuration requires twice the number of amplifier channels. For this setup, four mono or two stereo power amplifiers are needed. Each loudspeaker requires two speaker cables.
1. Place two mono power amplifiers or one stereo amplifier near each loudspeaker.
2. Switch off the power amplifiers.
3. Open the terminal cover.
4. Fully loosen the minus terminals (–) by turning anticlockwise.
5. Remove the connection bridge.
6. Re-tighten the minus terminals (–) by turning clockwise.
7. Repeat the same procedure for the plus terminals (+).
8. Connect the preamplifier to the power amplifiers (see illustration). When using Burmester components, you will need two optionally available Burmester bi-amp adapters or adapter cables. Your authorised dealer will be happy to assist you.
9. Connect the woofer and mid-/high-frequency unit of each loudspeaker separately to the outputs of the power amplifiers (see illustration). Ensure correct polarity. If you have any questions, please contact your authorised dealer.
10. Reattach the terminal cover, routing the speaker cables downwards through the remaining opening.
11. Repeat the procedure for the second loudspeaker.
Note: Connection bridges must only be placed between minus and minus or plus and plus. Under no circumstances should minus and plus be connected in the centre.
Speaker terminals without connection bridges for bi-amping operation
Caution! Risk of pinching
When reinserting the cover, hold it only by its lower opening to avoid injury.
3.9. OPENING THE SIDE PANELS
HAVE THIS WORK CARRIED OUT BY A SPECIALIST OR HAVE INSTRUCTED PERSONNEL HELP YOU CARRY IT OUT!
Caution! Risk of pinching
Hold the side panels only from the outside when inserting them to avoid pinching injuries.
To replace side panels, the loudspeakers can be opened from the sides.
1. Switch off the amplifiers.
2. Each of the four side panels contains a release mechanism – a bolt running through the housing – hidden behind the sharpest corner, shown shaded in grey in the illustration. The procedure is explained here using the lower side panels as an example. Begin with the sharp upper right corner of the left panel, as seen from the front. Carefully press this corner inwards until the opposite corner of the right panel releases outwards. Trained personnel must secure the loudspeaker from the opposite side to prevent it from tipping over.
3. Carefully detach the right panel from the plastic dowels on which it was mounted. Proceed by gradually loosening the panel at all corners and releasing it evenly.
4. Now replace the appropriate panel or adjust the height of the feet using a 12 mm open-ended spanner if the panel was overly tight.
5. Position the panel from the outside in its original location and press it at the level of the dowels until it clicks into place.
6. Repeat the procedure on the right side to release the left panel, starting this time with the sharp upper left corner.
4. Sound adjustments
(4) Bass range bridge, neutral position
(5) Bass range bridge, boost
(6) Bridges in neutral position
(7) Treble range bridge, neutral position
(8) Treble range bridge, boost
Warning! Hazardous voltages
Switch off the power amplifiers. The loudspeaker outputs on a power amplifier may carry life-threatening voltages.
The bass and treble levels can be adjusted using the gold-plated copper bridges on the terminal at the rear of the loudspeaker. In the 0-position, the loudspeaker is neutrally tuned. Additionally, you can use the two included foam plugs to attenuate the bass range.
Bass range
If you prefer a warmer sound or more bass, simply select the bass-enhanced playback. First, loosen the left bridge and then connect it to the (+) symbol – this boosts the level below 120 Hz by 2,5 dB. As described in the section on placement near walls, boosting low frequencies in heavily damped or thin-walled/glass rooms can also help compensate for losses in this range.
If the bass level is too high, it can be reduced by inserting foam plugs into the bass reflex port openings – shown shaded in grey. Sealing the openings disables the bass reflex system. Since both woofers have their own internal enclosures, you may choose to seal only one of them depending on your needs. Closing the ports is especially beneficial in small rooms. Those who prefer a more restrained and controlled bass response should also consider this option for bass adjustment.
Treble range
If you prefer a more present and brighter sound, simply connect the right bridge to the (+) symbol. This boosts the treble range above 3300 Hz by 2,5 dB. In very dry rooms with little reverberation and high absorption, this setting can be an effective way to compensate for room-related losses in the treble range.
Caution! Risk of pinching
When reinserting the cover, hold it only by its lower opening to avoid injury.
5. Operating the loudspeakers
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.
Warning! Incorrect wiring or excessive volume
Incorrect wiring or excessive volume levels can damage components of the system.
Before switching on the system, check all cable connections for correct polarity (plus, minus). After rewiring, slowly increase the volume until you are sure that everything is connected correctly.
Warning! Hazardous voltages
Switch off the power amplifiers. The loudspeaker outputs on a power amplifier may carry life-threatening voltages.
Note on break-in period: All drivers used in this loudspeaker have been broken in and were pair-matched using a computer-assisted measurement system. Nevertheless, like all mechanical systems, the loudspeakers require a certain break-in time before they reach their full sonic potential.
Note on sub-bass: Our loudspeakers are designed for maximum loads and have been tested accordingly. Nevertheless, they may react sensitively to low-frequency disturbances, such as subsonic components caused by tonearm resonances. Therefore, operate the BX100 at high volume only with an active subsonic filter (e.g. on the phono preamplifier).
6. Maintenance, repair and care
Caution! Surface damage
Liquids and chemical agents can damage the cabinet surface. Make sure that no liquid enters the loudspeakers.
Do not use chemical agents for cleaning. Use the included set to clean the surfaces of the BX100.
6.1 TROUBLESHOOTING
If the device shows an error during initial operation, please contact your authorised dealer.
| Issue | Common cause | Solution |
| No sound from one or more loudspeakers | Electronics are not switched on | Switch on the amplifier and/or the audio source |
| No sound from one or more loudspeakers | Short circuit or open circuit in the wiring | Specialist: Check the wiring and correct any faults |
| Weak bass or spatially diffuse sound | Polarity error in the wiring of one channel | Swap the positive and negative leads for the affected channel at the amplifier |
6.2 WARRANTY
At Burmester, we have done everything to create a product that meets the highest standards. Every detail is carefully considered and deliberately designed. All components and materials are selected and tested to ensure the best possible quality and a long service life.
With the warranty certificate, we guarantee that your Burmester product has undergone an extensive testing process and left our manufactory in perfect condition.
Burmester offers an extended 5-year warranty on loudspeakers. The conditions for this are proper connection without overloading, mechanical integrity of the loudspeakers, and submission of the warranty registration documents.
Register your product using the serial number provided in the warranty certificate at www.burmester.services/warranty to activate your warranty extension.
6.3. 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.
7. Technical data
| Design principle | 4-way bass reflex |
| Width (on spikes/on feet) | 340/290 mm |
| Height (on spikes/on feet) | 1515/1465 mm |
| Safe adjustment range (spikes/feet) | + 7/10 mm |
| Depth | 660 mm |
| Weight (on spikes/on feet) | 141/135 kg |
| Rated power | 350 W |
| Sensitivity (at 2.83 V / 1 m) | 89 dB |
| Nominal impedance | 3 Ohm |
| Frequency response (+/- 3 dB) | 37 Hz – 24000 Hz |
| Tweeter | Air Motion Transformer |
| Midrange driver (polypropylene and carbon fibre cone, with powerful motor system) | 170 mm |
| Midbass driver (polypropylene and carbon fibre cone) | 170 mm |
| Side firing woofer (sandwich cone made of glass fibre and polyester fabric) | 2x 260 mm |
| Crossover frequencies | 130/240/2200 Hz |
Technical specifications subject to change without notice
Burmester Audiosysteme GmbH
Wilhelm-Kabus-Straße 47, 10829 Berlin, Germany
This product complies with the essential requirements of EU Directive 2011/65/EU.
