Burmester Top Line Phono preamp 100 User manual


Dear Audiophile,
Thank you for choosing this Burmester audio component. We sincerely appreciate your trust in our
products. You have purchased a unit, which excels in musical fidelity and combines uncompromising
manufacturing quality with technical innovation and the highest degree of operating flexibility.
We recommend reading this user manual in its entirety before initial operation. It will enable you to make full
use of all capabilities of this outstanding audiophile instrument. Should you have any further questions,
please contact your dealer or us directly.
Talk to us about your special requests, even if they seem out of the ordinary. We happily accept technical
reasonable challenges.
Enjoy your enhanced listening pleasure.
Your Burmester Team

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S
LIST OF FUNCTIONS 1
UNPACKING AND SETTING UP 2
FUNCTIONAL OVERVIEW OF THE PREAMP 3
FRONT PANEL 3
REAR PANEL 4
FIRST STARTUP 5
CONNECTIONS 6
Analog Inputs 6
Adapter Plugs 6
Grounding-Screw 6
Analog Output 6
Digital Input 7
Digital Output 7
Tone arm cable 7
REMOTE 7
BURLINK 7
OPERATING CONTROLS 8
AC Mains Switch 8
POWER Switch 8
Input Selection 8
Input Resistance MC 8
Input Capacitance MM 8
Input Amplification 9
Subsonic Filter 9
Output Amplification 9
VU-Meter 9
Display Brightness 9
ADC Activation 9
ADC Sample Frequency 10
Phase Reversal 10
Volume Control 10
Auto Adjust 11
Defaults 11
ERRORDISPLAY 11
REMOTE CONTROL 12
BURLINK 13
CONNECTIONS 13
COMMANDS 13
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS 15
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 20

1
LIST OF FUNCTIONS
Through factory settings a lot of functions are disabled to operate the 100 as a simple Phono preamp. The numerous
options the 100 offers are easily reached and activated.
PLEASE NOTICE: The owner’s manual describes all functions of the complete equipped 100 Phono preamp. Due to
the fact that there are different equipment versions, variations concerning your unit are possible.
•2 balanced Phono inputs, XLR 3pin female
•1 balanced analog output, XLR 3pin male
•1 unbalanced analog output, RCA
•1 digital output from ADC (Analog Digital Converter) including 1 S/P-DIF (RCA) and 1 optical fiber output
(TOSLINK)
•1 USB plug as digital in- or output
•1 digital output from USB input including 1 S/P-DIF (RCA) and 1 optical fiber output (TOSLINK)
•Input resistance for MC module or input capacitance for MM module selectable
•Selectable subsonic filter
•Automatic channel calibration (AUTO ADJUST) selectable, if the channels of the pickup system have different
sound levels - compensation is possible up to 6dB difference between the channels
•Selectable volume control for direct use with power amps or active loudspeakers
•Increasing of output level to +6dB possible for operating the preamp with amplifiers with low input sensitivity
•180° phase reversal of the balanced output selectable by a DIP-switch on the back panel
•Selectable ADC (Analog Digital Converter)
•Sample rate of the ADC selectable between 48kHz/24bit, 96kHz/24bit, 192kHz/24bit
•Load display of the ADC with analog audio level meter
•Fast responding overflow LED for short peak distortion of the ADC
•DC coupled signal path assures best sound reproduction without any phase shift in the audible frequency
range
•Analog output stages with X-AMP 2 stages
•Internal BURMESTER GREEN power supply with automatic mains voltage detection
•Remote power up of other devices possible by means of DC IN/OUT connection
•BURLINK-module for external control via RS232 or USB

2
UNPACKING AND SETTING UP
CAUTION: The Phono preamp 100 is shipped inside a plastic protective cover. Make sure that children do
not play with it to avoid the danger of suffocation.
Unpacking To avoid damaging the housing, please do not use pointed or sharp tools to open the box.
Please make sure that the content of the box is complete. If something is missing or you
notice any damage while unpacking, do not hook up the unit. Instead, contact your
authorized dealer.
Content of the box The box should contain the following:
•1 preamp 100
•1 power cord
•2 input adapter plugs XLR – RCA for each equipped module
•1 tone arm cable 5pin – XLR for each equipped module
•1 measurement record
•1 remote control
•1 owner’s manual
Packaging We recommend keeping the original packing in case the unit needs to be shipped in the
future.
Setting up Too low or too high temperatures may cause damage inside of the preamp. Therefore
we recommend you leave the unit to adapt to room temperature, before using it for
the first time.
Carefully remove the unit from its packaging and set it up in an appropriate location. To
protect the Phono preamp 100 from overheating make sure that the location offers sufficient
air circulation around the unit. Also, avoid excessive exposure to sun, dust and humidity.
Please make sure that your desired location for the Phono preamp is stable enough to carry
its weight.
Ventilation ducts and openings in the housing serve to keep the unit cool. They must not be
covered up with magazines, tablecloth, curtains etc.
If the Phono preamp has to be operated in an extremely warm environment it may be
necessary to supply additional ventilation. Avoid operating the unit in an excessively
humid environment like bathrooms etc.

3
FUNCTIONAL OVERVIEW OF THE PREAMP
FRONT PANEL
(1) INPUT LED for chosen input (15) GAIN switch key changes the amplification of
(2) MC / MM LED indicates the equipped module the selected input
(3) IMPEDANCE-/ CAPACITY LEDs (16) SUBSONIC switch key switches the filter
(4) GAIN LEDs indicate the selected gain level (17) OUTPUT switch key increases the overall
(5) SUBSONIC LEDs indicate status of the filter amplification
(6) OUTPUT LEDs indicate selected amplification (18) IR receiver for commands of remote control
(7) VOLUME LED lights up for variable volume control (19) DIM / VU-METER switch key to control the
(8) VU-METER displays the load of the ADC dim and VU-Meter functions
(9) OVERFLOW LED shows distortion of the ADC (20) ADC OFF LED lights when the ADC is off
(10) VU-METER LEDs display the mode of the VU-Meter (21) ADC switch key for ADC operation
(11) ADC LEDs display the sample rate of the ADC (22) AUTO ADJUST switch key for auto adjust
(12) AUTO ADJUST LEDs function
(13) INPUT switch key (23) POWER switch to switch the unit on & off
(14) LOAD switch key changes the capacities or (24) POWER LED shows operating condition of the
impedances of the selected input unit

4
REAR PANEL
(25) AC mains terminal (34) INPUT 1 as equipped MC or MM
(26) AC mains switch (35) REMOTE OUTPUT
(27) BURLINK interface RS-232 with check LEDs (36) REMOTE INPUT
(28) BURLINK interface USB with check LEDs (37) USB OUT-/INPUT
(29) OUTPUT unbalanced (38) DIGITAL OUTPUT USB OUT
(30) OUTPUT balanced (39) DIGITAL OUTPUT A/D OUT for signals of the
(31) INPUT 2 as equipped MC or MM ADC
(32) GND-SCREW for ground connection of input 2 (40) PHASE REVERSAL switch to change the
(33) GND-SCREW for ground connection of input 1 polarity of the XLR output pins by 180°

5
FIRST STARTUP
The Phono preamp is equipped with the BURMESTER GREEN power supply. It automatically detects the mains
voltage of your household and will adjust accordingly. This gives you the option to operate this unit safely in the
specified voltage range.
•Connect your preferred in- and outputs of the preamp with your Hifi system. Please refer to the chapter
CONNECTIONS (page 6).
•Make sure, that the AC mains switch (26) on the rear panel of the unit is set to OFF position.
•Connect the AC power cord into the AC mains terminal (25) and plug it into the wall outlet.
•Make sure that the POWER switch (23) is set to the off position
•Switch the AC mains switch (26) to ON position. The POWER LED (24) will instantly light green. During these
seconds in which the POWER LED (24) lights green, the power supply will measure your mains voltage, and
take the necessary steps to work properly. After successfully adjusting to your mains voltage the POWER LED
(24) will extinguish.
•With the POWER switch (23) on the front panel the unit can now be switched on.
•Detailed information about the manifold functions of the Phono preamp 100, are available in the following
chapters of this owner’s manual.

6
CONNECTIONS
All connection terminals are located on the rear panel. While connecting the preamp, all components of the music
system must be turned off.
Through factory settings a lot of functions are disabled to operate the 100 as a simple Phono preamp.
Analog Inputs The balanced inputs INPUT 1 (34) and INPUT 2 (31) of the 100 are to be connected to
pickups of either Moving Magnet (MM) or Moving Coil (MC) systems. Which input supports
MM or MC can be seen on the rear panel of the 100.
PLEASE NOTICE:Do not connect a regular high level output (e.g. CD-Player) to these
inputs. Severe damage to your equipment or to your ears may be the result.
The pinning of the balanced inputs is: PIN1=GND, PIN2=NEG, PIN3=POS.
Adapter Plugs If your pickup components should only offer unbalanced outputs, you are able to use our
balanced inputs with the adapter plugs as unbalanced inputs. In these adapter plugs the pin
2 (negative input) and pin 1 (ground pin) are connected (see graphic below). For each
equipped input 2 XLR-RCA adapters plugs are delivered with the unit, allowing you to use
both inputs as unbalanced inputs. If you need further plugs for other units you may get them
at your authorized dealer.
NOTICE: Please use BURMESTER XLR-RCA adapters only.
Wiring of the XLR-RCA adapter plugs
RCA XLR
GROUNDING Screw The GND screws (32) and (33) serve for the unbalanced connection between your record
player and the preamp. To link the ground cable loose the GND screw, clamp the GND wire
of your record player between the two washers and tighten the GND screw until the GND
wire can not slip out.
Don’t use any other tools but your hand to tighten the GND screw! This way you avoid
over winding the screw.
Analog Output The 100 offers two analog outputs. The BALANCED OUTPUT (30) and the UNBALANCED
OUTPUT (29) are designed to be connected to a preamp or integrated amplifier. These
outputs supply the analog signal of the selected input.
PLEASE NOTICE: Do not connect the Phono preamp 100 directly to a power amp or active
loudspeakers when the preamp is in factory settings. Severe damage to your equipment or
to your ears may be the result. To operate the 100 directly with a power amp or active
loudspeakers you have to activate the variable volume control. You’ll find instructions on
how to activate that option in chapter OPERATING CONTROLS (page 8).
The pinning of the balanced analog output is: PIN1=GND, PIN2=NEG, PIN3=POS. (when
the PHASE REVERSAL switch (40) is set to 0°)
The pinning of the balanced analog output is: PIN1=GND, PIN2=POS, PIN3=NEG. (when
the PHASE REVERSAL switch (40) is set to 180°)
2
1
3
GROUND
SIGNAL

7
Digital Input The Phono preamp is equipped with an USB plug, which can either be used as an input or
as an output. In input mode the USB plug may only connected to a PC. It will not support
USB-Hard disc or USB-sticks. When a PC is connected to the Phono preamp, it will
recognize the preamp, and install it as a soundcard to your PC You have to select the 100
preamp as active sound card in the system adjustment of the connected PC. You are now
able to bring music from your PC into your stereo system. Through the USB plug the signals
from the PC are directly passed through to the digital USB OUT (37).
PLEASE NOTICE: The audio signals will not be available on the analog outputs (29) or
(30). The settings of the sample rate for the ADC will not effect the signals of the USB IN
(37). Furthermore the volume control will not effect the digital signal at the USB IN (37).
Digital Output The Phono preamp is equipped with an ADC which allows you to digitalize your vinyl record
collection. The preamp offers three digital outputs.
The outputs A/D OUT (39) are intended to be connected to a digital recording unit.
To connect a PC to the Phono preamp the USB (37) output is available.
The two A/D Out outputs TOTX (39) and RCA (39) supply the digital signal of the ADC, if
the ADC is activated. The output TOTX (39) supplies optical signals according to S/P DIF
standards, which are transmitted via optical fiber cable according to TOSHIBA standards.
The output RCA (39) requires, according to S/P DIF standards, a 75 Ω coaxial cable with
RCA connectors.
NOTICE: Do not connect the RCA (39) output to an analog input of an amplifier, severe
damage to your equipment or your ears may be the result.
Since the USB plug is also operable as an input, the Phono preamp offers two digital
outputs USB OUT (38) to connect a digital recording unit or a Digital Analog Converter.
These two outputs supply the digital signal from the USB input offering a connection to the
digital input, e.g. the CD Player 069.
Tone arm cable Pickup systems are balanced sources. Unfortunately some manufacturers provide
unbalanced connections only. If your record player is equipped with a five pin tone arm
plug, you can connect the provided tone arm cable to your record player. This will
guarantee a perfect connection between your record player and the Phono preamp.
REMOTE Connecting DC OUT (35) to the corresponding DC IN-jack of another BURMESTER-unit
offers the function to switch on or off this other unit simultaneous by the 100. In this case,
the 100 has the master function.
Connecting DC IN (36) to the corresponding DC OUT-jack of another BURMESTER-unit
offers the function to switch on or off the 100 simultaneous by the other unit. In this case,
the 100 has the slave function.
BURLINK To the BURLINK interface plugs (27), (28) a computer system e.g. PC, CRESTRON,
AMXcan be connected to the preamp 100. The computer system allows a comfortable
control of your High End system using for example an individual programmable touch panel.
With the LEDs beside the plugs named Tand R(Transmit and Receive) you are able to
monitor whether data exchange is working.
You will find the commands to control the 100 in the chapter BURLINK.

8
OPERATING CONTROLS
With the exception of the AC mains switch (26) and the PHASE REVERSAL switch (40), which are located on the
rear panel of the unit, all operating controls are located on the front panel of the preamp.
AC mains switch The AC mains switch (26) which completely disconnects the AC power to the unit is
located on the rear panel of the 100 above the AC mains terminal. By switching it to the ON
position the standby transformer is powered up. This triggers the measurement of your
mains voltage which takes approximately 2 seconds.
Switching ON and OFFThe POWER switch (23) switches the preamp on and off, presuming the AC mains switch
is in the ON position.
With the POWER switch (23) set to “OFF“ all functions of the preamp are powered down.
By flipping the POWER switch (23) from “OFF“ to “STBY“, the POWER LED (24) lights up
orange. This indicates that the unit is in standby mode.
When the POWER switch is in “STBY“ position, the unit can be switched on and off by
pulling up the POWER switch, pushing the POWER button on the BURMESTER remote
control, the BURLINK interface or by the DC IN jack.
In operating mode (ON) the POWER LED (24) lights up red and all functions of the preamp
are activated.
PLEASE NOTICE: Always switch off the preamp with the POWER switch first before
bringing the AC mains switch into OFF position.
Input selection With the INPUT switch key (13) you select the input you want to listen to. You can also use
the keys STATION+ and STATION-on the BURMESTER remote control. This requires, that
the preamp was selected by pushing the PHONO button on the remote control before. If
you, for example, press the DISC button and then use the STATION buttons, they will not
have any affect on the 100 Phono preamp.
The chosen input will be displayed via the INPUT LEDS (1) on the left side of the front
panel. In addition to the input the MC / MM LED will show what kind of module is equipped
on that input.
The settings for each input are stored separately. Thus if you switch between inputs you will
always have the last setting of that input available.
Input resistance With this option you are able to adjust the input resistance of the PHONO MC module to the
pickup of your record player. Usually the manufacturers of pickup systems have
recommended settings for this option. Of course you can try different settings, whatever
sounds best to your ears.
The 100 offers the option to choose between 33Ω, 75Ω, 220Ω, 390Ω, 1kΩand 47kΩ. This
allows you to find the optimal match to your pickup system.
By pressing the LOAD switch key (14)up or down or with the navigation buttons ▲ ▼ on
your remote control you will change this setting.
The chosen input resistance will be displayed by the IMPEDANCE-/CAPACITY LEDs (3).
Input capacitance With this option you are able to adjust the input capacitance of the PHONO MM module to
the pickup of your record player. Usually the manufacturers of pickup systems have
recommended settings for this option. Of course you can try different settings, whatever
sounds best to your ears.
The 100 offers the option to choose between 68pF, 120pF, 180pF, 220pF, 300pF and
400pF. This allows you to find the optimal match to your pickup system.
By pressing the LOAD switch key (14) up or down or with the navigation buttons ▲ ▼ on
your remote control you will change this setting.
The chosen input resistance will be displayed by the IMPEDANCE-/CAPACITY LEDs (3).

9
Input amplification With this option you are able to adjust the playback volume of the MC or MM module to the
pickup system of your record player.
By pressing the GAIN switch key (15) up or down or with the navigation buttons ►◄on
your remote control you will change this setting for each input. Choose the option which
sounds best to you. Therefore you have six different steps.
The input amplification differs depending on which module is installed. The scale for MC
modules is 57dB, 60dB, 63dB, 66dB, 69dB and 72dB. For MM modules the scale is 37dB,
40dB, 43dB, 46dB, 49dB and 52dB.
The chosen amplification will be displayed by the GAIN LEDs (4).
Subsonic filter The 100 offers the option to activate a subsonic filter. The subsonic filter eliminates low
frequency signals, which might come from the record player or wavy records. Switch on the
subsonic filter, if the bass membranes of your loudspeakers are moving very slowly with a
large swing.
The subsonic filter is activated or deactivated with the SUBSONIC switch key (16), or by
shortly pressing the SUBT button on your remote control. If the subsonic filter is activated,
the SUBSONIC ON LED (5) illuminates.
Output amplification If you are operating the preamp 100 with amplifiers with low input sensitivity, it is possible to
enhance the maximum amplification by +6dB.
To change the amplification the OUTPUT switch key (17) needs to be pulled up or the
SUBT button on your remote control needs to be pressed longer (app. 2 seconds). At high
amplification the OUTPUT +6dB LED (6) will illuminate.
Pressing the OUTPUT switch key (17) down or again longer pressing the SUBT button on
your remote control deactivates this function.
VU-Meter The 100 is equipped with an analog VU-Meter to display the modulation amplitude of the
ADC (Analog Digital Converter). If the VU-Meter displays 0dBFS, the maximum level of 2
Volts is present at the ADC input. This level must never be exceeded. Otherwise digital
distortion will occur. Adjust the input amplification of the 100 to a level that –3dBFS
(beginning of the red area) is not reached.
The OVERFLOW LED (9) is an additional display for the distortion without any inertia.
The meter displays either the left channel, the right channel or a mono equivalent of both
channels. By pressing the DIM / VU-Meter switch key (19) up or by pressing the MODE
button on your remote control you can toggle between the different operation modes. If
none of the VU-METER LEDs (10) is lit, the function is disabled.
Display brightness By pushing the switch key DIM / VU-METER (19) down, or by shortly pressing the DIM
button on your remote control you can adjust the brightness of your display in four steps
from “maximum brightness” to “off”.
If mode “off” is chosen, the display illuminates when the device is operated to indicate that a
function is controlled, and dims out after approximately six seconds.
ADC activation The 100 is equipped with an Analog Digital Converter (ADC) which allows you to digitalize
your record collection. You require a digital recording unit or a PC connected to the 100 to
be able to record music. By pressing the ADC switch key (21) up or by pressing the
AUDIO button on the BURMESTER remote control shortly the ADC function is activated.
One of the ADC-LEDs (11) illuminates indicating the active sample frequency. If the ADC is
activated the digital signals will be supplied at the outputs A/D OUT (39) and USB (37).
By pressing the ADC switch key (21) down or by pressing the AUDIO button on the
BURMESTER remote control longer (app. 2 seconds) the ADC is deactivated and
completely cut off from the signal path. This will be displayed by the ADC OFF LED (20).

10
ADC sample frequencyThe sample frequency of the ADC (Analog Digital Converter) is selectable. The choices are
48kHz, 96kHz and 192kHz. To change the sample frequency you need to press the ADC
switch key (21) up on the front panel or press the AUDIO button on your remote control
shortly. The selected frequency is indicated by the illuminated ADC LED(11). By pressing
the ADC switch key down or by pressing the AUDIO button on your remote control longer
(app. 2 seconds) the ADC is deactivated and indicated by the ADC OFF LED (20). The
sample frequency only affects the A/D OUT (39) output. The TOSLINK OUTPUT (TOTX on
the back panel) transmits sample frequencies up to 96 kHz only concerning its technical
properties.
PLEASE NOTICE: In case the sample frequency 192kHz is selected, the preamp applies
the signal only at the RCA output. The TOSLINK output does not have any signal. The USB
(37) output always has the same sample frequency of 48kHz.
Phase reversal In factory settings the preamp 100 passes incoming signals without phase reversal to the
balanced output. If the pin polarity of a connected amplifier differs from the pin polarity of
the 100 Phono preamp there is the possibility to reverse the phase of the output by 180˚.
The phase reversal is activated or deactivated by pushing the DIL switch key on the rear
panel of the 100 into the desired position.
Volume Control The 100 Phono preamp has the unique option to be operated with a volume control. This
options allows the direct use of the preamp with power amps or active loudspeakers. When
the unit operates in variable volume mode the VOLUME LED (7) lights up.
WARNING: When the VOLUME LED (7) is not lit you must not connect the 100 Phono
preamp to a power amp or active loudspeakers. The maximum volume level is active at the
outputs and may destroy your power amp or active loudspeakers.
To avoid accidental switching on or even worse switching off of this function, we configured
a combination of keys to its activation:
1. Use the POWER switch (23) to switch the 100 into standby mode.
2. Now, simultaneously, you have to pull up the DIM / VU-Meter switch key (19) and the
AUTO ADJUST switch key (22). Also the ADC switch key (21) needs to be pushed down.
Hold these three keys simultaneously while you now switch on the 100 preamp with the
POWER switch (23).
Now the VOLUME LED (7) indicates that the variable volume mode is active. You are now
able to change the volume by pressing the VOLUME + and VOLUME - buttons on your
remote control. When the 100 receives a volume command via remote control the VOLUME
LED (7) will flash. When the VOLUME LED (7) flashes slowly you have reached the
maximum volume level.
To deactivate the function again, you have to repeat the steps 1and 2.
ATTENTION: If you change from variable volume to fixed volume make sure to disconnect
your power amp or active loudspeakers from the 100 preamp!!!

11
Auto Adjust Some pickups show a pretty high level tolerance between the left and right channel. In this
case the 100 is equipped with an automatic level adjust function. This function measures
the channel difference and automatically adjusts it. This requires that your record player is
configured correctly.
PLEASE NOTICE: During the Auto Adjust measurement the unit will set up the technically
optimal input amplification. You can change this setting, if another input amplification
sounds better to you.
How to approach:
Select a moderate volume, household noise level at maximum.
Put the test record on your record player. Now lower the pickup on the record. The preamp
requires a 1kHz sine wave stereo signal. As soon as you hear the measurement signal,
activate the measurement by pushing the AUTO ADJUST switch key (22) up for
approximately 2 seconds.
During the measurement process the AUTO ADJ ON LED (12) will flash.
After incorrectly finishing the adjust process the AUTO ADJ ON LED (12) will stop flashing
and the AUTO ADJ OFF LED (12) will illuminate.
After correctly finishing the adjust process the AUTO ADJ ON LED (12) will stop flashing
and will illuminate constantly.
In case of incorrectly finishing you should check your record player if the right track was
selected, the connectors for any errors and the properties of the 100 preamp.
After correctly finishing the adjust process you will be able to deactivate it by pushing the
AUTO ADJUST switch key (22) down. Pushing up the AUTO ADJUST switch key (22) will
activate the function any time.
Defaults To recover factory settings the 100 preamp offers the option to load the default parameters.
All adjustments will be deleted, including the Auto Adjust.
With a combination of keys on the front panel similar to the activation of the volume control
the default parameters can be loaded:
1. Use the POWER switch (23) to switch the 100 into standby mode.
2. Now, simultaneously, you have to pull down the DIM / VU-Meter switch key (19), AUTO
ADJUST switch key (22) and the ADC switch key (21). Hold these three keys
simultaneously while you now switch on the 100 preamp with the POWER switch (23).
After correctly loaded default parameters, the settings are as followed:
•Load: 75Ω/ 120pF
•Gain: 66dB / 46dB
•Output: 0dB
•Subsonic: ON
•Variable: OFF
•VU-Meter: Mono
•DIM: maximum brightness
•ADC: OFF
•Auto Adjust: OFF
Previous Auto Adjust parameters will be deleted by loading the default parameters and
need to be calibrated again.
ERRORDISPLAY
Since the 100 Phono preamp is not equipped with a classic display, the POWER LED (24) will indicate any errors by
flashing. Should an error occur, the 100 preamp will switch itself into standby mode.
In case of a flashing POWER LED (24) in any color we ask you to switch of the unit and disconnect it from the power
grid. After approximately 10 seconds try again to switch on the 100 preamp. If there is still any error, please contact
your authorized dealer.

12
REMOTE CONTROL
The 100 Phono preamp is equipped as standard with a remote control.
Switching on/off The POWER button switches the preamp on or off, provided the mains switch on the rear
panel of the preamp is set to ON and the power switch on the front panel of the preamp is
set to STBY.
Input selection The buttons STATION + and STATION - toggle the inputs. These buttons will only react
toward the 100 Phono preamp, if the PHONO button on the remote control was activated as
last direct input selection. If you, for example, press the DISC button and then use the
STATION buttons, they will not have any affect on the 100 Phono preamp.
Input resistance The navigation keys ▲ ▼ change the input resistance of the currently selected MC input.
Input capacity The navigation keys ▲ ▼ change the input capacity of the currently selected MM input.
Input amplification The navigations keys ►◄change the input amplification of the currently selected input.
Playback volume With the buttons VOLUME + and VOLUME - you are able to adjust the playback volume.
By shortly pressing the VOLUME buttons you are able to change the volume in small steps.
The 100 needs to be in variable volume mode for these buttons to work.
Display brightness With the DIM button you are able to adjust the brightness of the display in 4 steps. These
steps vary between “max. brightness” and “off”.
If you choose the option “off” the display will only light up when you change anything. This
gives you a feedback about the changes you are applying. When you are done with your
changes, the display will go blank again after a couple of seconds.
Output amplification Longer pressing the button SUBT changes the overall amplification of the preamp. At high
amplification the OUTPUT +6dB LED (6) will illuminate. Again longer pressing the SUBT
button will switch back to normal amplification. This will be indicated by the OUTPUT 0dB
LED (6).
ADC on/off Pressing the AUDIO button will activate the ADC (Analog Digital Converter). One of the
ADC LEDs (11) will illuminate, indicating the last selected sampling frequency. Longer
pressing the AUDIO button (approximately 2 seconds) will deactivate the ADC.
Sampling frequency If the ADC (Analog Digital Converter) is activated, pressing the AUDIO button on your
remote control will toggle the sampling frequency between 48kHz, 96kHz and 192kHz. The
selected sampling frequency will be indicated by the illuminated ADC LED (11).
VU-Meter Every function of the VU-Meter can be controlled by the remote control. Pressing the MODE
button on your remote control toggles between the different functions and off (left -> right ->
mono -> off -> left etc.)
Subsonic filter Shortly pressing the SUBT button will activate or deactivate the subsonic filter.

13
BURLINK
CONNECTIONS
Connections to the BURLINK interface can either be done by the 9-pin D-SUB connector (RS-232) or by the USB
connector.
RS-232 configuration: 9600Baud, 8bit, parity: none, 1 stop bit, no hardware handshake
A USB device driver needs to be installed when using the USB connector. System requirements for using the USB
software are either WINDOWS 2000 or WINDOWS XP operating system.
COMMANDS
Listed below are the possible commands to control the preamp 100. All commands needs to be sent in capital letters
finished with a “carriage return“ \r .
POWON\r switches the unit on
POWOFF\r switches the unit to standby mode
INP+\r toggles the inputs of the preamp
INP-\r toggles the inputs of the preamp
INP1\r switches to input 1
INP2\r switches to input 2
VOLUP\r increases the volume by one step
VOLDN\r decreases the volume by one step
ADC\r switches the ADC on and toggles the sampling frequency between 48kHz, 96kHz
and 192kHz
ADC_OFF\r switches the ADC off
SUBS\r toggles the subsonic filter (on – off – on – off …)
SUBSONIC_ON\r switches the subsonic filter on
SUBSONIC_OFF\r switches the subsonic filter off
DIM\r toggles the brightness of the display (0,1,2,3,0,1,2....)
DIM0\r switches brightness to maximum
DIM1\r switches brightness to middle
DIM2\r switches brightness to low
DIM3\r switches the display off

14
LOAD_UP\r switches the input capacity or resistor (according to the equipped module) up
LOAD_DN\r switches the input capacity or resistor (according to the equipped module) down
GAIN_UP\r switches the input amplification up
GAIN_DN\r switches the input amplification down
OUT\r toggles the overall amplification between 0dB and +6dB
OUT_0DB\r switches the overall amplification to 0dB
OUT_6DB\r switches the overall amplification to +6dB
AUDOADJ_CAL\r starts the Auto Adjust calibration
AUDOADJ_ON\r switches the Auto Adjust on
AUDOADJ_OFF\r switches the Auto Adjust off
VUM\r toggles the VU-Meter settings between off – left – right - mono
TYPE\r shows the type of the unit
SNR\r show the serial number of the unit
VERSION\r shows the software version of the unit

15
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
Please read the owner’s manual carefully and keep it safely. If you have any questions, we ask you to contact
your local authorized dealer.
Operating temperature An operating temperature that is too high or too low may cause malfunctioning. We
therefore recommend letting the unit settle for a while after unpacking before connecting
and operating it.
Setting up When choosing a place for your equipment please observe the following:
- Avoid direct sunlight.
- Do not expose the equipment to excessive heat, cold, humidity or dust.
- Provide adequate air circulation; avoid placing the equipment in enclosures.
- Slots and other openings in the housing are for ventilation. They must not be covered up.
- Please make sure that the component is not exposed to dripping water or splash water,
also don’t place boxes with liquid onto your component.
- Open flames like candles must not be placed on top of any electronic unit.
Mains voltage For AC connection please use only the three-pronged power cable provided.
The grounding pin must not be bypassed under any circumstances. Connect the
component only to a wall outlet with fully functional grounding pin.
Since the power supply automatically adjusts to your ac mains voltage it is save to use the
100 with every established mains voltage.
Comm. Operation Before installation switch off all other components of your hifi system. Switch them back on
only after making sure that all connections have been made correctly and completely.
Never try to operate the equipment when it has obviously been damaged or if liquid has
gotten into it.
Terminals The pins of the connecting terminals on the back panel must not be touched under any
circumstances. Static discharges may damage the electronic circuitry inside the unit.
Interconnects We supply custom-made balanced as well as unbalanced interconnect cables and speaker
cables of any length to ensure highest-quality signal paths for our components. The
impedance of our cables is ideally matched to all BURMESTER components.
For the cleanest power supply we recommend our triple-shielded power cord BURMESTER-
POWER.
IR receiver The IR receiver receives signals from the BURMESTER remote control and must not be
covered up by any objects.
Heat development Be careful when touching the housing – it may get quite warm during operation.
Reset If the unit does not react when pressing the control keys on the front panel it may be reset
to normal operation by switching it off and back on using the AC mains switch in the back.

16
Lightening strikes During the summer months, malfunctions often occur due to voltage spikes in the power
lines after lightning strikes. Completely unplugging the power cord offers the only effective
protection. Merely switching the unit off does not suffice since voltage spikes are able to arc
over separated contacts.
Fuses The fuses are located inside the unit and should only be changed by a qualified technician.
Care Never clean the housing with a wet cloth or chemical cleaning agent. Always make sure that
no liquid gets into the housing.
This symbol on the equipment points to important notes, which can be found in the owner´
s manual.
This symbol on or inside the equipment warns of dangerously high voltage.
If the unit is to be put out of operation definitively, take it to a local recycling plant for a
disposal, which is not harmful to the environment.
CAUTION: The unit must only be opened by qualified experts. Opening the unit provides the
chance of encountering dangerously high voltage. Therefore the power cord must
always be unplugged before opening the equipment.

17
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