Burson Timekeeper GT4 Max Review by HiFi Geek: At the Threshold of Ultra-High-End

Björn of HiFi Geek spent several weeks with a pair of Burson Timekeeper GT4 monoblocks in the Max package, which Burson provided. The review is in German. The quotes and summary below are our English translation.

Test System

Björn used an Eversolo DMP-A6 as streamer and DAC and a Fosi Audio ZP3 preamp. His main speakers were Arendal 1723 towers, with Amphion Argon 3S speakers, an Arendal 1961 1V sub and an SVS SB-5000 sub also in the room. He used a MiniDSP UMIK-1 for FIR room correction.

Design and Features

• One XLR and one RCA input, trigger in and out, and a 4-pin 32V power connector
• Mode switching on the rear panel
• About two-thirds of standard component width, with a massive aluminium build
• A high idle bias, so the amps run warm. Björn advises against stacking them: use an open rack or the Burson Mothership.
• Active cooling with side vents that must not be covered

Timekeeper GT4 Sound: Warm, Detailed and Composed

Björn describes the sound as slightly warm but extremely detailed, with a pitch-black background. He hears transparent, clean highs, a wide and stable soundstage, and punchy, controlled bass. The amps stayed composed at levels above 100dB.

In A/B tests against other power amps, he found the GT4 more composed, with better separation.

Drawbacks

• Heat and power consumption
• To get the best from them you need capable speakers, a matching chain and a suitable room
• The price is high-end

Verdict

Björn puts the Timekeeper GT4 “right at the threshold to ultra-high-end, just without the price tag of Gryphon, Burmester or McIntosh”. Personally, he says he would not need to look any further.

Watch the full video (in German) on YouTube, or read the written test on hifigeek.de.

Discover the full features and specifications on the Burson Timekeeper GT4 product page.