An apparatus (10) for preparation of acetylene and synthesis gas by partial oxidation of hydrocarbons with oxygen is proposed, comprising a reactor (12). The reactor (12) has a burner block (14) with a firing space for acetylene preparation, a secondary space (18) formed within the burner block (14), and an annular space (20) surrounding the secondary space (18). The burner block (14) has holes (22) for supply of a stream of a mixture of hydrocarbons and oxygen to the firing space and holes (24) for supply of a stream of auxiliary oxygen to the firing space. The holes (24) for supply of a stream of auxiliary oxygen to the firing space are connected to the secondary space (18). The secondary space (18) is connected to the annular space (20).There is a further proposal of a process for preparing acetylene and synthesis gas by partial oxidation of hydrocarbons with oxygen.