Bryston's New Do-It-All Preamp

by The Audio Beat | October 8, 2020

ryston calls its new BR-20 remote-controlled preamp ($5995) "an ultimate performance audiophile hub." It combines a new analog circuit with the company's best digital-to-analog conversion platform, and it also includes video switching in its rich feature set.

The BR-20’s analog preamplifier features an optimized discrete buffer amplifier with THD+N at or below 0.0006%. The analog signal path is fully balanced and "compact . . to achieve the lowest possible noise and superior common-mode rejection." The BR-20’s DAC and digital player/streaming platforms allow users to access music from up to seven external sources, and the internal digital music player offers TIDAL and Qobuz streaming capabilities. The internal DAC can decode PCM up to 384kHz/24 bits and DSD 256 (DSD x4), and it has the unusual capability to decode DSD over HDMI. With the BR-20’s optional HDMI card ($1200), audiophiles can connect a compatible SACD player via in order to utilize the BR-20’s onboard decoders. A moving-magnet phono stage "equivalent to Bryston’s outboard BP-2" ($1000) is also an option.

If users have combined audio-video systems, they can connect 4K and HDR sources such as Apple TV, Blu-ray players and more to the BR-20, while passing the high-resolution video through to their monitors or projectors.

Finally, also included is Bryston’s "most powerful onboard headphone amplifier." It provides the high output capabilities and low output impedance required to drive even inefficient headphones.