The Bryston BR-20 preamplifier combines a new, highly advanced analog preamplifier with the company’s flagship digital-to-analog conversion (DAC) platform and a high-performance streaming music player to create “an ultimate performance audiophile hub,” according to the company.
The BR-20 supports up to 15 sources with a variety of analog and digital inputs. Users can access high-resolution content from up to seven external sources plus the internal digital music player that offers TIDAL and Qobuz streaming capability.
Connectivity for an additional four HDMI sources becomes accessible from the optional HDMI card ($1,200). The internal DAC can decode PCM up to 384 kHz/24 bit and DSD 256 (DSD x4) and can decode DSD over HDMI. With the optional HDMI card, audiophiles can connect a compatible SACD player over HDMI.
Users 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 display or projector.
The BR-20 also features what Bryston says is its most powerful onboard headphone amplifier ever offered. For vinyl fans, a moving magnet (MM) phono stage can be added for $1,000.
“Our new BR-20 preamplifier offers a never-before experienced degree of audio clarity, transparency and detail, along with tremendous flexibility in handling every kind of audio signal; analog or digital,” says Chris Russell, Bryston CEO and technical supervisor. “I know my brother Brian was very proud and excited about the things we have been able to accomplish with the BR-20, and we are also proud to name it in his honor.”
The $5,995 Bryston BR-20 is expected to ship to dealers in Q4, 2020.
More Bryston News: Bryston Supports Dealers with 4B Amp Trade-in Program