The Bryston BR-20 is said to bring together the best of Bryston's technologies into one ultra-high-performance audiophile hub. As well as built-in hi-res audio streaming chops, the capable BR-20 also boasts wired connectivity options for no fewer than fourteen analogue and digital sources.
The Candian brand says that the BR-20's analogue preamplifier is a result of years of R&D into a new discreet buffer amplifier capable of delivering a staggeringly low total harmonic distortion measurement below 0.0006%. The analogue signal path is a fully balanced design, using an array of very tightly matched components and a compact circuit design to achieve the lowest possible noise and superior common-mode rejection, the Ontario-based company goes on to state.
Chris Russell, Bryston CEO and technical supervisor, told StereoNET:
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; analogue or digital. 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 honour.
Many Input Options
Sporting Bryston's most advanced DAC and digital player/streaming platform, the BR-20 can access high-resolution content from up to seven external digital sources, plus Tidal and Qobuz from the internal digital music player. The DAC can decode PCM up to 384 kHz/24 bit and DSD 256, and it has the unique capability to decode DSD over HDMI thanks to an optional four input plug-in HDMI card.
The optional HDMI card enables you to connect a compatible SACD player as well as 4K and HDR sources such as Apple TV and Blu-Ray players to the BR-20.
The bit-perfect digital music player inside the BR-20 will manage large networked music libraries thanks to gigabit Ethernet, more RAM and the addition of USB 3.0 connectivity for external music storage. The BR-20's built-in music player will natively pass PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD128 to the DAC.
The BR-20 also features Bryston's new Low Z headphone amp, providing the high-output and critical low-output impedance to drive even inefficient headphone models.
Completing the multitude of connection options is a premium quality Moving Magnet (MM) phono stage, which is equivalent to Bryston's highly regarded outboard BP-2.
Control
Naturally, with the abundance of inputs and options available on the BR-20, the controls go well beyond the front panel buttons. The BR-4 remote control can be user-configured, and a web-enabled phone or tablet can be used to adjust volume and change sources. Additionally, you can rename inputs and hide those not in use.
For those who prefer a darkened listening space, the front panel LEDs and display can be dimmed or disabled. Smart home integrators can implement control of the BR-20 using IP, RS232 and trigger input/output options.
The BR-20 will be available in November 2020 at a UK MSRP of £7500 inc. VAT. The optional HDMI card will cost £1200, and the phono stage can be added for £950.
See Bryston for more information
Posted in: Hi-Fi
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