Bryston BP-3 MM/MC Phono Preamplifier

The Bryston BP-3 is a dedicated high-performance phono preamplifier designed for both Moving Magnet and Moving Coil cartridges.

Its job sounds simple: take the extremely small electrical signal generated by a phono cartridge, accurately apply RIAA equalization, and amplify that signal enough for your main preamplifier.

Doing that without adding noise or distortion is where things get difficult.

The BP-3 combines Class A discrete amplification, ultra-precise RIAA equalization and high-quality Moving Coil step-up transformers in a compact chassis designed specifically for serious vinyl playback.

Moving Magnet & Moving Coil

In Moving Magnet mode, the BP-3 provides 41dB of gain, making it suitable for conventional MM cartridges as well as many high-output Moving Coil cartridges.

Switch the BP-3 into Moving Coil mode and precision step-up transformers provide additional gain for low-output MC cartridges.

Two transformer configurations are available:

• 20dB MC transformers — recommended for cartridges with approximately 0.3–1mV output
• 26dB MC transformers — recommended for cartridges with less than 0.3mV output

Choosing the correct version matters. Cartridge output should determine which transformer configuration is used rather than simply selecting the version with more gain.

Precision Moving Coil Transformers

Instead of using another active amplification stage for low-output Moving Coil cartridges, Bryston uses carefully wound step-up transformers.

The transformers provide the additional gain required by an MC cartridge while adding virtually no additional noise.

This gives the BP-3 the flexibility of a complete MM/MC phono stage while retaining the advantages of transformer-based Moving Coil gain.

Class A Discrete Amplification

The BP-3 uses Class A discrete operational amplifiers for its active amplification circuitry.

The design is focused on extremely low noise and distortion—particularly important with vinyl, where the signal coming from the cartridge may measure only a few millivolts or even fractions of a millivolt.

Total harmonic distortion plus noise is rated at less than 0.005% from 20Hz to 20kHz.

Ultra-Precise RIAA Equalization

Records aren't cut with a flat frequency response.

During playback, the phono stage must accurately apply the inverse RIAA equalization curve to restore the correct tonal balance.

Bryston uses ultra-precise RIAA equalization in the BP-3 to maintain the accuracy of the original recording throughout the phono amplification process.

Configurable Cartridge Loading

The BP-3 can be internally configured for capacitive loading, allowing the phono stage to be better matched to the electrical characteristics of the cartridge.

Cartridge loading, gain and output level all matter when setting up a high-performance analog system.

The Grid can help determine the appropriate BP-3 configuration based on the cartridge being used.

External Bryston Power Supply Required

The BP-3 does not contain its own AC power supply.

It must be powered by a compatible external Bryston power supply:

• Bryston PS-3
• Bryston MPS-2

Separating the power supply from the sensitive phono circuitry helps keep AC power and transformer noise physically away from the extremely low-level cartridge signal.

The compact BP-3 chassis can then be positioned near the turntable or preamplifier.

Simple Analog Signal Path

Connectivity is intentionally straightforward:

• RCA phono input
• RCA analog output

A front-panel Mute switch provides convenient control when changing records or working with the turntable.

There are no digital inputs, network functions or unnecessary processing. The BP-3 is built specifically to handle the signal coming from your phono cartridge.

Key Specifications

• Type: MM/MC Phono Preamplifier
• MM Gain: 41dB
• MC Gain Options: Additional 20dB or 26dB
• 20dB MC Version: Recommended for 0.3–1mV cartridges
• 26dB MC Version: Recommended for cartridges below 0.3mV
• Amplification: Class A discrete operational amplifiers
• RIAA Equalization: Ultra-precise
• Capacitive Loading: Internally configurable
• Analog Input: RCA
• Analog Output: RCA
• THD+N: <0.005%, 20Hz–20kHz
• Noise: <-80dB referenced to 5mV input
• Mute: Front-panel switch
• Power Supply: External Bryston PS-3 or MPS-2 required
• Dimensions: 5.7" W × 2.75" H × 8.25" D
• Weight: 3.6 lbs. / 1.6 kg
• Made in Canada

Available Finishes

The Bryston BP-3 is available with several faceplate finishes:

• Silver
• Black
• White
• Gun Metal Grey
• Champagne

BP-3 vs. TF-3

The BP-3 and TF-3 perform different jobs.

The TF-3 is a passive Moving Coil step-up transformer. It provides additional gain for an MC cartridge but still requires a separate Moving Magnet phono stage.

The BP-3 is the phono stage.

It provides the active MM amplification and RIAA equalization itself, while also incorporating step-up transformers when switched into Moving Coil mode.

If you already own a high-quality MM phono stage and simply need to accommodate a low-output MC cartridge, the TF-3 may be the better solution.

If you need a complete phono preamplifier capable of handling both MM and MC cartridges, the BP-3 is the appropriate choice.

Experience Bryston Analog at The Grid HiFi

The Grid HiFi is your Bryston, turntable and high-end analog audio expert in Houston, Texas.

A phono stage should be matched to the cartridge—not simply chosen from a specification sheet.

The Grid can help determine whether your system needs the 20dB or 26dB Moving Coil version of the BP-3, select the appropriate PS-3 or MPS-2 power supply, and properly match the phono stage with your turntable, tonearm, cartridge, preamplifier, amplifier and loudspeakers.

We can also professionally install and align your cartridge, including proper tracking force, cartridge alignment, VTA and azimuth where applicable.

Contact The Grid HiFi for Bryston BP-3 availability, cartridge compatibility, power supply selection and professional turntable setup.