Bryston BR-20 Preamplifier, DAC & Network Streamer

The Bryston BR-20 is much more than an analog preamplifier. It combines Bryston's fully balanced Class A analog preamp architecture with a high-resolution DAC, network music streamer, dedicated headphone amplifier and extensive digital connectivity in a single chassis.

For systems that need even more flexibility, the BR-20 can also be ordered with an internal Moving Magnet phono stage, 4K HDMI module, or both.

The result is a true high-end system hub capable of handling analog sources, high-resolution digital audio, network streaming, headphones, vinyl and even HDMI sources without requiring a stack of separate components.

Four BR-20 Configurations

The Bryston BR-20 is available from The Grid in four configurations:

• BR-20 Base
• BR-20 with MM Phono
• BR-20 with HDMI
• BR-20 with MM Phono + HDMI

Choose the base BR-20 for a primarily analog and digital two-channel system, add the MM phono stage for vinyl playback, HDMI for additional digital and A/V connectivity, or equip it with both for the most complete BR-20 configuration.

Fully Balanced Class A Analog Preamplifier

The foundation of the BR-20 is Bryston's fully discrete Class A analog circuitry.

Rather than treating the analog preamplifier as just another section of a digital component, Bryston developed a new discrete operational amplifier specifically for the BR-20.

The result is exceptionally low measured distortion of 0.0006% THD+N or less.

The analog and digital circuits also receive independent power supplies, helping isolate the critical analog signal path from the extensive digital circuitry inside the BR-20.

High-Resolution DAC

Bryston incorporates digital conversion technology derived from its award-winning BDA-3 DAC directly into the BR-20.

The internal DAC supports high-resolution playback up to:

• PCM 384kHz / 32-bit
• DSD ×4

Standard digital connectivity includes:

• 2 AES/EBU inputs
• 2 TOSLINK optical inputs
• 2 S/PDIF coaxial inputs
• USB digital input

With the optional HDMI module installed, the BR-20 can accommodate up to 10 digital inputs.

Built-In High-Resolution Network Streamer

A high-resolution network music streamer based on Bryston's BDP platform is also built directly into the BR-20.

The streamer is designed to play back virtually any digital file format at its native resolution and can be controlled through Bryston's web-based interface from a:

• Smartphone
• Tablet
• Computer

This means a BR-20 paired with a Bryston power amplifier and a great pair of loudspeakers can form an exceptionally clean high-end digital playback system without requiring a separate DAC or network streamer.

Optional MM Phono Stage

Vinyl listeners can order the BR-20 with Bryston's internal Moving Magnet phono stage.

The optional phono module replaces one of the BR-20's RCA analog inputs, allowing a compatible MM turntable cartridge to connect directly to the preamplifier.

This is an especially attractive option for someone who wants a high-performance analog and digital system without adding a separate phono preamplifier.

For Moving Coil cartridges or more advanced analog systems, The Grid can match the BR-20 with an appropriate external phono stage.

Optional 4K HDMI Module

The BR-20 can also be ordered with Bryston's internal HDMI module.

The module provides:

• 4 HDMI inputs
• 1 HDMI output
• 4K HDR compatibility
• DSD over HDMI support

This makes the BR-20 particularly useful for a high-end two-channel system that also needs to accommodate HDMI-equipped digital sources.

Rather than adding an A/V receiver to a dedicated music system, the BR-20 can remain at the center of the two-channel signal path while providing HDMI connectivity when required.

Dedicated Headphone Amplifier

Bryston didn't treat the headphone output as an afterthought.

The BR-20 incorporates a dedicated low-output-impedance headphone amplifier designed with enough power to properly drive even difficult headphones.

For listeners who split their time between loudspeakers and headphones, the BR-20 can serve as the centerpiece for both.

Analog Connectivity

The BR-20 provides four analog inputs in its standard configuration:

• 2 balanced XLR inputs
• 2 single-ended RCA inputs

When the optional MM phono stage is installed, one RCA input becomes the dedicated phono input.

Output is fully balanced with:

• 2 balanced XLR output pairs

Relay switching is used for all inputs, while the BR-20 incorporates software-controlled balanced-action volume control.

System Control

The BR-20 is designed to work as the control center for an entire system.

It includes the Bryston BR-4 remote control, along with RS232 and network connectivity for integration into more advanced control systems.

Digital inputs can also be assigned to front-panel and remote-control buttons and given custom names, making a system with numerous connected sources much easier to operate.

Key Features

• Type: High-End Preamplifier / DAC / Network Streamer
• Analog Circuitry: Fully discrete Class A
• THD+N: ≤0.0006%
• Analog Inputs: 2 XLR + 2 RCA
• Balanced Outputs: 2 pairs
• DAC Resolution: Up to PCM 384kHz / 32-bit
• DSD: Up to DSD ×4
• AES/EBU Inputs: 2
• TOSLINK Inputs: 2
• S/PDIF Coaxial Inputs: 2
• USB Digital Input: Yes
• Network Streamer: Built in
• Headphone Amplifier: Dedicated Low-Z design
• Remote: Bryston BR-4 included
• Network Control: Yes
• RS232 Control: Yes
• Analog/Digital Power Supplies: Independent
• Made in Canada

Optional MM Phono Module

• Internal Moving Magnet phono stage
• Replaces one RCA analog input

Optional HDMI Module

• 4 HDMI inputs
• 1 HDMI output
• 4K HDR compatible
• Supports DSD over HDMI

One Component at the Center of the System

The BR-20 makes the most sense when you look at everything it can replace.

You can use it as a reference analog preamplifier, high-resolution DAC, network streamer and headphone amplifier right out of the box.

Add the optional phono stage and it can handle your turntable.

Add HDMI and it can accommodate HDMI-equipped sources.

Add both and the BR-20 becomes one of the most versatile control centers Bryston has ever built.

Pair it with a Bryston 3B³, 4B³, 14B³ or a pair of 7B³ or 28B³ monoblocks, and you can build everything from a relatively compact high-performance system to a full reference-level Bryston setup.

Experience Bryston at The Grid HiFi

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

The BR-20 gives you a lot of ways to build a system, which also means choosing the right configuration matters.

The Grid can help determine whether you need the base BR-20, MM phono version, HDMI version or fully equipped MM phono + HDMI version, and match it with the right Bryston power amplifier, loudspeakers, turntable and cartridge, digital sources, subwoofers, cabling and equipment support.

Whether you're building a dedicated analog system, a high-resolution streaming system or one system capable of handling virtually everything, the BR-20 provides an exceptional foundation.

Contact The Grid HiFi for Bryston BR-20 availability, demonstrations, configuration recommendations, system matching and professional setup.