When the Bryston BR-20 preamplifier was launched in 2020, the company intended to call it BP-18. The decision to call it BR-20 was taken then to honor Bryston President Brian Russell, who passionately devoted his life to the Bryston brand and passed away in September, 2020. The BR-20 is an extremely complete and versatile analog preamplifier with built-in digital-to-analog conversion (DAC) and a high-performance streaming music player, allowing to connect up to 14 analog and digital source components.
In contrast, with just six inputs and no internal DAC and costing almost the same as the BR-20, the BP-19 preamplifier needs to appeal to those looking for superior audio performance. According to the company, the BP-19 analog preamplifier benefits from its oversized toroidal power transformer and only the finest hand-selected premium components. The optimized discrete operational amplifier delivers a staggeringly low THD+N measurement at or below 0.0006%. The signal path features a fully balanced design from input-to-output, using an array of very tightly matched components and a compact circuit architecture, achieving the lowest possible noise and superior common mode rejection. The BP-19 also employs an advanced volume attenuator, ensuring long-lasting, quiet, linear performance.
Bryston expectes that, for the devoted music enthusiast, these innovations, combined with the legendary hand-built excellence the company is known to offer, will translate to an appealing proposition. Not detracting from the quality offered by the BR-20, Bryston states that the BP-19 will offer "more lifelike performances, enhanced detail, and a greater sense of dimensionality and dynamics from all recordings."
The input array includes two pairs of balanced XLR input jacks and four pairs of RCA input connectors. There are two pairs of RCA (phono) outputs (one pair fixed, one pair variable), and two pair of balanced XLR outputs (one pair fixed, one pair variable).
For the first time ever, Bryston is offering the legendary BP-2 moving magnet (MM) phono stage circuit as an onboard option for the BP-19 preamp. "The BP-2 is highly accurate, offers extremely low noise, minuscule distortion, and provides headroom margins sufficient to prevent overload from any known phono source," the company explains. Bryston also offers specially designed, custom-made outboard step-up transformers to accommodate low output Moving Coil (MC) cartridge designs.
Many features of the BP-19 can be easily controlled using the included infrared remote. Each of the six analog inputs have corresponding buttons on the remote as well as on the front panel of the preamp. HEX codes are also available for use with a universal style remote control. The BP-19 preamplifier can also be controlled remotely using RS232 or IP when connected to a smart home ecosystem via the RS232 or Ethernet ports on the rear panel. The BP-19 can also be remotely turned on or placed into standby, and trigger outputs can be used to power on/off other connected equipment, such as a power amplifier.
The BP-19 is available in five standard faceplate finishes, in 17 or 19-inch widths. 19-inch rack mount for professional applications are also available. Bryston also offers personalized custom faceplate colors for the BP-19 and other electronics such as amplifiers, preamplifiers, CD players, digital players, phono stages, and DAC's. Users can choose from the standard colors or create a custom finish to suit any entertainment space or décor.
The Bryston BP-19 preamplifier will become available Q3, 2023 with an MSRP of $5,195.
www.bryston.com
