Bricasti Design M20 Preamplifier
The Bricasti Design M20 brings near-transparent control, a wide, spacious soundstage, and a subtly sweet tonal grace to serious systems. Michael Zisserson found it preserves source detail while opening extra space around vocals and percussion. Its independently buffered outputs and precise R-2R attenuation make it a compelling centerpiece for refined single-, bi-, or tri-amped rigs.
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Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
92/100
Build Quality
94/100
Features Connectivity
87/100
Value for Money
95/100
Pros
Exceptionally transparent signal handling preserves source detail while expanding perceived space and soundstage.
Independently buffered outputs support transparent single-, bi-, and tri-amp configurations.
Premium construction includes precision components, ceramic-based circuit boards, billet-aluminum chassis work, and in-house US assembly.
Cons
Its presentation sits slightly on the sweet side of neutral, which may not suit listeners seeking absolute tonal neutrality.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 92/100
The M20 is portrayed as an exceptionally transparent line stage, adding very little apparent signature while still lending a subtly sweet, musically appealing character. The review also reports a wider, more spacious presentation than running the associated DAC directly, although it offers limited direct listening commentary on dynamic expression.
Transparency Resolution
97/100
Michael Zisserson calls the M20 the best preamplifier he has heard at fulfilling the ideal of leaving the selected source untouched. He describes it as a “damn-near transparent window into the music,” with so little apparent effect on the M1 DAC signal that it seems absent from the chain.
Tonal Balance Musicality
91/100
The M20 is described as sitting on the sweet side of neutral rather than sounding overtly colored. It added a touch of sweetness to tightly layered harmonies, but the reviewer heard this as a welcome character embellishment rather than a loss of fidelity.
Dynamics
85/100
The review reports exceptionally low quoted THD+N and crosstalk figures, supporting a clean, unconstrained signal path. It says little directly about subjective microdynamic nuance, large-scale impact, or transient slam in listening, so this aspect is less fully documented than its transparency and spatial performance.
Soundstage Imaging
93/100
Compared with the DAC alone, the reviewer heard more detail and a wider soundstage at normal listening levels. Background vocals and percussion were said to have more space, indicating stronger separation and a more open spatial presentation.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
94/100
The review describes unusually premium internal execution, including precision components and ceramic-based circuit boards selected for low leakage and signal preservation. It also cites solid-aluminum-billet chassis construction, US manufacturing, and in-house final assembly and testing.
Features Connectivity
87/100
The M20 provides two balanced XLR inputs, an RCA input, balanced and unbalanced outputs, and three separately buffered analog outputs for single-, bi-, or tri-amplified systems. Useful setup provisions include per-input level offsets and a trigger output, though it does not present itself as a feature-heavy control center with onboard digital, phono, or headphone facilities.
Value for Money
95/100
At $12,500, the M20 is plainly a costly component, but the reviewer explicitly considers it a high-end value. It is said to perform competitively against preamplifiers costing many times more, with performance described as competitive at virtually any high-end price point.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
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Specifications
- Balanced Analog Inputs/Outputs
- 2 XLR balanced (pin 2 hot)
- Unbalanced Analog Input/Output
- 1 RCA
- THD+N
- 0.0007% 20-20k typical
- Max input level
- +20 dbu Balanced
- Max output level
- +23 dbu Balanced\n+16 dbu unbalanced
- Input impedance
- 200k ohm
- Crosstalk
- > 120db
- Trigger out
- TRS mini jack, 5V ring, ground Bp
- Attenuator
- 90 db in 1 db steps from 0 to -89db
Manufacturer's Description — Bricasti Design
The Bricasti Design
Model 20 Preamplifier
Available in Platinum and classic black finish, the M20 Series dual mono preamplifier builds on the analog design of the M12 dual mono source controller to deliver a rich analog experience with fluid, fast and tonally balanced audio. The M20 Features fully differential and independently buffered signal paths for superior isolation and purity of sound. A proprietary, all discrete resister ladder attenuator, ceramic circuit boards and three dynamic Class A linear power transformers create the ultimate platform for your audio system. is a hand-crafted design, years in the making an countless hours of listening.
Reference tone
The attenuator is a discreet ladder of digitally controlled resistors in 1dB steps utilizing Vishay foil resistors in key locations in the circuit; we find them to have a unique sound so we employed them to impart a tonal character to the M20, and PCB material is made from ceramic materials with excellent dialectic properties. The final output buffers are a proprietary discreet design and level control is accomplished using a R2R ladder technique allowing for perfect balance and tonal character at any level with recall, programmable input offset and remote control capabilities.
Heart of your system
There are three separately buffered analog outputs, two balanced one unbalanced. The output buffers are our own discreet design that is based on our other products like the M1, M12 and M21. All signal switching and hard output mutes are done using logic controlled relays. With 3 separately buffered outputs the M20 is ideal for bi amp applications with two balanced outs to drive two power amps or running two or three zones.
Uniquely Bricasti
The M20 is a fully differential dual mono preamp powered by three linear power supplies, one for each of the analog sections and a separate supply for the digital control circuit processor to ensure isolation from the analog PCB and power supplies. So in this way the M20 is a full Class A design. The M20 comes complete with Stillpoints isolator feet, is available in our Classic finish of anodized black and clear aluminum or in the platinum Series with chrome front and brass fittings.
Masterfully connected
The M20 includes 2 balanced XLR inputs/outputs and 1 unbalanced, RCA input/output. Pre-set channel naming conventions from the display can be uniquely customized through the menu as well as fine adjustment of level offset. The trigger-out mini-jack on the rear can be connected to the our power amps like the M28s or DACs like the M21 to send a 5V DC voltage trigger to power them in and out of standby from power off or standby on the M20.
Handcrafted in the USA
All of our products are crafted in the old world tradition, in a classic brick mill building in Massachusetts USA by a team of individuals dedicated to excellence.
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Authorized dealers for Bricasti Design M20 Preamplifier
- Akalın Muzik Ltd. — in-store — İstanbul, Turkey (website)
- Alma Music & Audio — online and in-store — San Diego, California, United States (website)
- Audio Archon — online and in-store — Libertyville, Illinois, United States (website)
- Audio Magic - EU — online and in-store — Wola, Województwo mazowieckie, Poland (website)
- AV Solutions - Italy — online and in-store — Aosta, Valle d'Aosta, Italy (website)
- East End Hi-Fi — online and in-store — Brookhaven, New York, United States (website)
- Erdal Stereo — in-store — Erdal, Vestland, Norway (website)
- Fat Cat Audio — United States (website)
- Fred's Sound Of Music AV — in-store — Portland, Oregon, United States (website)
- Jordan Acoustics — in-store — Christchurch, England, United Kingdom (website)
and 27 more verified dealers