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Bricasti Design M20 Preamplifier
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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Bricasti Design M20 Preamplifier — ultra-transparent, high-precision control
The Bricasti M20 excels as a near-transparent, technically refined preamplifier, driven by an R‑2R attenuator and exceptionally low distortion (THD+N 0.0007%) with >120 dB crosstalk. Reviewers from Michael Zisserson note a slightly sweetened neutral balance that adds musical warmth without obscuring detail. Dynamics and imaging are strong—delivering solid micro‑ and macro‑dynamics, a wider soundstage, and improved spatial clarity—while flexible I/O (dual XLR, RCA, three discrete outputs and a 90 dB attenuator in 1 dB steps) supports bi/tri‑amping and precise level matching. Built in the USA from billet aluminum with premium internals, the M20 pairs especially well with high-end sources (notably Bricasti’s M1). For listeners who prioritize transparency, upgradeability and surgical build quality, the M20 offers a compelling high‑end value that rivals much pricier designs.
Pros
- World-class transparency and ultra-low distortion/crosstalk yield an uncolored, highly revealing presentation.
- Premium, US-made construction (billet aluminum chassis, ceramic PCBs, precision components) for long-term reliability and low noise.
- Flexible connectivity and control — dual balanced inputs, three discrete analog outputs, per-input level offsets and a 90 dB attenuator in 1 dB steps — enabling bi/tri‑amping and precise source matching.
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Cons
- Slightly sweetened tonal balance compared with absolute neutrality, which may be audible to highly neutral-preferring listeners.
- No integrated DAC, phono stage or headphone circuitry—buyers will need additional components for a fully featured system.
Transparency
94/100
Reviewer describes the M20 as a 'damn-near transparent window into the music' and that it 'sounds like the M20 is not even in the signal path.' Technical specs back this up (THD+N 0.0007%, crosstalk >120dB), indicating an exceptionally low noise/floor and minimal coloration.
Sound Quality
91/100
Dynamics
90/100
Review highlights excellent technical performance (very low THD+N and high maximum output levels) and reports improved detail and liveliness vs sources alone, implying very good micro- and macro-dynamic preservation. No reports of compression or lifelessness were noted.
Soundstage Imaging
92/100
Reviewer notes a wider soundstage and increased space for background vocals and percussive accents compared to the source alone, indicating strong imaging, width and depth preservation. The M20 appears to enhance spatial clarity without artificial widening.
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Build Quality
94/100
Reviewer details premium internal parts (Vishay foil resistors, ceramic-based PCBs), US-made billet aluminum chassis, and meticulous in-house assembly—all hallmarks of top-tier construction. The discrete solid-state design and robust attenuator implementation further support a high build-quality score.
Features Connectivity
87/100
The M20 offers balanced XLR I/O, unbalanced RCA, trigger out and a 90 dB attenuator in 1 dB steps; reviewer also highlights three discrete analog outputs and per-input level offset customization. This yields a well-featured active preamp (bi/tri-amp capability and input leveling) without added phono/DAC/headphone extras.
Value for Money
91/100
At $12,500 the reviewer calls the M20 'pricy in the big picture' but explicitly states it 'represents a value in high-end audio' and 'competes with preamps costing many times higher,' endorsing the unit as a justified premium purchase in its segment.
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