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Bryston BP-2 MM/MC Moving Magnet / Moving Coil Phono Gain Stage
Phono gain stages are rather un-glamorous. But that's the point. This one trick pony simply accepts analog audio from your turntable's cartridge and amplifies it to a level that your main preamplifier can understand. What makes the BP-2 so special is that it can take such a minuscule signal--2mV or so and amplify it with so little distortion and so little added noise. When switched into MC mode, zero additional noise is added. The transformers are wound so precisely, they are virtually distortion free making the most of your priceless MC cartridge. This is true analog bliss.
Features
- MM Mode Applies 41dB of gain from your moving magnet phono cartridge or high output MC cartridge
- Swich into MC mode to engage top quality step up transformers to apply additional 20 or 30dB of gain.
- Available upon order with 20dB transformers for 0.3-1mV cartridges or 30dB transformers for cartridges less than 0.3mV
- Class A discrete operational amplifiers
- Ultra precise RIAA equalization
- Powered from external Bryston PSU
- Very quiet operation and very low distortion
- Compact chassis can be placed nearby turntable or preamplifier
- Front panel Mute switch
- Internally configurable for capacitive loading
Options
- Silver or black faceplate
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Professional Reviews 90/100
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
92/100
Cartridge Compatibility
87/100
Build Quality
86/100
Value for Money
90/100
The Bryston BP-2 MM/MC phono gain stage brings vinyl to life with an inky-black noise floor, neutral clarity and a touch of vocal-friendly warmth. Carlo Lo Raso found its presentation full, lush and richly detailed, with deep controlled bass, broad imaging and exceptional headroom. Its straightforward MM/MC versatility makes it a compellingly unfussy high-end analogue anchor.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Exceptionally quiet, low-distortion playback with a silent background on both MM and MC cartridges.
Balances neutral, revealing detail with warmth, full-bodied vocals and deep, controlled bass.
Generous headroom and transformer-based MC capability deliver composed, musical sound without complex setup.
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Cons
The MM/MC selector is awkwardly positioned on the rear panel between the input and output jacks.
No balanced XLR outputs.
Limited adjustability may not suit listeners who want extensive cartridge loading and gain tailoring.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 92/100
Reviewers hear an exceptionally quiet, clean and musically complete presentation, combining neutral insight with a touch of vocal-friendly warmth. It preserves strong bass weight, clear spatial presentation and ample composure on demanding records.
Transparency Noise Floor
95/100
HomeTheaterHifi found background noise completely nonexistent with both MM and MC cartridges. With the system powered and the preamp volume at maximum, the reviewer heard complete silence from the speakers, alongside very clean, low-distortion playback.
Tonal Balance Musicality
93/100
The tonal balance was described as exceedingly neutral and revealing, with enough warmth to make vocals shine. Reviewers also heard full, lush, rich and involving sound across several cartridge combinations rather than a dry or overly analytical presentation.
Dynamics
91/100
The BP-2-20 is said to have generous headroom, with the reviewer expecting it not to overload even on exceptionally large groove excursions. Listening comments also describe potent drums, convincing instrumental weight and a rollicking sense of musical energy.
Soundstage Imaging
91/100
With the Sumiko cartridge, the Bryston revealed a broad, lush orchestral stage with substantial detail. Another listening session produced a full but clear stage, firmly centered vocals and a vividly projected saxophone.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Cartridge Compatibility
87/100
The BP-2-20 supports both moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges, and switching between them is reported to be as simple as using a front-panel switch. Its transformer-based arrangement avoids internal gain and loading setup, though reviewers note that listeners wanting extensive loading and gain tailoring may find its adjustment range limiting.
Build Quality
86/100
Review coverage points to high-quality input transformers and a dedicated external Bryston power-supply arrangement, both intended to support clean, robust amplification. Reviewers say little about chassis construction, internal layout or long-term durability.
Value for Money
90/100
At roughly $1,800 to $2,000 for the gain stage, plus a required power supply if one is not already owned, this is not positioned as a low-cost option. Even so, reviewers judge its performance competitive with, and at times superior to, more expensive phono stages, making the premium persuasive for listeners who prioritize straightforward high-end performance.
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Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Bryston BP-2 MM/MC Moving Magnet / Moving Coil Phono Gain Stage
- Absolute Audio - Canada — in-store — Calgary, Alberta, Canada (website)
- Acoustic Sounds — online and in-store — Salina, Kansas, United States (website)
- Acoustic Technologies — online and in-store — Montréal, Québec, Canada (website)
- Addicted to Audio — online and in-store — Epping, Victoria, Australia (website)
- ALAIN CHOUKROUN — online and in-store — Paris, Île-de-France, France (website)
- All That Audio — in-store — Anaheim, California, United States (website)
- Ambiance Concert — in-store — Angers, Pays de la Loire, France (website)
- American Sound — in-store — Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada (website)
- Analogue Seduction — online and in-store — Whittlesey, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Audible Elegance — online and in-store — Cincinnati, Ohio, United States (website)
and 107 more verified dealers