Bricasti
Bricasti M20 Preamplifier
$12,500.00 USDWhat's in the Box?
Warranty
Crafted with precision, the Bricasti M20 Preamplifier offers a choice between a sleek Platinum or classic black finish. Building upon the analog design principles of its predecessor, the M12 dual mono source controller, the M20 Series delivers an immersive analog experience marked by fluid, fast, and tonally balanced audio reproduction. At its core, the M20 features fully differential and independently buffered signal paths, ensuring superior isolation and purity of sound. This design choice contributes to its exceptional audio performance, allowing every detail of the music to be faithfully reproduced.
Central to the M20's design is its proprietary all-discrete resistor ladder attenuator, meticulously engineered to provide precise volume control while preserving the integrity of the audio signal. This attention to detail extends to the use of ceramic circuit boards, which offer enhanced durability and stability.
Powering the M20 is a trio of dynamic Class A linear power transformers, meticulously configured to provide clean and stable power to each component of the preamplifier. This robust power supply design ensures that the M20 operates with maximum efficiency and minimal distortion, allowing your hifi audio system to reach its full potential. With its thoughtful design and uncompromising audio performance, the Bricasti M20 Preamplifier stands as a testament to the pursuit of sonic excellence. Whether you're a discerning audiophile or a professional musician, the M20 is sure to elevate your listening experience to new heights.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: We recommend pairing the Bricasti Design M20 Preamplifier with the popular Silver Dragon Interconnect. Sold in Pairs, the Silver Dragon V2 is our top-of-the-line silver conductor-based interconnect. With a braided geometry and amazing shielding, this interconnect is a remarkable solution where noise isolation is key.
Reference tone
Heart of your system
The attenuator in the M20 is a discreet ladder of digitally controlled resistors in 1dB steps, utilizing Vishay foil resistors strategically placed within the circuit. Bricasti Design selected these resistors for their unique sonic characteristics, purposefully incorporating them to imbue the M20 with a distinct tonal character. The PCB material consists of ceramic materials known for their excellent dielectric properties.
The final output buffers feature a proprietary discreet design developed by Bricasti Design. Level control is achieved using an R2R ladder technique, ensuring perfect balance and tonal integrity at any volume level. With additional features such as recall, programmable input offset, and remote control capabilities, the M20 offers unparalleled versatility and convenience.
The Bricasti Design M20 features three separately buffered analog outputs: two balanced and one unbalanced. The output buffers utilize a discreet design developed by Bricasti Design, drawing inspiration from other products like the M1, M12, and M21. Signal switching and hard output mutes are executed using logic-controlled relays. With three separately buffered outputs, the M20 is ideal for bi-amp applications, offering two balanced outs to drive two power amps or for running two or three zones simultaneously.
Uniquely Bricasti
Masterfully connected
The Bricasti Design 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. This configuration makes the M20 a full Class A design. It comes complete with Stillpoints isolator feet and is available in Bricasti Design's Classic finish of anodized black and clear aluminum or in the Platinum Series with chrome front and brass fittings.
The M20 is equipped with 2 balanced XLR inputs/outputs and 1 unbalanced RCA input/output. Channel naming conventions can be customized via the menu, along with fine adjustment of level offset. Additionally, the rear trigger-out mini-jack can be connected to power amps such as the M28s or DACs like the M21 to send a 5V DC voltage trigger, enabling them to power on and off from standby mode with the M20.
Handcrafted in the USA
All of Bricasti Design's 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.
About Bricasti Design
Bricasti Design is a premier manufacturer in the professional audio industry, renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship and high-performance products. With a legacy rooted in the design of the legendary Lexicon reverb units, Bricasti Design has continued to innovate, setting new standards in both analog and digital audio solutions. At the heart of Bricasti's product lineup is the acclaimed Bricasti M7 digital reverb, a staple in recording studios worldwide. Known for its unparalleled sound quality and versatile presets, the Bricasti Design M7 (model 7) delivers lush, natural reverb that enhances any audio production. The M7's front panel features intuitive controls and a sleek design, ensuring ease of use for professionals.
In addition to unique reverb units and plugins, Bricasti Design offers a range of top-tier audio products, including amplifiers (amps), preamps, DACs, and DSP modules. Their analog and digital amplifiers are engineered to provide precise and powerful sound reproduction, making them ideal for both studio and live applications. The company's preamps and compressors are designed with the same attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect of the audio signal chain is optimized for high-resolution performance.
Bricasti's M-series digital to analog converters, such as the Bricasti M1, are celebrated for their exceptional clocking and pristine audio quality, making them a favorite among audiophiles and recording engineers alike. These DACs offer high-end algorithms and comprehensive connectivity options, including AES, XLR, SPDIF, and MIDI, ensuring seamless integration with any digital audio workstation (DAW) setup. Handcrafted to perfection in the USA, Bricasti's products are built with robust outboard modules and reliable power supplies, guaranteeing durability and long-term performance. The company also offers remote control capabilities for many of its devices, allowing for convenient operation in complex studio environments.
For live sound and touring, Bricasti's range of pedals, mics, and other pro audio gear provide the reliability and quality that professionals demand. Each product is backed by a solid warranty, reflecting Bricasti's commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. Bricasti Design continues to push the boundaries of professional audio, offering innovative solutions that cater to the needs of today's recording studios, sound engineers, and musicians. Whether you're looking for the perfect stereo reverb processor, a high-fidelity DAC, mainframe, or robust analog amplification, Bricasti Design delivers exceptional performance and unmatched quality.
What's in the Box?
- Bricasti M20 Preamp
- Power Cable
- Remote Control
- User Manual
- Warranty Info
FAQ
What is the power supply configuration of the M20?
The M20 features three separate linear power supplies, one for each analog section and a dedicated supply for the digital control circuit, ensuring optimal isolation and performance.
Does the M20 support balanced and unbalanced connections?
Yes, the M20 includes two balanced XLR inputs/outputs and one unbalanced RCA input/output, providing flexibility for various audio setups.
Can I customize channel naming and level offset on the M20?
Yes, the M20 allows for pre-set channel naming conventions to be customized through the menu, along with fine adjustment of level offset for precise audio control.
How does the M20 handle power amp triggering?
The M20 features a trigger-out mini-jack on the rear, which can be connected to power amps or DACs like the M28s or M21 to send a 5V DC voltage trigger, enabling seamless integration and control.
What type of attenuator does the M20 use?
The M20 employs a discrete ladder of digitally controlled resistors in 1dB steps, utilizing Vishay foil resistors in key locations to impart a unique tonal character, ensuring precise control over audio levels.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Analog Input/Output 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, +16 dBu Unbalanced |
| Input Impedance | 200k ohm |
| Crosstalk | > 120 dB |
| Trigger Out | TRS mini jack, 5V ring, ground Bp |
| Attenuator | 90 dB in 1 dB steps from 0 to -89 dB |
- JJoseRated 5 out of 5 stars1 year agoThe perfect musical additive to my system!
I was running my M21 directly into my pair of Bricasti M32 Monoblocks, and I was perfectly happy with my sound. I really did not think it could get any better. It was detailed and musical.To my surprise, when I introduced the Bricasti M20 Pre-amp to my audio chain, what I thought could not get better, it actually did!! The M20 added some extra musicality and analog sense to the sound that made it even more beautiful. Some people may call this coloration, well, then Bricasti a great color formula in the M20 because the sound is just plain beautiful!.