A high dynamic range precision variable amplitude controller includes a gain portion configured to apply a controllable amount of amplitude adjustment to an input signal. The gain portion includes two or more amplification stages each amplification stage having branches that are cross-coupled with branches of the other amplification stage. A control portion controls the current supply to the two or more amplification stages to control the amount of amplitude adjustment by the gain portion. The amplitude controller also includes a load portion that provides balanced impedances to the cross-coupled branches of the amplification stages throughout the amplitude control range.