Transcript
Small heroes Cyrus cranks up! The audiophile specialist from England presents a streamer/DAC preamplifier and an innovative Class D stereo power amplifier
The British manufacturer known for their characteristic briquet-like magnesium housings present their top streamer Cyrus Stream XP2 Qx with an integrated digital preamplifier. It incorporates the house’s best digital/analogue converter: the Qx circuit board. The compact device thus includes a high definition streamer, TuneIn internet radio, a high performance DAC which is also accessible by external sources and a preamplifier with volume control which is exclusively suitable for digital sources. Incoming signals from MP3 to FLAC/WAV are automatically upsampled to 24 Bit/192 Kilohertz via three coaxial and two optical inputs as well as LAN/WLAN. The USB port on the back serves to connect sticks, hard disks or other players such as smartphones. There also is a digital as well as a headphones output. However, the connection to a computer is not provided. An additional upgrading option is provided in form of the jack for a PSX-R external power supply whose merits regarding sound we have observed again and again in recent years. This power supply is currently available as a new and further developed version. Its display is small and simple and it provides intuitive operating since the volume control doubles as the confirmation button. A quick start guide describing connection and initial start-up is enclosed, as well as a CD with more in-depth handling instructions.
Modern powerhouse The brand new and most interesting power amplifier Stereo 200 is without a doubt an outstanding highlight – not only in Cyrus‘ portfolio. Based on the experiences with the “Lyric” concept (Stereo 3/14) Cyrus refined the hybrid Class D technology. Being unsatisfied with the market offer they focused on their own class D switching amplifiers that promise an enormous performance yield without any loss of heat and combined them with a low-noise analogue power adapter with a low stray field one the one and a circuit avoiding the impedance critical frequency response of regular class D amplifiers on the other hand. Thus, the Cyrus output amplifier examines the load connected and regulates the feedback loop to allow a linear frequency response with the connected loudspeaker. Most Class D amplifiers show a quite considerable high-frequency loss or gain which leads to some amplifiers being adapted for four, others for eight and still others for six Ohm as a compromise between the two frequent impedances. NAD, for example, allows the manual input of the loudspeaker impedance but Cyrus now handles this automatically. Even the cable is involved in the loop. One can test the tonal accomplishment by switching the amplifier on and only then connect the speakers (without correction) and repeat the process with the loudspeakers already connected. By the way, the “SID” sensor technology is solely implemented in one channel while the determined correction then takes effect on both channels which we also consider economically reasonable. Consequently, one can only connect one pair of speakers and to our great relief we now find fullvalue speaker terminals on a Cyrus amplifier instead of the previously prevalent BFA terminals for banana jacks.
Interestingly, the Cyrus streamer does not allow the connection to the Stereo 200 via XLR cables but rather “only” via cinch connector. If this is a disadvantage regarding the – in contrast to stagecraft – rather short lines of hi-fi systems is somewhat a question of faith.
Digital full package For a warm-up we start the streamer (already connected to our network) in combination with internet radio. Once again this proves that a Cyrus device creates its proverbial musicality from the wonderful midrange. Even verbal contributions appeared unbelievably natural, colourful and in fact a little bit charming. Handling profits enormously from both the provided “n” remote control which illuminates itself at a touch and even more from the “Cyrus Cadence App”. This app, available for iOS as well as Android, turns your smartphone into a sceptre with unlimited control in the network. The sound pattern provided by the Cyrus combination is characterised by resilient easiness and rhythm with fantastic timbres carried by a downright outstanding and harmonious midrange reproduction, for example in Joe Jackson’s “Steppin‘ Out”. The tonal accuracy can be heard down to the minutest detail, especially in vocals and small line-ups. However, even in grand orchestral works and confusing rock scenarios à la “The Wall”, the Cyrus duet does not digress. The Stereo 200 is one of the few Class D amplifiers that are able to take on the best of the comparable parallel classes A and AB. There is no trace of pale timbre or dull trebles which certainly results from the relatively high upper frequency limit and the trained ear of Peter Barlett who personally adjusts every device for the serial production. The top-class Stream combines DAC, network player and pre-amplifier for rather reasonably priced 2790 Euros. Only an analogue input will most likely be missed by some people. Overall, this device is energetic and puts heart and soul into playing music while it stays smooth and deeply musical. The same goes for the super strong power amplifier. Kudos!
Cyrus Stream XP2 Qx Measuring: 220 x 80 x 400 m (W x H x D) Warranty: 2 years Compact high-frequency preamplifier for up to six digital sources, digital/analog-converter and network player with superb, musical, rhythmic and colourful sound in one device. MEASUREMENT RESULTS Signal / noise ratio Digital 0 Distortion factor (400 Hz/-60 dB) Distortion factor (400 Hz/-9 dB) Converter non-linearity (to -90 dB) Output Resistance Cinch Output voltage Cinch ( 0 dB FS) Jitter Deviation from sampling frequency Power consumption off | standby | idling
97 dB 1.3 % 0.003 % 0.4 dB 94 Ω 2.18 V - ns - ppm
Cyrus Stereo 200 Measuring: 220 x 80 x40 mm (W x H x D) Warranty: 2 years Hybrid Class D power amplifier with classic power supply that creates a lot of steam. The sensor circuit for impedance matching works perfectly and grants an excellent and competitive sound level. MEASUREMENT RESULTS Continuous Output into 8 | 4 Ohm Peak output into 4 Ohm Distortion factor at 50 mW | 5 Watt | Pmax -1 dB Intermodulation at 50 mW | 5 Watt | Pmax -1 dB Signal / noise ratio at 50 mW | 5 Watt Channel separation at 10 kHz | 10 Watt Damping factor at 4 Ohm 63/1k/14k Hz Upper frequency limit (-3 dB, 4 Ω) Connected loads
175 | 286 W per channel 355 Watt per channel 0.3 | 0.002 | 0.06% 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.04 %
74 | 87 dB 78 dB 83/71/10 >65 kHz practice-oriented
0 | <2 | 13 W Power consumption off | standby | idling
Stainless run in the laboratory, regretfully not complete due to the missing analogue input but with a clear tendency and very good results regarding noise and distortion as well as the converter linearity. Low output resistance and practice-oriented output voltage for possibly every power amplifier.
0 | <2 | 17,5 W
The comparatively tiny Cyrus power amplifier exhibited a remarkable performance with considerably more than 300 W per channel. The distortion and noise at low signal levels which are typical for Class D are practically nonexistent and values are overall good or excellent. The unusual high upper frequency limit is astonishing and in our opinion sound-relevant. FEATURES A pair of RCA and XLR inputs each, Speaker impedance Detection, input selection, speaker terminals for a pair of loudspeakers.
FEATURES Internet radio (TuneIn), Pre Out/Rec Out, USB jack for sticks/hard disk, two optical and three coaxial inputs, coaxial digital output, headphone output, muting, WLAN antenna, optional connection of PSX-R external power supply, learning remote control Sound level streamer 84 % Sound level Sound level preamplifier 80 % VALUE FOR MONEY Excellent
76 % VALUE FOR MONEY Excellent
