In the spirit of copying your heroes, I recently purchased a pair of Linn Tukan speakers, simply because, well, who doesn’t want to be like Mike?! I am quite enjoying them on my desktop. Thanks again for all your fine reviews.
Linear power supply costs are always a good chunk of any amp's cost. That additional external PS concept makes the consumer who opts to buy the external PS, pay twice for one of the most expensive components of an amp... In short, I can't help but think that brands which go down that route end up milking their customers. They should be given the option of a PSU-less amp box + external power supply.
Why would be an extra cost if there isn’t one in the amp case? Separated PS contributes to lower noise, makes amp smaller/lighter If a option PS is offered it can give customers an avenue to upgrade PS that can cut cost for those that don’t want max PS.
@@razisnI now get what you’re saying. And wish more companies offered external PS. Do you know what Cyrus is doing with this amp? Firstly it’s not a linear power supply Secondly the PSU is for the output only. The amp still uses its PS for the digital section.
Cracking review chaps, thank you. Mike, that other Norwegian singer you may have been thinking of who sounded like Annette Askvik - Susanne Sundfor by any chance? As to the Cyrus, for me the killer combo this amp offers is the inclusion of both HDMI eARC AND USB-B for PC and Mac. I've had great results using a PC as source over asynchronous USB as a streaming source on both my Quad amps. So being able to simply hook up your TV too is really useful. I think if a manufacturer includes a DAC at all in an amp, they really must include HDMI eARC these days. If you want a full analogue amp, fair enough, but if you bother to include a DAC at all, then HDMI really is a must in my opinion. Why? Because so much great music is available in a form that uses your TV. UA-cam has a plethora of superb live music channels: great orchestral works, movie scores, jazz concerts, NPR Tiny Desk Concerts, Danish National Symphony Orchestra, you name it. Why would anyone listen to music like this and NOT want to hook up your amp and speakers to listen to it? Music listening is no longer restricted to vinyl and a hair shirt sat in the dark. So, in terms of features, I have to say full marks to Cyrus here. I do fear though that the tonal balance might not quite be my cuppa tea though. Will have to listen of course to know for sure.
A few years ago, I heard some Cyrus separates gear at AXPONA which I really liked until I asked about the price. For the system in play (and I am sorry that I cannot give details) the rep quoted me something like $40k, which I did not think was justified given the quality of sound. I think that's the problem with Cyrus selling into the U.S. It's a great product which is priced too high.
I think you are exaggerating the most expensive product of Cyrus is about 4k pounds even if you buy whole cyrus system ( I mean power amp+ pre+streamer + CDP ) you won't go Above 15 k pounds .
My memory of the exchange is not perfect, but it was between $35-$40,000. The system on display consisted of all Cyrus digital source/streaming, possibly Cyrus CD or CDT, preamp/dac and power amp. Remember that UK products are significantly more expensive in the U.S. I don't recall the speakers, but they were not included in the quote. I really liked the sound, especially the PRaT and neutral, slightly warm tonality, but the system as a whole was not elite and IMO not worth the price quoted.
@MrVinylista Thanks for reply Yes that was the last time I was buying gadgets when these top amp brands were making them. I was young then so got a humble denon 1909. I noticed 20 years later av amps from hifi brands have disappeared they don't exist anymore. My denon still sounds good I retuned it and changed some settings on it and it sounds way better. You really have to be careful on setting up especially getting the settings right. My one sounded a bit harsh to me realised the automated setup has changed the levels and made it sound really harsh.
Amp? Or do you mean processor to feed separate amps? Or AVR? Macintosh, Anthem and Arcom have AVR systems. But it’s hard to beat brands like Marrantz, denon or Sony for one box AVR. It takes a lot of $ and RND to keep up with latest processing. Here in the states we have emotiva they make a really good processor. Could have a killer 2 channel rig and add processor with 5 ch amp for surrounds.
@@Pok-001 That's the same as my notes. Looks like maybe arcam maybe the best fit for me. I like some of them luxury looking amps. McIntosh is too much for me. The nad looks sweet and the Primare. Maybe I wait a couple of years more...
@@BobbyDeniroX yeah , I don’t know why people want to go nuts on surround sound. Maybe if had a 12 seat theatre and wanted to show off. lol. Still have your denon? Maybe a 2 or 3ch ch amp for the fronts would make a nice upgrade. I was just looking at Buckeye amps the other day. Class D Hypex or Purifi are assemble from OEM parts. Very reasonable $$ for performance and can get u to 7ch. Just food for thought.
l Here this with other reviews! it's strange you talk about digital devices like streamers but you never talk about your phone or tablet, it is a streaming device and put it through a ifi galvanic isolation USB box is all you need. is there any facility for Bluetooth no plugging in anything then like a module?
Well, it's all relative. You can easily spend £10,000 on an integrated amp these days, so £5k is 'midpriced'. Indeed, compared to some US or Swiss stuff it's practically budget!
Don't forget you are paying for all in one high quality amplifier, DAC phono stage and headphone stage . I bought couple of months ago the Cyrus pre xr and thought it was crazy expensive but when I listened to it I understood I am paying for high quality pre,dac, phono stage and headphone stage all are superb.
Most people at this level already have dac and separate phone stage and don't want it in a amp they should be offered as optional extras and people can buy what they need like some other companies do , buy standard amp and add dac , phono , headphone streamer to amp if required
Brilliant as ever. Very entertaining. Cheers guys.
In the spirit of copying your heroes, I recently purchased a pair of Linn Tukan speakers, simply because, well, who doesn’t want to be like Mike?! I am quite enjoying them on my desktop. Thanks again for all your fine reviews.
That Liberty album from Anette Askvit sounds incredible.
Linear power supply costs are always a good chunk of any amp's cost. That additional external PS concept makes the consumer who opts to buy the external PS, pay twice for one of the most expensive components of an amp... In short, I can't help but think that brands which go down that route end up milking their customers. They should be given the option of a PSU-less amp box + external power supply.
Why would be an extra cost if there isn’t one in the amp case?
Separated PS contributes to lower noise, makes amp smaller/lighter
If a option PS is offered it can give customers an avenue to upgrade PS that can cut cost for those that don’t want max PS.
@@Pok-001 did you understand what I said? Do you understand what Cyrus are now offering? probably not..
@@razisnI now get what you’re saying. And wish more companies offered external PS.
Do you know what Cyrus is doing with this amp?
Firstly it’s not a linear power supply
Secondly the PSU is for the output only.
The amp still uses its PS for the digital section.
Your right bit of a con , why not put better power supply as standard if it makes a big difference and charge a couple of 100 more
Cracking review chaps, thank you. Mike, that other Norwegian singer you may have been thinking of who sounded like Annette Askvik - Susanne Sundfor by any chance?
As to the Cyrus, for me the killer combo this amp offers is the inclusion of both HDMI eARC AND USB-B for PC and Mac. I've had great results using a PC as source over asynchronous USB as a streaming source on both my Quad amps. So being able to simply hook up your TV too is really useful. I think if a manufacturer includes a DAC at all in an amp, they really must include HDMI eARC these days. If you want a full analogue amp, fair enough, but if you bother to include a DAC at all, then HDMI really is a must in my opinion. Why? Because so much great music is available in a form that uses your TV. UA-cam has a plethora of superb live music channels: great orchestral works, movie scores, jazz concerts, NPR Tiny Desk Concerts, Danish National Symphony Orchestra, you name it. Why would anyone listen to music like this and NOT want to hook up your amp and speakers to listen to it? Music listening is no longer restricted to vinyl and a hair shirt sat in the dark.
So, in terms of features, I have to say full marks to Cyrus here. I do fear though that the tonal balance might not quite be my cuppa tea though. Will have to listen of course to know for sure.
Exposure x what a great amp
Hello Mike and David. Love from Bangladesh
Back at you!
Hi Mike and Dave
Nice AMP chaps
Evening gents👍👍
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Have you guys ever tested a Hegel Integrated? Love the show.
hello folks
''Just a tinsy bit expensive '' Ha ha ha!
A few years ago, I heard some Cyrus separates gear at AXPONA which I really liked until I asked about the price. For the system in play (and I am sorry that I cannot give details) the rep quoted me something like $40k, which I did not think was justified given the quality of sound. I think that's the problem with Cyrus selling into the U.S. It's a great product which is priced too high.
I think you are exaggerating the most expensive product of Cyrus is about 4k pounds even if you buy whole cyrus system ( I mean power amp+ pre+streamer + CDP ) you won't go Above 15 k pounds .
My memory of the exchange is not perfect, but it was between $35-$40,000. The system on display consisted of all Cyrus digital source/streaming, possibly Cyrus CD or CDT, preamp/dac and power amp. Remember that UK products are significantly more expensive in the U.S. I don't recall the speakers, but they were not included in the quote. I really liked the sound, especially the PRaT and neutral, slightly warm tonality, but the system as a whole was not elite and IMO not worth the price quoted.
Any of these brands ever going to make a home cinema amp?
Cyrus has in the past, but I am not expecting anything at the moment.
@MrVinylista
Thanks for reply
Yes that was the last time I was buying gadgets when these top amp brands were making them. I was young then so got a humble denon 1909. I noticed 20 years later av amps from hifi brands have disappeared they don't exist anymore. My denon still sounds good I retuned it and changed some settings on it and it sounds way better. You really have to be careful on setting up especially getting the settings right. My one sounded a bit harsh to me realised the automated setup has changed the levels and made it sound really harsh.
Amp? Or do you mean processor to feed separate amps? Or AVR?
Macintosh, Anthem and Arcom have AVR systems.
But it’s hard to beat brands like Marrantz, denon or Sony for one box AVR. It takes a lot of $ and RND to keep up with latest processing.
Here in the states we have emotiva they make a really good processor. Could have a killer 2 channel rig and add processor with 5 ch amp for surrounds.
@@Pok-001
That's the same as my notes.
Looks like maybe arcam maybe the best fit for me. I like some of them luxury looking amps. McIntosh is too much for me.
The nad looks sweet and the Primare.
Maybe I wait a couple of years more...
@@BobbyDeniroX yeah , I don’t know why people want to go nuts on surround sound. Maybe if had a 12 seat theatre and wanted to show off. lol.
Still have your denon? Maybe a 2 or 3ch ch amp for the fronts would make a nice upgrade. I was just looking at Buckeye amps the other day. Class D Hypex or Purifi are assemble from OEM parts. Very reasonable $$ for performance and can get u to 7ch. Just food for thought.
Volvos are great
l Here this with other reviews! it's strange you talk about digital devices like streamers but you never talk about your phone or tablet, it is a streaming device and put it through a ifi galvanic isolation USB box is all you need. is there any facility for Bluetooth no plugging in anything then like a module?
Midprice? 4.8k in the Netherlands...not really midpriced. Beautiful amp though.
Well, it's all relative. You can easily spend £10,000 on an integrated amp these days, so £5k is 'midpriced'.
Indeed, compared to some US or Swiss stuff it's practically budget!
Don't forget you are paying for all in one high quality amplifier, DAC phono stage and headphone stage . I bought couple of months ago the Cyrus pre xr and thought it was crazy expensive but when I listened to it I understood I am paying for high quality pre,dac, phono stage and headphone stage all are superb.
Most people at this level already have dac and separate phone stage and don't want it in a amp they should be offered as optional extras and people can buy what they need like some other companies do , buy standard amp and add dac , phono , headphone streamer to amp if required
Sorry looks wise it looks like an Xbox one especially viewed front the side