Cyrus Classic Amp

It kind of feels a very long time since we final reviewed a Cyrus built-in amplifier, however unpacking the -new Vintage Amp appears like a wholly acquainted enjoy. That particular Cyrus half-width casing appears to be like unchanged from earlier fashions as do the show and regulate buttons. However, whilst that’s now not essentially a foul factor given how the corporate’s merchandise have all the time stood excluding the contest, it does really feel like just a little of a neglected alternative to transport issues ahead.

Construct & options

You gained’t in finding many variations within the specification sheet both, with the 70 watts in keeping with channel into 8 ohms claimed energy output echoing that of earlier generations of Cyrus integrateds. So, what has truly modified? It seems that the solution is reasonably so much, however it’s all at the within. The corporate’s engineers have used the teachings learnt when creating the extra top rate XR collection and carried out them right here. The Vintage Amp’s circuit design has been totally remodeled with nearly all of elements claimed to were upgraded for a greater sonic efficiency.

Have a look throughout the casework and you’re going to discover a beneficiant energy provide association with a 304VA mains transformer and a high-capacity energy provide reserve. The preamp and tool amplifier circuits have devoted transformer windings to stop undesirable interactions, and the engineers have even long gone so far as giving the virtual regulate electronics a separate energy provide to minimise interference.

Check out the Vintage Amp’s again panel and you’re going to in finding that it’s filled with connections. In that small house, you’re going to in finding 4 analogue line-level inputs, a transferring magnet phono level and 4 virtual inputs cut up flippantly between optical and coax. The loss of a USB is just a little of a marvel however now not a deal breaker in our e book. The virtual module tops out at 192kHz and doesn’t have DSD capacity, which may well be a subject matter for one of the most extra die-hard high-resolution document lovers, however we expect it gained’t be an issue for many customers.

Whilst a headphone output is to hand, this is a disgrace to seek out the three.5mm socket caught at the again panel the place it’ll turn out awkward to get to, specifically when the phono level and Virtual 1 optical inputs are in use. Undoubtedly Cyrus will have discovered a technique to put it at the entrance the place it belongs?

On a extra sure be aware, we’re happy to seek out that it’s nonetheless imaginable to improve the amplifier’s efficiency via the usage of a PSX-R2 energy provide. Priced at £995/$1599 this outboard provide isn’t reasonable, however does make important enhancements to the sonic authority, scale and regulate of the amplifier. 

Sound

We plug the Vintage Amp into our standard reference device of Naim ND555/555 PS DR track streamer, Technics SL-1000R/Vertere Sabre MM document participant and ATC SCM50 audio system, but in addition have merchandise such because the Cyrus CDi CD participant and KEF LS50 Meta audio system readily available to look the way it plays with extra value suitable companions. We even have Arcam’s new A15 built-in amplifier and Naim’s pricier Nait XS 3 readily available for benchmarking functions. 

The Vintage Amp is a shocking performer, handing over a extra spacious and open sound than its compact dimensions counsel. It sounds extra considerable and regulated than we keep in mind older generations being, even though it nonetheless doesn’t reasonably have the dynamic muscularity or authority of competitors such because the Rega Elex Mk4 or Naim Nait XS 3. However there’s a lot else to love right here. 

We concentrate to Donna Summer time’s State Of Independence and are inspired via the readability and crisp element. That is an amplifier that may dig deep into the manufacturing and disclose masses in the way in which of instrumental textures. Summer time’s trademark vocals come via with nuance and fervour whilst the dense backing instrumentation is rendered with a excellent sense of organisation. It is a tidy presentation; person who takes care to dot the entire ‘i’s and applications the sound in a neat and simply understood approach.

There is not any scarcity of agility right here, with the Amp monitoring transients and fast-moving dynamic shifts neatly. This high quality extends to the bottom frequencies with the Cyrus handing over the track’s unique undulating bassline with ability and quite a lot of punch. Some value competitors sound much more assertive within the area, however this little amplifier nonetheless does neatly. Take care to check it with a sophisticated and full-bodied speaker and also you gained’t move some distance flawed.

Rhythmic pressure? It’s lovely respectable, however the Vintage Amp doesn’t put across the momentum of the track with reasonably the power or enthusiasm of the category leaders. It’s nonetheless an entertaining and informative concentrate however each the aforementioned Naim and Rega arrange to ship the track with extra verve.

Switching to Bizet’s Carmen Suite highlights the Cyrus’s composure and precision neatly. It isn’t essentially the most enthusiastic of performers however nonetheless communicates the power of the track neatly. The track’s savage crescendos are delivered with a shocking stage of punch, and as sooner than we’re inspired with the amplifier’s managed nature.

It photographs neatly too, with a soundstage this is open, spacious and well layered. The addition of a PSX-R2 takes this any other step ahead, including a good bit relating to symbol scale and intensity. Irrespective of whether or not that non-compulsory energy provide is attached or now not, the amplifier’s stereo imaging stays pleasingly crisp, centered and solid even if the track turns into difficult.

Cyrus’s engineers have completed a excellent process with the virtual inputs the place the amplifier keeps its readability and regulate. Element ranges are excellent and dynamics are expressive. There’s a satisfying consistency in persona between the analogue and virtual connections that isn’t all the time a given. The tale is in a similar way sure with the transferring magnet phono level and headphone output. The phono level is insightful and decently quiet whilst the headphone output is as expressive because the speaker output. Some corporations deal with those options as one thing of a tick-box workout however it’s obtrusive that Cyrus has been diligent with those modules.

Verdict

The Cyrus Vintage Amp is up in opposition to some tricky festival however has a mix of sonic talents that give it quite a lot of attraction. Upload its compact measurement and improve doable into the combination and you’ve got a wonderful proposition for the cash.

SCORES

• Sound 4
• Construct 5
• Options 5

MORE:

Learn our assessment of the Rega Elex Mk4

Additionally imagine the Naim Nait XS 3

Learn our Arcam A15 assessment

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