Cyrus 2 + PSX renovation thread

[Rethep]

I can remeber borrowing the Cyrus 3 + PSX on a later moment (early 90's), but found them too direct/bright and therefore unlistenable in combination with Epos ES-11 (only a valve-amp made a good combo much later, which is my choice for already 10 years now).

 

[MajorFubar]

I read a few reviews from people who upgraded from a 2 to a 3, after the honeymoon period finished many came to the conclusion it was a backward step especially the phono stage. Though I don't remember it getting many bad reviews.

I haven't heard one. Clearly it was a first step in the direction of current Cyrus products with extended use of ICs, remote control and logic controlled buttons. I remember the Cyrus literature which explained, "Following in the footsteps of its well respected Cyrus I & II, Cyrus III has moved on to address the lifestyle requirements of the 90s". I distinctly remember thinking "If I wanted a lifestyle product I'd go to Dixons and buy a Matsui." Oh and they killed off the MC phono input: Cyrus 3 was MM only.

 

[drummerman]

The lack of phono stages in later and current cyrus amplifiers has to be bemoaned, especially with the popularity vinyl replay has been enjoying for a few years now.

Against that one could argue that the little boxes are filled to the brink now with streamers etc and a sensitive low signal circuit such as a phono stage may be better off in a separate enclosure.

They did the phono X. I would say it is time for a new phono amplifier (and perhaps a cyrus commissioned or made turntable) but it wouldn't be cheap for sure.

 

[chrisr1718]

a specialist in Suffolk

Is that ARS?

My Cyrus 2 could do with an overhaul, let me know what they're like.

I've actually got two Cyrus 2's, the one that needs the overhaul is the one that matches the PSX(typical), so currently using the 'spare'. Doesn't match but still sounds great!

 

[MajorFubar]

Is that ARS?

Yep. Unknown quantity to me so a bit of risk, especially as I had to improvise a box.

My Cyrus 2 could do with an overhaul, let me know what they're like.

Will do. Seems to be one of those 'guy in a shed' outfits, but he seems to know what he's talking about and has few good testimonials. I've only entrusted him to do the bits I know I can't do. Looking forward to doing other bits myself when it comes back.

 

[MajorFubar]

Yay!! It's back from its recap/upgrade. Bits n bats of cosmetic and electrical work still to do but I can't wait to hear how it sounds. I opted to have various components upgraded with various modern equivalents, some of which are better than new spec, so it will be very interesting to hear how these changes manifest themselves (or not) as a change to the overall sonic signature.

 

[Freddy58]

but now I've spotted it, just wanted to say what a nice project! Seems like you've made a good job of this, well done

I have to admit that I find the smaller dimensions of these amps not so aesthetically pleasing, but I can see the allure. I've never heard one of these, but they do seem to be held in high regard. If it were me and I'd done the work you have, I think I'd be loathed to part with them.

Edited for asking a dumbass question *blush*

 

[MajorFubar]

but now I've spotted it, just wanted to say what a nice project! Seems like you've made a good job of this, well done  I have to admit that I find the smaller dimensions of these amps not so aesthetically pleasing, but I can see the allure. I've never heard one of these, but they do seem to be held in high regard. If it were me and I'd done the work you have, I think I'd be loathed to part with them.

Edited for asking a dumbass question *blush*

lol, cheers Freddie. Yeah they're definitely keepers now. Even if just from the perspective that it's financially unviable to sell them.

I put my hand deep in my pocket and shelled-out £193 for everything on his options list except the replacement of the reservoir capacitors, which fair credit to the guy he said were working 100% correctly so didn't need replacing, especially since I use a PSX which essentially replaces them. I hold him in high regard even just for that alone, because he could easily have shafted me the price and labour cost of replacing them and I wouldn't have known to query his judgement.

All-in i've invested £313 including the £120 purchase price, which was a steal but my colleague initially wanted less and was more than satisfied that I offered him a higher price than he wanted. I wasn't proactively looking for a new amp even though I'd put a few feelers out on this forum just to get ideas, but now I feel I've got a setup that could only be substantially bettered by new kit that costs more than I could realistically afford, so these are very happy days really, at least from a hifi perspective.

 

[strimmer]

Wow, I hope you are really enjoying the fruits of your labour. I have had my cyrus 2 psx since 1992 love them only up graded my speakers from small 760 mission speakers to mission 773e and now have a pair of 753 freedoms the sound is so sweet, would you say the upgrade made a big difference to the sound as like I said still sound so good with no flashing lights or other fancy gimmicks like the new amps,just enjoy them as much as I do

 

[MajorFubar]

would you say the upgrade made a big difference to the sound

With the caveat that I can't A-B, I think yes, very much so, if you go for the full package of recap and upgrade. Just seems to improve everything the amp is already good at with no drawbacks. Guarantees his work as well. Sorry this is starting to sound like a free advert which probably is not fair, but I can't hide the fact I've been very pleased with the results and wanted to share.

 

[strimmer]

Thanks Major has given me food for thought, was considering changing my cd player a Rotal 965bx but now really toying with the amp upgrade will be sleeping on it just love the sound and look off these classic works of arts

 

[strimmer]

Thanks Major has given me food for thought, was considering changing my cd player a Rotal 965bx but now really toying with the amp upgrade will be sleeping on it just love the sound and look off these classic works of arts

 

[MajorFubar]

You're welcome.