Cyrus or Quad?

[admin_exported]

Hi people,

I'm considering either the Cyrus mono X amps or the Quad mono 99 amps for my EposM22 speakers. Would love to hear some feedback, anyone heard these amps?

 

[Anonymous]

Being a Quad user, I think my answer is obvious. However I am using valves so that does make a difference. I have heard the 909 and preferred it over the Cyrus. To my ears, a much fuller rounder sound. There are a few Quaddies on here who will post back with a better review I am sure.

 

[the record spot]

Sadly not, but do you mind me asking why just those two brands? Have you considered other alternatives?

 

[Frank Harvey]

The two are quite different. Put quite simply, the Cyrus is a more up front sound, whereas Quad is smoother. You'll find the Mono X's frequency extremes are more energetic than the Quad, which will walk over the Cyrus when it comes to midrange - what's your preference?

 

[lordmortlock]

As others have already said the sound these two amps really are quite different. Have you had a listen to either yet? I think I'd be inclined to audition. decide which prefer and then check out other amps with a similar sound to make sure you're buying the best you can based on taste. Think Naim if you prefer the cyrus and maybe MF or even Values if prefer the Quad.

Its a lot of cash to spend to only consider two brands.

 

[Frank Harvey]

Against the 909, I even found the Musical Fidelity amplification lacking in midrange. Compare voices on a 909 and anything else and there's a marked difference.

 

[plastic penguin]

Heads or tails?

 

[Anonymous]

The Quad 909 will probably suit the Epos speakers well.
The Quads are cheaper (a bit).
The Quads look better.
The Quads sound more natural.
Quad customer service and servicing/repair is fantastic.

Go for the Quads...

 

[Anonymous]

If you like speed and dynamics go for the cyrus amps.

 

[the record spot]

Just a little thought or two from me again...

NAD pre/power
Musical Fidelity pre/power
Exposure pre/power (thinking used kit here especially)
Quad 33/34 & 303/405 pre/power
Meridian
Hafler

http://www.bigearsaudio.org.uk/transistor_amps/used_transistor_amps.html

Check out this page; there's a 909 on it for £725 (or make an offer) but also an Exposure around the same price. Might be worth considering?

 

[Anonymous]

Go for a classic 405 or 303 only if you intend to have it rebuilt by someone like Netaudio. I can vouch for the Netaudio 405 Mk3 DMPSU and you can get mono blocks too. Unless you're particularly interested in have a fully restored classic amp then I would go 909.

I think that a pair of 909s will give more dynamics and punch than people realise. The midrange is what they're about though and you'll find it hard to give it up in future too!