Cyrus Stream XA :-(

[dogg5306]

FYI

What HiFi latest review is misleading as there's no n-remote delivered with the device... yes you can order it but it is quite expensive as it is costing the same price as a tablet (!!!)... So you do get a £1200 device without any remote control which is a bit difficult to swallow! I would have easily provided a 5 stars rating but I do have to lower it to 3.5 just because of that missing remote... as a reminnder we're in 2014!!!

 

[Frank Harvey]

Most homes adding something like this to their gadget count will have a phone or tablet capable of controlling it. Anyone purchasing this would be better of using one of these devices than the n-Remote anyway.

 

[dogg5306]

You're missing the point... in the review it is mentioned several times that the remote is provided.
I do own a tablet, a smartphone and both of them can control the streamer...
I just wanted to get a dedicated device to fullly control my streamer that isn't something that I'm using for other purposes... (I'm one of the few that use his phone to phone, for emails and to check my agenda... I don't want to use it to be connected to my environment...) (the tablet is mainly used for internet access when I'm not in front of one of my home computers)

The remote control was supposed to be delivered with the streamer... but it seems that they changed their mind because it was too expensive (!!!)...

That's low, very low especially after having earned awards! *bad*

 

[drummerman]

I don't know where you bought yours but Audio-T and HifiX seem to be selling the Stream XA with the N-remote controller, others list it as an optional extra.

I agree it is confusing but if the seller has listed the unit with the controller in the description I would insist on them supplying one or threaten to report them for mis-description.

It may also be an idea to complain to cyrus about this. They clearly need to clarify/instruct their dealers accordingly.

It may be that cyrus is a victim of its own success. Where years ago it was difficult to get the brand anywhere other than a carefully selected dealer network, these days they can be found in the bargain basement bin of just about anywhere, often heavily discounted.

I say this as a long standing owner/user/fan of the brand.

 

[dogg5306]

Official reply from Cyrus... (pathetic as I did pay the full £1200 to an official dealer)

In the past, certain streaming models have been supplied with an n-remote, which is why this may have been indicated in past reviews. More recently, we have stopped supplying the n-remote with streamers which has enabled us to lower the price. N-remotes are available as a separate purchase through your retailer if you wish to use one with your Stream Xa. Alternatively, our Android and iOS apps are available free of charge to control the device.

FYI, the n-remote is costing the same as a tablet (!!!) *fool*

 

[Frank Harvey]

Just to be clear, who are you having a go at here - What Hi-Fi, Cyrus, or the retailer?

 

[dogg5306]

Cyrus...

As they were delivering a more complete package (with the n-remote) when that specific package has been reviewed by What Hi-Fi.
It seems that due to some cost issues they're selling now a package where there's less than expected (and I'm not sure that What Hi-Fi would have provided a 5 stars rating in the 2014 Best Buy if the n-remote was missing!!!)
(What Hi-Fi's review Cyrus is reffering to on their own website *bad* )

 

[Frank Harvey]

Most people nowadays tend to use their phones and tablets for virtually everything. From General feedback, I think Cyrus were finding that less and less people were using the n-Remote. If you were in charge at Cyrus, you'd then have to weigh up whether youd be losing sales of streamers because buyers don't want the n-Remote, or offer it as an option for those that want it.

 

[Anderson]

You can get a nice tablet for around £150, you could designate it as the stream remote. Get a stand and keep it around the HiFi?

 

[dogg5306]

Yes I know (I'm in IT guy *pleasantry* )... actually the money isn't even an issue... I'm just complaining about the fact I was supposed to get more for what I've paid... and as a final customer I think that it is normal to complain when receiving less than expected...

This is my first Cyrus device... I hope that it is not Cyrus usual policy to behave in that way...

 

[adamrobertshaw]

I bought the original Stream X back in 2011, which came with the n-remote as standard as it was the only way to control the device

I found the n-remote was slow, cumbersome, overpriced and didn't integrate well with the other Cyrus separates I own.

So I sent the Stream X back and got a X2 upgrade and I only control it with my i-pad.

I've since bought the Stream X Signature and I only control it with an unloved Motorola Xoom.

As per the other responses, a simple small tablet will be of far better use to you than the n-remote. The n-remote sits in some drawer somewhere in the house. I couldn't care less about it.

 

[Ivek]

I bought Cyrus Streamline 2 almost one year ago as a replacement for the cd playere which broke down. I listen to the music from USB hard disc drive. Since I don't have access to the home network, I can't control Streamline with smartphone.

Instead wirelessly, Streamline can be controlled by infrared remote Cyrus IR14. Unfortunately, it is not delivered with streamer, it must be purchased separately. Just for the comparison. Such devices from other manufacturers like Naim, Sony, Denon are suplied with remote. I think that Cyrus should do the same. However, the price of such devices is 1000 pounds and above.

On the other hand, Logitech Harmony remote could be programmed for a large number of streaming devices. Sadly, Cyrus is not supported.