A copy of my popst on the Cyrus Unofficial forum. You may want to go to the thread to fully get the context, but you should have a good feel for it based on the things that have gone before in this thread.....
"I recently upgraded from a long owned TEAC Ref 300 to a 8vs2, CD8x and
ProAc 110 speakers. I can honestly say that I am more than delighted,
and have no buyers remorse in any way, shape or form.
What HiFi were instrumental in my decision to buy Cyrus. Also instrumental were internet fora like this.
I
think that 95% of people will buy a hi-fi and use it for many years
before changing again. Buying hi-fi is an expensive and confusing
business, and there is no doubt that people rely not just on word of
mouth, but also on established brands. In my case, whenever I buy a
piece of kit, whether hi-fi or something like a digital camera or TV, I
always start with what I believe to be an impartial publication like
WHF. I use it to give me ideas on how to establish a budget, what I
can expect for that budget, and the 5 star products in that space. I
do not consider 4 star products or below. Why should I? I'm not an
experienced hi-fi reviewer, and I don't have the time or inclination to
research a market that has enough 5 star products to keep me occupied
for some time anyway.
I suspect that it is this type of approach
that irks the hi-fi industry. I'm in sales and have been for 25 years,
selling IT products and services. I'm very competitive. If someone
rejects my product, I always assume they are wrong. This doesn't make
either me or them right however, because there are so many factors that
go into buying something, both objective and emotional. Of course many
in hi-fi think the WHF awards are a joke - it's because they aren't
winning.
Regarding the Cyrus accounts, AFAIK, all accounts have
to be read in some form of context. Assuming that Cyrus have their
costs under control, on the upside they have award winning products
that sound and perform fabulously well, at prices that aren't mental.
To me, that talks of a bright future, assuming a well managed company.
My only concern would be one of growth. It's all very well having
great reviews, but availability appears limited, and they aren't
reaching the type of consumer who wanders into Currys, although maybe
that's a leap too far. Not every company wants global domination, and
is happy to just find a niche.
I for one will be very happy to spend my money with Cyrus as and when I feel the need to upgrade."