Cyrus X Power vs Audiolab 8200P

[ErwinC]

I am considering adding a power amp to my Cyrus 6XP for driving the KEF LS50. The choice is between a used Cyrus X Power or a new Audiolab 8200P. What would be the best solution? The Audiolab has more power but probably the Cyrus is the better power amp.

After that I can upgrade the preamp part too with an Audiolab or Cyrus preamp depending on the power amp.

 

[ngibbs]

The synerygy between the X power and the 6XP would make sense, both being Cyrus. Would probably sound better as a result, and if you like the Cyrus sound, then stick with it.

 

[ErwinC]

And what about a Quad 909? This seems to be a powerful amp for a reasonable price. I have never heard quad though.

 

[BigColz]

I have a better pre amp obviously but i auditioned the x power and the quad power and the Cyrus is miles ahead in my opinion.. The quad is extremely loose and fluffy in the bass where the cyrus has a firm grip.. Also the quad only really likes to be run by it's own pre otherwise it sounds even worse.. You can pick up x powers cheap on ebay and even if you sold iot 2 years down the line you may only loose £100 or so.. Personally i'd get x power then look at a cyrus pre in the future when you have the cash..