Cyrus

[manicm]

So if you read the entire interview, the Cyrus MD, in so many words, admits that the half-width casing they stick to does hamper the amps' power supplies, so will always push you to eventually obtaining the external power supplies - because from the offset you know the components are not delivering their full potential.

And recent reviews have borne this out over and over again.

Which asserts my view that Cyrus amps, tbe integrated ones at least, have been underpowered and overpriced.

Nick Clarke interview: Cyrus Audio's MD has an eye to the future

Cyrus MD Nick Clarke talks about his career that spans Audiolab, Arcam, Mark Levinson and now Cyrus

www.whathifi.com

 

[Revolutions]

Any company selling an external power supply would be offering it as an upgrade. Otherwise, what’s the point?

 

[podknocker]

So if you read the entire interview, the Cyrus MD, in so many words, admits that the half-width casing they stick to does hamper the amps' power supplies, so will always push you to eventually obtaining the external power supplies - because from the offset you know the components are not delivering their full potential.

And recent reviews have borne this out over and over again.

Which asserts my view that Cyrus amps, tbe integrated ones at least, have been underpowered and overpriced.

Nick Clarke interview: Cyrus Audio's MD has an eye to the future

Cyrus MD Nick Clarke talks about his career that spans Audiolab, Arcam, Mark Levinson and now Cyrus

www.whathifi.com

I do like the look of the new Cyrus range and I hope it replaces all the previous model ranges, instead of the total mess and clutter of the current choices, but I doubt this will happen. Cyrus will have their 40 range, next to a slightly compromised range and lastly, their entry level 'I wished I'd saved up a bit' range. They finally updated the panel from the 1980s calculator offerings, but as you said, the narrow and deep casework does affect the utimate choice of components and I bet it's still really cluttered inside. The fact they offer an expensive outboard PSU says everything. The power supply inside each device should be equal to that in the external unit and the separate PSU shouldn't be necessary. You also mentioned the cost and even with the modern world's geopolitical and economic issues, these things are way too expensive for what they are. Cyrus are not alone with their sky high prices and it makes me wonder if I'll ever upgrade my kit again.

https://www.richersounds.com/cyrus-40-psu-black/

Ridiculous price for a PSU and they obviously recommend one for each of the other devices. Crackers.

 

[Hifiman]

I agree with much of what has been said here. I would like to add a point that has been mentioned by others previously, namely that if you buy the 40 streamer, Amp and CD player then you will be paying for three DACs when 1 would suffice. I read at the 40 product launches that it was being suggested by Cyrus that the streamer sounded better when using its own DAC rather than that of the amp. I felt this was trying to justify the crazy DAC situation and just made me wonder why the amp DAC could not sound as good.
As an aside, with the fast moving pace of streaming technology I also see no reason for spending a large amount of money on a streamer when there are plenty of worthy transports available at a fraction of the cost. Especially if, as a group, streamers are more likely than other hifi components to become obsolete.

 

[podknocker]

Streaming amps with CD players inside exist and I have one. It's an Audiolab Omnia and it sounds great. Cyrus et al are building huge boxes with a single function and forcing users into buying several DACs is crazy. I don't use my CD player any more and I think Class D streaming amps will be the norm. There are dozens available already. I like the Matrix Audio streaming pre amp and DAC, with the option of 1 or 2 Class D power amps. Very expensive, but I would love 850WPC on tap just in case I fancied a decent speaker upgrade.

View: https://youtu.be/iVR40lBNWqU

 

[ToppingSMSL]

Hmm, many class D amps these days are smaller than the Cyrus cases. My tiny Fosi Audio has a 48V DC power brick. that I can hide behind the equipment rack.

 

[podknocker]

I'd like to see Cyrus release a Class D streaming amp, similar to the HIFI Rose RS520 and I'm sure it would cost the same, or more.

 

[daytona600]

Hifi Rose are a huge Korean company , part of Citech started in 1967
Cyrus / NO hifi company in the UK could design , hardware , software & produce a RS520 apart from DCS at a far higher price point

Cyrus 40 £2500 for a regulated PSU in a box you need your head tested

 

[manicm]

Any company selling an external power supply would be offering it as an upgrade. Otherwise, what’s the point?

When you're spending close to 3000 quid, you'd think you didn't need an upgrade, would you?

 

[RoA]

So if you read the entire interview, the Cyrus MD, in so many words, admits that the half-width casing they stick to does hamper the amps' power supplies, so will always push you to eventually obtaining the external power supplies - because from the offset you know the components are not delivering their full potential.

And recent reviews have borne this out over and over again.

Which asserts my view that Cyrus amps, tbe integrated ones at least, have been underpowered and overpriced.

Nick Clarke interview: Cyrus Audio's MD has an eye to the future

Cyrus MD Nick Clarke talks about his career that spans Audiolab, Arcam, Mark Levinson and now Cyrus

www.whathifi.com

Only if you measure value by watts. As to power, I did have an 8vs2 and yes, it did thermally shut down during prolonged high loudness listening. I would not recommend the amplifier for headbangers with insensitive speakers. My 6000A, although rated at less is far more 'pegelfest'. However, if you have sensitive speakers it is not an issue.

 

[manicm]

I'd like to see Cyrus release a Class D streaming amp, similar to the HIFI Rose RS520 and I'm sure it would cost the same, or more.

Cyrus did have an acclaimed Class D streaming amp - it was called the Cyrus One something something. It was 100w, discontinued just a year ago I think. I wonder if or when they'll replace it.

 

[RoA]

Cyrus did have an acclaimed Class D streaming amp - it was called the Cyrus One something something. It was 100w, discontinued just a year ago I think. I wonder if or when they'll replace it.

I have one. Brilliant and powerful. No watts issues.

 

[manicm]

Only if you measure value by watts.

In this case the measure is valid - by all reviews I've read. The esteemed David Price did a review on the slightly older previous Cyrus integrated flagship, the i9-XR. This is a GBP3000 amp remember, and in so many words he politely said it was not really outstanding or worth it unless paired with the power supply - in which case it's now a 4500-5000 amp, who's value is now in question since it's in deep waters with competition.

Let's give Cyrus the benefit of the doubt, they now claim the GBP4000 40 integrated amp is on par with the above combo. But now I'd rather hedge my bets on the new Roksan Caspian 4G Caspian streaming amp - identically priced, also with BluOS and HDMI, and a heap more power.

Back to watts, depending on the speaker the i9-XR and 40 may come up short depending on the speaker you're using, by a few reviews I've read.

Cyrus are pushing their premium positioning a bit IMHO.

 

[RoA]

It's just a review, esteemed or not. I have heard the i9 at Bristol and thought it was outstanding.

You pays your money.

 

[manicm]

It's just a review, esteemed or not. I have heard the i9 at Bristol and thought it was outstanding.

You pays your money.

And it probably had the external power supply connected.

 

[Hifiman]

Cyrus are pushing their premium positioning a bit IMHO.

Nick Clarke gave the game away when he said in the interview that the market for separates is shrinking. It means Cyrus, like many British manufacturers, are likely trying to wring more profit from each of their fewer sales. Unfortunately for them , I suspect I am not alone in (literally) not buying into their business plan.

 

[RoA]

I really don't think Cyrus are catering for the domestic market anymore anyway. No one on any forum is using one of the later systems anymore. My hunch is they now concentrate on the Asian markets where made in Britain is still regarded as a sign of quality.

This is not to diminish their achievements. It's a long standing Hifi manufacturer and their prices, in the greater scheme of things are not outlandish. 4 big ones for an amplifier and PS may seem like a lot for some (and me) but in a sea of expensive Hifi it is not.

 

[manicm]

I really don't think Cyrus are catering for the domestic market anymore anyway. No one on any forum is using one of the later systems anymore. My hunch is they now concentrate on the Asian markets where made in Britain is still regarded as a sign of quality.

This is not to diminish their achievements. It's a long standing Hifi manufacturer and their prices, in the greater scheme of things are not outlandish. 4 big ones for an amplifier and PS may seem like a lot for some (and me) but in a sea of expensive Hifi it is not.

You're wrong. It's 4 big ones for the 40 Amp ALONE. And another 3 big ones for the ST streamer. That's GBP7000. And then add another GBP2500 for a SINGLE PSU upgrade.

Seems you've lost the memo a long time ago.

 

[Hifiman]

I really don't think Cyrus are catering for the domestic market anymore anyway. No one on any forum is using one of the later systems anymore. My hunch is they now concentrate on the Asian markets where made in Britain is still regarded as a sign of quality.

This is not to diminish their achievements. It's a long standing Hifi manufacturer and their prices, in the greater scheme of things are not outlandish. 4 big ones for an amplifier and PS may seem like a lot for some (and me) but in a sea of expensive Hifi it is not.

I, too, have great respect for Mission/Cyrus and still regularly use the wonderful Cyrus One I bought 40 years ago as a student. My concern is just how large the high-end market is, whether domestically or abroad, since, as you say, most manufacturers now seem to be pinning their hopes on a move upmarket. Perhaps the weak GBP exchange rate is making the price rises seem more palatable to overseas markets compared to domestically.

Whatever the justification for the increases/moves upmarket, it is telling that although I am now at a stage in life where I could thankfully afford the £4K for their amp and £2.5K for their PSU, my enthusiasm to buy is being overridden by a feeling that I am now being overcharged. Which is worrying since I must be a key demographic, in the UK market at least.

 

[RoA]

You're wrong. It's 4 big ones for the 40 Amp ALONE. And another 3 big ones for the ST streamer. That's GBP7000. And then add another GBP2500 for a SINGLE PSU upgrade.

Seems you've lost the memo a long time ago.

Thanks. I was talking about the i9 plus PSX. Whatever. If you don't like Cyrus or don't agree with their pricing, just stay away from the brand. Simples.

FWIW, I really like the new design and think it would look gorgeous in my lounge.

 

[manicm]

Thanks. I was talking about the i9 plus PSX. Whatever. If you don't like Cyrus or don't agree with their pricing, just stay away from the brand. Simples.

I do like Cyrus. But there's competition. And the i9 + PSU is GBP5000

 

[RoA]

Audio Affair is selling the package for £5k.

They are also selling the individual amplifier and PSX for £4k total.

You are right, that IS a bad deal

Other than that I don't quite understand the purpose of your thread.

 

[podknocker]

The bundles are for the previous range and still too expensive. Their line up is a mess and will remain a mess if they keep 3 or more model ranges, in slightly different blacks and confuse the hell out of people. Separates will always be around, but I think Cyrus are taking the proverbial. The full 40 series will set you back £12500 and that's with one overpriced PSU. I think they could fit a decent PSU and all the other stuff into one box and charge the same as one device, but they know their devout followers will pay it. It's strange how they can't make an all in one in the same case, when other brands do it. Another thing I've noticed is that the 40 series is huge, compared to the previous Cyrus kit.

 

[Gray]

Cyrus, like many British manufacturers, are likely trying to wring more profit from each of their fewer sales.

Although I am now at a stage in life where I could thankfully afford the £4K for their amp and £2.5K for their PSU, my enthusiasm to buy is being overridden by a feeling that I am now being overcharged.

The above explains perfectly why the quality separates market is declining.

When I bought a Cyrus 8 amp, I didn't give the lower powered 6 amp any thought - didn't need to worry about the extra cost.

But when it came to the choice between the XR-i7 and i9 models, the price difference immediately prevented me from considering the higher powered i9.
That and an unbeatable discount on the i7 made my decision.
It's not that I didn't have the money for the i9, but, as stated above, the obvious overcharging barred it from consideration.
(Even if the overpricing isn't as blatant as it is with some of the 're-imagined' speakers).