Hifi refresh/spring clean

[powerplay]

Hi folks,

Have been watching these fora for years and sporadically posting on avforums for a while. Good to be here, some interesting discussions taking place.

I am looking to change up my system partly because my hand has been forced. Currently, I run:

Cyrus 8vs2
Cyrus PSX-R
Tannoy Revolution DC6T SE
[I also just inherited a set of B&W DM-2A, sitting untested]

I have mainly been streaming music via a BT dongle, something I have been meaning to address for years and now must be the time. I have also been amassing records for a few years, so have a TT in my sights. Finally, I have been craving more power, and am looking for a good pre and power amp set-up that allows for modular upgrades.

I would be grateful for any views on merits of:

- Cyrus Pre XPd with a Cyrus X Power
- other recommended really articulate sub-£500 second hand pre amps
- solid + good value DAC in the event I do not get an amp that has DAC
- buying vintage Rega P2 vs brand new Rega P1
- changing out my speakers.

I am also looking to put small class D amps with speakers in a couple of other rooms in my house, was already recommended Fosi ZA3 by user on other forum, keen know to views held here on Fosi amps.

Any and all help gratefully received.

 

[Fandango Andy]

Hi folks,

Have been watching these fora for years and sporadically posting on avforums for a while. Good to be here, some interesting discussions taking place.

I am looking to change up my system partly because my hand has been forced. Currently, I run:

Cyrus 8vs2
Cyrus PSX-R
Tannoy Revolution DC6T SE
[I also just inherited a set of B&W DM-2A, sitting untested]

I have mainly been streaming music via a BT dongle, something I have been meaning to address for years and now must be the time. I have also been amassing records for a few years, so have a TT in my sights. Finally, I have been craving more power, and am looking for a good pre and power amp set-up that allows for modular upgrades.

I would be grateful for any views on merits of:

- Cyrus Pre XPd with a Cyrus X Power
- other recommended really articulate sub-£500 second hand pre amps
- solid + good value DAC in the event I do not get an amp that has DAC
- buying vintage Rega P2 vs brand new Rega P1
- changing out my speakers.

I am also looking to put small class D amps with speakers in a couple of other rooms in my house, was already recommended Fosi ZA3 by user on other forum, keen know to views held here on Fosi amps.

Any and all help gratefully received.

If you crave more power have you looked at Bi or Tri amping your existing amp?

 

[powerplay]

If you crave more power have you looked at Bi or Tri amping your existing amp?

Unfortunately the 8vs2 shorted on the weekend, I am unable to diagnose what went wrong and a repair, if Cyrus will even do it, would cost 330£.

 

[Gray]

Unfortunately the 8vs2 shorted on the weekend,

What actually happened?
Is it totally dead?

I am unable to diagnose what went wrong

Have you had the bottom cover off?

To answer a couple of your questions;
A few of us here have been quite impressed by Fosi amps.
And yes, there are some decent, good value standalone DACs.

But don't give up on your failed Cyrus too soon.....

 

[RoA]

Unfortunately the 8vs2 shorted on the weekend, I am unable to diagnose what went wrong and a repair, if Cyrus will even do it, would cost 330£.

Yes, Cyrus change a flat rate but this includes diagnosing, fixing and, I believe, upgrading certain parts to latest specification even if they are not faulty. It includes a warranty and I believe re-boxing too. You almost certainly will have a better amplifier than £330 otherwise will buy you new.

I had an 8vs2/PSX-R (and rest of cyrus system including tuner, cd player and a further PSX-R) for some time though it has been quite a while ago. I did like it much but it was not a system for loud playback with the 8vs2 occasionally thermally shutting down at moderately high listening levels. Heat management in such a small and completely enclosed unit is not easy. If you decide and go this route I would recommend drilling the bottom plate to allow extra circulation.

Perhaps they made advances with their later units as a i9XR at the Bristol show sounded absolutely glorious at very decent volume.

Another brand I can recommend is Audiolab if you fancy a change. A 6000A is below £600 and will likely sound better. Although only rated at 50w/ch it is a powerful sounding little amplifier with better bass than your 8vs2 can muster but you need to spend nearly twice as much unless buying s/h.

 

[plastic penguin]

I had the 8vs2 kn home demo many moons ago. It's a good amp, but if it's permanently dead, the 8XD is also very good amp.

If you are planning to keep the B&Ws, Rotel is a very good match.