Quad 909 or Cyrus XP d

[admin_exported]

What do u think people?

What would sound better between the new Cyrus integrated XP d, and the Quad 909 power amp? Just for the record the new Cyrus is actually more expensive than the Quad.

Looking forward to your responses : )

 

[lordmortlock]

Do you mean the 8xpd? For the record its a LOT more expensive - like double the money!! The 6xp doesn't have the digital frippery of the 8 but you can upgrade later. If you hunt around you'll find both the quad 909 and cdp2 for similar money as the 8xpd, especially if you don't mind silver. These two boxes are essentially a cdp, preamp, power amp and dac with digital inputs - a whole system. Bear in mind that if you go for just the 909 you'll need a pre amp.

It terms of better sound it'll depend hugely on what sound you enjoy. I auditioned cyrus before buying quad and (obviously) preferred the latter but some folk would tell you I was pants on head mad to call it that way - the cyrus gets rave reviews. Have you listened to them both?

 

[Anonymous]

Chalk and cheese really. The Quad has a warmer, richer, more natural sound than the typical Cyrus house sound. I haven't heard the new amps but I doubt they veer far away from the usual ingredients. It also depends on the speakers you choose to match it with.

 

[Anonymous]

Sorry i did mean the Cyrus '8' XP d. Why dont they just come up with a real name lol instead of adding more letters hehe.

If we factor in the quad pre amp and also 909, the Cyrus integrated doesnt cost as much retail. However, as my speakers are Epos M12.2's (8ohms and 87db), i need an amp that has grunt which is where the quad probably steps in. I dont care how much the guy in the shop raves about the low current drive of the Cyrus ect, the bottom line is 70watts aint enough muscle for a difficult load. Fpr years i bought Cyrus products but got fed up with their inability to increase the power output of their amps. I'll go for the quad i reckon it would have to be better.

 

[Anonymous]

Given that the EPOS M12.2s might sound bright with the wrong electronics, I would go for the Quad. I think the richer and more natural sound will suit the EPOS well.

 

[Anonymous]

cheers igglebert, do u agree the quad would drive difficult speakers more easily?

 

[Anonymous]

I think the Quad is capable of driving a lot of speakers. I'm not convinced that the M12.2s are an especially difficult load though. In terms of their sensitivity, 87dB, you need sheer volts to get volume. The 909 has 140W so should be very capable of driving decent volumes.

 

[lordmortlock]

quantum:
If we factor in the quad pre amp and also 909, the Cyrus integrated doesnt cost as much retail.

Hunt around - there are some good deals of you buy both and remember you're getting a well regarded cdp too in the 99cdp2 (if you need it)

I'd like to think I did more than my fair share of auditioning when I bought and I'm very happy with Quad. It makes my digital sources seem less digital, if that makes sense.

 

[Anonymous]

Hope the quad doesnt sound layed back though

 

[lordmortlock]

I was a bit worried about that too Quantum but it hasn't been an issue (with proac 110s). It'll certainly sound different to the Cyrus sound so it might take some getting used to!