We didn't test the XTse against the old XT, for a couple of reasons.
Firstly, this new range of Cyrus CD players was originally due months ago. We hung on to the CD XT for a good while, but stockroom space is always at a premium and we were happy when Cyrus eventually collected it.
Secondly, and more importantly, we prefer to test against comparably priced contemporary equipment. Manufacturers slavishly test new models against the machine being replaced, but surprisingly few test against competitors. As the 'What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision Ultimate Guide to High- End Entertainment' has been in production lately (and goes on sale July 31st), we've had any number of well-regarded CD players from £2000 upwards washing about the place. As the review made clear, the Cyrus combo is a simply outstanding £2000 player when judged against any of its peers - including the likes of Bryston's BCD-1, which copped for five stars as recently as May.
In fact, the Cyrus duo is so impressive that we've considered using it (with a couple of PSX-R power supplies thrown in) as a replacement for our reference CD player, Naim's £10000 CDS3/555PS. That debate is ongoing.
The important thing to take from the review is that Cyrus has, and this is written in all sobriety, taken a significant step away from its nominal competition with this player. We've also listened to the CD6se (£800), and it's reviewed in our September issue - on sale next Thursday. Given that it incorporates much of the ground-up reworking of components that the CD XTse enjoys, you might wish to start the betting now on what kind of reception the CD6se gets.