Cyrus should be a fan of Lego. Its constructing block strategy to system engineering is taken to a logical conclusion with this four-box CD participant.
The quartet of containers consists of a newly revised transport and digital-to-analogue converter, each recognized by the ‘+’ tagged on to their mannequin names, and a pair of PSX-R outboard energy provides.
Externally, the £1500 CD Xt SE+ transport is unchanged from its predecessor, bar a better trim. It nonetheless makes use of Cyrus’s CD engine, however now has a revised energy provide association with separate circuits for the servo motors and low-level sign sections.
The primary circuit board can also be upgraded and the clocking association improved to minimise timing errors.
The DAC X+ hasn’t modified a lot, although its worth has additionally climbed to £1500. The ‘+’ revisions quantity to improved element high quality, tweaks to the circuit and a retuning of the sound.
Not about simple listening
The Cyrus sound is just not about simple listening. To be truthful, it by no means has been, and the corporate’s final CD participant takes issues to an excessive. It sounds staggeringly quick, with wonderful definition to the beginnings and ends of notes.
This skill is true all through the frequency vary, however is very spectacular within the bass, the place this participant uncovers layers of low-frequency textures.
Madonna’s Frozen is a observe that may simply sound gradual and plodding. Not right here, as this Cyrus delivers the lows with class-leading agility and a truckload of slam. Even usually upbeat-sounding machines equivalent to our reference Naim CDS3/555ps sound a little bit reserved as compared.
The Cyrus’s open, insightful presentation additionally works nicely with acoustic devices. It delivers Shostakovich’s String Quartet No.7 with a substantial amount of ardour and finesse whereas nonetheless having the dynamic attain to ship Beethoven’s Fifth with authority.
Tonally, there’s the slightest trace of leanness to the presentation, however nothing that may trigger hassle to any fairly balanced set-up.
Beautiful stereo imaging
Element retrieval is staggering: there is a very actual sense of the participant delivering completely all the pieces that is on the disc. You possibly can add exquisitely exact stereo imaging and a steady presentation to the record of plus factors, too.
Discard the pair of PSX-Rs and you may save £1100 and nonetheless have a great-sounding CD participant. Scale, energy and determination all take a notable dip, although. The four-boxer actually is the final word configuration so far as all-round efficiency is anxious.
Cyrus’s SE vary of CD gamers have destroyed the competitors in terms of sonic skill. This range-topper does the identical at its worth stage.
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