It appears a very long time since we final reviewed a Cyrus built-in amplifier, however unpacking the brand-new Traditional Amp appears like a wholly acquainted expertise. That particular Cyrus half-width casing appears to be like unchanged from earlier fashions as do the show and management buttons. However, whereas that’s not essentially a nasty factor given how the corporate’s merchandise have at all times stood other than the competitors, it does really feel like a little bit of a missed alternative to maneuver issues ahead.
Construct & options
You received’t discover many variations within the specification sheet both, with the 70 watts per channel into 8 ohms claimed energy output echoing that of earlier generations of Cyrus integrateds. So, what has actually modified? It seems that the reply is quite a bit, however it’s all on the within. The corporate’s engineers have used the teachings learnt when growing the extra premium XR collection and applied them right here. The Traditional Amp’s circuit design has been fully reworked with nearly all of parts claimed to have been upgraded for a greater sonic efficiency.
Have a look contained in the casework and you will discover a beneficiant energy provide association with a 304VA mains transformer and a high-capacity energy provide reserve. The preamp and energy amplifier circuits have devoted transformer windings to forestall undesirable interactions, and the engineers have even gone so far as giving the digital management electronics a separate energy provide to minimise interference.
Cyrus Traditional Amp tech specs
Kind Built-in
Energy 70W per channel
Phono stage? Sure (MM)
Inputs Line stage x4, optical x2, coax x2
Outputs Line stage, pre-out
Bluetooth? No
Headphone output? Sure (3.5mm)
Dimensions (hwd) 7.5 x 21.5 x 36.5cm
Weight 6.7 kg
Check out the Traditional Amp’s again panel and you will discover that it’s full of connections. In that small area, you will discover 4 analogue line-level inputs, a shifting magnet phono stage and 4 digital inputs cut up evenly between optical and coax. The shortage of a USB is a little bit of a shock however not a deal breaker in our e-book. The digital module tops out at 192kHz and doesn’t have DSD functionality, which could be a problem for a few of the extra die-hard high-resolution file followers, however we predict it received’t be an issue for many customers.
Whereas a headphone output is helpful, it’s a disgrace to seek out the three.5mm socket caught on the again panel the place it’ll show awkward to get to, notably when the phono stage and Digital 1 optical inputs are in use. Absolutely Cyrus might have discovered a method to put it on the entrance the place it belongs?
On a extra constructive word, we’re happy to seek out that it’s nonetheless potential to improve the amplifier’s efficiency by means of the usage of a PSX-R2 energy provide. Priced at £995/$1599 this outboard provide isn’t low cost, however does make important enhancements to the sonic authority, scale and management of the amplifier.
Sound
We plug the Traditional Amp into our traditional reference system of Naim ND555/555 PS DR music streamer, Technics SL-1000R/Vertere Sabre MM file participant and ATC SCM50 audio system, but in addition have merchandise such because the Cyrus CDi CD participant and KEF LS50 Meta audio system available to see the way it performs with extra value appropriate companions. We even have Arcam’s new A15 built-in amplifier and Naim’s pricier Nait XS 3 available for benchmarking functions.
The Traditional Amp is a shocking performer, delivering a extra spacious and open sound than its compact dimensions recommend. It sounds extra substantial and managed than we bear in mind older generations being, although it nonetheless doesn’t fairly have the dynamic muscularity or authority of rivals such because the Rega Elex Mk4 or Naim Nait XS 3. However there’s a lot else to love right here.
We hearken to Donna Summer time’s State Of Independence and are impressed by the readability and crisp element. That is an amplifier that may dig deep into the manufacturing and reveal lots in the way in which of instrumental textures. Summer time’s trademark vocals come by means of with nuance and keenness whereas the dense backing instrumentation is rendered with sense of organisation. It is a tidy presentation; one which takes care to dot all of the ‘i’s and packages the sound in a neat and simply understood approach.
There isn’t a scarcity of agility right here, with the Amp monitoring transients and fast-moving dynamic shifts nicely. This high quality extends to the bottom frequencies with the Cyrus delivering the track’s distinctive undulating bassline with talent and loads of punch. Some value rivals sound much more assertive within the area, however this little amplifier nonetheless does nicely. Take care to match it with a refined and full-bodied speaker and also you received’t go far unsuitable.
Rhythmic drive? It’s fairly respectable, however the Traditional Amp doesn’t convey the momentum of the music with fairly the power or enthusiasm of the category leaders. It’s nonetheless an entertaining and informative pay attention however each the aforementioned Naim and Rega handle to ship the music with extra verve.
Switching to Bizet’s Carmen Suite highlights the Cyrus’s composure and precision nicely. It isn’t probably the most enthusiastic of performers however nonetheless communicates the power of the music nicely. The music’s savage crescendos are delivered with a shocking diploma of punch, and as earlier than we’re impressed with the amplifier’s managed nature.
It photographs nicely too, with a soundstage that’s open, spacious and properly layered. The addition of a PSX-R2 takes this one other step ahead, including a good bit by way of picture scale and depth. No matter whether or not that non-compulsory energy provide is linked or not, the amplifier’s stereo imaging stays pleasingly crisp, centered and steady even when the music turns into demanding.
Cyrus’s engineers have performed job with the digital inputs the place the amplifier retains its readability and management. Element ranges are good and dynamics are expressive. There’s a pleasing consistency in character between the analogue and digital connections that isn’t at all times a given. The story is equally constructive with the shifting magnet phono stage and headphone output. The phono stage is insightful and decently quiet whereas the headphone output is as expressive because the speaker output. Some firms deal with these options as one thing of a tick-box train however it’s apparent that Cyrus has been diligent with these modules.
Verdict
The Cyrus Traditional Amp is up towards some powerful competitors however has a mix of sonic skills that give it loads of attraction. Add its compact dimension and improve potential into the combo and you’ve got a beautiful proposition for the cash.
SCORES
MORE:
Learn our assessment of the Rega Elex Mk4
Additionally think about the Naim Nait XS 3
Learn our Field A15 assessment
Greatest stereo amplifiers: one of the best built-in amps you should purchase
