Cyrus’s integrated amp is new but still ever so familiar
Stereo amplifier | £1995| whf.cm/Cyrus_Classic
It seems a longtime since we last reviewed a Cyrus integrated stereo amplifier, but unpacking the brand-new Classic Amp feels like an entirely familiar experience. That distinctive Cyrus half-width casing looks unchanged from previous models, as do the display and control buttons. But, while that’s not necessarily a bad thing given how the company’s products have always stood apart from the competition, it does feel like a bit of a missed opportunity to move things forward.
You won’t find many differences in the specification sheet either, with the 70W per channel into 8 ohms claimed power output echoing that of previous generations of Cyrus integrateds. So, what has really changed? It turns out that the answer is quite a lot, but it is all on the inside. The company’s engineers have used the lessons learned when developing the more premium XR series and implemented them here. The Classic Amp’s circuit design has been completely reworked with the majority of components claimed to have been upgraded for a better sonic performance.
Take a look inside the casework and you will find a generous power supply arrangement with a 304VA mains transformer and a high-capacity power supply reserve. The preamplifier and power amplifier circuits have dedicated transformer windings to prevent unwanted interactions, and the engineers have even gone as far as giving the digital control electronics a separate power supply to minimise interference.
Ample connectivity
Take a look at the back panel and you will find it is packed with connections. That small space makes room for four analogue line-level inputs, a moving-magnet phono stage and four digital inputs split evenly between optical and coaxial. The lack of a USB is a bit of a surprise but not a deal breaker in our book. The digital module tops out at 192kHz and doesn’t have DSD capability, which might be an issue for some die-hard high-resolution file fans, but we think it won’t be a problem for most users.
While a headphone output is handy, it is a shame to find the 3.5mm socket stuck on the back panel where it will prove awkward to get to, particularly when the phono stage and Digital 1 optical inputs are in use. Surely Cyrus could have found a way to put it on the front where it belongs?
On a more positive note, we are pleased to find that it is still possible to upgrade
