CYRUS CDi XR

Cyrus CDi-XR, reference HiFi CD player

The Cyrus CDi XR was designed as the reference CD player building on the legacy of the Cyrus CDi and incorporating new technologies developed internally by Cyrus over the last few years.

Housed within the iconic half-width chassis, the Cyrus CDi-XR joins the existing CDi and Cyrus CDt models by offering a substantial boost in performance.

With DAC Saber

The Cyrus CDi-XR includes SABER's most advanced DAC.

This, thanks to a specifically developed high-speed analog stage, offers excellent dynamic range, very low noise level and THD distortion. Through the Menu, it is also possible to select up to 7 different filters in order to fine-tune the needs and tastes of the listener.

Cyrus CDi XR – totally new

Featuring new internal circuitry technologies on the outside, it features an all-new ghost black paint finish, touch-sensitive controls, and a high-resolution display that you can customize for brightness, contrast, and polarity. There is no shortage of innovations and updates under the skin. The Cyrus XR series products are the manifestation of more than a decade of accumulated knowledge in technology and development. With close attention to the details of every component found in the audio path, XR takes Cyrus audio performance to another level.

Evolution servo

Several years ago Cyrus invested heavily in the development of the internal “Servo” mechanism for CDs, the “Servo Evolution”. The design principle is to read as much information as possible from the disc itself the first time rather than having to rely on “rereading” or “error correction”.

Although it is true that data on a CD is stored in “1s ​​and 0s”, the way it is read, by picking up different frequencies of reflected light, has analog elements. Therefore, precision engineering can improve its performance. Off-the-shelf mechanisms produce significant “system noise” when the mechanism's stepper motors are used during error correction processes whenever data was not read on the first pass. The Cyrus “Servo-Evolution” system reduces these readbacks and corrections by approximately 20%, producing not only a cleaner data stream for the DAC, but significantly less noise induced into the analog output stages.

Limited noise

To reduce noise pickup the components have been updated and work in synergy with intelligently designed circuits that use "countercurrent" methodologies. The basic principle is that power starts at the “quietest” part of the circuit before flowing to the “noisier” sections.

Less noise is then “carried” or induced into the power paths, limiting the transmission of noise within the product. While this seems logical, the application in practice is incredibly complex and needs to be considered at the system level. The geometric alignment of the individual components has also been optimized to facilitate the cleanest possible flow of power and musical signal.

The DAC has been housed on the shielded section of the PCB. This choice was also made to limit the transfer of noise as much as possible.

SECOND GENERATION QXR DAC

The DAC in the Cyrus CDi-XR is the well-known second generation QXR DAC platform which brings significant differences in its implementation. Since a DAC usually has to handle a multitude of possible resolutions and input paths, its design is always a slight compromise on the best possible configuration for a particular source. In the CDi-XR, on the other hand, we know exactly what resolution will be received (44.1 kHz, 16 bit) and what will be the incoming signal path that the data will have to take. As a result Cyrus was able to calibrate the ESS Technology ES9028Q2M DAC with incredible precision. It is therefore able to optimize not only the incoming data path and the data conversion itself, but also the DAC filtering stages to make the best possible analog output.

Power Supply Design

Inside a CD Player there is a complex network of signals such as digital data signals, (very sensitive) analog signals, high current control and servo signals. To minimize (harmful) interactions between all these circuits, the Cdi-XR power section platform is fully “segmented”. The digital control sections use a dedicated high efficiency power supply line, while the other sections are powered by a linear structure circuit which can count on an oversized toroidal transformer. As many as nine individual regulators manage, regulate and distribute the power according to the needs of the various sections.

Cyrus chassis: a must

All Cyrus components are crafted in an advanced, hand-finished cast aluminum frame. The chassis is an integral part of the products sound. It's not just about good looks. The composition of the chassis is specifically designed to create an electronically and mechanically shielded environment free from vibration. In summary, the ideal solution for notoriously sensitive audio circuits that are hung inside the chassis for an excellent final result.

Connection to PSU-XR power supply

The Cyrus CDi-XR provides the PSU-XR upgrade, the new super-power supply, through the connection port located on the rear panel. Thirty years ago, Cyrus opened up new horizons with the creation of the PSX-R, the first external power supply capable of regulating current supplies and adapting perfectly to the needs of the connected product. The Cyrus PSU-XR raises the performance bar by guaranteeing 5 completely separate and individually regulated power levels. In the case of the CDi-XR, four of these power supplies are used. One pair delivers ultra-quiet and precise power to the analog section, one powers the mechanical section (which needs high currents) and the other provides ultra-stable power to the PLL Digital Master Clock section in order to minimize minimum interference (which is very related to jitter).

Options configurable from the menu

A new menu system makes the CDi-XR easily customizable. The tree navigation structure includes display, timeout, digital filter and system configuration options. The menu settings are quick and easy to select.

Tip: filtered AC current

In the HiFi listening chains, the various devices must be consistent with each other to get the best results. Amplifiers and delicate electronics should always be powered with possibly controlled and filtered electric current. Any noise induced by sudden changes in the home network or in the macro living area is reflected in voltage oscillations - even important and harmful to the device - which in the best case are detrimental to listening pleasure and the absolute performance of our devices .

We strongly recommend the use of shielded power cords and good quality power strips with decent to good quality amplifiers and audio electronics. These improve the life and performance of the connected devices and also of the rest of the appliances in the house since they do not filter disturbances and discharges but, symmetrically, do not emit them. Toroidal electrical insulators for HiFi are also recommended to obtain the maximum in terms of listening and safety.

CYRUS CDi-XR TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Integrated CD player 32 bit 2nd Gen QXR DAC Servo Evolution technology Twin analogue outputs Optical and coaxial outputs PSU-XR upgrade port Firmware upgradeable iR14 remote control included Dimensions (H x W x D) – 73 x 215 x 360 mm Weight – 3.8 kg