CYRUS CLASSIC PRE

Cyrus Classic PRE – Proudly Made in the UK

The Cyrus Classic PRE is the latest evolution of a preamplifier with integrated DAC that has been part of the Classic series of the historic English brand for over a decade. This new preamplifier expresses a significant technological step forward and a marked improvement in performance compared to previous versions.

All Cyrus products are designed, built and assembled in England, to maintain very high quality standards. Thanks to the great experience learned during the development of the fantastic XR Line, but maintaining the familiar design of the Classic series - strictly with the unmistakable "half-width" design.

The circuit design has been completely redesigned from the ground up and most of the internal components have been updated by Cyrus' R&D team. This long and meticulous work has led to improvements in the musical result that will confirm the Classic series as a loyal fan base for years to come.

Classic PRE integrates a wide range of connections, including five analog inputs, including a high quality MM Phono stage, thanks to the integrated DAC it offers the possibility to directly connect your own digital sources, such as CD transports, Streamers or TV. Thanks to the large Classic PREs, it is an absolute quality preamplifier, able to manage power amplifiers both in Mono and Stereo configuration, so as to offer the best performance for any Setup.

Analog circuits

The preamp stage in the Cyrus Classic AMP features relay-based 5 analog input selection – the best-ever solution for input switching – and offers precise gain control for volume.

Digital circuits

The digital control circuits are given a completely separate power supply, completely isolated from the signal circuits, to avoid any internal contamination.

Headphone output

The Classic AMP includes a top-notch 3.5mm headphone output on the rear panel, capable of effortlessly driving any type of headphone and delivering great performance.

Inside the chassis

The analog section of the Classic PRE features relay-switched input selection: 4 line inputs and a Phono MM input. It also features a precision gain control for volume. The Classic PRE is in the same chassis that normally houses the entire integrated amplifier. That's why there's plenty of room for a large 74VA toroidal power transformer that provides optimal energy management. Within the loop, a total of 11 independent power regulators regulate, then down-regulate power in an isolated, dedicated and most importantly extremely quiet manner. The Classic PRE also has a port for connecting an additional PSX-R power supply; its voltage is then directed to the analog stages of the preamplifier.

PSX-R2

The Classic Pre features a port to connect, as an upgrade, the Cyrus PSX-R2 power supply. The PSX-R's power is internally routed to the Classic PRE's analog stages to provide a more stable, low-noise power supply to the D/A converter's analog pre-amp and post-DAC stages. A true Up-Grade capable of improving musical performance and revealing every detail of your favorite music.

Low noise phono stage

The design of the Classic PRE MM phono input stage is derived from the Phono Signature, the flagship preamplifier capable of astounding performance, and features two active gain stages and passive RIAA equalization. Featuring an exceptionally low noise floor and a high dynamic range, this stage for MM cartridges delivers clean, transparent sound. Allows connection with high quality turntables, such as UltraDeck from the famous MoFi brand, an absolute reference in the world of vinyl.

Not just analog!

Classic Pre is a control center with audiophile quality DAC and dedicated to enthusiasts who seek substance in listening to their music from digital sources. The control circuits of the digital preamplifier are assigned a separate power supply, completely isolated from the power supply of the signal circuits. The digital-to-analog converter is the ESS Technology ES9028 chip capable of handling PCM files up to a resolution of 24 bit 192 kHz. Four digital inputs – including 2 S/PDIF coaxial and 2 Toslink optical – to connect most digital sources such as Streamers, NAS, CD transports and TVs.

How to connect it with the other components?

The Classic PRE is the ideal partner for Cyrus amplifications, mine is also capable of driving any type of power amplifier as well as active speakers very well. The analog outputs present are of two types to satisfy all listening needs. The classic unbalanced RCA outputs are the ideal solution for closely assembled systems where the power amplifier is located close to the Classic Pre, such as positioned inside the rack of the same brand Hark III.

The XLR balanced outputs are instead recommended for installations where the Classic Pre drives power amplifiers positioned close to the system speakers or in the case of active speakers, allowing long cabling without affecting the signal quality.

For the connections we recommend quality cables such as those of Chord Company, to obtain maximum performance in signal transmission. We recommend RCA or XLR cables from the Clearway Analogue or Shawline Analogue lines, capable of great detail and transparency as well as excellent shielding against possible signal interference.

Chef Hifight's advice

Classic PRE is the ideal companion to Cyrus amplifications such as the stereophonic X Power and Stereo 200, but also for a pair of monophonic amplifiers such as the Top of the Range Mono X 300 Signature.

But matches with HEGEL H20 – CAMBRIDGE AUDIO EDGE W / M – CHORD ELECTRONICS Etude / Ultima 6. Its excellent qualities in terms of dynamics and detail, it matches perfectly with the qualities of Hegel amplifiers, in particular with the H20 power amp.

Classic PRE is also an exceptional partner of Chord Electronics power amps, for lovers of extremely clean and transparent sound, such as Etude or the fabulous Ultima 6.

Those looking for the punch and dynamics of the true British Sound, we recommend the Edge W power amp or a pair of Edge M monophonic speakers. Very performing combinations see the Classic PRE combined with Amplified / Active speakers such as the famous ATC or Dynaudio active speakers FOCUS to build advanced systems with maximum synergy and musicality.

CYRUS CLASSIC AMP TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Power Supply Voltage: 230 V

Power Consumption: Standby <0.5W Maximum 25W

Line audio performance: Input Impedance Line: 28kΩ Output impedance Line: 47Ω Output impedance Bal (per phase): 47Ω Max input voltage Line: 2.5V System gain Line: 6dB System gain Bal: 12dB Max output voltage Line: 2.5V Max output voltage Bal: 5V Frequency Response (-3dB) Line: <0.5Hz, >100kHz Signal to Noise Ratio (unwtd) . Line (ref 2V out): 110dB THD Line (ref 2V out): <0.001%

Enclosure: Dimensions (WxHxD): 215 x 75 x 365mm Weight: 4.4kg Material: Die cast chassis

Remote: included

Phono audio performance: Input Impedance: 47kΩ Max input voltage (1kHz): 25mV Phono stage gain (1kHz): 40dB RIAA tolerance <0.5dB S/N Ratio (unwtd, ref 91W/6Ω, vol -6dB): 83dB THD: <0.07%

Digital audio performance: Input voltage: 500mV pk-pk Input Impedance: 75Ω Sample rate range: 32k – 192k Audio formats: PCM stereo only S/N ratio (Pre-out, 0 dB fs): >97dB THD (Pre-out, 0 dB fs): <0.003%

Headphone performance: Recommended headphone impedance: 16Ω – 330Ω Output power (16Ω load): 138mW Max output voltage (330Ω load): 1.85V Signal to Noise Ratio (unwtd) (35mW//16Ω): 90dB THD (35mW//16Ω): <0.01%