Cyrus 8 XP Review
Cyrus 8 XP
Price £1250
Rating 9.8/10
The Cyrus 8 XP here is the more powerful version of the highly rated 6 XP. Being middle of the road the 8 XP lacks only the built in DAC of the top of the range 8 XPd. It manages to match the 8 XPd on sound quality in every sense. The dynamics are an absolute joy but where the 8 XP excels is in its transparency and detail. The precision which the 8 XP delivers is astonishing; there are few that can compete with the Cyrus at any level. Focus is amazing, and the precision of delivery is such that it has very few rivals. The delicacy of the top end is faultless, being both articulate and sparkling. It delivers music with subtlety and accuracy.
Upgrading has always been a hallmark of Cyrus and the 8XP in no exception with the addition the PSX-R power supply enables a significant upgrade. Also an 8XPD upgrade has a digital card allowing 5 digital inputs and USB socket.
Weaknesses are proving very tricky to unearth, and all that can be said is that some more expensive amps deliver slightly more deep bass but the Cyrus has more control. Apart from minor criticisms that Cyrus is a incredibly accomplished amp, and the options of future upgrades are a definite bonus.
It would seem that Cyrus cannot put a foot wrong lately, and everything they design turns to gold.
Specifications
Integrated Yes
Power output (watts) 70
Dimensions (hwd, cm) 7x22x36
Finishes 2
Speaker outputs 1
Remote control Yes
USB in No
Preamp out Yes
Tone controls No
Tape loops 1
MC phono in 0
Headphone out Yes
MM phono in No
Line level in 6
Cyrus 6 XP Review
Cyrus 6 XP
Price £925
Rating 9.7/10
Anything that emerges from Cyrus automatically deserves attention. Sporting the now familiar Cyrus design blueprint, the appearance of the Cyrus 6 XP is reassuringly familiar. The dimensions and appearance of the Cyrus range has always been different to all other Hi Fi and conforms only to the Cyrus blueprint. Cyrus has also been known for its excellent sound quality over the years and the 6 XP definitely keeps up that tradition. Furthermore in keeping with Cyrus philosophy the 6 XP offers a unique upgrade path. Its purchase will ensure that in future it can be upgraded to the 8 XP which enables an increase in output from 40W to 70W, in addition the PSX-R enables a further upgrade. Finally an 8 XPD upgrade has a digital card allowing 5 digital inputs and USB socket.
As purchased, the Cyrus 6 XP performs extremely well in its basic form. Dynamics are extremely impressive and normally associated with amp of much higher output. The top end definitely sparkles whilst the midrange is explicit and open. Rhythm is delightful with control in the bass that few can master. Detail on the Cyrus is explicit with leading edges that are incredibly realistic. The dynamics and scale are reminiscent of much more powerful amps. Lower frequencies are deep, assured and controlled.
The drawbacks are few; you could say that 40W output is meagre until you listen. Speakers that are bright are best avoided.
Apart from minor criticisms that Cyrus is a remarkably accomplished amp, and the options of future upgrades are a definite bonus.
Specifications
Integrated Yes
Power output 40 Watts
Dimensions (hwd, cm) 7 x 22 x 36
Finishes 2
Speaker outputs 2
Remote control Yes
USB in No
Preamp out Yes
Tone controls No
Tape loops 1
MC phono in 0
Headphone out Yes
Line level in 6
Cambridge Audio Azur 340A SE Review
Cambridge Audio Azur
Price: £180
Rating: 9.6/10
With Cambridge Audio you can be pretty sure that you’ll get good value for money and this is definitely no exception. With a price of less than £200 you could easily be forgiven for thinking that you don’t get much for that price. Not so with the Cambridge Audio Azur 340A, the performance styling, and build quality contradict it’s somewhat embarrassing price tag.
It’s fair comment to say that the bass output will leave your foundations intact, although the bass itself is excellent if not thunderous. The midrange and treble is beautifully smooth and controlled, and exempt from any harshness. It’s also incredibly fast and agile for this sort of budget, but still packs a punch when necessary. It has an uncanny knack for capturing the sublime with levels of delicacy that is unknown at this price. You’d have to spend a lot more money to get anything like an improvement with this Cambridge. The criticism that could be aimed at the Azur is the lightness of the bass, but with careful system matching this should be no problem.
A thrilling presentation make the Azur very hard to beat, with few if any in this price range to give it a run for its money, it remains exceptional value for money.
Specifications
Integrated Yes
Power output (watts) 45
Internet radio No
Line level in 5
MM phono in No
MC phono in No
USB in No
Tape loops 1
Preamp out No
Speaker outputs 2
Tone controls Yes
Headphone out Yes
Remote control Yes
Finishes 2
Dimensions (hwd, cm) 7x43x31
Marantz SA-KI Pearl Lite Review
Marantz SA-KI Pearl Lite Review
Price £1000 7.8/10
As you might imagine at this price level the build quality is excellent. Created by the legendary Ken Ishiwata, the Marantz SA-KI Pearl Lite is the result of a more affordable version of the KI SACD player being some £1500 cheaper. Retaining the same DAC as the KI SACD, the SA-KI Pearl Lite comes pretty close to it in performance. Designed to reproduce but with some warmth added to the mid-high frequencies the result is very pleasing. Vocals are particularly warm and fluid whilst the bass is deep and rich. Cymbals are crisp and silky, and the soundstage is wide with air around the instruments. Particularly well suited to jazz and classical, but electronic instruments the Marantz struggles to impress. The Marantz SA-KI Pearl Lite is undoubtedly an excellent player; it’s just that the competition at this end of the market is that much better. It does however surpass the competition in the area of connectivity boasting not only coaxial, optical inputs, but also USB on the front and back thus enabling digital signals from iPhone and iPod to be processed by its DAC. The Marantz is a superb player but is put in the shade by the likes of Audiolab and Roksan.
Specifications
Integrated Yes
DAC Yes
Coaxial digital out 1
Optical digital out 1
XLR out 0
RCA out 1
Headphone 0
Coaxial digital in 1
Optical digital in 1
CD Text No
Memory Yes
Display off Yes
Finishes 2
Dimensions (hwd, cm) 11x44x34
Marantz CD5003 Review
Marantz CD5003
Price £200 Rating 9.2/10
The Marantz CD5003 is a replacement for the highly rated CD5001 CD player. Its appearance has changed though now resembling the £2500 SA-11S2 player. The stylish CD5003 however does not have the buttons placed in the most logical place and the front panel does a good impression of brushed plastic. Internally it uses the same DAC and audio circuit of the previous 5001. There has been some tweaking resulting in a progression from the 5001. Lower frequencies are tuneful, and have generous weight. It has an excellent and communicative midrange with notable vocals. The entire frequency range is cohesive whilst the high frequency attack is just right with refreshing sparkle. Low volume reproduction delivers a delicate ambience. The Marantz keeps command of complicated passages of music and delivers a convincing soundstage. The only drawback is it’s not the most agile player, but within its price range it takes some beating. The CD5003 is refined and expressive continuation of the Marantz line.
Specifications
Integrated Yes
Coaxial digital out 1
Optical digital out 1
XLR out 0
RCA out 1
Headphone 1
CD Text Yes
Memory Yes
Display off Yes
Finishes 2
Dimensions (hwd, cm) 10x44x33
