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

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

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

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

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

Cambridge Audio Azur 340C Review

Price £150 Rating 9.5/10

The Cambridge Audio Azur 340C feels and appears to be more expensive than it is, being built to a very high standard. Previous versions of the Azur have proved stubbornly difficult to surpass, and the 340C is definitely no exception. The Cambridge Azur range offers exceptional value for money with a build quality that belies its modest price tag. The chunky front panel is complemented by a quality remote, and the drawer mechanism slides silky-smooth in operation. From first appearances you could easily be fooled into thinking that this is a player costing many times the price tag.

The 340C is extremely captivating player that’s capable of exceptional detail whilst keeping the right side of strident. It handles complicated rhythm with confidence maintaining excellent tempo. There is however a shortage of fine detail and it can have a somewhat forward presentation at times. Reproduction of music is done with passion; it’s not there just to make up the numbers. The excitement of dynamics is definitely the strong point of the Cambridge alongside an absorbing presentation.

For the majority nevertheless the Cambridge acquits itself admirably with articulate communicative vocals and confident handling of complex tempo. The Cambridge Audio Azur 340C proves itself a competent addition to the discerning line of Cambridge Audio CD players.

Specifications

Integrated         Yes

Coaxial digital out         1

Optical digital out          1

XLR out           0

RCA out          1

CD Text           No

Memory           Yes

Display off        No

Finishes            2

Dimensions (hwd, cm)  7x42x30

QED X-TC

Price £4 per metre

Rating   9.4/10

Firmly established in the Hi Fi accessory market, QED are well known for producing excellent value for money and the X-TC is no exception. With an even tonal balance the QED produces detail that belies its budget price. Sitting at the bottom end of the budget range at only £4 per metre, the X-TC is extremely competitive yet exceptionally nimble performer. Complex intricacies are handled with ease whilst producing an even tonal balance. Lower frequencies are restrained however which brings the mid and top end slightly to the fore. Despite shortcomings however the QED must be worthy of commendation due to it being a very competent in all other areas.

Specifications

Biwire  No

Directional        Yes

Flat      No

Termination cost           n/a

QED Silver Anniversary XT

Price £5 per metre

Rating   9.5/10

After enjoying many years being highly recommended the QED Silver Anniversary XT is seeing some stiff competition in the guise of Chord Carnival Silver Screen. With excellent transparency the QED presents an impressive soundstage full of detail. It can be a bit thin at times, a tad lean. With this being its only drawback the QED remains excellent value especially of partnered with equipment that is warm sounding. Still worthy of recommendation, the QED now must be looking over its shoulder, competition now is warming up.

Specifications

Biwire  Yes

Diameter (mm) 3.3

Directional        No

Flat      No

Termination cost           £96

Audioquest Rocket 33

Price £11 per metre

Rating   6.5/10

The Rocket 33 is well made and really looks the part, but suffers from a forward, in your face type of sound. What’s needed is more finesse in the delivery, and the brightness in the treble needs sorting out. It has plenty of enthusiasm and the bass is well presented, but needs careful system matching to perform at its best.

Specifications

Biwire  Yes

Directional        Yes

Flat      No

Termination cost           n/a

Russ Andrews Kimber 4PR

Price £7 per metre

Rating   8.7/10

Using braided design the Kimbre 4PR exhibits a commanding delivery. It lacks subtlety somewhat but is still capable of good results. The soundstage is well presented and convincing, Kinber being a well balanced cable. The detail that’s revealed is very satisfying to the ear. A pleasing cable that has few vices and is worth serious consideration.

Specifications

Biwire  No

Directional        Yes

Flat      No

Geometry         Braid

Termination cost           n/a