A HIGH END Music Streamer THAT HAS AN EDGE! Cyrus 40 ST Review

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Thanks for watching the video, dont forget to watch my other Cyrus 40 series reviews 40 CD kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJXEaat-gtN9rtE 40 AMP kzbin.info/www/bejne/embcp36OorSce80 40 ST kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5m0ZWeklq96i8U 40 PSU

[@mrpmj00]

Wiim is definitely a no sale for me because it does not even have Airplay2 to play Apple Music lossless quality. ------ Cyrus is a no sale for me. Here's why: $2295 for Cyrus is steep and at least it has Airplay2, but I expect native Apple Music like the $850 Eversolo DMP-A6 + $285 LPS by Beatechnik. BIG limitation: Cyrus cannot output to an external DAC via usb, only via the lower optical. The external PSU would cost even more. And the Eversolo has additional capabilities: 4 TB music server, ripping CDs, 2 external wifi antennas, 1 external bluetooth antenna I use external Denafrips Pontus II 12th-1 dac and Denafrips Iris 12th ddc, so I only want a streamer as a transport with native Apple Music.

[@agaskew]

Even if you don't like it, thumbs up to Cyrus for having a design that is consistently implemented across their range, and is all their own - easily identifiable.

[@wineattorneys]

Thanks for the review. In particular, I very much appreciate your willingness to be critical when warranted. Not all reviewers are and that limits their usefulness substantially. Thanks again.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Thank you I am always honest for the good and the bad and I have overly high expectations as well or a fussy bastard is another way to term it :)

[@misterzero8667]

I always liked Cyrus but their 40th anniversary new equipment is expensive .Lots of competition out there

[@Dexter-14R]

Stumbled across your youtube site - and very happy I did so, and have spent hours going through your videos and website! Want to upgrade my Quad Artera system and have been waiting…and waiting…for the new Platina range, which still doesn’t look like it’s appearing any time soon. So looking for alternatives, hence the Cyrus 40 reviews are very interesting. I like that it is genuinely a British product, as opposed to ‘designed in the UK, manufactured in China' but I wonder how much of a price premium that attracts - really a rhetorical question, as only Cyrus will know the answer! I have always hated the old-fashioned design of Cyrus equipment but do like the smaller sized (‘half-width’) form factor, as per Quad too, it is the one of the main reasons I wouldn't buy into the brand, well, that, and that the sound has always seemed to a lack a little 'heart and soul', more focused upon rhythm and timing. The design is obviously updated but what about the sound? Would you same that remains the case of lacking a little heart and soul? I have a very large CD collection - over 20,000 Elvis cds alone! - so cd remains incredibly important, and I very much prefer a one make system - of course, I could just use a (hidden away) NAS and stream from it, but I still like the physical interaction with cds! Seems to be a great deal of new ‘British’ hifi launched or on the horizon - Cambridge Audio, Roksan, Arcam, Leema, Quad (if they ever launch anything), sister company Audiolab quite recently etc. etc. I also used to have a Roksan Caspian system but hate that the new Caspain range looks identical to the Attessa! And that seems to be a growing trend of in-house style across different ranges. Looking forward to the new Arcam SA35 and SA45 (but also delayed!) - obviously Arcam only makes one CD player now, the CD5, which is only £700 and I’ve been offered it free as part of buying the SA35/45 with similarly priced speakers (was looking at the Quad Revela 2). Clearly the Cyrus will be a far superior disc player. Arcam also offers Dirac Live Room Correction although this seems like a heck of a lot of fuss, and think would need a dealer to set it up. Outside British hifi, Gold Note (the smaller 10 series) looks interesting, which like, Cyrus can also upgraded by adding stand alone power supplies, plus, again I like that it’s not built in China - actually in Florence. Anyway sorry for the long post and the drivel, really just wanted to say thanks for a great site!

[@AudioTnT]

Great review and comparison of Cyrus w NAD. Looking forward to your review of Bluesound Icon. IMO user-friendly GUI and competent metadata management are key differentiators in this uber-competitive space. BluOS (in Bluesound Node) is tops in my limited experience.

[@stephenv7706]

It would have been nice to hear your thoughts on the streamer with the outboard PSU, as 40 Amp + 40 ST + 2x PSU is a lot more than the Nad Pre/Power Combo.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

That is all in the specific video for the 40 psu coning out at the weekend

[@farcical_voyager]

@3.32 is exactly why we love you mate😉

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Had to go and check the time stamp, I always appreciate it when someone gets my subtle or non subtle jokes 😁

[@roa5359]

Nice professional and unbiased vlog, as always, thank you. As mentioned previously, please take a tool to the units and let us see insides (unless Cyrus has explicitly forbidden to do so!). Cambridge Audio are quite proud to show theirs with the new range.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Thanks, I will say the same thing again I was not confident taking these apart, Cyrus told me I could if I wanted to but I am always cautious of accidentally breaking things because it happens through mistake, I have done it before so I decided not to here just in case. I did Cyrus would post up their own video or images of the internals but they have not for now, maybe they will later. If not I am sure someone will eventually.

[@Pok-001]

@@PursuitPerfectSystemfor those curious maybe compromise of stock photos from manufacturers if available? I personally don’t care much about the insides. Sure Cyrus reputation would show in the internals. Thanks for your work sir. Your videos are always great. I watch even for products I may not be interested in.

[@fletchermunson6225]

When it comes to Audiophiles. "Being weird" is quite a low threshold.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Hahaha well said :)

[@medonk12rs]

In case a CD ripped and played back from the 40 Streamer still sounds more "digitally strained" compared to the very same CD from the 40 CD, then Cyrus somehow had better luck with jitter rejection in the CD player... Very informative review!

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

To be fair I didn't do that comparison, I only played music from Tidal, in. hindsight that would have been a good test, sorry I missed it.

[@Ritchutt]

Great review, very useful. I hope we can expect a review of the NAD M66 shortly. I would be very interested in your comparison with the NAD M10 as a preamp as I understand you have used in that way. I use the M10 as a preamp and I am considering upgrading to the M66. Also, your comparison of the Cyrus and NAD combos was interesting. You describe the NAD as dry which historically has been a word used to describe class D amps. The Cyrus is class A/B. To what extent might the difference be the amps? It would be interesting to swap them over.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

The M66 review is in my work schedule, I have so much to do please bear with me on it, I am struggling to get everything done but it will be done

[@matt8746]

Hey - love the reviews - I have been waiting for Cyrus delicacy + eARC - when will you release the PSX video?

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Saturday, it’s made but too many videos too quickly it’s overload. Saturday at 3 pm is the plan

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

🙋‍♂️THANKS TERRY,🤗💚💚💚

[@wouterkolkman]

Thank you for your passionate way of reviewing this new product. One question still in the back of my mind as an audiophile who uses Tidal and Roon: is there a sonic benefit over a computer based streaming solution? In my case using an M1 MacMini M1 Roon server and a 2nd M1 MacMini as Roon bridge with usb to a Denafrips DDC which links via I2S to a Denafrips DAC.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

That’s a very specific question you would have to try it out yourself and see I couldn’t say sorry

[@wouterkolkman]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem Would be interesting indeed - thank you for your reply!

[@richardevans2360]

Great review thanks. Perhaps a different view point. I understand you wanted a fair comparison, which is why you did not do alterations using the systems capabilities. I guess the obvious question is given the dirac capability of the NAD, couldn't you have changed the sound profile so the differences in vocals, bass etc where removed and you are left with the sharpness, so best of both worlds (or don't you think it would?). Isn't that the point of getting the best out the system for your own tastes and by not using that are you not actually doing a fair comparison of the best from each system? I perhaps missed the output comparison in W, although you referred to it indirectly by the one not being able to drive at such a high volume. Curious as the NAD was on my list as a possibility. Also how do they compare to Hagel H400. I saw that gets a pretty good review also.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Interesting question that is not easy to answer. I have a dedicated acoustically treated room with the luxury of placing the speakers where I need to and the listening seat. I have a crazy amount of bass trapping in the room, so I have made the system work like how I would using dirac without it. I have had to for this job because I have not had Dirac in my system for some time now. In more real world situations, more typical normal domestic rooms yes it would be possible for the dirac system to get a better sound overall because of bad room acoustics. All rooms have bad acoustics, even treated ones, they are just less bad. If you know how to use Dirac you manipulate the sound of the system to make it sound more like its in a treated room. So my test was as fair as I could make it between the systems, however in a different situaiton I could likely make the NAD sound better with Dirac because of the control it gives me over the sound, however the fundamental sound of the NAD and Cyrus are always there and maybe you can close the gap using Dirac but there will still be the same difference to some degree. Where people make the mistakes with reviews is believing the hyperbole titles and not seeing the bigger picture, most products in a similar price category are different rather than one being infinitely better than the others. There are very few real game changers. If the product was infinitely better they would charge more for it of course they would because it would be worth it. You seem like your doing the right thing short listing some amps to go and listen to but dont just listen to the ones mentioned in recent videos you have watched listen to others too and you will quickly work out what you like and dont like.

[@richardevans2360]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem Thanks for comprehensive answer, all very interesting as I am going on the audio journey. The more I read / listen to the more I seem to not know . I thought I was just travelling to London but now feels like I have to travel round the world, twice over :D But listening is key as you say. Don't suppose Arendal 1723 towers are on you review list.... those look really interesting!

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Listening is key, only then will the reading make sense. The 1723 are nice speakers, I had the bookshelves here some time ago but I have not listened to the larger speakers in a very long time. Back them I preferred KEF and bought Reference 3 but that was quite a long time ago now

[@richardevans2360]

Apologies, wrong number, 1528 that are just being released..... to may numbers and names 😂

[@jamesschneider3828]

I guess that todays music and or users must not really get excited by the music itself if you have to have a screen to do it. I can’t believe that I’ve gotten by the past fifty five years without one (satire). I love music streaming but the base device in my hand or on my coffee table is so much easier see and read than a small screen that sits ten feet away. I have decided to not worry about what manufacturers DAC chip is in it as long as it is customizable through its app. One could go crazy buying and using streamers to find the perfect sound, which we all know is subjective to the end user. My advice is buy one that sounds good to you, is customizable and is well built.

[@enigmatwist6548]

How does it compare sonically to the XR series?

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

I would have liked to have done that comparison, but then I felt the video would be focused mostly inwards at Cyrus only which is why I have done all comparisons with other brand products to try and not have that happen.

[@zjzozn]

When does the cassette player launch? 😊

[@anterodematos226]

If you want to use the power supply on all the units the cost would soon increase considerably.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Yes I have made a video about this and where I think you get the most benefit it’s coming out at the weekend

[@flyergowest]

👍👍

[@justasimplefox]

I think 99% of us would prefer a separate top notch streamer and dac for this kind of money 🤔 (+ balanced outputs!) Choices are endless 3500$

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

I think some would yes but nothing like 99% I think the market is far more diverse than that and you would want to spend more on a separate streamer and dac than £3k. Maybe that much on each product

[@justasimplefox]

Volumio Rivo (with even upgraded power supply) + Holo Audio Cyan 2 + nice cables for 1000$ less...I wish Cyrus the best 😊

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

That would probably be about a different version of about the same with more boxes and clutter no nice screen so it’s horse for courses. To go properly better than this your looking at stand alone dac and streamer for about 3k each otherwise it will be more different than outright better. More features is the easier on to get for less money but features are only good if they are useful

[@justasimplefox]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem I can agree if appearance is your priority 👍🏻

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

It’s not my priority it’s the standard that has been set by companies like Eversolo. Even wiim put a screen on the ultra for that exact reason

[@zjzozn]

Apart from grandad looks, how does the 40 Series compare to the XR kit ?

[@razzman2987]

Another streamer compressed internet music ..i prefer a good dac/ Cd transport combo sounds much nicer and more engaging to me .

[@michaelsegel8758]

But no Bluetooth?

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

There is airplay 2 which is like bluetooth, bluetooth is ok for headphones but not high end hifi, why would anyone want it use bluetooth here? Sorry what am I missing?

[@michaelsegel8758]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem I am familiar w airplay and its not the same thing. Don't get me wrong having airplay is good, but having wi-fi and bt are also important. wi-fi would allow things like tidal connect / spotify connect to also work.

[@colinmaynard2879]

I hate statements “not as good as some” without out specifying what are the better products.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Better than Eversolo Auralic Melco and wiim but not as good as hifi rose that’s mutliple examples but it’s not really relevant for a screen

[@colinmaynard2879]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem Thanks. I would have no idea as to which kit you have experienced. Still awaiting a streamer with hdmi output to a TV of it’s display

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Pretty sure rose do that, you have checked them

[@robertwang7825]

How can it compete with the Eversolo A8 that won the EISA streamer of the year that only sells for US1500 ( in China ). It doesn’t even come close to

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

I havent listened to the A8 to be able to say anything about it, but that is one of the competitor products I am referring to in the video. Your "it doesn't even come close" comment, I wouldn't bet your house on that given how it compared with the NAD setup. I think a lot of people will think they will prefer something else over the Cyrus. However when you listen to it and the other product you might end up preferring the sound of the Cyrus for general musical enjoyment that is all I can say.

[@1061shrink1061]

£2900... no analogue input, no balanced output, the answer is no... they didn't do enough. Teac UD-701N and Eversolo DMP-A8 would like to have a word about what poor value this device looks like.

[@davidhunternyc1]

This review was very wordy and then at the end, not much was said. Yes, it's good. Yes, it looks good. So???

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Criticism taken on board but I think its a bit harsh, there is a fair bit more in it than that. At the end of the day this a very bare bones music streaming dac what more is there to say. The reason I said good, good, good is because this is a good all rounder product, which means not exceptional in any one area but not bad in any either. Thats a very difficult product to go deeper with for sound explanation. I explained what the product is and does, whats new and then how it sounds its pros and cons - then how it compares to a similar priced product and how they differ for sound which is chalk and cheese. What else did you expect or want in the video?

[@kevinwilson598]

What did you want sign language