Preamplifiers — Cyrus Audio Classic PRE

The Classic PRE is a stereo preamplifier from Cyrus Audio that brings together line-level analogue sources, an MM vinyl input, digital connections and a headphone amplifier in the 215 mm wide Classic series case. Cyrus describes it as the latest update of a preamplifier that has been in its range for over a decade, with reworked circuits and upgraded parts. The UK price was GBP 2,595, later cut for a limited period to GBP 1,595. It launched alongside the Classic AMP, an integrated amplifier priced at GBP 1,995 with the same set of inputs.

Key specs that matter

There are four analogue line inputs and one MM phono input with a ground terminal, plus two RCA coaxial and two Toslink digital sockets that accept PCM stereo from 32 kHz to 192 kHz. Outputs include a true balanced XLR pair, a variable RCA pair and a fixed-level output, along with a 3.5 mm headphone jack. For the line stage Cyrus quotes a frequency response from below 0.5 Hz to above 100 kHz, distortion under 0.001 percent and 110 dB of signal-to-noise. The headphone amplifier drives loads of 16 to 330 ohm, delivers 138 mW into 16 ohm and up to 1.85 V into 330 ohm, with distortion below 0.01 percent and 90 dB signal-to-noise. Power consumption is 25 W at most and less than 0.5 W in standby. The case measures 215 x 75 x 365 mm and weighs 4.4 kg.

Engineering and use context

Relays select the five analogue sources, and a precision gain control sets volume. The phono section uses two active gain stages around passive RIAA equalisation. Supply comes from a 74 VA toroidal transformer feeding 11 separate regulators for the analogue and digital sections, and the digital control circuits have their own isolated mains supply. A PSX-R2 port allows an external power supply to be added later, a firmware port is provided for updates, and one input and one output MC Bus socket link the unit into the Cyrus wired control system. The bandwidth is kept deliberately wide.

Pairing

The balanced outputs suit a power amplifier placed at a distance on a longer cable, while the single-ended outputs work well when the power amplifier sits close by. A turntable carrying an MM pickup can be wired straight into the back panel, and a CD transport, television or streamer can connect through the coaxial or Toslink sockets.

Alternatives

The Cyrus Pre-XR is a preamplifier from the brand's XR range that fits the same kind of system as a separate control unit ahead of a power amplifier.