Phonostages — Cyrus Audio 40 PPA

Cyrus Audio built the 40 PPA as a transistor phono stage that accepts both MM and MC cartridge types. The British company unveiled it at a Bristol show in February 2025, and the model completes the 40 Series, joining the 40 Amp, 40 ST, 40 CD and the 40 PSU power supply. Launch pricing was USD 2,899, GBP 1,995 or EUR 2,499, and Cyrus covers the unit with a 5-year warranty.

Key specs that matter

Four RCA inputs accept turntables, any of them fitted with an MM or MC cartridge, and each input keeps its own settings for gain, resistance and capacitance. Input impedance runs from 11 ohm to 47 kohm in 10 steps, and capacitance from 220 pF to 3 nF in 4 steps. The signal leaves through both RCA and balanced XLR outputs, with a maximum output level of 9 V quoted for the XLR connection. Cyrus gives a signal-to-noise ratio of 87 dBA. The half-width case measures 88 x 220 x 365 mm and weighs 4.8 kg.

Engineering and use context

The main circuit board was redesigned from scratch and grew from four to six layers, so that sensitive stages sit apart and noise pickup is kept low. The encapsulated internal power supply is a high-capacity, low-noise DC design, and Cyrus states it runs 20 percent quieter than the one in the older Classic PHONO. Owners who want to go further can connect the external 40 PSU. The front carries a 127 mm TFT screen behind toughened glass, showing white graphics on black, with capacitive touch keys along the left side that stay hidden until lit. Stereo output level meters with peak hold help when setting gain for a low-output coil, and the display can switch itself off a few seconds after use. A warp filter reduces woofer excursion caused by warped records, a ground lift switch deals with earth hum, and a wireless handset controls input choice and every setting. RJ45 Ethernet and USB-A sockets on the back are used for firmware updates.

Pairing

With four independently stored inputs, one box can serve several decks or a single turntable fitted with a second arm, with one MM and one MC cartridge each keeping its own load. The XLR outputs suit a line stage or integrated amplifier equipped with XLR sockets, especially over a longer cable run, while the RCA outputs cover any line input. Within the 40 Series it is intended to sit alongside the 40 Amp.

Alternatives

The Cyrus Classic PHONO is the earlier four-input MM and MC stage from the brand, built in the slimmer 215 mm wide Classic case with an upgrade port for the PSX-R2 supply.