Phonostages — Cyrus Audio Classic PHONO

The Classic PHONO is a dedicated MM and MC phono preamplifier from British maker Cyrus Audio, built in the half-width case of the Classic series. It accepts up to four turntables at once, stores the cartridge settings for each input and sold in the United States at USD 2,395.

Key specs that matter

Any of the four inputs can be configured for an MM or an MC pickup. MM sensitivity is 4 mV, and in MC mode sensitivity ranges from 120 uV to 4 mV through gain settings of 40, 50, 60 and 70 dB. MC loading can be chosen among values from 11 ohm up to 47 kohm, including 16, 33, 47, 100, 150, 333, 500 ohm and 1 kohm, while the capacitance options are 220 pF, 1 nF, 2 nF or 3 nF. Rated noise is 87 dBA below signal for MM and 79 dBA for MC at 60 dB gain, distortion of 0.001 percent for MM and 0.0018 percent for MC at 400 mV output, RIAA accuracy within 0.5 dB and channel separation of 90 dB for MM and 95 dB for MC at 1 kHz. Maximum output is 9 V. Power draw peaks at 15 W and falls below 0.5 W in standby. The case measures 75 x 215 x 365 mm, and the unit weighs about 4.1 kg.

Engineering and use context

The equalisation network follows a passive RIAA layout with metallised polyester capacitors, and the stage runs from a high-capacity, low-noise DC power supply. Gain, resistance and capacitance for each MC input can be changed on the fascia or by remote, four memory presets hold the cartridge data, and stereo output level meters with a peak hold bar graph show when the chosen gain suits the cartridge. A warp filter limits woofer excursion on bent records, and a ground lift switch helps remove hum loops. A rear port accepts the external PSX-R2 supply, which uses a 300 VA transformer and 30,000 uF of capacitance, weighs 7 kg and was priced at USD 1,300.

Pairing

Four permanently connected inputs make the unit practical for owners running several decks, or one turntable with two arms fitted with different cartridges, since each input recalls its own load and gain. Both an XLR balanced pair and an RCA pair are provided at the back, so it can feed a preamplifier with XLR inputs over a long run or any standard line input. Its 215 mm width matches other Classic series cases for stacking.

Alternatives

The Cyrus 40 PPA is the brand's newer four-input phono preamplifier, adding a six-layer circuit board, a touch-screen front and an optional 40 PSU supply.