CD/SACD-проигрыватели и транспорты — Cyrus Audio CDt

The CDt is a disc transport from Cyrus Audio, the British company in Cambridgeshire known for its half-width die-cast components. Launched in 2011 at GBP 699, it was the transport-only version of the Cyrus CDi CD player, and at launch it brought the SE2 servo from the more expensive CD Xt SE2 at half that model's price. It has since been discontinued and succeeded by the CDt-XR, and it was last offered at about EUR 1,495.

Key specs that matter

The CDt contains no DAC and no analogue circuits. Its only job is to read the disc and pass the data on through one optical and one coaxial S/PDIF output, carrying up to 24 bit and 192 kHz. Disc loading is by a slot rather than a tray, and the drive is run by Cyrus's own Servo Evolution software. MC-BUS connections allow system control together with other Cyrus components. The half-width black case stands 73 mm high, 215 mm wide and 360 mm deep, with a weight of 4.7 kg. The chassis is die-cast, like the rest of the Cyrus range of that period.

Engineering and use context

Servo Evolution is Cyrus's own servo code for the drive, written to read the data correctly on the first pass instead of relying on repeated reads and error correction. A CD drive that has to re-read sections or correct errors works harder, and the extra activity of the servo and laser adds electrical noise and variations in the timing of the data. By reducing this activity, the CDt aims to deliver a steady data stream to the digital outputs. Cyrus describes the slot loading mechanism as quiet and low-contact, with no motorised drawer that has to open and close. Removing the DAC and analogue stages from the CDi design leaves the transport with only data retrieval and digital output, so a separate converter handles the analogue signal. The die-cast chassis is rigid and heavy for its size, which helps damp vibration around the drive, and the half-width format allows the CDt to stack with other Cyrus units such as amplifiers, DACs and power supplies. The MC-BUS link lets a Cyrus remote and amplifier control the transport as part of the system.

Pairing

The CDt is intended for Cyrus amplifiers and preamplifiers with built-in DACs, such as the Classic AMP, connected by coaxial or optical cable. It also works with any external DAC that accepts S/PDIF.

Alternatives

The Cyrus CDt-XR is the XR-series successor with final reclocking and a port for the PSU-XR power supply upgrade.