Стримеры — Cyrus Audio Stream-XR

The Stream-XR is the BluOS network player within the XR range of Cyrus Audio, a UK company that builds its electronics in half-width cases. It uses the same casework as the XR amplifiers in their darker Phantom black finish, fronted by a high-resolution display with capacitive touch buttons. Its decoding hardware is a version of the QXR digital board used elsewhere in the XR range. Its UK price is GBP 2,495, and in the US it sells for USD 3,400.

Key specs that matter

Cyrus fits an ESS ES9038Q2M 32-bit DAC that the company describes as XR tuned. Lossless streams are played up to 24-bit/192kHz, and DSD and DXD material is converted to PCM before decoding. Quoted signal-to-noise ratio is -117dBA with THD+N of 0.002 percent. The analogue output is a single variable-level RCA pair, which allows a direct link to a power amp. An optical and a coaxial socket provide digital outputs, and matching optical and coaxial inputs accept external sources. The network connection is wired RJ-45 GigE (1Gbps) or Wi-Fi 5 on both bands (802.11ac, 2.4/5GHz), and an MC Bus link is fitted for system control. The case measures 75 x 215 x 355 mm and the unit weighs 3 kg. Bluetooth is not included.

Engineering and use context

BluOS brings Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer, Spotify and dozens of other services, internet radio and network libraries into one app for iOS, Android, Kindle, Mac and PC, and the platform continues to receive third-party support through updates. The unit is Roon Ready, supports AirPlay 2 and decodes MQA end to end. Two presets on the front panel recall a favourite service or radio station without opening the app. A dedicated port accepts the optional PSU-XR outboard supply, connected by an umbilical, which splits the analogue and digital sections and feeds the DAC and the network card, the latter for better clock stability. Because the chassis is half width, the streamer and a matching amplifier or the PSU-XR fit in the space many full-size rivals need for one component.

Pairing

The variable output makes a preamplifier optional, so a Cyrus power amplifier or any stereo power amp with RCA inputs can be connected straight to the Stream-XR and controlled from the app. XR-series integrated amplifiers in the same Phantom black casework are the matching choice for a stacked system. Using the optical or coaxial output, the Stream-XR can also hand its data stream to a separate converter, while the inputs route a TV or disc transport through the ESS chip.

Alternatives

Within Cyrus streamers the 40 ST is the other current option, a larger 40-series player using the newer ES9039Q2M chip with two analogue output pairs and a USB-A port.