Cyrus DAC X+ DAC

The products can be combined in various pairings to suit most requirements.

Such is the type of DAC design that this is true here, although it is an uncommon evaluation in which a Cyrus merchandise is the biggest version present! The DAC X comes in the typical Cyrus half-width casework and is about exactly the same height and width as the Musical Fidelity but rather deeper. And like the Musical Fidelity, the Cyrus has a normal IEC mains input on the rear and doesn't need an outside PSU. You'll be able to add an external PSU in the form of the PSX R which should improve performance.

The Cyrus is the priciest model here which makes a key omission in the spec sheet even more uncommon. The Cyrus is the only DAC in the evaluation to don't have any USB connection of any kind. There aren't any less than six digital inputs - four coaxial and two optical, but direct connection to some computer can't be attained unless it's fitted with one of these connections. This need not be the end of the world - there are lots of USB/S/PDIF convertors available on the market - but this will further raise the price of the Cyrus within the other models in the test.

Sound quality

The Cyrus managed to really go before the panel and prevent placing anyone's backs up, but failed to inspire much in the way of impassioned praise. Maybe most problematically, as the most expensive DAC it failed to actually stand out from the other less expensive contest.

The panel usually believed that the Cyrus was detailed, open and expressive without stepping over into brightness or harshness and this meant it was consistently even handed throughout the four test bits. With the Mozart specifically, the Cyrus attracted positive opinion and was open. But listeners felt the demo of the DAC X was rather pronounced around right and the left of the soundstage, with less solidity in the centre than some.

Time was felt to be great, as well as the Kraftwerk piece, in particular, was agile and dynamic. This, coupled together with the smooth top end did mean that the panel believed that the Cyrus would be an easy DAC to live with day to day, if not the most exciting one.

The consistent accusation levelled at marginally obligated operation and the DAC X was a lack of dynamics, which meant the Cyrus never just lets rip in the way that some of the others do.

That is a beautiful DAC, skilfully assembled and finished, it gives a high number of digital input signals (albeit not USB) and PSX-R power supply upgradability. It's a mature, refined, thorough and civilised sound also. Trouble is, in this company this is the problem for the premium and it did not shine outside - competition is tough.

Cyrus DAC X+ DAC photo