Cyrus Classic PHONO

The Cyrus Classic PHONO embodies the quintessence of British expertise in phono amplification, allowing you to connect up to four turntables simultaneously while offering meticulous customization for each cartridge, whether moving magnet (MM) or moving coil (MC). This remarkable versatility comes with sound quality that places this preamp among the global benchmarks in its category.

A half-width chassis, the signature of an independent British company

The die-cast alloy enclosure measures 215 mm wide, 75 mm high, and 365 mm deep, with a weight of 4.1 kg. This compact yet robust construction incorporates a chassis optimized for mechanical isolation, particularly crucial when handling ultra-low-level phono signals. The newly enhanced baseplate provides increased protection against external electrical interference, ensuring sound reproduction of remarkable purity.

The backlit display shows real-time stereo output VU meters, enabling precise gain adjustment for each connected MC cartridge. Configuration parameters are clearly displayed, making it easy to navigate the many available options. This modernized visual interface surpasses previous generations in the Cyrus catalog for readability.

Four configurable phono inputs: vinyl collectors’ paradise

The most distinctive feature of the Classic PHONO lies in its ability to handle four phono sources simultaneously. This unique setup lets vinyl enthusiasts switch instantly between different turntables, tonearms, or cartridges according to their preferences or the specifics of each record. Each input stores its own settings, eliminating any tedious adjustments when changing sources.

For moving coil cartridges, the customization options reach a surgically precise level. Gain can be set from 40 to 70 dB in steps, covering sensitivities from 120 μV to 4 mV. Load resistance offers ten different values: 47 kΩ, 1 kΩ, 500 Ω, 333 Ω, 150 Ω, 100 Ω, 47 Ω, 33 Ω, 16 Ω, and 11 Ω, allowing optimal matching with virtually any MC cartridge on the market. Load capacitance is also adjustable, completing this trio of essential parameters for optimal extraction of the signal etched into the groove.

The integrated microprocessor automatically saves the full configuration for each input. This non-volatile memory preserves settings even after prolonged power-off, ensuring immediate restart without reprogramming. The ground lift switch helps eliminate hum issues sometimes encountered in complex multi-turntable setups.

Passive RIAA equalization and warp management: preserving signal purity

The RIAA correction circuit uses exclusively high-performance metallized polyester capacitors, ensuring exceptional precision and stability of the de-emphasis curve. This passive approach preserves signal integrity by minimizing the colorations and distortions inherent in active circuits. Total harmonic distortion remains below 0.001% for MM and 0.0018% for MC, remarkably low figures that attest to the circuit’s sophistication.

The switchable warp filter is a particularly welcome feature for collectors of older or slightly warped records. This filter attenuates infrasonic frequencies generated by record warps, reducing unwanted excursions in the bass drivers without significantly affecting musical reproduction within the audible band. Unlike some similar filters that noticeably degrade performance, the Classic PHONO’s design preserves outstanding sonic transparency.

The high-capacity, ultra-low-noise DC power supply enables the preamplifier to deliver an exceptionally wide dynamic range, maintaining elevated signal levels well before clipping. Careful component placement and PCB trace routing keep the noise floor extremely low, with a signal-to-noise ratio of -87 dBA for MM and -79 dBA for MC. This performance further expands the available dynamic range, revealing the most subtle micro-details of the recording.

Professional connectivity and remote control: flexibility in the service of music

The rear panel of the Classic PHONO offers dual line outputs, available simultaneously on unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR connectors. The XLR outputs provide studio-grade connectivity, especially beneficial over long runs or in electrically noisy environments. The 9 V maximum output level ensures compatibility with virtually all amplifiers on the market.

The supplied system remote radically transforms the user experience. All key parameters—input selection, cartridge type, gain, impedance, and capacitance—can be adjusted from the listening position. This unique feature at this price point allows you to fine-tune settings by ear, in real time, without leaving your seat. Changes take effect instantly and are accompanied by a clear display of the selected values on the front screen.

The PSX-R port allows for the later addition of the PSX-R2 external power supply, a substantial upgrade that takes the Classic PHONO’s performance to an even higher level. This separate supply delivers an ultra-stable, noise-free regulated voltage to the preamplifier’s analog circuits, further reducing distortion and improving sonic definition. This upgrade path preserves the initial investment while offering a route to higher performance for the most demanding music lovers.

Channel separation reaches -90 dB for MM and -95 dB for MC at 1 kHz, ensuring a precise and stable stereo image. This outstanding performance contributes to the Classic PHONO’s remarkable spatial rendering, capable of recreating a convincing three-dimensional soundstage.

Technical specifications

Connectivity and inputs

• Connection for up to four turntables
• All inputs compatible with MM and MC cartridges
• Configurable MC inputs for gain, loading, and capacitance

Audio processing and features

• Stereo output level VU meters with peak hold to optimize MC gain
• Warp filter to reduce low-frequency excursion on warped records
• Ground-lift switch to eliminate ground hum issues

Outputs and control

• Remote operation
• Balanced XLR and RCA outputs
• PSX-R upgrade port

Technical performance

• Impedance: 47 kΩ, 1 kΩ, 500 Ω, 333 Ω, 150 Ω, 100 Ω, 47 Ω, 33 Ω, 16 Ω, 11 Ω
• Output level: 9 V
• Signal-to-noise ratio: -87 dBA (MM) / -79 dBA (MC)
• Sensitivity: 120 µV - 4 mV
• Channel separation: -90 dB (MM) / -95 dB (MC)
• Total harmonic distortion: 0.001% (MM) / 0.0018% (MC)

Physical specifications

• Dimensions (H × W × D): 75 × 215 × 365 mm
• Weight: 4.1 kg

Included accessories

• Mains power cord
• Remote control with batteries
• MC-Bus cable
• Documentation kit