Cyrus 40 AMP

The Cyrus 40 AMP is a integrated amplifier delivering 100 watts per channel into 6 ohms, developed by British manufacturer Cyrus. It combines digital conversion, a phono stage, and modern connectivity in a redesigned half-width chassis. Its electronics are entirely engineered by Cyrus’s research and development team, making it a central component for a versatile home audio system.

A design that breaks with three decades of visual continuity

Cyrus replaces its inverted die-cast case with a brushed black anodized aluminum chassis and a tempered glass front, while retaining the half-width format of 220 mm wide, 88 mm high, and 385 mm deep.

The unit features a 5-inch color TFT display offering improved readability compared to older models. The chamfered lower edges visually reduce the device’s mass. Five touch buttons on the left allow you to select inputs, adjust balance, and activate mute, while the Cyrus logo at the top serves as the power switch.

The volume knob on the right, surrounded by a white light ring, allows precise adjustment with minimal mechanical play. The touch interface has a slight latency between command and execution, but lets you configure several settings, including screen brightness and the backlight level of the volume control.

A digital section built around the latest-generation ESS Sabre DAC

Custom DAC design is at the forefront of all Cyrus digital products, and the 40 AMP embodies this approach like never before. The DAC is entirely new and uses the ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M chip with a fully custom circuit layout. Recently introduced to the market, this chip supports resolutions up to 32-bit/768 kHz PCM and DSD256.

Based on HyperStream IV Dual DAC technology, every component has been analyzed by the engineering team and the circuit layout fully optimized to achieve the best possible performance. Digital connectivity includes:

• An asynchronous USB-B input supporting up to 32-bit/384 kHz and DSD256
• Two SPDIF coaxial inputs (16/44.1 kHz to 24/192 kHz)
• One optical TOSLINK input
• One HDMI eARC input to integrate the amplifier into a stereo AV system, letting you enjoy movies or TV series through your hi-fi speakers

Eight digital filters are available to shape the sound to your preferences, including Linear Phase Apodising (default setting) and various linear- and minimum-phase options with different roll-off curves. This flexibility allows subtle tailoring of the sonic signature without distorting the musical message.

An MM phono stage that exceeds its class

The built-in phono stage is inspired by the multi-award-winning Classic PHONO and delivers performance far above category standards. This phono stage borrows its design principles from the superb Classic PHONO, renowned for its complete absence of idle noise.

With very low noise and wide dynamic range, it pairs perfectly with a quality turntable to reveal the full depth of analog sound. The MM phono input is accompanied by protective caps when not in use—a practical detail that reflects attention to the user experience. The depth, scale, and insight this phono stage delivers will surprise many music lovers, turning this often-overlooked function into a real asset.

Class AB amplification with exceptional bandwidth

The 40 AMP’s power amplifier covers a very wide frequency range, from DC up to over 100 kHz, ensuring faithful, distortion-free reproduction of music. This wideband topology, characteristic of Cyrus’s approach, guarantees fast transient response and preserves harmonics across the audible spectrum.

With 100 watts per channel into 6 ohms (around 81 watts into 8 ohms), the 40 AMP features an oversized power supply based on a toroidal transformer. This approach prioritizes current quality over impressive power figures, ensuring stable delivery even during the most demanding passages.

The integrated latest-generation custom switching power supply already represents a significant improvement over previous models. The 40 AMP can even resemble the older i9-XR with its external PSU in terms of sonic character, but without the need for that add-on.

Modular evolution with the 40 PSU

To further enhance performance and provide the 40 AMP with the best possible power configuration, you can easily connect the external 40 PSU with a simple cable. This optional power supply (€2,995) represents an evolution of Cyrus’s “intelligent” PSX-R concept.

Thanks to its multiple digitally managed power rails, the 40 PSU ensures perfect stability and silent operation, without any interference. With its own onboard microprocessor to control output voltages, it provides multiple power supplies that are extremely stable and virtually noise-free. Power then increases to 113 watts into 6 ohms, offering additional current reserve for the most demanding speakers.

A sonic character balancing precision and musicality

The 40 AMP is a stable amplifier capable of handling different musical styles consistently. It delivers fast amplification and can reproduce complex, fast-tempo passages in a controlled manner. The unit offers a more expansive soundstage and air than previous XR models, reproducing both the performance and its acoustic environment.

Tonally, the 40 AMP sits slightly on the drier side of neutral and presents good musical definition. Compared to some similarly priced competitors, it is less warm than the Rega Aethos (Class AB) or the Sugden A21 SE (Class A), but smoother than the NAD M33 (Class D).

Cyrus’s characteristic speed and articulation are present, and the unit offers enhanced spatialization, enabling it to reproduce large-scale ensembles while maintaining precision and intimacy for smaller formations.

Technical Specifications

Highlights

• High-resolution digital conversion with ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M DAC
• Power and stability: up to 113 W per channel with external power supply
• Low-noise built-in MM phono stage
• HDMI eARC compatible for modern video sources
• Premium build: anodized aluminum and tempered glass

Amplification

• Output power: 2 x 100 W into 6 Ω
  • 2 x 113 W with 40 PSU external power supply
• Bandwidth: DC – 100 kHz
• Topology: wideband amplification for faithful, distortion-free reproduction
• Power supply: compatible with 40 PSU external power supply for enhanced stability and silence

Digital conversion

• Converter: ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M 32-bit
• Supported formats
  • SPDIF: 16 / 44.1 kHz – 24 / 192 kHz
  • USB: 16 / 44.1 kHz – 32 / 384 kHz
  • DSD: up to DSD256
  • DoP: up to DoP128

Connectivity

• Analog inputs
  • 4 x RCA line inputs
  • 1 x MM phono input with low-noise phono stage
• Digital inputs
  • 1 x TOSLINK optical input
  • 2 x SPDIF coaxial inputs
  • 1 x asynchronous USB-B input
  • 1 x HDMI eARC input
• Outputs
  • 1 x variable analog pre-out
  • 1 x fixed analog output
  • 1 x 3.5 mm headphone output

Connectivity and updates

• RJ45 Ethernet port for firmware updates
• USB-A port for updates via USB drive
• Remote control included

Construction and finishes

• Brushed black anodized aluminum chassis
• Tempered glass front panel with discreet indicators
• Design inspired by the multi-award-winning Classic PH series
• Compatible with the 40 series components

Dimensions and weight

• Dimensions: 88 x 220 x 385 mm
• Weight: 8.5 kg