Cyrus 40 CD
Awards
What Hi-Fi? 5 stars
A global reference, What Hifi? is one of the most comprehensive magazines covering Home Cinema and Hifi. The "5 stars" award distinguishes the highest quality products, according to this British magazine.
Overview
Launched in October 2024 as part of the new 40 series, the Cyrus 40 CD embodies four decades of British expertise in compact disc playback. More than just an anniversary product, it marks a fresh start for Cyrus Audio, combining cutting-edge technologies with proven craftsmanship to create a CD player that pushes the limits of what the format can deliver.
A build that blends tradition and modernity
The Cyrus 40 CD retains the brand’s signature compact form factor while adopting a refreshed aesthetic. The chassis keeps the half-width format synonymous with Cyrus, with a few dimensional tweaks for a more assertive presence. The brushed black anodized aluminum finish and the tempered glass front panel create a restrained, timeless elegance.
The 3.5-inch high-resolution color TFT display is the focal point of the front. This bright, adjustable display includes an “auto hide” function that turns the screen off, then automatically reactivates it upon motion detection. Virtual touch buttons appear beneath the display when a CD is inserted, while the illuminated Cyrus logo shifts from red in standby to white in operation.
The setup interface lets you adjust brightness across five levels, configure auto-standby, and access eight digital filter options, enabling extensive personalization of the user experience.
Refined Servo Evolution technology
At the heart of the 40 CD lies Cyrus’s Servo Evolution technology, developed nearly a decade ago and focused on extracting disc data as precisely as possible on the first read. This approach slows the disc’s rotational speed to allow the laser to read all information with increased accuracy, producing around 20% fewer data errors compared to conventional CD players.
The system minimizes the rapid lateral movements of the laser mechanism that generate “servo noise” and raise the noise floor. By extracting the data correctly on the first pass, the servo motors work less, creating far less digital noise and enabling music reproduction of remarkable precision.
A custom digital-to-analog converter
The 32-bit ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M DAC with HyperStream IV Dual DAC technology forms the core of the conversion system. Every component has been analyzed by the engineering team, and the board layout fully optimized to tune the DAC and achieve the highest possible performance.
The default filter, a linear-phase apodizing filter, exhibits remarkably low levels of ringing and aliasing, with precise timing. The eight available filtering options allow users to subtly tailor the presentation to their preferences.
A revolutionary segmented power supply
The power supply has been completely redesigned to minimize interaction between the different signal types: fast digital audio, sensitive analog audio, high-current servo, and system controls.
The digital control circuits run from a dedicated high-efficiency supply, while other parts of the player are powered by an oversized universal supply. Nine individual regulators distribute power on demand, ensuring each section receives exactly the energy it needs without interference.
For a further upgrade, the 40 PSU, an external power supply with an onboard microprocessor, communicates with the player to constantly deliver the optimal power configuration.
Connectivity and practical use
Connectivity remains deliberately streamlined: two pairs of RCA analog outputs, one optical digital output, and one coaxial S/PDIF output. RJ45 and USB ports allow firmware updates. A dedicated socket accommodates the external 40 PSU power supply.
Operation is remarkably simple: the CD is swallowed by the slot loader, and the track count appears immediately on the display. The supplied remote controls all four products in the 40 series, offering a unified solution for a complete system.
Technical specifications
Digital-to-analog conversion
- ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M 32-bit digital-to-analog converter
- HyperStream IV Dual DAC technology
- Architecture optimized by Cyrus engineers for maximum linearity and minimal background noise
- Both analytical and musical reproduction, true to the brand’s sonic philosophy
Connectivity
- 2 RCA line-level analog outputs
- 1 coaxial S/PDIF digital output
- 1 Toslink optical digital output
- RJ45 port for firmware updates
- USB-A port for firmware updates
Power supply
- High-performance internal power supply designed for signal stability
- Compatible with the external Cyrus 40 PSU power supply for enhanced precision and dynamics
Construction and finish
- Extruded aluminum chassis in the compact 40 Series format
- Refined finish and optimized damping to reduce vibrations
Dimensions and weight
- Dimensions: 88 × 220 × 365 mm
- Weight: 5.2 kg
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Cyrus 40 CD play SACDs?
The 40 CD plays only standard CDs—there is no support for SACD playback. This limitation is common among many high-end CD players that prefer to focus on optimizing conventional CD playback rather than compromising to support multiple formats.
What’s the difference between Servo Evolution technology and conventional systems?
Servo Evolution stands out for its preventive rather than corrective approach. While conventional systems fix errors after the fact, the Cyrus system reads data correctly on the first pass by slowing the disc’s rotation, thereby reducing errors by around 20% and creating a significantly lower noise floor.
Can the 40 CD serve as a DAC for other digital sources?
Unlike some modern CD players that include additional digital inputs, the 40 CD is dedicated exclusively to CD playback. The digital outputs do allow the use of an external DAC if desired, but the player cannot receive digital signals from other devices.
What are the benefits of the external 40 PSU power supply?
Adding the 40 PSU brings a substantial improvement to the 40 CD, eliminating any remaining sonic limitations. The intelligent PSU communicates with the player to continuously optimize power distribution, delivering cleaner, more stable power that translates into a noticeable improvement across all sonic parameters.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
- Manufacturer reference: CY-40 CD
- GTIN / EAN: 5060020434853
