Cyrus 80 AMP

Cyrus 80 AMP: the British all-in-one goes full width

After forty years of instantly recognizable compact enclosures, Cyrus is taking a new step with the 80 series. The 80 AMP brings together in a full-width chassis what previously required several devices: a 150 W per channel amplifier, a 32-bit digital-to-analog converter, an MM/MC phono preamplifier, and a BluOS network player. The more generous power supply made possible by this new format eliminates the need for an external power supply unit to reach the device’s full potential.

A redesigned chassis with integrated power supply

The full-width format corresponds exactly to two 40 series devices side by side. This is no coincidence: Cyrus designed both ranges to coexist visually in a hi-fi cabinet. The beveled lower edges of the chassis echo the aesthetic language of the 40 series, but the front panel now features two illuminated control knobs instead of just one.

The extra space in the full-width chassis allowed the engineers to integrate a power supply equivalent to the one that was sold separately in the 40 series. On the 40 AMP, adding the external PSU block increased power from 100 to 115 W and noticeably improved dynamics and bass control. The 80 AMP includes this power reserve from the outset, increasing from 100 W to 150 W per channel into 8 ohms in class A/B. Into 4 ohms, power rises to 250 W per channel.

The 5-inch (12.7 cm) color TFT display shows playback information, sources, and volume with good readability. Navigation is done directly from the front panel or via the BluOS app.

A digital section inherited from the 40 series

The digital-to-analog converter is based on the 32-bit ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M chip, the same one used in the 40 series electronics. Cyrus has optimized the circuit and board routing to reduce interference between components. Lossless playback goes up to 24-bit / 192 kHz on standard digital inputs, and MQA decoding is built in for files from Tidal.

The asynchronous USB-B input allows the direct connection of a computer as a source, a setup that bypasses the network module for those who prefer software players such as Roon or Audirvana on their machine.

BluOS for streaming and multiroom

The BluOS streaming platform, developed by Bluesound, manages access to streaming services (Qobuz, Tidal, Spotify, Deezer) and web radio. The app, available on iOS, Android, Mac, PC, and Kindle, serves as both a remote control and a browser for local or networked music libraries.

The 80 AMP is compatible with AirPlay 2 and Roon Ready. The first option makes it possible to stream sound from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac without going through the BluOS app. The second integrates the amplifier into a Roon system, with centralized library management and synchronized playback across multiple zones.

Built-in Wi-Fi simplifies installation, but an Ethernet connection remains preferable for stability, especially with high-resolution files.

An integrated MM/MC phono preamp

The phono module of the 80 AMP is based on the design of the Cyrus 40 Phono, released shortly after the first four models in the 40 series. Compatibility with moving coil (MC) cartridges in addition to moving magnet (MM) cartridges broadens the choice of turntables and cartridges. The 40 AMP, by contrast, only accepts MM cartridges.

This phono input avoids the need to buy a separate preamplifier for vinyl turntable owners. The signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range are sufficient for mid-range cartridges, even if high-end models with a very low output level may justify a dedicated preamplifier.

Connectivity: from vinyl to television

The rear panel brings together four RCA analog inputs, two optical inputs, two coaxial inputs, one asynchronous USB-B, and one HDMI eARC. The latter receives the audio signal from a compatible television and lets you enjoy the sound of series and films through the hi-fi system.

Balanced XLR inputs and outputs are present for those who own sources or power amplifiers with balanced connections. The preamp output makes it possible to add a power block (the 80 PWR from the same series, for example) or to bi-amp compatible speakers.

The front-panel headphone output has its own amplification stage. It remembers the last volume level used, separate from that of the speakers.

What changes compared with the 40 AMP

The 40 AMP remains an integrated amplifier with DAC and phono, but without a network player. It must be paired with the 40 ST (streamer from the same range) to achieve functionality equivalent to the 80 AMP. The 40 AMP tops out at 100 W per channel, expandable to 115 W with the external PSU block sold separately. The integrated phono preamp only accepts MM cartridges.

The 80 AMP integrates everything into a single device: more powerful amplification, generous power supply, BluOS streamer, and MM/MC phono. The full-width format also gives it a more conventional visual presence in a hi-fi cabinet, where Cyrus’s half-width format divided opinion.

Technical specifications

Amplification

• Power: 150 W per channel
• Operating class: A / B
• Sound characteristics: dynamics, control, precision
• Rich, natural, and energetic reproduction, true to Cyrus DNA
• Amplification capable of driving a wide range of speakers

Digital-to-analog conversion

• Converter: ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M (32-bit)
  • Ultra-precise conversion
• High-resolution playback up to 24-bit / 192 kHz (lossless)
• Built-in MQA decoding for studio-quality sound

Streaming and network connectivity

• Built-in BluOS multiroom platform (award-winning)
• Supported streaming services: Qobuz, Tidal, Spotify, Deezer, web radio
• Supported streaming protocols
  • Apple AirPlay 2
  • Roon Ready
• Built-in Wi-Fi for wireless streaming
• Control app available on iOS, Android, Mac, PC, Kindle

Audio inputs

• 4 analog inputs
• 1 MM / MC phono input (compatible with turntables)
• 2 optical inputs
• 2 coaxial inputs
• 1 asynchronous USB-B input (external DAC)
• 1 HDMI eARC input (television)

Audio outputs

• Preamplifier output
• Balanced XLR outputs
• Dedicated headphone output

User interface

• 12.7 cm TFT color display: clear and elegant navigation
• Control via app or directly from the front panel

Dimensions and weight

• Width: approximately 440 mm
• Height: approximately 88 mm
• Depth: approximately 385 to 400 mm
• Weight: approximately 12 to 15 kg