Cyrus 80 PRE

Cyrus 80 PRE: the all-in-one preamplifier

In 2024, Cyrus made a strategic shift with its Series 40. A year later, the British brand reaches a symbolic milestone: after forty years of loyalty to the half-width format, it unveils its first full-width components. The 80 PRE is the centerpiece on the preamplification side, a device that combines digital conversion, network streaming, and management of multiple sources in an expanded chassis.

A first-ever format for the Huntingdon brand

The half-width format had become Cyrus’s visual signature since the first Cyrus One in 1984. This technical and aesthetic choice set the brand apart in an audio landscape dominated by conventional components. The move to a full-width format responds to growing demand from part of the market, according to Chris Hutcheson, Cyrus’s marketing manager.

The increase in internal volume offers a tangible advantage. The extra space makes it possible to integrate a more robust power supply, eliminating the need for an external unit to achieve optimal performance, whereas earlier compact models often benefited from being paired with a PSX-R or PSU-XR. The 80 PRE integrates these benefits from the outset.

Streaming and conversion on the BluOS platform

The digital core of the 80 PRE is based on the BluOS platform, developed by Lenbrook (parent company of NAD and Bluesound). This software foundation provides access to the main streaming services (Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, Deezer), internet radio, and music libraries stored on a NAS. The BluOS app, available on iOS, Android, Mac, and PC, serves as the control interface. The 80 PRE is compatible with AirPlay 2, Roon Ready, and supports MQA decoding.

The built-in DAC is an ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M, the same as in the Series 40, capable of processing files up to 192 kHz at 24 bits. This fourth-generation 32-bit converter uses ESS’s Hyperstream IV technology, with a stated dynamic range of +130 dB and THD+N of -120 dB.

Connectivity with no blind spots

• The rear panel packs an uncommon density of connections for a preamplifier:
  • Four RCA analog inputs
  • Balanced XLR inputs and outputs
  • MM/MC phono input (both cartridge types are supported)
  • Two optical inputs and two coaxial inputs
  • An asynchronous USB-B input for direct connection to a computer
  • An HDMI eARC input for TV sound

The balanced headphone output has its own amplification stage. The 5-inch color TFT display on the front panel shows playback information and makes navigation easier without having to rely systematically on the app.

Integration with the Cyrus ecosystem

The 80 PRE forms a natural duo with the 80 PWR, the power amplifier from the same series, capable of delivering 200 W per channel in stereo or 300 W in bridged mono mode. Components from the Series 40 and 80 are designed to work together, making it possible to pair the 80 PRE with a CD 40 player or a 40 PPA phono preamplifier, for example.

This modularity extends Cyrus’s historic philosophy, which has always encouraged the gradual evolution of systems rather than their complete replacement.

Technical specifications

Audio conversion and processing

• ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M digital-to-analog converter
  • Resolution: 32 bits
• High-resolution playback up to 24 bits / 192 kHz
• Integrated BluOS multiroom platform

Analog connectivity

• MM / MC phono input for turntable
• 4 analog inputs
• Balanced XLR inputs and outputs

Digital connectivity

• 2 optical inputs
• 2 coaxial inputs
• Asynchronous USB-B for direct digital source
• HDMI eARC for TV

Headphone output

• Balanced headphone output with integrated amplifier

Network and wireless

• Built-in Wi-Fi
• BluOS app available on iOS, Android, Mac, and PC

Compatibility

• AirPlay 2
• Roon Ready
• MQA

Display

• 5-inch (12.7 cm) TFT color screen

Dimensions

• Approx. 440 × 88 × 385 mm (width × height × depth)

General information

The 80 PRE is a BluOS network preamplifier offering maximum versatility for all audio sources. Its comprehensive connectivity covers vinyl, digital sources, and television, all managed through a modern interface that makes everyday control easy. It is the ideal foundation for a separates system in combination with the 80 PWR power amplifier block.