There’s plenty of power and functionality packed into this half-width chassis. Read our Cyrus 82 DAC QXR Review.
Table of Contents
DETAILS
PRODUCT Cyrus 82 DAC QXR
ORIGIN UK
TYPE Integrated amplifier
WEIGHT 6.9kg
DIMENSIONS (WxHxD) 215 x 73 x 360mm
FEATURES
• Quoted power output: 2x 88W (6ohm)
• Inputs: 6x RCA; 2x optical; 2x coaxial; USB-B
• 32-bit/768kHz PCM with DSD512- capable DAC
• 3.5mm headphone output
DISTRIBUTOR Cyrus Audio Ltd.
TELEPHONE 01480 410900
WEBSITE cyrusaudio.com
As the flagship Cyrus integrated amp, the 82 DAC QXR is the latest iteration of the long running 8 series. The key difference between it and the more affordable 82 DAC is the QXR upgrade. The total number of inputs remains unchanged at 11 – six analogue and five digital – but the USB input now offers 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512 capability. All inputs feed into a Class A/B amplifier stage quoted at 2x 88W, into a more benign 6ohm load.
The small size and simple layout of the familiar casework conceal one of the more flexible amplifiers in the group. There’s the option to name the different inputs and trim the input level so that volume is constant across all sources. It comes supplied with a learning remote control that can be used to drive a full system of other Cyrus components. There is a 3.5mm headphone socket too, although the fact it is located on the rear panel may preclude it from use for many.
An external PSU is available as an upgrade option further down the line.
It might not be the prettiest amp going, but the 82 DAC QXR is well made and easy to use. The only point of real annoyance is the BFA speaker terminals mean you have to ensure speaker cable is correctly terminated, although appropriate speaker plugs are supplied.
Sound quality
The Cyrus hits the test level with the volume indicator just under halfway and delivers a presentation that is distinctive but generally appealing. This is best demonstrated by the airiness to the upper registers, which produce an open and threedimensional rendition of Hugh Masekela’s Stimela that places the performers and audience in a believable space. Tonality is good and dynamics impress. Moving to the more dated recording of Walking On A Thin Line reveals a slightly hard edge that becomes more pronounced as you increase the volume. It would be a stretch to call it bright, but the 82 DAC QXR evidently prefers good quality recordings.
Connections
1 2x RCA pre outputs
2 5x RCA analogue inputs
3 Bi-wireable speaker outputs
4 2x digital coaxial inputs
5 2x digital optical inputs
6 3.5mm headphone output
A rather more positive attribute is its rhythmic ability. The bounce and funk of the track is conveyed very convincingly and the complete tempo change of Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga’s take on It Don’t Mean A Thing is no less well handled as the amp impresses with the immediacy and agility it manages to work into the performance. The opening blast of the brass section leaps out of the speakers and combines with the decent handle on tone and timbre while the well-presented soundstage
The Cyrus delivers a presentation that is distinctive but generally appealing
conjures a believable relationship between the singers and the band.
The final test track of The River is also well handled. The deep bass notes are nicely defined and have plenty of impact. Once again, there is a slight sense of forwardness to some of the higher points of Aurora Aksnes’ vocals that robs the performance of some of the refinement offered by rivals. Playing the same material via the USB connection softens the top end slightly compared with that generated by the Chord duo, while bass extension and overall spaciousness also suffer as a result
