The British company Cyrus introduced two new high-definition network streamers Cyrus Stream-XR and Cyrus Classic Stream at once . The former expands Cyrus’ line of premium XR hi-fi systems, while the latter joins the more affordable Classic series. Both new network players from Cyrus Audio run the BluOS operating system, support MQA decoding, and are Roon certified.
Both the Cyrus Stream-XR and Classic Stream models are made in the half-width cases familiar to the British Cyrus brand, while the main visual difference is that the Stream-XR has a display and a row of control buttons on the front panel, while the Classic Stream is a more minimalistic version without a display, and the only decoration on the front panel is the power button.
At the same time, both network players have similar functionality, including AirPlay 2 support, MQA decoding, Roon Ready certification, as well as integration into a computer network via both Wi-Fi and wired Ethernet. Used for years by Bluesound, Dali and NAD, the reliable BluOS networking platform provides access to popular streaming services such as Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer, Spotify and more.
Each model can play lossless high-resolution audio files up to 24-bit/192kHz. The main difference between the two models is the DAC chips used. The Cyrus Stream-XR is powered by the second-generation Cyrus QXR DAC, which includes a “high-speed analog buffer stage” and “ensures analog signal transmission is as accurate as possible.” This DAC is based on ESS Technology’s ES9038Q2M chip, tuned by the Cyrus engineering team for “the highest possible performance.” Meanwhile, the Classic Stream uses the first generation QXR DAC, which also powers the Cyrus Classic Amp integrated amplifier and the Cyrus Classic Pre preamp.
The switching arsenal of the Cyrus Stream-XR streamer has an analog line output, one optical and one coaxial digital input, as well as optical and coaxial outputs. The Cyrus Classic Stream has only optical and coaxial outputs and a line-level analog output. Both models have Cyrus’ proprietary external power supply available as an option.
The novelties are already on sale in the UK. The Cyrus Classic Stream is available for £1,995 and the Cyrus Stream-XR for £2,495
