Cyrus Phono Signature phono preamplifier

The brand Cyrus is renowned worldwide for the quality of its amplifiers and digital sources. Even if the manufacturing of the phono inputs of these integrated amplifiers have always been excellent, the manufacturer has never really been famous for its separated phono preamplifiers.

In fact, the Cyrus Phono Signature phono preamplifier is only the second phono preamplifier the brand has made since 1998, the year it presented its phono aEQ7.

Cyrus Phono Signature: settings

The Cyrus Phono Signature phono preamplifier has 4 compatible MM/MC inputs. The gain, impedance, and capacitance can be personalized and memorized for each input.

Generally, high end phono preamplifiers enable users to adjust the settings thanks to small DIP switches on the back panel, under, or hidden inside.

However, with the Cyrus Phono Signature phono preamplifier these adjustments are possible using a remote control that comes with the preamplifier.

It offers gains of 0, 50, 60 and 70 dB making possible the combination with all phono cartridges on the market, even the weakest ones in terms of output levels. There is also a large choice of MC load (11Ω, 16Ω, 33Ω, 47Ω, 100Ω, 150Ω, 333Ω, 500Ω, 1kΩ and 47kΩ), and capacitance (220pF, 1nF, 2nF et 3nF).

All of this is visible on the liquid crystal display of the front panel. The inputs are RCA, but the output can be RCA (asymmetrical) or XLR (symmetrical).

Cyrus Phono Signature: circuit

The Cyrus Phono Signature phono preamplifier has a circuit which makes it possible to measure the output noise level and in particular the strong modulations in order to optimize the adjustment of the gain for MC cartridges.

A “rumble” and distortion filter also make it possible to improve the pre amplification maximal output level and avoid a too large amplitude of the loudspeakers in the lows.

The RIAA passive filtering uses very performant polyester metallic condensers for an optimal precision and performance.

Cyrus Phono Signature: power supply

The power supply is optimized to give the less amount of noise possible.

Cyrus also offers an external power supply, the Cyrus PSX-R2 power supply which is optional, for an even lower noise level. This direct current power supply of 300 vA, perfectly regulated, delivers a very stable and silent current to the internal circuits of the Phono Signature. 

Cyrus Phono Signature: listening and review

The Cyrus Phono Signature phono preamplifier offers a balanced restitution without exaggerating. It is dynamic, expressive and has an excellent musicality with the best MC cartridges on the market.

The timbers are rich, clear and sharp. The dynamics are convincing and subtle.

There is also a remarkable flexibility in terms of settings and possibility of combinations with MC cartridges and MM cartridges.

It is easy to appreciate the optimization from your sofa via the remote control.

As always with the brand, the Signature Phono can be upgraded. You can add a Cyrus PSX-R2 power supply to considerably improve the performances of this Cyrus Signature phono preamplifier.

The Cyrus Phono Signature phono preamp is highly recommended for demanding music lovers and in particular those who own multiple turntables and phono cartridges. A phono preamplifier with 4 configurable inputs, is very rare!

Our top pick!

AWARDS :

What Hi-Fi ***** - 2016