Audio T Verdict
The Cyrus Classic STREAM is an easy way to add modern music streaming to an existing Cyrus or conventional Hi-Fi system without losing the company’s familiar compact styling.
BluOS provides access to streaming services, internet radio, network libraries and USB storage, while the QXR-tuned ESS Sabre DAC allows it to connect directly to an analogue amplifier. Optical and coaxial outputs also preserve the option of using a separate DAC.
The interface is deliberately app-led and the front panel is very simple, but that makes it particularly neat once installed. PSX-R2 compatibility provides a further upgrade path for systems capable of revealing the improvement.
Cyrus Classic STREAM Network Streaming DAC
The Cyrus Classic STREAM combines the BluOS music platform with a QXR-tuned ESS Sabre DAC in Cyrus’s familiar half-width die-cast chassis.
It can stream music from supported online services, internet radio, compatible network libraries and USB storage devices, with playback available at resolutions up to 192kHz.
Its fixed analogue output can connect directly to an integrated amplifier or preamplifier, while optical and coaxial digital outputs allow the Classic STREAM to be used with an external DAC.
Use the Internal DAC
- Connect the stereo RCA output to an amplifier
- Uses the QXR-tuned ESS ES9038Q2M DAC
- No separate digital converter required
- Ideal for amplifiers with analogue inputs
Use an External DAC
- Connect by optical or coaxial digital cable
- Compatible with suitable digital amplifiers and DACs
- Allows future DAC upgrades
- Only one digital output connection is required
BluOS Music Streaming
BluOS provides the everyday operating system for the Classic STREAM.
The BluOS Controller app is available for compatible iOS, Android, Kindle, macOS and Windows devices, allowing music to be selected without relying on a conventional front-panel display.
Supported streaming services, internet radio stations and music stored on compatible network devices can all be accessed through the same interface.
BluOS is also used by a growing range of products from other manufacturers, allowing the Classic STREAM to become part of a compatible multi-room audio system.
High-Resolution Network Playback
The Classic STREAM supports common compressed and lossless audio formats, including MP3, AAC, WMA, OGG, ALAC, OPUS, FLAC, WAV and AIFF.
Cyrus specifies playback at sample rates up to 192kHz, allowing compatible high-resolution files to be played from streaming services, network libraries or USB storage.
Available resolution will depend on the source material, music service, subscription and network connection.
QXR-Tuned ESS Sabre DAC
Digital-to-analogue conversion is handled by an ESS ES9038Q2M 32-bit DAC.
Cyrus’s QXR implementation includes a high-speed analogue buffer stage and a circuit layout developed around the requirements of the converter rather than relying solely on the specification of the DAC chip.
The resulting analogue signal is available through the rear stereo RCA output for connection to a standard line-level amplifier input.
Analogue and Digital Outputs
A stereo RCA analogue output allows the Classic STREAM to operate as a complete network music source with its own DAC.
Optical TOSLink and coaxial RCA digital outputs bypass the internal analogue stage and send the digital audio signal to a compatible external converter or amplifier.
The outputs are fixed level, so listening volume is controlled by the connected amplifier or preamplifier.
No Digital Audio Inputs
The optical and coaxial connections on the Classic STREAM are outputs rather than inputs.
It cannot be used as a DAC for a CD transport, television or games console. Customers requiring digital inputs should consider a streamer such as the Cyrus 40 ST or use the DAC built into a compatible amplifier.
Wi-Fi and Wired Ethernet
Dual-band Wi-Fi 5 allows the Classic STREAM to join a compatible 2.4GHz or 5GHz wireless network without an external aerial.
A rear Gigabit Ethernet socket provides a wired alternative and will often be the preferred option where the equipment rack is close to the router or a network switch.
Streaming reliability depends on the quality of the home network rather than the internet speed alone, particularly when playing high-resolution files or using several network players simultaneously.
USB Storage Playback
The rear USB-A socket can play compatible music files from a USB memory stick or portable hard drive.
Once connected, the USB device appears as a source within the BluOS app, where its folders and music files can be browsed.
This is a storage-device input rather than a USB-B computer-audio connection, so a Mac or Windows computer cannot be connected directly by USB for ordinary playback.
AirPlay 2
Apple AirPlay 2 allows compatible iPhones, iPads, Macs and supported applications to send audio to the Classic STREAM across the home network.
It can also be grouped with other compatible AirPlay 2 products for synchronised playback in more than one room.
Roon Ready
The Classic STREAM is officially certified as Roon Ready and can operate as a network endpoint within a compatible Roon system.
Roon can combine supported streaming services and locally stored music within one library while sending playback directly to the Cyrus across the network.
MQA Playback
MQA decoding and rendering are included for compatible MQA files and streams.
The availability of MQA material depends on the music service or library being used and should not be confused with general high-resolution FLAC or WAV support.
Cyrus MC-BUS System Control
MC-BUS input and output connections allow the streamer to integrate with compatible Cyrus components.
When correctly connected, power and standby commands can be coordinated across the system, reducing the need to switch each Cyrus component separately.
Optional PSX-R2 Upgrade
The
Cyrus PSX-R2
connects through the dedicated rear multi-pin socket.
Its regulated power is routed to the Classic STREAM’s post-DAC analogue stages, separating these circuits from some of the demands placed on the internal supply.
Both components remain connected to the mains, and the streamer automatically detects the PSX-R2 without requiring an internal modification.
Classic STREAM or Cyrus 40 ST?
The
Cyrus 40 ST
uses the same compact width but introduces newer casework, a large colour display, digital inputs, an updated ESS ES9039Q2M DAC and compatibility with the Cyrus 40 PSU.
The Classic STREAM remains the more affordable route into Cyrus BluOS streaming and is the natural visual match for Classic Series components and existing PSX-R2 owners.
Compact Die-Cast Chassis
The Classic STREAM uses the traditional Cyrus half-width die-cast chassis, measuring 215mm wide.
Its compact proportions allow two Cyrus components to sit side by side on many conventional Hi-Fi shelves, while the dense non-ferrous enclosure provides mechanical support and electrical shielding.
Position the streamer on a solid, level shelf with enough space around it for ventilation and access to the network and audio connections.
Key Features
- BluOS network streaming DAC
- Playback at sample rates up to 192kHz
- ESS ES9038Q2M 32-bit QXR-tuned DAC
- Fixed stereo RCA analogue output
- Optical digital output
- Coaxial digital output
- Gigabit Ethernet connection
- Dual-band Wi-Fi 5
- USB-A storage-device playback
- Apple AirPlay 2
- Roon Ready and Roon Tested
- MQA decoding and rendering
- Internet radio and network-library playback
- Compatible BluOS multi-room operation
- Cyrus MC-BUS system control
- Optional Cyrus PSX-R2 upgrade
- Compact half-width die-cast chassis
- Two-year manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Cyrus Classic STREAM contain a DAC?
Yes. Its QXR-tuned ESS Sabre DAC provides a fixed stereo analogue output for connection to an amplifier.
Can it be used with an external DAC?
Yes. Optical and coaxial digital outputs can feed a compatible external DAC or digital amplifier.
Does it have optical or coaxial inputs?
No. Both digital connections are outputs, so the Classic STREAM cannot convert audio from an external CD transport or television.
Can it play music from a USB drive?
Yes. A compatible USB memory stick or hard drive can be connected to the rear USB-A socket and browsed through the BluOS app.
Can I connect a computer by USB?
No. It does not provide a USB-B computer-audio input. Computers can control BluOS or supply music through the network.
Does it support wired networking?
Yes. It includes Gigabit Ethernet as well as dual-band Wi-Fi 5.
Is the Classic STREAM Roon Ready?
Yes. It is officially listed by Roon as both Roon Ready and Roon Tested.
Can I add a Cyrus external power supply?
Yes. The Classic STREAM is compatible with the Cyrus PSX-R2, which supplies its post-DAC analogue stages.
Does the streamer control volume?
Its analogue and digital outputs are fixed level, so volume is controlled by the connected amplifier or preamplifier.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Experienced Cyrus and network-audio specialists
- In-store demonstrations through participating branches
- BluOS and home-network setup guidance
- Help choosing between analogue and digital outputs
- Amplifier and external DAC matching advice
- PSX-R2 upgrade demonstrations and support
- Ethernet, optical, coaxial and analogue cable guidance
- Ongoing system setup and technical support
Contact your local Audio T store
to arrange a demonstration or discuss adding the Cyrus Classic STREAM to your Hi-Fi system.