Audio T Verdict
The Cyrus Classic POWER is a dedicated stereo power amplifier for systems requiring more authority, headroom and loudspeaker control than an integrated amplifier alone can provide.
It delivers up to 144W per channel, offers both balanced XLR and conventional RCA inputs, and includes a daisy-chain output for developing bi-amplified and multi-amplifier systems.
The 408VA transformer and optional PSX-R2 upgrade give it considerable capability despite its compact dimensions. It is the correct model for customers who already have source selection and volume control and now require dedicated Cyrus power amplification.
Cyrus Classic POWER Stereo Power Amplifier
The Cyrus Classic POWER is a dedicated stereo power amplifier designed to partner a suitable preamplifier, streamer with variable output or integrated amplifier fitted with a preamplifier output.
It delivers 144W per channel into 4O, 110W into 6O and 87W into 8O, with both channels driven.
Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs provide system flexibility, while its RCA daisy-chain output, MC-BUS connections, 12V trigger and PSX-R2 upgrade port support more advanced installations.
A Preamplifier Is Required
The Classic POWER has no volume control, source selection, phono stage, DAC, headphone output or network streaming.
It must be connected to a compatible product providing volume control and a variable line-level output.
High-Current Stereo Amplification
The Classic POWER takes the variable signal supplied by a preamplifier and provides the electrical current and voltage required by passive loudspeakers.
Cyrus specifies 144W per channel into 4O, 110W into 6O and 87W into 8O with both channels operating.
These figures show how its output changes across different nominal loudspeaker impedances, although speaker sensitivity, minimum impedance and electrical phase remain important considerations.
Power Output
- 144W per channel into 4O
- 110W per channel into 6O
- 87W per channel into 8O
- Both amplifier channels driven
- Suitable for a broad range of passive speakers
Connection Options
- Balanced stereo XLR inputs
- Unbalanced stereo RCA inputs
- Stereo RCA daisy-chain output
- MC-BUS system control
- 12V standby trigger input
Wideband Power-Amplifier Design
The Classic POWER uses a wideband amplifier circuit extending from below 0.5Hz to above 48kHz at the minus 3dB points.
Extending the response beyond the audible range helps keep unwanted phase changes away from the frequencies reproduced as music.
Total harmonic distortion and noise are specified at below 0.002 per cent at 1kHz and two-thirds of rated power into 6O.
408VA Toroidal Power Supply
A substantial 408VA toroidal transformer supplies the power-amplifier circuitry.
Its high-capacity supply is designed to respond to the changing demands created by music and maintain loudspeaker control during complex or dynamic passages.
Despite this substantial internal supply, the Classic POWER retains Cyrus's familiar half-width chassis.
Balanced XLR Inputs
Separate left and right XLR inputs allow the power amplifier to connect to a preamplifier or streamer with compatible balanced outputs.
Balanced connections can provide improved rejection of electrical interference, particularly when longer interconnects are required or the amplifier is positioned near the loudspeakers.
Cyrus specifies an XLR input sensitivity of 900mV for 110W output into 6O.
Unbalanced RCA Inputs
Conventional stereo RCA inputs provide compatibility with a wider range of preamplifiers, streamers and integrated amplifiers.
A rear selector switches the Classic POWER between its XLR and RCA inputs.
The RCA input sensitivity is 450mV for 110W output into 6O.
Match with the Cyrus Classic AMP
The
Cyrus Classic AMP
includes a variable preamplifier output that can feed the Classic POWER.
This allows the integrated amplifier's source selection, MM phono stage, DAC and volume control to remain in use while the external power amplifier is added to the system.
The exact loudspeaker arrangement should be agreed before installation, particularly when the two amplifiers are being used for bi-amplification.
Daisy-Chain Output
A stereo RCA chain output passes the incoming signal to another compatible power amplifier.
This is useful when the preamplifier has only one set of outputs but the system is being expanded with additional amplifiers.
The chain output remains available whether the Classic POWER is receiving its main input through RCA or balanced XLR.
Bi-Amplification
Bi-amplification uses different amplifier channels to power separate sections of a compatible loudspeaker.
The loudspeaker must have electrically separate bass and treble terminals, and its metal terminal links must be removed before separate amplifiers are connected.
Incorrect bi-amplifier wiring can damage equipment, so the complete connection arrangement should be checked before the system is powered.
No Bridged-Mono Operation
The Classic POWER is a stereo amplifier and does not include a bridged-mono operating mode.
Customers requiring a Cyrus amplifier that can switch between stereo and bridged-mono operation should consider the
Cyrus 80 PWR
.
Optional Cyrus Classic PSX-R2
The
Cyrus Classic PSX-R2
connects through the dedicated rear upgrade socket.
The external supply provides separate regulated power to the voltage-amplifier stage within the Classic POWER.
The amplifier's internal supply continues to power the remaining sections, so both products must stay connected to mains power.
The PSX-R2 does not create a bridged-mono mode or replace the main 408VA power transformer.
MC-BUS and 12V Trigger Control
MC-BUS input and output sockets allow standby operation to be coordinated with compatible Cyrus components.
A separate 12V trigger input provides similar control when the Classic POWER is used with suitable equipment from another manufacturer or within an installed system.
Cyrus Dual Speaker Plugs
The Classic POWER is supplied with two Cyrus dual speaker plugs for the left and right speaker cables.
The cables should be terminated using these plugs in accordance with the supplied instructions rather than fitting individual banana plugs directly into the amplifier.
Correct polarity must be maintained for both speakers.
Installation and Ventilation
Position the Classic POWER on a strong, level and well-ventilated equipment shelf.
It should not be placed underneath another component or on a surface that obstructs its ventilation.
Its adjustable feet can compensate for a slightly uneven surface, but Cyrus states that they should not be unscrewed by more than half a turn.
Key Features
- Dedicated stereo power amplifier
- 144W per channel into 4O
- 110W per channel into 6O
- 87W per channel into 8O
- Wideband amplifier circuit
- 408VA toroidal transformer
- Balanced stereo XLR inputs
- Unbalanced stereo RCA inputs
- Rear XLR and RCA input selector
- Stereo RCA daisy-chain output
- Suitable for compatible bi-amplified systems
- Cyrus Classic PSX-R2 compatible
- MC-BUS input and output
- 12V standby trigger input
- Automatic low-power standby
- Compact die-cast chassis
- Two Cyrus dual speaker plugs included
- Two-year manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Classic POWER an integrated amplifier?
No. It requires a compatible preamplifier, streamer or integrated amplifier with a variable output.
How powerful is it?
It delivers 144W per channel into 4O, 110W into 6O and 87W into 8O.
Does it have balanced inputs?
Yes. It provides balanced XLR inputs as well as conventional RCA inputs.
Can it operate as a monoblock?
No. The Classic POWER is a stereo amplifier and does not provide bridged-mono operation.
Can it connect to the Classic AMP?
Yes. The Classic AMP provides a variable preamplifier output that can feed the Classic POWER.
What is the chain output for?
It passes the incoming signal to another compatible power amplifier for multi-amplifier or bi-amplified systems.
Which external power supply is compatible?
It is compatible with the Cyrus Classic PSX-R2, not the 40 PSU or PSU-XR.
Does the PSX-R2 increase the published wattage?
Cyrus does not publish a higher speaker-output figure. The PSX-R2 separately powers the voltage-amplifier stage.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Experienced Cyrus separates specialists
- In-store demonstrations through participating branches
- Preamplifier and loudspeaker matching advice
- Balanced XLR and RCA connection guidance
- Support planning bi-amplified Cyrus systems
- PSX-R2 upgrade demonstrations and advice
- Help with Cyrus speaker-plug termination
- Ongoing system setup and technical support
Contact your local Audio T store
to arrange a demonstration or discuss the correct Cyrus Classic POWER configuration for your system.