Audio T Verdict
The Cyrus 40 CD is a serious integrated CD player for anyone who wants to get more from a physical music collection without giving up the compact proportions traditionally associated with Cyrus.
Its Read Once servo mechanism concentrates on retrieving disc data accurately, while the ESS Sabre DAC, carefully separated power supplies and two analogue output pairs provide a flexible foundation for a high-quality system.
Coaxial and optical outputs also allow it to be used as a dedicated transport, and compatibility with the optional 40 PSU provides a worthwhile upgrade route for customers looking to take its performance further.
Cyrus 40 CD Integrated CD Player
The Cyrus 40 CD is a premium integrated CD player combining a Cyrus-designed disc mechanism, ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M DAC, stereo analogue outputs and coaxial and optical digital outputs.
It can connect directly to an integrated amplifier or preamplifier using an analogue interconnect, or operate as a CD transport with an external DAC or amplifier that has a suitable digital input.
Its compact anodised aluminium casework, colour display and glass front panel match the other components in the Cyrus 40 Series.
Integrated CD Player
- Built-in ESS Sabre DAC
- Two stereo RCA analogue output pairs
- Connects directly to a line input
- No external DAC required
CD Transport Operation
- Coaxial digital output
- Optical digital output
- Compatible with suitable external DACs
- Allows comparison between DAC options
Cyrus Read Once Servo Mechanism
Cyrus has developed CD servo systems for decades, concentrating on recovering the information stored on a disc as accurately as possible during the initial read.
The 40 CD uses the company’s Read Once Servo Mechanism, which controls the disc motor and laser assembly while managing the stream of data sent to the digital processing stage.
Accurate disc reading reduces the amount of corrective work required later in the playback chain and gives the DAC a more consistent digital signal to process.
ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M DAC
Digital-to-analogue conversion is handled by an ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M 32-bit DAC using HyperStream IV Dual DAC technology.
Cyrus has designed the surrounding circuit, component selection and board layout specifically for the 40 CD rather than relying solely on the performance of the converter chip itself.
The DAC converts the information recovered from the disc into the analogue signal supplied through the two pairs of RCA outputs.
Two Stereo Analogue Outputs
The rear panel provides two pairs of line-level RCA analogue outputs.
Either output can connect the 40 CD to a conventional line input on an integrated amplifier or preamplifier, such as CD, AUX or Line.
The output should not be connected to a turntable phono input, as phono stages are designed for a much lower signal level and apply additional equalisation.
Coaxial and Optical Digital Outputs
A coaxial RCA output and optical TOSLink output allow the player to send its digital CD signal to another component.
This makes it possible to use the DAC built into a Cyrus amplifier, separate digital converter or another compatible product.
Only one digital connection is required. Coaxial uses a suitable 75-ohm digital cable, while optical provides electrical isolation between the connected components.
No Digital Audio Inputs or Streaming
The 40 CD is designed specifically for CD playback and does not include digital audio inputs, network streaming, Bluetooth or USB music playback.
The rear RJ45 socket and USB-A port are provided for firmware servicing and updates rather than connecting network libraries, computers or USB storage devices for everyday listening.
Customers requiring network music playback can add the
Cyrus 40 ST Network Streaming DAC
.
Segmented Internal Power Supply
A CD player contains several electrically different sections, including digital processing, analogue audio, motor control and system-management circuitry.
Cyrus separates these demands within the 40 CD’s internal power-supply design. Digital control circuitry uses a dedicated high-efficiency supply, while other sections are powered from an over-specified universal supply.
Nine individual regulators then distribute power to the different stages according to their requirements, helping reduce interaction between the sensitive analogue circuitry and the electrically noisier servo and control sections.
Optional Cyrus 40 PSU Upgrade
The
Cyrus 40 PSU
connects to the player using a dedicated multi-pin cable.
When connected to the 40 CD, the external power supply takes responsibility for the master clock, CD motors and analogue side of the DAC.
Moving the constantly changing demands of the disc motors onto a separate supply helps reduce electrical noise within the player, while independently powering the clock and analogue DAC circuitry provides greater separation between critical sections.
The 40 CD remains fully operational without the external supply, allowing the PSU to be added later as a system upgrade.
Compact Anodised Aluminium Chassis
The 40 CD retains Cyrus’s compact 220mm width while introducing the updated styling of the 40 Series.
Its brushed black hard-anodised aluminium casework includes a full-width ribbed upper section and an edge-to-edge toughened-glass front panel.
The compact width makes it possible to position two 40 Series components side by side on many conventional Hi-Fi shelves.
3.5-Inch Colour Display
A 3.5-inch high-resolution colour TFT display shows track and playback information clearly from the listening position.
Hidden-until-lit capacitive controls provide direct access to essential disc functions while maintaining the clean appearance of the glass front panel.
Matching the Cyrus 40 AMP
The
Cyrus 40 AMP
is the natural amplification partner for the 40 CD.
The player can connect through either of its analogue outputs, using its own ESS Sabre DAC, or through its coaxial or optical output to use the DAC built into the amplifier.
Comparing these connection methods during a demonstration can help establish which DAC implementation and presentation best suits the complete system.
Integrated Player or Separate Transport?
Unlike a transport-only product, the Cyrus 40 CD contains both the disc-reading mechanism and the digital-to-analogue conversion required to produce an analogue output.
This makes it a complete source component for any amplifier with a spare line input, while the digital outputs preserve the option of using another DAC now or in the future.
Installation and Support
Position the player on a rigid, level Hi-Fi shelf away from excessive heat and vibration.
Leave sufficient space behind the unit for the chosen analogue or digital cables and for the 40 PSU connection if the external supply is added.
Switch off the connected amplifier before changing analogue or digital connections.
Key Features
- Premium integrated CD player
- Cyrus-designed Read Once Servo Mechanism
- ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M 32-bit DAC
- HyperStream IV Dual DAC technology
- Two stereo RCA analogue output pairs
- Coaxial digital output
- Optical digital output
- Segmented internal power-supply design
- Nine individual stage regulators
- Optional Cyrus 40 PSU compatibility
- 3.5-inch high-resolution colour TFT display
- Hidden-until-lit capacitive controls
- Edge-to-edge toughened-glass front panel
- Brushed black anodised aluminium chassis
- Compact 220mm width
- RJ45 and USB-A connections for firmware updates
- Five-year manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Cyrus 40 CD a complete CD player?
Yes. It contains its own DAC and provides analogue RCA outputs for direct connection to an amplifier.
Can it also be used as a CD transport?
Yes. Its coaxial and optical outputs can connect to a compatible external DAC or digitally equipped amplifier.
Does it have digital audio inputs?
No. The coaxial and optical connections are outputs rather than inputs.
Can it play music from a USB drive?
No. The USB-A socket is reserved for firmware updates rather than music playback.
Does the Ethernet socket provide streaming?
No. The RJ45 connection is intended for firmware servicing and updates.
Can I add the Cyrus 40 PSU?
Yes. The optional 40 PSU separately powers key sections including the master clock, disc motors and analogue side of the DAC.
Can I connect it to a non-Cyrus amplifier?
Yes. Its analogue outputs work with a suitable line input, while its digital outputs can connect to compatible external DACs and amplifiers.
Why are there two analogue outputs?
Two stereo output pairs provide additional connection flexibility when integrating the player into a Hi-Fi system.
What guarantee is included?
Cyrus provides a five-year manufacturer warranty.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Experienced Cyrus digital-source specialists
- In-store demonstrations through participating branches
- Help comparing analogue and digital connections
- Amplifier and external DAC matching advice
- 40 PSU upgrade demonstrations and guidance
- Digital cable and analogue interconnect recommendations
- Support building a complete Cyrus 40 Series system
- Home demonstration options where suitable
- Ongoing setup and system support
Contact your local Audio T store
to arrange a demonstration or compare the Cyrus 40 CD with suitable amplifiers and DACs.