Cyrus 40 PPA MM and MC Phono Stage

The Cyrus 40 PPA is a dedicated phono preamplifier designed to amplify and equalise the extremely small signal produced by a turntable cartridge.

It supports moving magnet and moving coil cartridges across four independently configurable inputs, making it suitable for systems using several turntables, tonearms or cartridge combinations.

Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs allow it to connect to a wide range of integrated amplifiers and preamplifiers, while its five-inch colour display presents input, loading and output-level information clearly.

Connect Up to Four Turntables

Four stereo RCA inputs allow several turntables, tonearms or cartridges to remain connected simultaneously.

Each input has its own grounding terminal and can be programmed independently for either moving magnet or moving coil operation.

This gives customers the freedom to use different turntables for different record collections, compare cartridges or accommodate a turntable fitted with more than one tonearm.

Independent MM and MC Configuration

Every input can be assigned as either moving magnet or moving coil from the setup menu.

Moving magnet gain and loading are preconfigured to standard values. Moving coil inputs provide additional control over gain, resistance and capacitance so that the electrical characteristics of the phono stage can be matched more closely to the selected cartridge.

The settings are retained for each input, allowing cartridges with very different requirements to remain connected without needing to reconfigure the phono stage whenever the source is changed.

Moving Coil Gain in 5dB Steps

Moving coil cartridges can vary considerably in output voltage. The 40 PPA therefore provides eight gain settings from 30dB to 65dB.

Available settings are 30dB, 35dB, 40dB, 45dB, 50dB, 55dB, 60dB and 65dB.

The cartridge manufacturer’s output specification provides a useful starting point. Higher-output cartridges normally require less gain, while very low-output cartridges generally need a higher setting.

The aim is to produce a healthy listening level without overloading the input of the connected amplifier during louder musical passages.

Stereo Output-Level Meters

The five-inch display includes left and right output-level meters with peak hold.

These meters provide a practical way to optimise moving coil gain while a record is playing. Musical peaks should approach, but not exceed, the marked limit on the display.

If the level regularly exceeds the limit or audible distortion occurs during loud passages, the gain should be reduced.

Adjustable Moving Coil Resistance

Ten resistance settings allow the 40 PPA to accommodate a broad range of moving coil cartridge recommendations.

Available options are 11O, 16O, 33O, 47O, 100O, 150O, 333O, 500O, 1kO and 47kO.

The cartridge manufacturer’s recommended load should be used as the initial setting. Careful listening can then determine whether another supported value provides a preferable balance within the complete system.

Adjustable Moving Coil Capacitance

Moving coil capacitance can be selected from 100pF, 1nF, 2nF or 3nF.

Where the cartridge manufacturer does not publish a capacitance recommendation, the lowest 100pF setting provides a sensible starting point.

Loading changes can be subtle, so resistance and capacitance should be adjusted separately using familiar records.

Switchable Warp Filter

Warped records can generate powerful low-frequency signals that are not part of the music.

These signals may cause excessive movement from the loudspeaker bass drivers or place unnecessary demands on the amplifier.

The 40 PPA’s switchable warp filter reduces this unwanted low-frequency energy and can be selected independently for each input.

Balanced XLR and RCA Outputs

The rear panel provides both balanced XLR and conventional unbalanced RCA outputs.

RCA connections provide compatibility with most integrated amplifiers and preamplifiers, while the XLR outputs can partner equipment fitted with suitable balanced analogue inputs.

Only one output connection is normally required. Listening volume remains under the control of the connected amplifier or preamplifier.

Grounding and Hum Control

Each turntable input has a corresponding grounding terminal for the tonearm or turntable earth lead.

A rear ground-lift switch changes the relationship between the circuit ground and chassis. Its factory setting is Lift, but selecting Ground may help if hum or buzzing is present within a particular system.

Turntable cables should also be routed away from mains leads, power amplifiers and large transformers wherever possible.

Low-Noise Circuit Design

A phono stage must amplify a very small cartridge signal without allowing noise from the power supply, control circuitry or surrounding equipment to obscure musical information.

Cyrus has redesigned the audio path and internal layout for the 40 PPA, with careful shielding and component placement around the sensitive analogue circuitry.

Its high-capacity, low-noise internal DC power supply is intended to provide wide dynamic range and substantial headroom before clipping.

Optional Cyrus 40 PSU Upgrade

The Cyrus 40 PSU can be connected through the dedicated rear multi-pin socket.

The 40 PPA automatically detects the external supply, so no internal adjustment is required.

Both products must remain connected to mains power, and only the dedicated cable supplied with the 40 PSU should be used.

The 40 PPA is not compatible with the older Cyrus PSX-R2 or the PSU-XR.

Five-Inch Colour Display and Touch Controls

A five-inch high-resolution TFT display shows the selected input, cartridge type, MC gain, resistance, capacitance and warp-filter status.

Hidden-until-lit capacitive controls provide access to input selection, capacitance and warp-filter functions while maintaining the clean appearance of the toughened-glass front panel.

Display brightness, automatic hiding and automatic standby can be adjusted through the setup menu.

40 Series Remote Control

The supplied remote allows the 40 PPA to be selected, configured and operated from the listening position.

It can also control compatible Cyrus 40 Series amplifiers, CD players and streamers, reducing the number of handsets required for a complete system.

Firmware Updates

Rear RJ45 and USB-A connections are provided for firmware and system updates.

They are not network-streaming or USB music-playback inputs and cannot be used to connect a music server, computer or USB drive for listening.

Matching the Cyrus TTP Turntable

The Cyrus TTP Turntable provides a natural visual and system match for the 40 PPA.

The TTP is supplied without a cartridge, allowing Audio T to recommend a suitable moving magnet or moving coil model for the tonearm, phono stage and wider system.

The 40 PPA can also be used with turntables from other manufacturers, provided the cartridge and grounding arrangements are compatible.

Turntable and Cartridge Setup

Correct cartridge alignment, tracking force, bias and tonearm height remain essential when using a phono stage of this quality.

Gain and loading cannot compensate for a worn stylus, incorrect alignment or unsuitable cartridge and tonearm matching.

Audio T can fit and align suitable cartridges, confirm the recommended starting settings and help compare loading options during a demonstration.

Key Features

• Four independently configurable turntable inputs
• Moving magnet and moving coil compatibility on every input
• Eight MC gain settings from 30dB to 65dB
• Gain adjustable in 5dB steps
• Ten moving coil resistance settings
• Four moving coil capacitance settings
• Stereo output-level meters with peak hold
• Switchable warp filter
• Balanced XLR outputs
• Unbalanced RCA outputs
• Four turntable grounding terminals
• Rear ground-lift switch
• High-capacity low-noise DC power supply
• Optional Cyrus 40 PSU compatibility
• Five-inch high-resolution colour display
• Hidden-until-lit touch controls
• Remote control operation
• RJ45 and USB-A firmware update connections
• Five-year manufacturer warranty

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions