Audio T Verdict
The Cyrus 80 AMP brings the company’s familiar control, speed and musical involvement into a powerful full-width streaming amplifier.
BluOS, HDMI eARC, an ESS Sabre DAC and an MM/MC phono stage make it unusually versatile, while 150W-per-channel Class A/B amplification gives it the authority required for ambitious loudspeakers and larger rooms.
It is a genuine one-box system hub rather than simply an amplifier with streaming added. Customers who like the Cyrus approach but want more power, fewer separate components and full-width styling should place the 80 AMP high on their demonstration list.
Cyrus 80 AMP Streaming Integrated Amplifier
The Cyrus 80 AMP combines a 150W-per-channel Class A/B integrated amplifier, BluOS network streamer, ESS Sabre DAC, MM/MC phono stage and headphone amplifier within one full-width component.
It can form the centre of a system containing passive speakers, a turntable, television, computer, CD transport and other analogue or digital sources without requiring a separate network streamer or DAC.
A five-inch colour display presents source, album and playback information, while front-panel controls and the BluOS app provide direct access to the amplifier’s principal functions.
One-Box Music System
- 150W-per-channel Class A/B amplifier
- BluOS high-resolution music streaming
- ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M DAC
- Moving magnet and moving coil phono input
- HDMI eARC for compatible televisions
Source Compatibility
- Turntables with MM or MC cartridges
- Network music services and local libraries
- Televisions through HDMI eARC
- Computers through asynchronous USB-B
- Analogue, optical, coaxial and balanced sources
150W-Per-Channel Class A/B Amplification
The 80 AMP provides 150W per channel from a Class A/B power-amplifier design.
This substantial output gives the amplifier useful headroom for demanding musical passages and a wider choice of standmount and floorstanding loudspeakers.
Power output alone does not determine compatibility, so speaker sensitivity, impedance, room size and normal listening level should still be considered when building the system.
A demonstration with the intended speakers is recommended, particularly where the system will be used in a larger room or at higher volume.
BluOS High-Resolution Streaming
The BluOS platform is built directly into the amplifier, allowing music to be played from supported streaming services, internet radio and compatible music libraries without adding a separate streamer.
BluOS supports lossless playback at resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz and can be controlled from compatible iOS, Android, Kindle, Mac and Windows devices.
The 80 AMP includes built-in Wi-Fi and a rear network connection, giving customers a choice of wireless or wired installation according to their home network.
AirPlay 2, Roon and MQA
Apple AirPlay 2 allows compatible Apple devices and applications to send audio to the amplifier across the home network.
Roon Ready support allows the 80 AMP to operate as a network audio endpoint within a compatible Roon system.
Built-in MQA decoding is also included for compatible MQA material played through supported sources and services.
ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M DAC
Digital-to-analogue conversion is handled by an ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M 32-bit DAC.
This converts music from BluOS, the digital inputs, HDMI and USB into the analogue signal required by the amplifier section.
Keeping the streamer, DAC, pre-amplifier and power amplifier within one purpose-designed product also removes several external interconnects and simplifies everyday operation.
Optical, Coaxial and USB Inputs
Two optical and two coaxial digital inputs accommodate sources such as a CD transport, television, games console or separate network player.
An asynchronous USB-B input allows a compatible Mac or Windows computer to use the Cyrus DAC for music playback.
The asynchronous connection allows the amplifier to control the timing of the digital audio transfer rather than relying entirely on the computer’s internal clock.
HDMI eARC for Television Sound
HDMI eARC provides a convenient connection between a compatible television and the Hi-Fi system.
Films, programmes and connected video sources can therefore use the Cyrus amplifier and stereo speakers instead of the television’s built-in sound system.
Available control functions can vary between televisions, so HDMI-CEC and audio-output settings may need to be enabled within the TV menu.
Moving Magnet and Moving Coil Phono Stage
The dedicated phono input supports both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges.
A rear-panel selector changes the phono-stage mode, allowing a suitable turntable to connect directly without a separate external phono pre-amplifier.
Cartridge output and loading requirements should still be checked before connection, particularly when using a low-output moving coil model.
A turntable earth terminal is provided to help establish the correct grounding arrangement and minimise unwanted hum.
Analogue RCA and Balanced XLR Inputs
Four stereo RCA line inputs provide connections for conventional analogue equipment such as CD players, tuners, streamers, DACs and cassette decks.
A separate balanced XLR input allows a compatible source component to connect using balanced analogue cables.
Balanced connections can be useful where the source provides genuine balanced output circuitry or where longer analogue cable runs are required.
RCA and Balanced Pre-Amplifier Outputs
Variable RCA and balanced XLR pre-amplifier outputs allow the 80 AMP to feed a compatible external power amplifier or active subwoofer.
The matching
Cyrus 80 PWR
provides the clearest route towards a larger separates-based Cyrus system.
The 80 AMP does not provide a connection for the Cyrus 40 PSU, PSX-R2 or PSU-XR external power supplies.
Headphone Amplifier
A dedicated headphone amplifier allows private listening without requiring a separate headphone component.
Headphone performance and available listening level will depend partly on the impedance and sensitivity of the connected headphones.
Customers using especially demanding headphones should compare the internal output with a suitable dedicated headphone amplifier.
Five-Inch Colour Display
The full-colour five-inch TFT display shows input, playback and album information clearly across the front panel.
Illuminated touch controls provide direct access to commonly used playback functions, while the two rotary controls handle source selection, menu navigation and volume.
The interface gives the 80 AMP a more contemporary appearance than traditional Cyrus products while retaining straightforward physical control.
80 AMP or 40 AMP?
The
Cyrus 40 AMP
retains the company’s compact half-width format and provides 100W per channel, an ESS DAC, HDMI eARC and a moving magnet phono stage.
The 80 AMP moves to a full-width chassis, increases output to 150W per channel and adds integrated BluOS streaming, moving coil phono compatibility and balanced XLR connectivity.
The 40 AMP can be upgraded with the dedicated 40 PSU, while the 80 AMP follows a different route through its pre-amplifier outputs and the matching 80 PWR.
Speaker Matching and Installation
The 80 AMP’s power makes it suitable for a broad range of passive speakers, but the best match will depend on the room and preferred presentation as much as the published specification.
Position the amplifier on a rigid, level shelf with enough open space for heat to escape from the casework and heatsinks.
Switch the system off before connecting speakers or changing cables, maintain correct left and right polarity and make sure no loose strands can bridge the output terminals.
Key Features
- Full-width streaming integrated amplifier
- 150W-per-channel Class A/B amplification
- BluOS network streaming platform
- Lossless streaming up to 24-bit/192kHz
- Built-in Wi-Fi and wired network connection
- Apple AirPlay 2
- Roon Ready
- Built-in MQA decoding
- ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M 32-bit DAC
- Five-inch full-colour TFT display
- Moving magnet and moving coil phono input
- Four RCA analogue line inputs
- Balanced XLR analogue input
- Two optical digital inputs
- Two coaxial digital inputs
- Asynchronous USB-B input
- HDMI eARC input
- RCA pre-amplifier output
- Balanced XLR pre-amplifier output
- Dedicated headphone amplifier
- Five-year manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Cyrus 80 AMP include music streaming?
Yes. BluOS is built in and supports compatible streaming services, network music libraries and playback up to 24-bit/192kHz.
How powerful is the 80 AMP?
Cyrus specifies an output of 150W per channel from its Class A/B amplifier section.
Does it have a built-in DAC?
Yes. It uses an ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M 32-bit DAC for its streaming and digital inputs.
Can I connect a turntable?
Yes. The built-in phono stage supports both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges.
Can I connect my television?
Yes. A compatible television can connect through HDMI eARC, although its audio and HDMI control settings may need to be configured.
Does it support balanced XLR equipment?
Yes. The rear panel includes a balanced stereo XLR input and balanced stereo pre-amplifier output.
Can it be upgraded with a Cyrus external power supply?
Cyrus does not specify compatibility with the 40 PSU, PSX-R2 or PSU-XR. The amplifier can instead feed an external power amplifier through its RCA or balanced XLR pre outputs.
Can I add the Cyrus 80 PWR?
Yes. The matching 80 PWR can connect through the pre-amplifier outputs as part of a larger Cyrus system.
Does it have a headphone output?
Yes. A dedicated headphone amplifier is built into the 80 AMP.
How does it differ from the Cyrus 40 AMP?
The 80 AMP is full width, more powerful and includes BluOS streaming, moving coil phono support and balanced connectivity. The smaller 40 AMP is compatible with the optional 40 PSU.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Experienced Cyrus system specialists
- In-store demonstrations through participating branches
- Speaker matching for room size and listening level
- Moving magnet and moving coil cartridge advice
- BluOS and home-network setup guidance
- HDMI eARC and television connection support
- Help planning an upgrade with the Cyrus 80 PWR
- Home demonstration and installation options where suitable
- Ongoing system and setup support
Contact your local Audio T store
to arrange a demonstration or discuss suitable speakers and sources for the Cyrus 80 AMP.