Cyrus 80 PRE Streaming Preamplifier

The Cyrus 80 PRE is a full-width streaming preamplifier designed to manage the sources, volume and digital conversion within a high-performance separates system.

It combines BluOS network streaming, an ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M DAC, MM and MC phono input, HDMI eARC, asynchronous USB, analogue and digital inputs, balanced connectivity and dedicated headphone amplification.

The variable preamplifier outputs can feed a Cyrus 80 PWR, another compatible power amplifier, or suitable active loudspeakers.

BluOS High-Resolution Streaming

BluOS is built directly into the 80 PRE, allowing music to be played from supported streaming services, internet radio and compatible network libraries without adding a separate streamer.

Lossless playback is supported at resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz, with control available through the BluOS app for iOS, Android, Kindle, Mac and Windows devices.

Built-in Wi-Fi provides wireless network access, while the rear Ethernet network and service connection can be used where a wired installation is preferred.

AirPlay 2, Roon Ready and MQA

Apple AirPlay 2 allows compatible Apple devices and applications to send audio to the 80 PRE across the home network.

Roon Ready certification allows the preamplifier to operate as a network endpoint within a compatible Roon system.

MQA decoding is also included for compatible MQA material played through supported services and sources.

ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M DAC

Digital-to-analogue conversion is handled by an ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M 32-bit DAC.

The DAC processes music from BluOS, the optical and coaxial inputs, USB-B and HDMI eARC before passing the resulting analogue signal through the preamplifier section.

Integrating the streamer, DAC and volume control within one component also removes the need for several separate boxes and analogue interconnects.

Digital Source Connections

Two optical and two coaxial inputs accommodate digital equipment such as CD transports, network players, televisions and games consoles.

The asynchronous USB-B input allows a compatible Mac or Windows computer to use the Cyrus DAC for music playback.

With an asynchronous connection, the Cyrus controls the timing of the audio transfer rather than relying entirely on the computer’s internal clock.

HDMI eARC for Television Sound

HDMI eARC allows a compatible television to play through the Cyrus separates system and connected stereo speakers.

Television programmes, films, games consoles and other video sources connected to the TV can therefore benefit from the main Hi-Fi system rather than relying on the television’s built-in speakers.

HDMI-CEC and eARC settings may need to be enabled within the television menu before sound and volume control operate correctly.

Moving Magnet and Moving Coil Phono Input

A dedicated phono input allows a compatible turntable to connect directly without requiring a separate phono preamplifier.

A rear-panel selector changes the input between moving magnet and moving coil operation, while a grounding terminal is provided for the turntable or tonearm earth lead.

Cartridge output and loading requirements should be checked before connection, particularly when using a low-output moving coil model.

Four RCA Analogue Inputs

Four stereo RCA line inputs provide connections for conventional analogue equipment such as CD players, tuners, streamers, DACs and cassette decks.

These inputs are separate from the dedicated phono connection and should be used for sources providing a conventional line-level output.

A turntable without its own phono stage should not be connected to a standard line input.

Balanced XLR Input

A balanced stereo XLR input is provided for compatible source components.

Balanced connections use separate positive and negative signal conductors and can provide improved rejection of interference, particularly with longer cable runs.

The source must provide suitable balanced outputs for the connection to operate as intended.

RCA and Balanced Preamplifier Outputs

The 80 PRE provides both conventional RCA and balanced XLR outputs for connection to a compatible power amplifier.

The Cyrus 80 PWR is the natural matching model and can be used as a stereo power amplifier or as one of a pair operating in bridged-mono mode.

The outputs can also feed suitable third-party power amplifiers or active speakers, provided the gain, input sensitivity and connection type are compatible.

Standard and Balanced Headphone Listening

A standard single-ended headphone connection is fitted to the front panel for straightforward everyday use.

A four-pin XLR balanced headphone output is positioned on the rear panel for compatible balanced headphone cables.

Balanced headphone wiring keeps the left and right return paths separate, which can improve channel separation with suitable headphones.

Headphone compatibility will also depend on impedance, sensitivity and the cable termination used by the selected model.

Five-Inch Colour Display

A five-inch full-colour TFT display presents source, album and playback information clearly across the front panel.

Illuminated touch controls provide direct access to commonly used functions, while two rotary controls handle source selection, menu navigation and volume.

The interface provides convenient physical operation when a phone, tablet or computer is not being used.

Matching the Cyrus 80 PWR

One 80 PWR can power the left and right speakers as a conventional stereo power amplifier.

A second 80 PWR can be added to create a bridged-mono system, with one amplifier dedicated to each speaker.

Balanced XLR connections provide the most direct matching option between the 80 PRE and 80 PWR, although RCA connections are also available.

80 PRE or 80 AMP?

The Cyrus 80 AMP combines similar streaming, DAC, phono and source features with its own 150W-per-channel power amplifier.

The 80 PRE removes the loudspeaker power stage and is intended for customers who prefer separate pre and power amplifiers.

It also adds a dedicated balanced headphone output and provides a clear route towards a pair of 80 PWR amplifiers operating as monoblocks.

External Power-Supply Compatibility

Cyrus does not specify compatibility between the 80 PRE and the 40 PSU, PSU-XR or PSX-R2.

The rear panel does not include a Cyrus external power-supply connection, so these power supplies should not be purchased as upgrades for the 80 PRE.

Installation and Ventilation

Position the preamplifier on a solid, level equipment rack with enough open space for ventilation and access to the rear connections.

Keep low-level phono cables away from mains leads, power supplies and large transformers where practical.

Switch off the preamplifier and power amplifier before connecting equipment or changing RCA, XLR or headphone cables.

Key Features

• Full-width streaming preamplifier
• BluOS network streaming platform
• Lossless playback up to 24-bit/192kHz
• ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M 32-bit DAC
• Built-in Wi-Fi antenna
• Ethernet network and service connection
• Apple AirPlay 2
• Roon Ready
• Built-in MQA decoding
• Moving magnet and moving coil phono input
• Four stereo RCA line inputs
• Balanced stereo XLR input
• Two optical digital inputs
• Two coaxial digital inputs
• Asynchronous USB-B input
• HDMI eARC input
• Stereo RCA preamplifier output
• Balanced stereo XLR preamplifier output
• Standard headphone output
• Four-pin XLR balanced headphone output
• Five-inch full-colour TFT display
• Five-year manufacturer warranty

Frequently Asked Questions