The new XR range has been little short of a smash hit for Cyrus Audio since its launch early in 2022 with the Pre-XR, reviewed here. The PSU-XR was announced last January as it complemented the fantastic CD transport, reviewed here, the straight CD player and the i9-XR, at the front of the series launch. The XR range was added to in September with the Streamer-XR based on the best streaming platform out there, BluOS. The Stream-XR review is here from last month.
Design
This then, is a review of the Cyrus PSU-XR, it complements all the XR products (though not the i7-XR) with different power supplies depending on the unit. The Cyrus PSU-XR has intelligent microprocessor control built into it to offer the differing XRs the correct stable voltage needed, and it can offer an unregulated voltage with a power amplifier if required. The Cyrus PSU-XR connects with a 15-pin connector.
Bartosz Hajbowicz Cyrus’ Sales Manager for Europe explains in this video there are no less than five independent regulated supplies in a single (PSU-XR) box, offering three different reference voltages. The PSU-XR is designed with future Cyrus Audio developments, offering a future-proof investment.
The idea, as we know, is an off-board power supply can offer a more refined and noise-free power environment to elements of an XR unit, leaving the existing power input free to deliver cleaner power to other elements of the unit.
For the Stream-XR, this PSU-XR takes over the power supply to the DAC and it powers the network card where the superior supply gives greater clock stability. The result claims Cyrus is ‘a cleaner, more stable supply’. The built-in streamer power supply is then left to power separately the analogue section presumably and the ancillary affairs. Note that both units still need to be plugged into the mains with the PSU-XR.
The Cyrus PSU-XR can be used with the fantastic CDt-XR, taking over the master clock & the motors as well as the analogue section, the same is the case with the CDi-XR. With the i9-XR, the Cyrus PSU-XR takes over the power amplifier section and with the Pre-XR it takes over the preamplifier section.
Quality
The unit is chunky at 7.7kg and is finished with the familiar soft touch finish. It is all machined beautifully and the half-width Cyrus Audio design endures. To the rear, it is just the power lead and the 15-pin connector to see.
The Cyrus PSU-XR is priced at £2,395 widely in the UK at the time of publication.
The unit dimensions are (H x W x D) 75 x 215 x 355 mm, (2.95” x 8.46” x 13.98”). It is 7.7kg (17 lbs) in weight.
Performance
Review Equipment
I have the Stream-XR with the PSU-XR on separate IKEA Kallas shelves with the dividers so they’re not in contact with each other. From the Stream-XR I have Atlas Mavros interconnects to the Moor Amps Angel-Pre then the Moor Amps Angel 6 driving Kudos Titan 505 loudspeakers with Atlas Mavros loudspeaker cable.
Physically
With this arrangement you just fire up the Stream-XR and the PSU-XR starts up automatically. On first pairing, the Stream-XR confirms the PSU-XR is active, after that there is nothing noted on the screen.
Sound Quality
The sum of it is there is more weight through the Titans, and it is a real pleasure to hear
As we noted in the straight Stream-XR review, the unit is open, clean and engaging, how would the PSU-XR come across? If I take the excellently
recorded and beautiful track by Ryan Adams, Sweet Carolina from Heartbreaker (Qobuz 24-bit, 44.1kz) as a reference for switching between the PSU-XR there is clearly an increased presence with the music. There is more bass here and the snare feels cleaner and more present; the cymbals at 3’25” are absolutely beautiful and on point with the PSU-XR. The sum of it is there is more weight through the Titans, and it is a real pleasure to hear. This observation is evident with many tracks, including those from the Mahler Magnificent Maestro Soundtrack on Qobuz (Qobuz 24-bit, 48kz).
Overall
…you can be sure the PSU-XR is a worthwhile investment…
I’ll simply repeat my thoughts in the former PSX-R2 review that an off-board power supply will always add up to a system greater than the sum of the parts it constitutes if it is done properly. The same outcome is here with this PSU-XR and Stream-XR. This PSU-XR is done properly. The addition of the 15-pin connector makes its integration more seamless.
If you’re reading this, you’ll have an idea of Cyrus Audio already and you can be sure the PSU-XR is a worthwhile investment if it is in your budget.
Styling
Simplicity
Investment
Like
15 pin link is much better
Flexibility with multiple XR products
Solid
Wish
Specification
Full details are on the company’s site.