Thermionic

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Price Paid:  $300.00

Summary:
I guessed where to post this review - under Cyrus 1 or Cyrus 2.
In fact the amplifier I am describing is a Mission Cambridge - one which is similar to Mission Cyrus.
The looks is quite the same but the cover is made of metal rather than plastic.
I have not seen any written specs but I estimate it is somewhere in the 50W per channel region.
Just from the beginning I somewhat fell for this amplifier.
It sounded open and clear with a good soundstage.
Without pretending to be in the hi-end category it was obvious that this was a
quality product.
What I wanted to say is that I upgraded the amplifier:
1. replaced the 4 caps in the pre-amplifier section with Black Gates
2. replaced 2 sets of the input RCAs with Cardas
3. replaced the speaker terminals with Cardas Rhodium over copper
4. removed the cover - it simply coud not fit as the Black Gates I installed are bigger in size than the previous capacitors (although same values)
The amplifier is now in a different class - it is unbeliavable how much better it is.
There is a deep soundstage behind the speakers.
The highs and especially mids are astonishing.
The bass line is well defined (especially bass guitar) although there is no much power in the deep bass area.
But it is unrealistic to expect deep bass from an amplifier of this type and size.
I don't know which of the changes contributes most to this great effect but I guess that all are important.
I am sure that any Cyrus 2 amplifier can be upgraded in the same way to a great effect.
I strongly recommend the upgrade.

Strengths:
soundstage, mids and highs, clarity

Weaknesses:
deep bass is not to be expected

mysticfred

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1.00 votes

Price Paid:  $270.00 from used

Summary:
The Cyrus 2 is a legendary classic amp, a thoroughbred among many mass-market models available in the mid-80's and still sought after by audiophiles for its holographic imaging, full bass and sweet treble, though careful system matching and cabling is important to get the best sound. Some may find the sound hard with incorrect speakers, but careful matching will be rewarded with a solid dependable amp which can still out-perform moderm amplifiers under £1000. Used the Cyrus 2 can cost £150 - 270 with PSX power supply.

A PSX power supply is available which boosts the power and performance of the amp, but the original amp MUST have the two internal fuses removed from it otherwise connection to the PSX will result in blown fuses in the PSX. Also when set up the amps must be set up in sequence, and any alterations such as speaker cable/interconnect changes must be done while the units are switched off. Warming up time should be only one hour, these are Class AB amops and they run very hot, so no stting inside a rack, they must have a lot of ventilation.

Phono for MM / MC switchable, also CD output, Tuner, Headphones, Tape in and Tape out. One set of speaker terminals, biamping is uneccessary if a good quality single run of cable is used for each speaker.

If you manage to pick up one of these gems you will be "amply" rewarded!

Strengths:
FantasticSound Quality.

Weaknesses:
Some options common in modern amps missing (not really necessary thou).

Similar Products Used:
Various makes, most sound muddy compared to Cyrus 2

Price Paid:  $170.00 from 2nd hand

Summary:
Bought this amp to replace my NAD 310. Was looking for more power, and detail. Equipment used: Marantz CD67SE, Mordaunt Short MS10i, Wireworld Terra III speaker cables and Wireworld Oasis II interconnects. Initial impressions of the Cyrus 2 were, built like a tank, kinda ugly, listening wise..had good taut bass, lots of detail. I didn't have too much of a problem with the forwardness, as the soundstage feels large. Although i run them with tiny MS10i's, you can go really loud without any problems. Even 'busy' music played loud had everything solidly stuck on the soundstage. Made the speakers sound larger overall. Good for all types of music, including soft jazz and vocals to rock music. looking for a PSX now.

Strengths:
Detailed and fast, not much-but deep and taut bass. Solidly built.

Weaknesses:
Styling is extremely dated. lacking in depth. A hint of brightness. Power button and the inputs are not as well thought out or designed, or just plain hopeless.

Similar Products Used:
none

Price Paid:  $200.00 from ebay

Summary:
this is a huge improvement over the cambride audio amp that i had previously. the bass is very controlled and the detail is fantastic and all at a bargain price. however ther is a slight 'humming' from the amp. is this normal? i am thinking about upgrading with a psx power supply as the 'humm' sounds like its coming from the transformer and ive also been told that the external power supply help improve the all around sound quality. can the psx simply be pluged in or is any adaption of the amp required? also is the addition of the psx likely to cure the humm as the transformer will be outside the unit? if anyone could help me with this it would be great. send me an email.... also does anyone in the UK have a psx they want to sell?

Strengths:
no frills. great sound/price. strong bass. British

Weaknesses:
a little plasticy. speaker connectors too close together.

Similar Products Used:
too many to list

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
Play Cyrus2+PSX, Full modified: higher Class A adjustment, other in-and out connectors, silver wire intern, other transformer in PSX, other Caps, other shielded 230V cable. Playing with Final 0.3 biwired.

Strengths:
AFTER modifications, very imporved at all fronts, Superb mid & high, good bass steering for sub (17cm alu) each channal, over all control and stereo image improved (according to other interlinks and speakercable)

Weaknesses:
Cause of lower powersupply voltage, a lower maximal output, but more currentdelivery by greater total supllyment (trafo&cap's) further NO weaknesses found so for in combination with my final 0.3's.:)))

Similar Products Used:
Adcom CD player GCD-575, Art Speak interlinks, Art Speak speaker cable (2x6mm2 bi-wired). Art Speak 230 V cable.