Pre-XR

The Pre-XR has taken the performance of Cyrus preamplifiers to the next level. Comparing it to our existing DAC XP Signature, we have increased the dynamic range to 110db, added the huge capabilities of the 2^nd generation QXR DAC and it now includes the same built-in phono stage from the i9-XR amplifier. 

The power supply design of the Pre-XR has received special attention. An over-specified 74VA power transformer delivers power to a high capacity power supply reserve. Within the circuit design, a generous total of 15 independent power supply regulators regulate, then sub regulates quiet power.

Digital control circuits are assigned a separate mains power supply, completely isolated from the signal circuitry.

The Pre-XR features a choice of balanced audio drive via XLR connectors for best performance in systems where it is partnered by high-end power amplifiers with balanced inputs. An unbalanced output is also provided.

The Pre-XR analogue preamp features relay input selection and a new high-performance gain stage. This short path design makes the analogue preamplifier extremely transparent. With four analogue inputs and phono MM, the Pre-XR will cover just about any system requirement for analogue connectivity.

The Pre-XR includes a port for the new PSU-XR power supply. Thirty years ago Cyrus broke new ground with the introduction of the PSX, the first-ever regulated power supply upgrade that automatically adapted to match perfectly the power requirements of any connected product. The PSU-XR raises the bar by sourcing no less than five independent regulated supplies in a single box. For the Pre-XR the PSU-XR steps in to take over power supply for the analogue stages of the preamplifier.

The DAC input stage of the Pre-XR features the 2nd generation of our award-winning QXR DAC, which includes a high-speed analogue buffer stage. Seven digital filter alignment options are user adjustable to suit the taste of the listener. Input options include USB audio (to 384k sample rate) and DSD to DSD256, 2 x SPDIF digital and 2 x optical digital inputs.

The QXR DAC design is based on the ESS ES9038Q2M chipset, which has had every component analysed by our engineering team, coupled with the layout being fully optimised to tune the DAC to achieve the highest possible performance. The result is a DAC that reconstructs the analogue signal with incredible accuracy and precision, revealing layers and depth that will have you listening back through your complete music collection.

Specification

• 4 x Analogue inputs
• 1 x Phono MM input
• 2 x Optical inputs
• 2 x Coaxial digital inputs
• 1 x Asynchronous USB input
• 1 x Analogue preamplifier out
• 1 x Headphone output - 2 x 138mW into 16 Ω (<0.1% THD)
• PSU-XR upgrade port