Cyrus 8xp vs Nait XS

Mikapoh, ok Cyrus and Naim have very differnet sounds - I have been a Cyus amp follower using Mono Xs for several years but recently converted to Naimism for my amps (as you know)

Cyrus is a detailed analytical sound, Naim - especially the NaitXS is slightly more roundish - less obviously detailed but boogies in a manner completely different from the Cyrus. The PRaT is more obvious with Naim. You should listen at home frist before you buy as they have quite different presentations.

I assume this is for a second system?

Simon

Simon, I have expecting you to drop your comments here. I have my Cyrus 3 for few years before converting to Naim too but it is not a fair comparison with Nait XS. Being previous owner of Cyrus, I always have fond memories of the brand. A pre-owned Cyrus 8xp for less than half the new Nait XS price looks very attractive indeed. Your assumption is correct, if I ever bought a Cyrus unit, it would be for my bedroom or living hall casual system. My reference system will always be Naim pre/power (no doubt).

Your observation has reinforced what I had in mind. I will know what to expect if I pull the trigger. Appreciate your comment.

BTW Simon, do you still keep your Cyrus Mono Xs after owning the Naim? 

Mikapoh

back in 2011 i had a one month period with Cyrus (pre and power amp) with Linn Ninka and rotel cd player. I already had the Nait 5i-2. At first the sound was overwhelming clear and tight but after a while very tiring with it's emphasis on the midhigh and higs. Bass lacked warmth. Back to the Nait 5i-2 was as taking a warm bath. 

To the point, i didn't like Cyrus very much. Furthermore fit and finish was also rather cheap with that plastic buttons and that headphone connector on the back?

I have fond memories of old Cyrus 2 with and without PSX [and also tried a 1 and the SL]. It was good kit of its time. Then I demo'd a Naim source [CD3.5] and the synergy was gone. Of course, Naim was better than my source of the time [Meridian 506.20] but it didn't gel. Not sure if that is relevant to the newer kit though. In fact, at the time, I ended up keeping my Meridian and changing the cyrus to Nait 3R instead. Then I ruined my Meridian by upgrading to 24bit spec so bought a CDX shortly after!

What am I trying to say here? Its all about synergy! One might be better than the other, but does it work?

Julian

Hi Mikapoh, no I sold ny MonoXs to fund my new Naim components, I actually got more for them than I was expecting, they are clearly sought after.

Clearaudio, I found Cyrus components very sensitive to mains leads,  interconnects and RFI, but take care of these and across their amp range you can get a well balanced and attractive sound. It truly excels with their MonoXs and Pre with off board power supply(PSX),  I found that gave a powerful tight and authoritive and detailed  sound with the  PowerXs giving a slightly rounder but  less incisive sound.

It was only because of  a casual discussion with my dealer did I dip my to Naim amps again.. And he gave a Naim Amp education with many demos from the NaitXS thru to the 282 and 252. I settled on the 202/200. This combo with the HicapDR was closest to my Cyrus MonoX sound, but with lots more  boogie and PRaT which I discovered I enjoyed.. So I was sold.

I auditioned Cyrus 8 amps, very detailed and analytical sound.

But didn't boogie for me.

I wanted to like it. 

Played the same track on a naim uniti, and instantly brought a smile to my face.

that's what it's all about for me... Whether you can hear the musical intent and what the musicians are doing on the record.

Strange because Cyrus amps are reputed to be very fast ?

When we first bought Naim amps we went out with Cyrus on our shortlist and Naim not. We bought.......

yes very fast that it sounds thin.

I've always been very satisfied with the Cyrus sound and like it's shoebox size too. I've owned most of the range at some point or other up to the last couple of years. I've never had an issue with bass or a sound that was too thin (though I often have heard these type of comments). As ever, the sound you get in the end has much to do with partnering loudspeakers and your room. The fact that I own Naim now is as much to do with the product being 'right' for me as much as the sound. Once that decision was made then I set about finding loudspeakers that gave me what I wanted in the room(s) concerned. Obviously, if you have favourite 'speakers as the start point, then the search for a partner works the other way around. I think generally a good sound can be achieved either way with most equipment to be honest.

Been there too.  Liked the Cyrus 2 PSX but later went down the cd/dac pre monos all PSX' route and for what was an 8 box set up it was a bit thin in presentation.  Worked best with little Mission 751's I seem to recall.

The benchmark disc played often then was 'Jagged Little Pill' which the Cyrus rendered nearly unlistenable.  G

Much like Nait 2, the Cyrus 2 is considered most musical & after sought amp. However, I am not too sure Cyrus does service their old amps for owners.

Mikapoh, yes Cyrus do indeed service their old components going back to 20 years old or so and give a 6 month gaurantee .. In fact there is even a service price list per component on their website from memory.

I still have a Cyrus 3 which was / is a cracking little integrated amp, 

Simon

Thanks Simon for enlightened me. It seems Cyrus & Naim do share something in common such as providing excellent customer service, external PS, own speakers plug terminals, operating similar power switch, dedicated equipment support and more important production plant still based in UK.

I too still keeping the Cyrus 3 but unfortunately not in operating condition so can't sell. IIRC, one channel has become faulty and now collecting dust in the store room.