Cyrus Pre XPD/DAC QXR Pre Amplifier – Brushed Black

Here we have a Cyrus Pre XPd/DAC QXR pre-amplifier. As its name suggests this is a fully functioning pre-amplifier that comes with a digital to analogue converter built in. Our example comes in very good condition and is supplied in original factory packaging along with remote control unit, manual, mains cable and our regular three month warranty.
Cyrus Say….
The engineering brief was to develop a range of amplifier models to better match the peerless audio resolution now possible from our SE CD players, each model had to be factory upgradeable from one to another.
The Cyrus Pre XPd delivers surprising audio performance and value because it is based on the advanced preamplifier circuitry from the DAC XP. Developed initially for the high-end Cyrus X series components, the Pre XPd benefits from a ‘trickle down’ of our most advanced design circuitry. The power supply is also new and for the first time uses two transformers to completely separate digital control stages from sensitive audio signals. However, the long standing philosophy of evolution rather than revolution means that the acoustic flavour of the new amp retains the large open soundstages of previous models, albeit with much higher resolution.
The Cyrus Pre XPd includes all the essential features to optimise a high quality audio system. Six analogue inputs, five digital inputs, two output options of Zone two (multisource / multi zone), or tape monitor, headphone output, preamplifier output (for bi-amping) and a sophisticated control system with remote control are all provided.
The QXR card upgrade is the most significant improvement to Cyrus amplifiers in recent years. Bringing a world of the
highest-resolution digital inputs to products up to a decade old.
QXR works with numerous Cyrus products, not only improving the sonic performance through the addition of a 32bit/384k DAC and all-new asynchronous USB bridge but also substantially improving the performance of the headphone amplifier section of these integrated and pre-amplifiers.
The new QXR card is capable of processing PCM audio to 768k at a 32bit depth and ‘Native’ DSD 512, through the USB input. The high-specification ESS DAC uses asynchronous upsampling to deliver a sublime audio signal regardless of source. Even via the lower resolution digital S/PDIF and TOSlink interfaces, incoming signals are ‘reclocked’ to substantially reduce noisy ‘jitter’ and deliver a refined, cleaner audio signal to the pre-amplifier stages of the upgraded product.
The improved headphone amplifier, included within the upgrade, reduces the noise floor, providing a much improved dynamic range. Capable of outputting 138mW per channel into 16ohm loads, it can comfortably drive headphones with impedances of up to 64ohm.
Compatible File Formats and Resolutions: PCM audio to 768k at a 32bit depth and DSD native 512.
Specifications:
Analogue
Input Sensitivity: 500 mV
Input Impedance: 40 kΩ
Frequency Response (- 3 dB): 0.1 Hz, > 500 kHz
Signal to Noise Ratio (unweighted): 108 dB
Output Voltage: 1 V
Max Output Voltage: 3 V
Output Impedance: 120 Ω
THD+N, 1kHz: < 0.002%
Digital
Input Voltage: 500 mV pk-pk
Input Impedance: 75 Ω
Sample Rate Range (coaxial and optical): 32 k – 192 k
Sample Rate Range (USB): 32 k – 48 k
Audio Formats: PCM stereo only
Signal to Noise Ratio (Pre-out, 0 dB FS): > 100 dB A
THD+N (Pre-out, 0 dB FS): < 0.004 %
Power Consumption: Standby: < 1 W; Maximum: 18 W
Material: Die cast chassis
Dimensions: 215 (W) x 365 (D) x 75 (H) mm
Weight: 4.0 kg