The Cyrus 40 ST marks a new era for the brand, signaling a fresh beginning with the 40 Series. Although Cyrus has created some remarkable products since its inception in the early 1980s, it has faced challenges in maintaining its prominence in recent years. Aside from the great success of the CDi CD player, which has won 11 What Hi-Fi? Awards in its price category, and the Phono Signature phono stage, there hasn’t been much from the brand over the past decade that has excited us. Even the premium XR range seemed more like a rehash of older ideas rather than a clear step forward. However, the 40 Series introduces a completely new design that is forward-looking. If our experience with the Cyrus 40 ST music streamer is anything to go by, this new range could potentially reignite the brand’s momentum.
The 40 Series currently consists of four products: the 40 ST music streamer we’re reviewing here, an integrated amplifier (the 40 AMP priced at £3995 / $4995 / AU$6499), a one-box CD player (the 40 CD costing £2995 / $3995 / AU$4999), and the 40 PSU (£2495 / $3495 / AU$4499), an outboard power supply that traditionally offers an upgrade path for the other components. Cyrus has always embraced the idea of upgradable products, and we’re happy that they continue this practice. We have received samples of the amplifier, CD player, and PSU, and reviews will follow in due course.
Cyrus has used the same distinctive die-cast chassis in its core products since the early ’90s. This chassis has been praised for its rigidity and clever design over the years and continues to feature in the brand’s Classic Series. However, with advancements in manufacturing techniques and technology, it was time for a change.
The anodized aluminum casework for the 40 Series is completely new and much improved. While it retains the half-width proportions characteristic of the brand, the designers have slightly expanded the size in every direction, offering more internal space for components. This increase in size is especially beneficial for the amplifier, though it’s less significant for the streamer. The new range also has a modern and clean aesthetic, while still maintaining connections to the brand’s past. The 40 ST’s glass front is sleek, featuring a clear 5-inch TFT screen that’s easily readable from across the room. On the left, five touch-sensitive buttons run vertically, with the Cyrus logo serving as the power button. On the right, there is a precision control dial for adjusting the output level, surrounded by a customizable LED ring that can be adjusted for brightness.
On the back, you’ll find an Ethernet connection (though wireless is also supported), coaxial and optical digital inputs and outputs, and two pairs of single-ended stereo analog outputs. There’s also a USB Type A port for playing music from a compatible storage device. Unlike many of its competitors, the 40 ST lacks a USB Type B connector for connecting a computer, which could be disappointing for some users. Other missing features include Chromecast and Bluetooth support. Although Bluetooth is often not the best way to stream high-quality sound, it remains a convenient option, and the absence of Chromecast is notable, though AirPlay 2 provides a partial alternative. Fortunately, MQA and Roon compatibility are both available.
In terms of on-paper specifications, the Cyrus 40 ST is somewhat limited for a new product. It covers the essentials, like playing music from NAS units over a home network, internet radio, and streaming services such as Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Amazon Music, and Qobuz. However, it only supports streaming of 24-bit/192kHz PCM files, with no support for DSD, which is a common feature even in budget streamers. This may be disappointing for those who are looking for a higher-resolution experience. The BluOS streaming module used in the 40 ST is similar to those found in products from brands like Bluesound, Roksan, and Dali. Although the BluOS app is known for its user-friendly interface and stability, the current file compatibility limits may be an issue for some audiophiles. However, updates to BluOS are expected, which will allow it to support files up to DSD256, though the release date for these updates is still uncertain.
At the core of the 40 ST’s digital-to-analog conversion is the ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M chip, which supports resolutions of up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD1024. The unit also features eight selectable digital filter options. While the differences between them are subtle, our preference is for the Minimum Phase or Linear Phase filters in Slow Roll Off mode, which provide the most natural and fluid sound.
In practice, the Cyrus 40 ST proves to be a smooth performer, with a few minor issues related to the control software. For instance, the volume indicator doesn’t always sync perfectly with the control dial, but this could be addressed in future software updates. Overall, the BluOS app performs well, and we were able to quickly connect to our network, log into Tidal, and integrate the streamer into our What Hi-Fi? reference system.
During testing, the 40 ST was paired with the Burmester 088/911 Mk III amplifier and ATC SCM50 speakers, and we also tested it with the Cyrus 40 Series amplifier and PMC’s Cor integrated amplifier driving a pair of Epos ES-14N speakers. The Audiolab 9000N music streamer was used as a comparison, as well as the Naim ND555/555 PS DR streamer for reference.
The Cyrus 40 ST is a highly capable performer, offering a level of clarity and precision that surpasses others at its price point. When compared to the Audiolab 9000N, the Cyrus offers a cleaner, crisper sound with more direct presentation. The Audiolab excels in finesse, tonal neutrality, and spaciousness, but the Cyrus delivers more textural detail and dynamism, handling low-level intensity shifts and large orchestral crescendos with greater ease. Listening to Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, the Cyrus impresses with its balance of power and lightness, offering a neutral tonal balance despite a slight forwardness in presentation.
The streamer’s stereo imaging is exceptionally sharp, with a focused soundstage that accurately portrays the layout of the orchestra and the acoustics of the recording space. The 40 ST also shines with energetic, rhythmic tracks, delivering an exciting performance on songs like “Kiss” and “You’ve Got the Love.” It has excellent punch and drive, surpassing rivals like the Naim ND5 XS2 in terms of precision and insight.
Despite its impressive clarity, the Cyrus 40 ST can still handle poor recordings well, rendering them in a way that maintains the music’s emotional message. For instance, Bruce Springsteen’s “Terry’s Song” is delivered with energy and conviction, despite its coarse recording quality.
Connecting the 40 PSU outboard power supply enhances the 40 ST’s performance, providing greater scale, authority, and ease. The music sounds more effortless, with dynamic contrasts becoming more powerful, and the bass hitting harder. Detail levels improve, and the sound becomes more fluid and natural. While the power supply reduces the emphasis on the 40 ST’s exceptional rhythmic drive, it doesn’t diminish overall enjoyment.
In conclusion, the Cyrus 40 ST offers impressive versatility and performance, making it a strong contender in the premium streamer market. The minor gaps in its specifications may be a concern for some, but for most users, they won’t pose a significant problem. We eagerly anticipate testing the rest of the 40 Series, as the amplifier and CD player may complement the streamer’s talents, potentially restoring the brand to its former glory.
