Pre XPd

Product Overview

This high performance audio pre-amplifier features twin Pre-amp outputs for bi-amping, 6 line and 5 digital inputs including a USB port that allows you to connect a host of digital sources including digital music files stored on your PC or Mac. Also includes intelligent headphone facility and PSX-R socket to upgrade for greater resolution. For a first class system, two ’X Power’ power amplifiers will partner with the Pre XPd perfectly.

Further Information

The Pre XPd is a high performance pre-amplifier featuring an on-board DAC.

Features of the Pre XPd include
• High performance pre-amplifier based on the X series DAC XP+ design.
• 11 inputs, 6 analogue + 5 digital.
• On-board high performance DAC
• The USB feature allows connection of a computer to play files back through the high quality Cyrus DAC.
• High quality LCD display and helpful user setup menu system.
• Zone two output, multi-source, multi-zone.
• Option to add even higher quality QX DAC upgrade.
• PSX-R upgrade option

Interesting highlights
The multi-input digital board features a USB input for a computer. Anything that plays on your computer will sound much better when played back through the ‘Cyrus quality’ DAC’s of the digital board. The Cyrus digital board uses a highly specified DAC and power supply arranged so that all connected digital sources benefit from the inherent quality of the DAC.

The Pre XPd preamp stages are based on the DAC XP+ model and therefore benefit from many sophisticated design elements from the more expensive model.

The front panel boasts a high quality LCD display that shows volume, the input selected and a set-up menu that helps you to configure your amplifier to work exactly the way that suits you.

Quick system suggestion
The CD8 SE₂ is the logical CD player to match. An alternative system option would be to choose the CDXT SE₂ CD transport and order the amp with the optional QX DAC that up-samples all digital sources connected, for even better sound quality. The Pre XPd will happily partner with any of the Cyrus Power amps. However we recommend auditioning the X Power as this is a good balance of performance and price.

Colour
Specify your amplifier to match your home. Order the die-cast alloy chassis in Quartz Silver or Brushed Black

NB: Not all model variants are available in every market.

Technical Information

The XP series of models has been designed in modular way. This allows us to invest heavily in the main engineering project and derive sibling products that benefit from the strongly funded core investment. The Pre XPd was the core design (6a & 8a the siblings), itself benefiting from a ‘trickle down’ of audiophile engineering from the DAC XP+. Twin transformers feed two separate power supply stages each with further sub regulation. The main 130 VA toroidal transformer with 5 regulated rails is twinned with a separate toroidal transformer for control systems. The twin transformer design has benefited the design especially when used in its more exotic variants with QX DAC option and a PSX-R fitted. These options push the performance of the Pre XPd close to the performance levels of the DAC XP+ model.

Because this model is largely based on the DAC XP+ we have fitted higher quality components than may be expected for a model at this price point. This has enabled us to tune the sound to be extended and open enough to convincingly replay large scale music such a major symphonic or powerful rock programs. It is not an easy decision to tune the sound to be more expansive than previous models, but because our latest generation of CD players deliver better controlled high and low frequencies the Pre XPd can therefore be tuned take full advantage of the better controlled frequency extremes our state-of-the-art CD players provide.

The Pre XPd provides a zone two output so you can play any source in another part of your home. It also has a headphone output featuring a very good quality amplifier. Twin pre-amplifier outputs allow easy connection of (several) power amps, and the large clear high quality LCD screen provides easy visibility of the menu control system. Input sensitivity matching is also included. A new Cyrus power supply incorporates new components that allow the pre-amplifier to consume less than one watt when in standby. The second transformer also allows us to separate sensitive low level analogue signals from digital and control systems.

Upgrade options include:

Adding a QX DAC module.
This is a return to factory upgrade. The QX DAC card fits neatly inside the Preamp and replaces the standard DAC. It is a more advanced DAC with performance that should be considered to be between the CD 8 SE₂ and our most advanced DAC X+ models. Initially it could be discerned that the difference is small because we have tuned the sound to be similar to other Cyrus components to preserve our sonic signature. However the subtlety and layering of instruments is better than the standard DAC. Given a longer audition you will hear that every element of the sound is improved by the QX DAC.

Adding a PSX-R power supply.
This is Cyrus’ most popular upgrade and can be customer fitted by simply plugging the supplied cable into the socket on the back of the Pre XPd. In fact we have sold more PSX-R’s than any other model. It provides a super smooth supply of DC power to the sensitive pre-amplifier audio stages of the Pre XPd. The effect is a marked improvement in bass and a more solid stereo image. Your retailer will be able to demonstrate this upgrade. We recommend you take along some discs you know well so you can hear just how significant the improvement is.

Choosing power amplifiers
Cyrus makes a variety of power amplifiers to fit any room or budget. You retailer will be happy to demonstrate the range and options but remember that power amplifiers are not about how loud things play. The larger the Cyrus power amp you select the better the sound will be even at low volumes. It’s all about controlling the speaker cones, not just how loud things can go. Having said that, our larger power amps will play at very high levels before you notice any limitation (clipping) to the sound.

Construction
Enclosure - Cyrus Inverted die-cast chassis

Electrical:
Line inputs:
6 analogue

Digital inputs:
2 electrical SPDIF
2 optical SPDIF
1 USB Computer slave input

Outputs:
Zone 2 / Tape-out
Preamp-out
Headphone

Internal power Supplies:
1 x 130 VA toroidal transformer with 5 regulated rails, plus separate toroidal transformer for control systems

External - Highly regulated PSX-R upgradeable
Communications MC-BUS™ System BUS
Remote Control Supplied with Cyrus system remote control
Standby power consumption - Less than less than 1W

Specifications
Distortion - 0.002%, 1kHz
Frequency Response - -3 dB, 0.1Hz and 500kHz
Input sensitivity - 500mV
Input impedance - 40kOhm (RCA).
Output voltage - 1V (Pre out)
S/N Ratio - 108dBA (ref. 40W)
Channel Balance - ±0.2dB (0dB to -63dB)
Volume control accuracy - ±0.1dB (0dB to -63dB)
Dimensions (H x W x D) - 73 x 215 x 360 (mm)
Weight - 4.0kg
Finish - Quartz silver or Brushed Black

Digital audio performance, XPd models Pre-out
Input voltage - 500mV pk-pk
Input Impedance - 75 Ohms
Sample rate range - 32k – 96k
Audio formats - PCM stereo only
S/N ratio (Pre out, 0db FS) - Better than 100dba
THD+N (pre-out, 0db FS) - Less than 0.004%

QX DAC module
Input voltage - 500mV pk-pk
Input Impedance - 75 Ohms
Sample rate range - 32k – 96k
Audio formats - PCM stereo only
S/N ratio (Pre out, 0db FS) - Better than 100dba
THD+N (pre-out, 0db FS) - Less than 0.002%
Three additional high performance regulated power supplies,
Up-samples to 192kHz,
Factory trimmed quartz master clock for accurate re-clocking