The Cyrus Audio 8 Power is based on the same platform as the X Power. Although primarily intended to partner the Cyrus pre amplifiers, such as Pre vs2 and DAC XP, the 8 Power is ideal as an upgrade to the Cyrus integrated amplifier range for bi-amping. The 8 Power packs several surprises, such as being able to be used as a high-power mono amplifier with a Pre vs2 in pre/power systems of up to 120W per (220watts into 4ohoms), when used with an external PSX-R regulated power supply. This ability to be so dynamic with the real impedances of modern loudspeaker designs is a very important reason why it sounds so good in "real" systems.
Technically competent, the 8 Power ranks highly amongst its peers for technical specifications such as noise, distortion, damping factor and current delivery into a wide range of speaker loads.
The 8 Power is an excellent upgrade for a Cyrus integrated amplifier, voiced to closely match the Cyrus 8 vs2, either to upgrade the performance of the internal power amplifier, or to use both the internal power amp and the 8 Power in a bi-amped configuration. The fixed gain structure of the Cyrus range enables any Cyrus power amplifier, such as the 8 Power, to be matched for bi-amping to any Cyrus integrated amplifier with a pre-out connection.
The 8 Power includes a port for connection of the PSX-R power supply. The PSX-R is a high capacity, fully regulated power supply with even more capacity and regulation than the internal power supply of the 8 Power. When used together, the added benefits of the super-quiet DC power from the PSX-R will be primarily experienced as an improvement to the resolution to the sound of the system. Additionally, the power output of the 8 Power will also be increased, particularly when operating as a mono amplifier and this will aid dynamics (the difference between the quietest sounds and the loudest in the recording).
This is arguably the biggest challenge to any hi-fi system and the 8 Power's unique upgradeability will allow you to increase the performance of your system many times as you ‘get the itch’ to upgrade again and again. The PSX-R is a straightforward user-fit upgrade with a simple umbilical connection to the 8 Power’s rear panel - no other internal changes are required.
The 8 Power features a sophisticated music-sense circuit with microprocessor control. When the unit is set to low-consumption Standby, a high-sensitivity circuit will detect an incoming music signal and switch on the amplifier noiselessly ready for use. A precision timer in the control system will then hold the amplifier on for 4 minutes before resetting to a semi-Standby state. From this state, the amplifier can be wakened instantly, so that even subtle low-level background music or effects signals will not be lost as the amplifier exits standby. If music is not present for an extended period, then the 8 Power will revert back to its true low-consumption standby state.
As an alternative means of power control when used in a Cyrus system, the 8 Power includes connection for the Cyrus MC-Bus system. In this case, the intelligence in the control system will detect that the user has chosen to use MC-Bus control and will de-activate the music-sensing control system.
For applications with systems where music-sense is not required and MC-Bus is not connected, the music-sensing system may be disabled, temporarily by holding the standby key down when first switching on the 8 Power mains power, or permanently by moving a small jumper connector internally on the PCB.
The computer control system of the 8 Power also monitors the general status of the amplifier and can react quickly enough to protect it from accidental short-circuits, even when running at full power.
The quality lightweight die-cast enclosure of the 8 Power has a myriad of advantages, both electrically and mechanically. The integrated heatsink design enhances the thermal efficiency, allowing higher performance to size ratio. Additionally, the non-resonant nature of the alloy minimises micro-phonic effects, while its non-ferrous composition provides an effective shield from external electro-magnetic disturbances. This also eliminates coupling of the power transformer stray magnetic fields to the sensitive audio circuitry.
