92%
Cyrus Audio 40 PPA
Cyrus have been designing and building phono preamplifiers in the UK for a long time now, so when we say that the 40 PPA is our best yet, and one of the best in the market, we say it with confidence!
As with all 40 series products, we have completely re-imagined the design of the product and audio flow from beginning to end, carefully shielding the very sensitive signals from any interference.
Enjoy your vinyl collection like never before.
The 40 PPA provides complete flexibility with your choice of cartridge. Whether you enjoy the ease of a Moving Magnet cartridge or the detail and ability to match the output of a Moving Coil cartridge, the 40 PPA has got you covered.
One of the key features of the 40 PPA is the ability to connect up to four sources, allowing the listener to easily switch between turntables, arms or cartridges as desired. Each input can be adjusted between Moving Magnet and Moving Coil cartridges, for which specific gain (in 5dB steps), resistance and capacitance can be be set independently.
The 40 PPA enjoys a high capacity and very low noise DC power supply that enables the preamplifier to provide an extremely wide dynamic range ensuring extended signal levels long before clipping. Attention to circuit layout and component placement ensures a very low noise floor to further expand musical dynamics.
Depending on your system set up, the 40 PPA provides both balanced XLR outputs, or unbalanced RCA outputs.
The custom designed remote allows for full setup and operation of the 40 PPA as well as other 40 series Cyrus products.
Dealers selling Cyrus Audio near you
Overview
The Cyrus Audio 40 PPA arrives as a confident, highly engineered phono stage that prioritises silence and configurability. It offers neutral, highly resolving presentation with tight, controlled bass, articulate midrange and crisp treble air — benefits attributed to a redesigned six-layer PCB and an improved power supply that lower the noise floor. Practical performance features include stepped 5 dB MC gain, configurable load and capacitance, stereo output meters with peak-hold to optimise gain, and a Warp filter to protect dynamics on warped records.
Build and ergonomics are equally considered: the 40-series brushed-aluminium chassis, glass front display, remote control, balanced XLR and RCA outputs, grounding options and a five-year warranty underline a premium, system-friendly design. Ideal for discerning vinyl enthusiasts with multiple turntables or demanding MC cartridges, the 40 PPA combines flexible setup and low-noise transparency that The Ear credited as elevating it into the top tier of phono preamps.
Pros
- Very low-noise, high transparency thanks to a redesigned six-layer PCB and an improved power supply that reduce interference and lower the noise floor.
- Extensive cartridge compatibility and precise setup tools — MC inputs configurable for gain, load and capacitance, stepped 5 dB gain control and stereo peak-hold meters for optimising MC gain.
- Premium build and practical features including 40-series brushed-aluminium chassis, glass front display, balanced XLR/RCA outputs, Warp filter, ground-lift switch, remote control and a five-year warranty.
Transparency
92/100
The reviewer highlights a redesigned PCB (4 -> 6 layers) to separate circuits and "decrease noise interference to almost zero," and a reworked power supply that reduces noise by ~20%, both of which directly address noise floor and RIAA accuracy. The unit also includes a ground-lift switch to help eliminate ground hum, supporting a very low-noise performance expectation for MC/MM usage. Given these deliberate engineering choices and explicit claims of near-zero interference, a high Transparency score is warranted while remaining realistic about real-world MC gain challenges.
Sound Quality
90/100
Stereo output level meters with peak-hold are provided to optimise MC gain and avoid overloads, which helps preserve transient integrity and micro-dynamic detail in practice. The inclusion of a Warp filter to limit excessive bass excursion on warped records also shows attention to maintaining punch and control rather than letting dynamics become distorted.
Cartridge Compatibility
92/100
All inputs are compatible with MC and MM cartridges and the MC inputs are configurable for gain, load and capacitance, with stepped 5 dB gain control—this is full, practical flexibility for matching a wide range of cartridges. The multi-input support (up to four turntables) and the ability to optimise MC gain with output meters further underline strong compatibility and ease of setup.
Build Quality
92/100
Reviewer notes the new 40-series brushed aluminium casing and glass front displays, and describes the design as built on a foundation of high performance and looks that 'just wow.' The mechanical design, chassis materials and five-year warranty point to solid construction and good shielding/EMI practice appropriate for a low-noise phono stage.
Value for Money
96/100
The review explicitly states this is "one of the best phono preamplifiers on the market, at any price," a strong endorsement relative to peers; although a list price isn't provided in the materials, that superlative from the reviewer justifies a 'strong value' assessment. The combination of comprehensive MC/MM configurability, careful PCB/PSU engineering, and high build quality supports the view that the 40 PPA offers exceptional performance for its market segment.
Reviews
Online Reviews & Mentions
Forum Mentions
No forum mentions found yet
FAST, EASY & NEAR
Find Cyrus Audio Verified Dealers Near You
Cyrus Audio dealers in the map