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Cyrus Audio Classic PHONO
The new Classic PHONO is arguably the most advanced phono pre amplifier available anywhere in the world today. Designed to exceed the expectations of the most serious vinyl audiophiles, particularly in areas such as outright musical performance, accurate cartridge matching and flexibility of use.
The Classic PHONO allows up to four turntables to be permanently connected because many vinyl enthusiasts enjoy multiple turntables, arms or cartridges for different records. Each of the four inputs can be accurately matched to the exact specification of the cartridge and the acoustic preference of the user. Adjustment is provided for MC cartridges in gain, resistance and capacitance. In addition a switchable warp filter is provided to maximise amplifier performance.
Four turntables may be permanently connected allowing the listener to easily switch between turntables, arms or cartridges as desired. Each input may be adjusted between; MM or MC, gain, resistance and capacitance. Settings are conveniently saved to memory for future reference.
Stereo output level meters working in real time allow clear and accurate gain adjustment to optimise the headroom available from your system for each MC cartridge.
The Classic PHONO enjoys a high capacity and very low noise DC power supply that enables the pre amplifier 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.
The passive RIAA filtering uses very high performance metallized polyester capacitors for ultimate accuracy and performance.
The Classic PHONO includes a port for the PSX-R2 power supply. Power from the PSX-R2 is routed internally to provide a more stable, low-noise power supply.
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Cyrus Audio Classic PHONO
The Cyrus Audio Classic PHONO is a supremely quiet, highly configurable MM/MC phono stage that prioritises transparency and cartridge matching. With an ultra-low noise floor, extensive adjustable gain (40–70dB), impedance and capacitance settings, and four user-presets, it excels at extracting detail and dynamics from both MM and low-output MC cartridges. Listeners hear a neutral, highly resolved midband with precise transient bite and broad, well-layered imaging that tightens further with the optional PSX-R2 power supply. Built in a robust diecast chassis with XLR and RCA outputs and a useful warp filter and ground-lift, the Classic PHONO suits multi-turntable rigs and serious vinyl enthusiasts seeking control over loading and peak meters. Praised by Hi‑Fi Choice and StereoNET, it’s regarded as a class-leading, adaptable phono solution.
Pros
- Exceptionally low noise floor and transparency, making quiet passages utterly black and revealing subtle detail.
- Very flexible cartridge compatibility: extensive MM/MC loading, four gain settings and four memory presets for multiple tonearms/turntables.
- Strong dynamics and coherent imaging that improve further with the optional PSX‑R2 external PSU.
- Solid build and sensible feature set (XLR/RCA outputs, warp filter, ground lift) with an easy upgrade path via PSX‑R2.
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Cons
- No dedicated mono switch, which some listeners miss for reducing surface noise on mono pressings.
- Can sound slightly cool or unforgiving on poor recordings—very revealing rather than flattering.
- Runs mildly warm in use and can be sensitive to positioning—care needed to avoid ground hum in some setups.
Transparency
93/100
Multiple reviewers highlight an extremely low noise floor: HiFi Choice describes an "absolute absence of noise at idle" and the stage as "completely inaudible," while StereoNET repeatedly notes "background noise is very low." These consistent remarks about a very black background and low hum indicate excellent RIAA accuracy and shielding, with only minor placement-related hum cautions mentioned by one reviewer.
Sound Quality
90/100
Dynamics are repeatedly praised: HiFi Choice highlights fluent, spellbinding delivery and StereoNET reviewers note increased immediacy and presence at higher gain settings (70dB). The stage preserves transient attack and micro-dynamics well, delivering lively, punchy playback without obvious compression.
Cartridge Compatibility
94/100
Extremely flexible: four inputs, 40–70dB selectable gain, and extensive MC/MM loading and capacitance options are noted in every review, plus remote/programmed presets and peak meters to optimise MC gain. Reviewers explicitly state it can get the best out of almost any cartridge, making it a top-tier adjustable MM/MC solution.
Build Quality
90/100
Solid construction with diecast casework, heatsinks, metalised polyester capacitors in key areas, low-noise DC power circuitry and good fit-and-finish are all noted. The unit runs mildly warm and the display is improved but not stylish; overall craftsmanship and serviceability receive strong praise.
Value for Money
90/100
Reviewers consistently praise the product's value for its segment — HiFi Choice calls it the class leader in its field and StereoNET recommends it as an essential mid-price audition with "tremendous connectivity and flexibility." Given reviewer language that the unit is worth consideration against peers, the price is seen as justified for its performance and features.
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