CYP AU-D150 review

This CYP DAC might look remarkably functional, but it's got serious sonic potential Tested at £95

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

This tempting CYP DAC packs much to like in a functional box

Pros

  • +

    Optical ins and outs

  • +

    impressive punch and attack

  • +

    cohesion

Cons

  • -

    Slight lack of solidity

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

Looking through CYP’s catalogue, it’s easy to think that the company builds products primarily designed to serve a technical purpose, rather than sound great.

However, this is the second CYP DAC we’ve had in for review, and the second with serious sonic credentials.

The AU-D150 has an optical input that can handle music files up to 24-bit and 192kHz and a USB that’s limited to 16-bit 44.1/48kHz, while on the output side you’ve got the expected RCAs and unexpected optical.

So yes, it will convert USB to optical (useful if you’re putting PC audio into a home cinema amp).

If you’re playing CD quality files there’s no huge difference between the optical and USB inputs.

Both have impressive punch and attack married to pleasant fluidity and a cohesive soundstage, and that makes for an interesting, exciting delivery with just about any music.

It’s not the most detailed DAC around, and there’s a slight lack of solidity behind the initial punch of each note, but it’s still tempting.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

Read more about how we test

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