What Hi-Fi? Verdict
It might lack the 8 XPd’s DAC, but the 8 XP is missing nothing in the sonic stakes
Pros
- +
Exceptionally detailed, transparent and precise delivery
- +
lovely dynamics
- +
excellent upgradability
Cons
- -
Some rivals sound a little bigger and bassier
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To say Cyrus is on something of a roll at the moment is an understatement in the extreme.
Last year the SE series of CD players demolished the competition; now the XP series of matching amps is well on its way to doing the same thing, with the 6 XP and 8 XPd both receiving emphatic five-star reviews in recent months.
The 8 XP, is simply the XPd without the built-in DAC. On paper that means it should sound as good as its £1500 sibling. Guess what? It does.
Right from the off the 8 XP is just sensational, with focus and precision that its rivals can't match.
See all our Cyrus amp reviews
Fed Simian Mobile Disco's 10,000 Horses Can't be Wrong, the Cyrus goes hell for leather, tracking every note with real accuracy.
There's plenty of tricky treble here, but played through the 8 XP it positively twinkles. Although a couple of amps here go a little deeper in the bass, the Cyrus trumps them with its tautness.
The Gladiator OST highlights the 8 XP's other qualities. During The Battle, with its frequent shifts in tempo and scale, the Cyrus reproduces the slow build ups with real subtlety, while also launching the sudden crescendos with the skill and accuracy of a sniper.
Incredibly transparent and detailed
Move on to the more delicate Elysium and the 8 XP proves to be a most transparent performer by some margin.
It highlights each of the instruments, separating them out and revealing all the texture in each note.
Any flaws? Well, the analytical nature of the reproduction won't flatter poorly recorded music or very bright speakers, but that's not exactly a fault.
It's also true that other amps have greater scale, but the Cyrus' many other qualities easily make up for that.
Besides, if you want the pace, detail and transparency of the 8 XP, but with extra authority, you can always take advantage of the Cyrus' upgrade potential and add a PSX-R power supply.
It might take the total cost up to £1750, but it'll take much more expensive systems to the cleaners.
