By: Dipin Sehdev
A New Chapter for Cyrus Audio
Cyrus Audio, a stalwart in British hi-fi engineering, has long been synonymous with its distinctive half-width chassis design. For over four decades, this form factor has been a hallmark of the brand, offering compact yet high-performance audio solutions. However, with the introduction of the 80 Series, Cyrus embarks on a transformative journey, embracing full-width designs while retaining its core engineering philosophies.
Announced at the High End Munich 2025 show, the 80 Series signifies more than just a change in dimensions; it represents Cyrus's commitment to innovation and adaptability in a rapidly evolving audio landscape. This new lineup aims to cater to audiophiles who prefer the traditional full-width aesthetic without compromising on the brand's renowned sound quality and engineering precision.
Design Philosophy: Merging Tradition with Modernity
The transition to full-width components in the 80 Series is not merely a cosmetic alteration. It reflects Cyrus's response to diverse consumer preferences and the desire to integrate seamlessly into various home audio setups. The design maintains visual coherence with the 40 Series, ensuring that components from both series can coexist harmoniously.
The expanded chassis provides engineers with increased real estate to enhance internal architectures, particularly in power supply design. This space allows for the integration of performance benefits previously achieved through external power supply units (PSUs), streamlining setups and improving overall efficiency.
Product Lineup: The 80 Series Components
The 80 Series comprises three meticulously engineered components:
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80 AMP: A 150W per channel Class A/B integrated amplifier featuring the BluOS streaming platform.
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80 PRE: A preamplifier with integrated BluOS streaming capabilities, designed to pair seamlessly with the 80 PWR.
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80 PWR: A 200W per channel Class A/B power amplifier, bridgeable to 300W in mono mode, offering versatility for various audio configurations.
Technical Specifications
Note: Detailed specifications for the 80 Series components are pending official release. The following are anticipated features based on available information.
80 AMP: Integrated Streaming Amplifier
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Power Output: 150W per channel (Class A/B)
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Streaming Platform: BluOS, supporting Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, and Roon Ready integration
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Phono Stage: Built-in MM/MCshopjustaudio.com+2americanaudiovideo.com+2What Hi-Fi?+2
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Display: Large touchscreen panel with color display
80 PRE: Streaming Preamplifier
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Streaming Platform: BluOS integration
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Connectivity: Designed to interface with the 80 PWR for optimal performance
80 PWR: Power Amplifier
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Power Output: 200W per channel (Class A/B), bridgeable to 300W in mono mode
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Design: Engineered for seamless pairing with the 80 PRE
Integration with the 40 Series
A notable aspect of the 80 Series is its compatibility with the existing 40 Series components. This design strategy allows users to customize their audio systems, combining elements from both series to suit individual preferences and spatial considerations. For instance, the 40 CD player and 40 PPA phono preamplifier can be integrated with the 80 AMP or 80 PRE, offering flexibility and scalability.
Pricing and Availability
The 80 Series is slated for launch in November 2025, with pricing as follows:
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80 AMP: £5,000 - £6,000
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80 PRE: £5,000 - £6,000
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80 PWR: £5,000 - £6,000
These price points position the 80 Series in direct competition with high-end audio brands such as Naim, Hegel, and Linn, signaling Cyrus's intent to capture a broader segment of the audiophile market.
Conclusion: A Strategic Expansion
The introduction of the 80 Series marks a significant milestone for Cyrus Audio, reflecting both a respect for its heritage and a forward-looking vision. By embracing full-width designs, the company acknowledges the diverse preferences of modern audiophiles while maintaining its commitment to engineering excellence.
As the audio industry continues to evolve, Cyrus's adaptability and dedication to quality position it well to meet the demands of discerning listeners. The 80 Series not only broadens the brand's appeal but also reinforces its status as a formidable player in the high-fidelity audio landscape. We look forward to the reviews and CE Critic Score.
