Cyrus Stream XP2-Qx
Price: $3,450
Cyrus is on a roll. Not content with
bagging two Awards for the Cyrus XP and Cyrus Streamline streaming products
last year, it’s decided to increase its haul with some significant upgrades to
its existing products.
The new flagship XP2-Qx contains updates to
the software, internal circuitry and power supply, and now comes with the
high-end Qx DAC module, Apple Lossless support and 24-bit/192kHz playback. It’s
a move that’s paid off in spades.
Subtle shifts of tonal gradation and
every nuance of vocals are rendered with a remarkable degree of clarity and
elegance
More
than a streamer: the XP2-Qx is a DAC and preamp in its own right, so it can
form a base for a system aside from its streaming abilities
Impeccable rhythmic ability
Radiohead’s album In Rainbows is always a
good option when we want to test product to its limits, and the Cyrus is only
too happy to rise to the challenge. 15 Step’s complex instrumental arrangement
can make even the most accomplished Hi-Fi product falter, but the XP2-Qx takes
it all in its stride.
It has impeccable rhythmic ability a familiar
trait of the Cyrus sound and this injects every song with an energetic and
refreshing rhythm that makes you want to listen to your music collection in its
entirety.
The Cyrus lets nothing go to waste: subtle
shifts of tonal gradation and every nuance of vocals are rendered with
remarkable clarity and elegance. Its organic-sounding dynamics and impressive
stereo imaging make it an insightful listen, and it also stays remarkably
controlled at high volumes, never feeling like it’s breaking a sweat when the
going gets tough.
The XP2-Qx doesn’t just sound like a
quality product – it feels like one, too. The chassis is the familiar Cyrus
die-cast aluminum design, but it’s a weighty, solid build that aims to reduce
unwanted internal resonance. Round the back are two optical and three coaxial
digital inputs, as well as pre-outs, fixed outs for using with conventional
amps, and a socket for hooking up an optional PSX-R off board power supply.
To control the streamer, Cyrus has provided
the ‘n-remote’, a glossy black motion-sensing wand that comes with its own
charging cradle. While a smartphone app would be more intuitive to use, the
Cyrus remote does have a handy colored display that’s easy enough to read.
Would we spend over $3000 for such a
talented music streamer? We certainly would. The best has just gotten even
better, and this Cyrus streamer is a worthy winner.
Streaming system essentials
Router
Netgear N600
Price: $195
Every network needs a router. Netgear’s
N600 is dual band, so wireless ‘g’ and ‘n’ are available separately, keeping
interference between the two to a minimum. In a basic system, you’ll connect
your NAS and your streamer to the router.
Netgear
N600: $195
Ethernet switch
Netgear FS605
Price: $27
Instead of hooking everything straight up
to the router, many manufacturers suggest you plug your components into an
Ethernet switch first. This way, you isolate the key audio components from any
possible interference generated by your router.
Netgear
FS605: $27
Adapter kit
Netgear Powerline AV+ 500
Price: $210
If your router is located miles away from
the streamer and/or NAS device, consider buying a set of Powerline plugs. These
turn your home mains circuit into an extension of your network. For the best
sound, we always recommend a wired connection above Wi-Fi possible.
Netgear
Powerline AV+ 500: $210
Network storage
XiVA musicm8
Price: $1,200
This sophisticated box of trick scan rip
discs and has 1TB of storage. Load a CD and you can set the musicm8 to make two
rips of a track a high-quality, metadata-toting FLAC collection for home use
and a more compressed archive for a portable.
XiVA
musicm8: $1,200
