Power and Sound (Part 2): The Magic of Cyrus’s New 40 Series and Things to Come
/Hi folks, Matt here from Audio T Cardiff. This month, I’m picking up where I left off in my previous blog and diving deeper into how we power our Hi-Fi systems—specifically, with a look at something I’ve been especially excited to add to my own setup: the Cyrus 40 PSU. I’ll talk through what it brings to the Cyrus 40 AMP and how it compares to my previous experience with the Cyrus Classic and PSX-R2. I’ll also let you in on something we’ve been planning that Cyrus fans—like me—won’t want to miss.
So, kettle on, favourite Colombian roast brewed (yes, I’m predictable), and let’s get into it.
Looking Back to Move Forward
the cyrus 2
Those of you who’ve followed my ramblings for a while will know I’ve had a long-standing relationship with Cyrus gear. Over the years, I’ve listened to a fair few of their amps and CD players, but there’s always been one theme running through my Cyrus journey: external power supplies.
Cyrus have been pioneers in this area since the ‘80s, back in the Mission Cyrus days. Their first PSX outboard power supply appeared in 1984 with the Cyrus 2, and it marked the beginning of a long and continually evolving approach to upgrading component performance through external power.
Fast-forward to more recent history, and I had my Classic amplifier partnered with a PSX-R2. That combination brought a clear jump in dynamics and soundstage—it made music feel bigger and more spacious, without losing the detail I loved in the Classic’s signature sound. I used to describe it to customers as unlocking the rest of the amp’s potential—and I still stand by that.
The New 40 Series: Familiar Philosophy, Evolved Execution
Now, with the arrival of the Cyrus 40 series, the game has moved on again. The 40 PSU is an evolution of everything Cyrus have been working towards—and while it may share the same principle as the PSX-R2, it’s a very different beast.
cyrus 40 amp & 40 psu combination
Where the PSX-R2 focuses mainly on stabilising the voltage for the front-end circuitry—think preamp stage and DAC—the 40 PSU goes further. It feeds the power amp stage directly as well, increasing output power from 2 x 100W into 6 Ohms to 2 x 113W into 6 Ohms. That’s not just numbers on a spec sheet—you can feel that extra headroom when you push the system. Yet, crucially, it also continues to refine the signal path for the DAC and preamp, just like the PSX-R2 did.
In short, it’s giving the amp a shot of espresso and a warm blanket at the same time—more drive, but more control and finesse too.
Listening Time – With and Without the PSU
Of course, the real test is how it sounds. So I did what I always do when something new comes into my system: a proper A/B demo, starting without the PSU connected.
First up: ZZ Top’s “Vincent Price Blues” on CD. Even without the PSU, the Cyrus 40 AMP is no slouch—tight rhythm section, open mids, and that signature Cyrus precision. Billy Gibbons’s guitar tone was rich and unmistakable, and the interplay between the band members really shone. (Side note: I actually had the pleasure of meeting Billy once… but I’ll save that story for a rainy day.)
For those curious, I’ve settled on the Linear Phase Fast Low Ripple DAC filter setting on the 40 AMP—it strikes the right balance between detail and musicality in my system.
Now, I hooked in the 40 PSU, restarted the track, and boom—the noise floor dropped. Like, immediately. More air around the instruments. Better vocal focus. The amp had a touch more grip, especially in the bass. A guitar nerd moment: Gibbons used a ’55 Gold Top Les Paul with P90 pickups on this track, and the way the PSU revealed the loose, overdriven texture of those single coils was brilliant. You could hear the amp working harder, and the guitar flirting with feedback in a way that just wasn’t as present before.
Switching over to vinyl, I spun Jerry Cantrell’s “Afterglow”. Same story. The bass, handled by Duff McKagan, became more articulate. It had shape, not just presence, and the separation between vocals and guitars opened up noticeably. That’s the magic of lower noise and more consistent power delivery—it doesn’t just make things louder, it makes them clearer.
Format: CD
Artist: ZZ Top
Album: Rhythmeen (1996)
Track: Vincent Price Blues
Format: Vinyl
Artist: Gov’t Mule
Album: Like a River (2023)
Track: Same as it Ever Was
Format: Vinyl
Artist: Jerry Cantrell
Album: I Want Blood (2024)
Track: Afterglow
matts hom setup with added 40psu
So—Is the Cyrus 40 PSU Worth It?
In my opinion? Absolutely. I’ve lived with power supply upgrades for years, and I’ve never felt they were gimmicks. In the case of the 40 PSU, it’s not just an upgrade—it’s an unlock. It takes an already brilliant amplifier and lets it breathe, drive, and articulate to a whole new level.
If you own, or are considering, any part of the 40 Series, the PSU is something you need to hear to fully appreciate what the range is capable of.
And yes, to answer the inevitable question: I’ll definitely be keeping it in my system. It’s worth every penny.
Join Us in June – Cyrus Event at Audio T Cardiff
Want to hear it for yourself? Good news—we’re hosting a Cyrus 40 Series Listening Event right here at Audio T Cardiff on Friday 13th June, from 5pm until 9pm.
We’ll be joined by none other than Jason Saxon, UK Sales Manager for Cyrus Audio. I’ll be having a chat with Jason before the event kicks off, talking all things 40 Series and what lies ahead—including some exciting teasers about the upcoming Cyrus 80 Series.
It’s shaping up to be a fantastic evening, with hands-on demos, great music, and plenty of time to ask questions or just chat Hi-Fi. If you’ve ever been curious about what these upgrades can do, this is your chance to experience it firsthand in a relaxed and friendly setting.
Thanks as always for reading, and I hope to see some of you at the event!
Matt – Audio T Cardiff
To book your place or find out more, just give us a call on 02920 228565 or email cardiff@audio-t.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you.
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