View Full Version : New amp required
Hi
Just realised my old Cyrus 1 is on it's last legs.
Any ideas on a suitable replacement, nothing too expensive mind?
Gadgie
What is your top price Brian and what is it driving?
Hi Grant,
For the moment it will be driving 149's.
Cost...not too much. I know that's vague but not 1000's of quid.
Cheers
Brian
Maybe a vintage Sony or Marantz or even a rotel. These can be had, depending on mod for between 100 and 250 pounds. Some of these are rather well built. Depending on age it may need a few big electrolytics replacing but would then give great service. Still considering this route myself if i sell my valve amp.
Theres a big Sansui reciever got 5 hrs left on ebay thats nice. Was interested myself but not sold my amp yet
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221894257957?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
Thanks Grant. Never heard of this model before. I had been looking at the old favorites like Arcam etc.
Ali Tait
30-09-2015, 14:14
Grant is selling a WAD KEL84, I'd suggest buying that. It's a great amp.
walpurgis
30-09-2015, 15:50
Grant is selling a WAD KEL84, I'd suggest buying that. It's a great amp.
I'd agree. EL84 valves and 149s or LS3/5a speakers work well together.
hifinutt
30-09-2015, 18:36
this looks amazing for the money !!!
http://www.hifiwigwam.com/showthread.php?124578-For-Sale-Xindak-XA6950-Hybrid-Integrated-Amplifier-Pre-owned
Hi
Just realised my old Cyrus 1 is on it's last legs.
Any ideas on a suitable replacement, nothing too expensive mind?
Gadgie
Exposure XV integrated. :)
I'd agree. EL84 valves and 149s or LS3/5a speakers work well together.
Yes this too.
this looks amazing for the money !!!
http://www.hifiwigwam.com/showthread.php?124578-For-Sale-Xindak-XA6950-Hybrid-Integrated-Amplifier-Pre-owned
Yes, certainly does, but a little above my price bracket...in fact quite a bit above my price bracket, Thanks though.:)
Yes, certainly does, but a little above my price bracket...in fact quite a bit above my price bracket, Thanks though.:)
That's OK because it doesn't look as good either!
hifinutt
01-10-2015, 17:39
how about a very nice cyrus 8 integrated at 260 quid . cracking little piece of equipment
http://www.rdhworld.myzen.co.uk/smfcu/index.php?topic=28418.msg331731#msg331731
I was also going to suggest a Cyrus, the Cyrus 2 (but later ones are fine obviously and an '8' for £260 seems a great price :lol:) The 2 had a far better phono stage than the 1, more than double the power but the same basic 'lean toned' way with the music - the Cyrus 1 was gutless and clipping lot of the time and could ring slightly when pushed apparently.
Ignoring the later ones, I still rate a Cyrus 2/PSX if you can find a pair, the PSX adding much needed 'balls' to the basic reproduction. I think later ones used long-lived DNM slit-foil caps too, so shouldn't need major service now at nearly 20 years old..
A left-field suggestion here - and I do have a vested interest of sorts as I help make 'em - but an NVA AP20 is an excellent sounding if not hugely powerful amp for £300 currently. You need to use the recommended speaker cables though (interconnects is up to you!!!), but since these are fairly priced (I've nowt to do with the cables) and work so well with other amps in my experience, it's no hardship IMO.
Thanks for the advice and suggestions guys.
Jury still out on what to get though.
B
Arkless Electronics
05-10-2015, 07:47
In what way is your Cyrus "on it's last legs"? It may be economical to refurbish it to better than new if it isn't physically damaged ;)
Cuts out on one of the channel at certain volumes. Also, one of the control knobs is now falling out:(
The control shafts are splined I remember and may have a slit in them so you can open them up just enough to grip the knobs better. The RCA sockets used to go open-circuit if used too much and may need soldering back in place and of course the volume pot may need a clean or replacement - not an issue really I believe. If you've loved it for all these years, well worth getting it fixed :) Apart from phono stage supply caps going under in very early Cyrus amps, the rest of the amp is extremely reliable I remember.
Spectral Morn
05-10-2015, 14:48
If you like the Cyrus sound there isn't much about that sounds like it, Roksan Kandy (early ones), Audiolab (a wee bit), Musical Fidelity (later ones do a smidge). I think a S/H modern Cyrus might be a good bet or get yours serviced - which is a good suggestion. I am not a fan of the Cyrus sound myself.
Regards Neil
I live in NE Scotland so the opportunity to get the Mission service is limited I think. I have no idea where to start looking for someone to fix it.
Re Audiolab... We had the then brand new 8000S (UK made) alongside the Cyrus 2/PSX and it's my experience that the 8000S took over where the 2/PSX left off. The 8000S and 'PX/MX' amps used direct coupled circuits I believe, which definitely gave a leaner-cleaner kind of sound in comparison with earlier versions. I have absolutely no idea if the later and cheaper Chinese models are as good or even better, but I doubt they're hugely different as long as nasty capacitors haven't been used, as happened with some Quad 909's I remember a few years ago.
Still thinking of getting a new (2nd hand) amp. I would say the budget would be around 200 quid. Not much I know:(
Been looking at audiolab 8000 amps. Seems some had no phono stages. I still play my albums. So is it the 8000A I need to go for?
Are they any good?
A lot of people think the 8000A is grey and sterile. I didn't personally think that but it is 25 years since I last heard one. if you want an organic, tube -type sound then look elsewhere. If you want clean, clear, precise and you have some spekaers that are not thin or cold sounding in themselves then it could be a good match. Don't pay more than a ton.
walpurgis
29-10-2015, 10:01
Been looking at audiolab 8000 amps. Seems some had no phono stages. I still play my albums. So is it the 8000A I need to go for?
Are they any good?
Do you really want one of these? I've used them a few times and not been impressed. I found the sound harmless enough, but a bit flat and dull. It's a reasonably safe choice if your speakers leave something to be desired in refinement I suppose.
I'll offer my usual recommendation for a cheapish integrated amp that delivers surprisingly good sound and punch and that's the Denon PMA-350SE. If you're lucky, you may find one with the optional phono stage built in. If not just get a Cambridge 540P or 640P phono stage and you'll have a musical combo at budget money. Don't pay more than £100 for a Denon.
Do you really want one of these? I've used them a few times and not been impressed. I found the sound harmless enough, but a bit flat and dull. It's a reasonably safe choice if your speakers leave something to be desired in refinement I suppose.
I'll offer my usual recommendation for a cheapish integrated amp that delivers surprisingly good sound and punch and that's the Denon PMA-350SE. If you're lucky, you may find one with the optional phono stage built in. If not just get a Cambridge 540P or 640P phono stage and you'll have a musical combo at budget money. Don't pay more than £100 for a Denon.
I suppose I'm stuck in the hi-fi of years ago when audiolab was an amp I could only dream of having and had this idea that it would be my next upgrade etc.
Dauntless
29-10-2015, 12:39
Gadgie, Don't despair, your £200 will buy you new amps that are good, you just have to look outside of trad Hi-Fi! I have had Behringer A500'S for the last 10 years or so and currently own 3. Many Hi-Fi people poo poo Behringer and some seem to hate the brand but I have found them to be completely reliable and very good sounding as well. They're best used with 8 ohm speakers but work ok down to 4 ohm. They only have one input though although you can buy a link that will give you two inputs. If you buy a Little Bear P5 Pre Amp you have a very good match and that can be done for £200. I am currently using my P5 with one of my A500's and the sound is great. My friend who has £1000's of £'s of high end Hi-Fi says the Little Bear is as good as his Vincent Valve pre which cost 60x more!
Another choice new for £200 is from BK Electronics. http://www.bkelec.comamplifiers.htm This is a class D amp. I have not tried this one myself but have read good reports on line. Class D is now very good and I have one myself but at £600 is outside what you want to spend. However you can buy them as kits and this brings the price down. http://www.classdaudio.com
I suppose I'm stuck in the hi-fi of years ago when audiolab was an amp I could only dream of having and had this idea that it would be my next upgrade etc.
I know exactly what you mean. But it turned out it was mostly magazine hype.
Gadgie, Don't despair, your £200 will buy you new amps that are good, you just have to look outside of trad Hi-Fi! I have had Behringer A500'S for the last 10 years or so and currently own 3. Many Hi-Fi people poo poo Behringer and some seem to hate the brand but I have found them to be completely reliable and very good sounding as well. They're best used with 8 ohm speakers but work ok down to 4 ohm. They only have one input though although you can buy a link that will give you two inputs. If you buy a Little Bear P5 Pre Amp you have a very good match and that can be done for £200. I am currently using my P5 with one of my A500's and the sound is great. My friend who has £1000's of £'s of high end Hi-Fi says the Little Bear is as good as his Vincent Valve pre which cost 60x more!
Another choice new for £200 is from BK Electronics. http://www.bkelec.comamplifiers.htm This is a class D amp. I have not tried this one myself but have read good reports on line. Class D is now very good and I have one myself but at £600 is outside what you want to spend. However you can buy them as kits and this brings the price down. http://www.classdaudio.com
I agree I used a £50 Chinese headphone amp into an A500 in a second system. Very good for the money.
Being realistic though whilst the A500 is good, it isn't that good. It can sound a bit hard and the valve front end helps to make it sound rather better. Just my opinion of course.
Dauntless
29-10-2015, 16:45
I agree I used a £50 Chinese headphone amp into an A500 in a second system. Very good for the money.
Being realistic though whilst the A500 is good, it isn't that good. It can sound a bit hard and the valve front end helps to make it sound rather better. Just my opinion of course.
Justin, the hallmark here is a Cyrus amp that is on the blink! The A500 wouldn't do for Apogees agreed but how would the A500/p5 compare to the Cyrus in your opinion?
Dauntless
30-10-2015, 10:43
Looks like this thread has run it's course! Don't know if you're any the wiser Brian but the Wad valve amp could be a good bet as suggested by Ali. Another think that crossed my mind is a visit to Richer Sounds. They are doing the Yamaha AS501 for £199 and this has a phono stage so you could play your records. My friend down in England really rates this amp and he has some very expensive Hi-Fi amps at his disposal.He owns two! You could also visit me and hear the A500's if you are not too far away. I am near Thurso.
Spectral Morn
30-10-2015, 11:47
I live in NE Scotland so the opportunity to get the Mission service is limited I think. I have no idea where to start looking for someone to fix it.
I am pretty sure that Robert Ritchie in Montrose have a service department http://robertritchie-hifi.com/. Holburn HiFi do Cyrus, they are in Aberdeen http://www.holburnhifi.co.uk/about-hhf.html, as does Glasgow Audio, their Glasgow based shop http://www.glasgowaudio.com/about-ga.html. Also Retro Reproductions in Edinburgh I am sure could get it serviced for you http://retroreproduction.co.uk/
I am pretty sure that Robert Ritchie in Montrose have a service department http://robertritchie-hifi.com/. Holburn HiFi do Cyrus, they are in Aberdeen http://www.holburnhifi.co.uk/about-hhf.html, as does Glasgow Audio, their Glasgow based shop http://www.glasgowaudio.com/about-ga.html. Also Retro Reproductions in Edinburgh I am sure could get it serviced for you http://retroreproduction.co.uk/
thanks for the links and advice etc. I'm in the process of buying myself an amp just now. I bought the Cyrus from Holburn Hifi when they first came out.....how long ago was that now:(
I might even take it back there for them to have a look at and keep it for spare.
Michael loves music
30-10-2015, 14:30
I have the Denon 350 SE after Geoffs advice it sounds so much better than my old Nad 3020e which I sold on eBay for £70 the denon cost £40 off eBay and is in mint condition with my tannoy V1 speakers sounds great to me
andybee33
30-10-2015, 14:39
I had a Cyrus One for many years and loved it - though it was a bit gutless at volume. When I was putting together a system for our 'playroom', which is quite big (5m x 7 or so) I found an old Cyrus 2/PSX combo on eBay and bought it. It's brilliant - just like the Cyrus One only with WAY more punch and a better phono input. As per a previous poster, I'd suggest one of those :)
I might have a Cyrus 2 going...
Brian your inbox is full.... if you are interested in the Cyrus then I could be persuaded to part with it - maybe £150?
You mentioned Arcam - I had an Arcam Alpha 3 for a long time and that is a cracking amp, and very cheap on eBay (<£50!)
They are really lovely indeed, though the knobs all seem to go bronze coloured with the age they are.
Otherwise I may also have a Rega BRIO 3 going at some point soon, maybe around the right side of £200, if I can kid myself that I need something better....!!!
R
thanks for the heads up. Empty now:)
SORTED!
Thanks to all for advice ans suggestions
B
You can't leave it like that! :eyebrows:
What did you get?
A silver looking amp. :)
I've not got it yet, but will in a week or so.
Finally got round to plugging in the the new (old) amp I got from Oldious. I got his Denon PMA850.
Ahhhhhh is sounds great:)
walpurgis
26-11-2015, 20:33
Finally got round to plugging in the the new (old) amp I got from Oldious. I got his Denon PMA850.
Ahhhhhh is sounds great:)
Not surprised. Well regarded classic that.
Any views on this? Quad 405 clone
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Quad-405-Clone-Stereo-Power-Amplifier-Professionally-Built-Dual-Case-with-VUs-/331713227212?hash=item4d3ba629cc:g:mRQAAOSwo0JWPIA B
Very happy it has gone to a good home Brian. That is a great amp.
http://www.thevintageknob.org/denon-PMA-850.html
AND ONE FOR SALE HERE:
http://www.audio-markt.de/_markt/item.php?id=9825345328&audioauktion=a6969e5f2589da17c34f1b39cf962c0b
Managed to wire up the DAC. 1000's of hours of music is now at my finger tips lol
How's it sounding now you have the DAC up and running?
PS. Don't forget to attach the RCA's to the DAC's fixed output terminals, otherwise you have two preamps in the chain!
Hi
Just realised my old Cyrus 1 is on it's last legs.
Any ideas on a suitable replacement, nothing too expensive mind?
Gadgie
For a budget amount you can get a really good valve amp from China.
Have a look on ebay at Douk units, they are tremendous value for money in my opinion.
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