Yes it does tick a bit sometimes. Always keep it in standby or switch it off at the back, it will last longer. I mostly used mine as a power amp only with a passive pre-amp until I moved it to the A/V system where the built-in DAC comes in handy. Although at the moment it is back working as an integrated in my main system whilst my Krell is in for repairs.
I've tried it in class A mode but the only difference I can determine is that it gets a lot warmer!
Is it any improvement on the Cyrus? I found the big advantage of it over the Linn LK100 I was using before was that it never, ever sounded like it was running out of steam no matter what music or what volume. I hate it when you can hear the amp bottom out on peaks.
Current Lash Up:
TEAC VRDS 701T > Sony TAE1000ESD > Krell KSA50S > JM Labs Focal Electra 926.