Cyrus Stream XR hi-fi streamer is a match for other models in the flagship XR range and is an ideal streaming partner for these in a full system or indeed alongside any other excellent hi-fi equipment.

Stream opens your system to high performance streaming from all of the most popular streaming services like Tidal and Spotify. Stream XR is compatible with the BluOS app and can be used as part of a multi-room system.

The front panel has simple controls for playback as well as volume up and down. While the rear panel connectivity includes an Ethernet port and a digital, coaxial or optical input. There are also analogue and digital outputs. Additionally, there is a port for the optional XR PSU upgrade.

What is a streamer?

A streamer acts as an interface between online or local music files and the playback amplifier. The Stream XR can access remote files via the Ethernet connection. There are many hundreds of internet radio stations as well as music streaming services such as Spotify and TIDAL. Local files can be accessed via the USB socket or via a NAS or network attached Storage.

Stream XR can send it’s output to either an external DAC or through its analogue outputs, to a preamp or power amplifier. The most important part of a streamer is the DAC. This converts the digital data stream into audio. There are several complex factors that go into the sound produced by a DAC and Cyrus has spent many years researching this area.

High quality DAC

The XR range was introduced in 2021 and Stream XR was designed to be digital friendly with a DAC that has been upgraded from the first-gen DAC developed in 2019. After much research, Cyrus decided to go with a DAC from one manufacturer. This allowed Cyrus to use their own programming, as well as all of the support circuitry. The chip is low noise and the sound can be ‘tuned’ to get the best sound.

A new feature of the second generation DAC is selectable output filters. Most digital recordings use a filter at the analogue to digital stage, and consequently, the playback DAC also uses a filter to compensate for this. After experimentation, it became clear that the sound was better if the user could select different playback filter settings. The Stream XR has this capability. The setting can be changed via the remote

Ease of use

The Cyrus Stream XR can be used with the BluOS app for easy control. The app can be installed on PC, Android and Apple devices. There is also a large BluOS eco system of compatible devices. The Stream XR can also be used for multi-room playback and supports hi-res audio files.

Specifications

BluOS
Formats ........ MP3, AAC, WMA, OGG, WMA-L, ALAC, OPUS
Hi-res formats...................................MQA, FLAC, WAV, AIFF
Sample rate ........................................Up to 32 bit /192 kHz
Network...RJ45 (GigE, 1Gbps), Wi-Fi 5(802.11ac, 2.4/5GHz)
Analogue output
DAC........................... ESS ES9038Q2M 32 bit XR tuned DAC
SNR.......................................................................... 117dBA
THD+N...................................................................... 0.002%
Power Supply
Voltage ............................................As plate on rear of unit
Power Consumption
Standby...................................................................... <0.5W
Maximum ..................................................................... 30W
Safety compliance .................................................UKCA, CE
EMC (230V)............................................................UKCA, CE
EMC (115V).....................................................................FCC
Enclosure
Size (HxWxD) ... 75 x 215 x 365 mm (2.95” x 8.46” x 14.37”)
Weight............................................................... 3.0kg (7lbs)
Material....................................................... Die cast chassis