Overview

The new CD 6 SE may be our entry CD player but it’s based on the same platform as its more exotic siblings. In fact all three players in the range are upgradeable from one to another so you benefit from many upgrade possibilities. This player uses the same low-contact precision slot loading CD drive as the CD Xt SE transport so you can be assured that it’s build quality is unquestionable. The CD 6 SE uses our latest SE engineering to raise the standards over last year’s model that was voted CD product of the year 2006 by What Hi-Fi.

In our opinion, the CD 6 SE comfortably out performs the CD 8 X. See our upgrade information to learn how you can upgrade from many CD models to a new ‘made for high-end audio’ Servo Evolution model.

In detail

It has always been our guiding principle that technologies developed for the X series should trickle down to the other ranges. However this year we have developed a new optical servo system that significantly improves the data performance. Normally this type of engineering would be only found in our most expensive models but we have been able to use this circuitry throughout the CD range to replace the loader and laser elements we previously bought-in. As a result, the CD 6 SE design takes the fundamentals of last years award winning CD8x and adds to this key elements of the new precision slot loading CD drive and the superb SE optical control systems. The result is a special CD player for it’s price class, benefiting from unusually advanced servo technology and a new slot loading system.

The CD 6 SE benefits from the same high specification 24bit differential DAC as the CD 8 SE (although not in a fully balanced topology) and shares much of the CD 8 SE power supply technology (but with a single power transformer, rather than the twin transformer design of the CD 8 SE). The performance of the resulting player has far exceeded our expectations, and is the perfect partner for the highly-rated Cyrus 6 XP amplifier. Furthermore, the CD 6 SE owner can optionally return their player to the Cyrus factory for upgrade to full CD 8 SE specification.

• Whilst the CD 6 SE is a simpler design than the CD 8 SE, it shares many aspects of the CD 8 SE circuit topology. This is particularly evident in the quality of components used in the power supply, DAC and analogue filter stages. This level of component quality is unusual in a CD player in this class and is an essential part of the winning formula necessary to deliver musical and technical performance to the exacting standards demanded by the Cyrus team.

• Clock stability is a key element in the signal processing chain in a player of this standard. The digital engineering of the CD 6 SE therefore includes a re-clocking circuit located at the DAC threshold to maximise jitter rejection.

• The power supply circuitry of the CD 6 SE is driven from a high-grade toroidal transformer with two separate secondary windings. With this configuration it is possible to provide completely isolated power supplies for the differing power requirements of the digital and analogue sections of the player. 11 stages of power regulation provide further stage isolation and the best possible environment for the sensitive analogue stages to work in.

• Cyrus products have always delivered sonic excellence hand-in-hand with state-of-the-art technical performance. The CD 6 SE is no exception and Cyrus are justifiably proud of the measured performance of the CD 6 SE. With ruler-flat linearity performance, exceptionally low background noise and superb jitter rejection the CD 6 SE is technically superior in its class.

• In true Cyrus tradition, the CD 6 SE has a clearly defined upgrade path. In fact all CD 6 model variants can benefit from the Cyrus upgrade program by returning to Cyrus for a factory upgrade to any of the SE models including, CD 8 SE or Xt SE models. The 8 and X models include a PSX-R connection and a co-axial digital output are added. The front fascia is also changed with a CD 8 SE insignia. The PSX-R connection of the CD 8 SE and Xt SE makes a further optional performance upgrade possible.

• The unique MC-Bus connectivity of the CD 6 SE is in keeping with the total system approach of the Cyrus range of products. This facility enhances ergonomic operation of the unit in a system context. Total automation of the test, alignment and calibration of the CD 6 SE is managed via the MC-Bus coms ports during its manufacturing process, eliminating potential human error.

• The quality magnesium die-cast enclosure of the CD 6 SE delivers a myriad of advantages both electrically and mechanically. The non-resonant nature of the alloy minimises microphonic effects, while its non-ferrous composition provides an effective shield from external RF disturbances. This also eliminates coupling of the power transformer stray magnetic fields to the sensitive audio circuitry. Lower cost steel enclosures do not offer these benefits.