What Hi-Fi?is not unfamiliar with Cyrus Audio’s phono stages. We have been utilizing the company’s excellentPhono SignatureFor almost a decade, our reference system has been praised for its outstanding audio quality and a wide array of useful features. Therefore, when the company introduces the highly anticipated 40 PPA, we are eager to give it a listen.
It could be appealing to view the Cyrus 40 PPA as merely the older version of a phono stage with a stylish appearance40 Serieshousing, but that isn’t fair. Although the two designs are clearly connected, Cyrus’s team has put in significant effort to enhance the functionality.
Design
In addition to the attractive contemporary design and spacious, easy-to-read screen, you’ll discover that the primary circuit board has undergone a detailed inspection.
It now includes a six-layer circuit design instead of the earlier four. This change helps to minimize unintended interactions among the circuit components and reduces noise levels. The internal power supply setup has been updated, resulting in a reported 20 percent decrease in noise levels.
As is customary for the brand, an optional external power supply can be added to enhance performance. However, the 40 PSU is not an inexpensive upgrade, costing £2495 / $3495 / AU$4499, although it is true that it significantly improves the performance of the 40 PPA. More details on this later.
Features & connectivity
In terms of features, this is a highly capable phono stage, likely the best we’ve encountered at this price point. It comes with four inputs right from the start. Although this may seem more than necessary for the average user, it’s a convenient option for those who own multiple turntables, as it eliminates the need to constantly switch cables when using different record players.
This wide variety of inputs is also a tremendous advantage for anyone who frequently needs to compare several turntables, whether they are a retailer or a reviewer.
Each input can be customized for a particular cartridge. Featuring a gain range of 30-65dB in 5dB increments, the 40 PPA should be electrically compatible with nearly all but the most extreme low-output cartridges available. It also provides a wide selection of moving coil cartridge loading options (capacitance and resistance) to enhance performance.
Furthermore, there is a warp filter that minimizes very low frequency output to prevent excessive movement of the bass driver when playing records that are not perfectly flat. Unlike certain ones we have tested, this filter does not notably affect the performance of the 40 PPA.
It’s reasonable to state that most high-end phono stages provide comparable cartridge loading options, but the benefit that this Cyrus model has compared to most competitors is the ability to adjust the setting using a remote control instead of only on-unit dip switches (which is typically the case).
Remote functionality allows the listener to compare audio outputs across various loading settings while seated, significantly speeding up and simplifying the entire cartridge optimization process.
In addition to the four phono inputs, there are stereo analog outputs available in both single-ended RCA and balanced XLR formats. Additionally, a ground lift switch is provided, which can be useful when dealing with hum problems. There are also connections for maintenance and system integration.
The major difference for the 40 Series compared to earlier Cyrus products is the new casing, naturally. This maintains the brand’s well-known half-width design but appears contemporary and stylish. It is expertly constructed and finished to a high level of quality.
The craftsmanship, combined with the range’s large and easy-to-read display, immediately makes the brand’s well-known Classic series appear outdated. That being said, we don’t particularly like the front panel touch buttons, which can be a bit unreliable.
The display serves more than just an aesthetic purpose, as it shows the configuration for each input and makes setting up the 40 PPA straightforward. It also features a cartridge output level indicator, and although the indicator isn’t as smooth in its movement as some others we’ve encountered, it still helps in adjusting the gain level for any particular cartridge.
Any phonostage at this level requires a high-quality turntable. We use theTechnics SL-1000Rwith a variety of cartridges that feature moving magnet configurations (Nagaoka MP-200 and Vertere Dark Sabre) and moving coils (Ortofon MC-X30 and the Kiseki Purpleheart).
The remainder of our system consists of our standard reference amplifiers, theBurmester 088/911 Mk III preamplifier/power amplifier and PMC Cor integrated, both feeding the ATC SCM50speakers. We also utilize theFyne Audio F1-8standmounters to obtain a new viewpoint on the 40 PPA’s performance.
Sound
We often hear about the characteristics of the earlier Phono Signature design in the 40 PPA; the newer phono stage also sounds well-balanced and precise. However, there’s no question that the new model clearly provides an improvement in performance. If you provide it with a high-quality signal, it outperforms in every aspect, from clarity and dynamics to creating a more expansive soundstage.
According to the price, this Cyrus model is an exceptionally well-detailed performer. It delves deeply into the recording and highlights subtle elements that most competitors overlook. Equally important, it organizes this wealth of information into a cohesive musical experience that effectively conveys the emotional essence of the recording. We are impressed by the minimal levels of noise and hum it produces.
The 40 PPA’s openness is clear whether we listen to Michael Jackson’sBad album or Holst’s Planets Suite. Listening to Jackson’s Smooth Criminal, we observe Cyrus’s capability to trace subtle instrumental layers and the remarkable manner in which it manages dynamic variations. There is ample power when the music requires it, yet the phono stage remains capable of reproducing instrumental and vocal textures with significant proficiency.
Above all, even while providing a highly analytical perspective on the recording, the 40 PPA doesn’t forget to enjoy itself. It conveys the song’s unyielding rhythm with energy and delivers strong impact.
The Holst suite highlights the more refined aspect of the Cyrus 40 PPA’s personality. It is a very neutral performer with minimal unnecessary emphasis across the frequency spectrum. However, unlike certain models that achieve neutrality, it doesn’t come across as tonally dull, but rather provides a feeling of genuine depth when the recording requires it.
Stereo imaging is expansive and immersive, and most notably, stays consistent when the music becomes complex.
Substantial dynamic changes are handled with assurance, avoiding any harshness or tension, while top-tier clarity matches the finest options available at this price point. High frequencies offer impact and sharpness, along with a notable degree of sophistication.
Let’s not misunderstand. If the recording sounds thin, harsh, or sharp, this phono stage won’t smooth out the roughness. The 40 PPA provides exactly what the turntable delivers, whether it’s positive or negative. That’s why anyone considering purchasing a phono stage like this must be confident that their turntable meets the necessary standards.
Install the 40 PSU power supply unit and the performance improves further. While this upgrade more than doubles the price, it places the 40 PPA in a more specialized area, but there’s no question that adding an external power supply enhances the overall scale, strength, and dynamic precision.
The 40 PPA/40 PSU combination enhances all the positive aspects of the individual units without adding any audio drawbacks. It’s a remarkable improvement, though it comes at a high cost.
Verdict
In conclusion, the 40 PPA is a top-notch performer. If the rest of your system is capable, its combination of outstanding detail clarity, precision, and dynamic expression is guaranteed to impress. This is also a solidly constructed and highly equipped unit.
Sum it all up, and we are left with no alternative but to strongly suggest this Cyrus phono stage.
Published: September 19, 2025
SCORES
- Sound 5
- Build 5
- Features 5
MORE:
Read our assessment of theCyrus Phono Signature
Also consider the Vertere Phono-1 MkII
Best phono preampsFrom budget to high-end, proven and reliable
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