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Overview
The new CD 6 SE may be our entry CD player but its 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 its build quality is unquestionable.
The CD 6 SE uses our latest SE engineering to raise the standards
over last years 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 its 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.
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