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Overview
The CD Xt SE+ is the transport or disc spinning half of the ultimate
Cyrus CD player system. At the highest levels of CD player development
we have learnt that it is beneficial to separate certain sections
of the CD mechanics from the low level decoding sections. The most
successful way we have found to do this is to manufacture the player
in two separate and isolated die-cast chassis. The benefits of this
approach bring higher resolution, quieter background and improved
imagery.
The SE engineering was originally developed for the CDXt. You can
read more about Servo Evolution here, but in a nutshell, the SE
brings the following key benefits;
• Specifically developed for Audio data standards
• Up to 5 times fewer data errors than ordinary players
• Less reliance on error correction
• Better signal to noise ratio
• Improved laser control accuracy
• Upgrade path from recent Cyrus CD players
We realised quite quickly that if we could incorporate SE across
the range this would bring an economy of scale and therefore only
a relatively small extra cost to each model, rather than loading
all the SE development overheads into the high-end model CDXt. This
is why CD Xt SE+ is (in the world of high-end audio) relatively
inexpensive.
The ‘other half’ of the high-end CD playing system is
a matching DAC called DAC X+. Separating the mechanical elements
from the low-level decoding circuits offers significant improvement
to the resolution of the audio signals. Conversely joining the low
level analog signals, post DAC, with the preamplifier delivers improvements
so we make a combined DAC and preamp model called DAC XP for the
ultimate hi-performance solution. You have a choice between our
high performance DAC X+ with our most advanced engineering or the
preamp equipped version for the best systems. Being Cyrus, the multi-input
decoder only (DAC X+) can be upgraded to full DAC XP+ dual mono,
fully balanced preamplifier specification later on. So if the DAC
XP+ is beyond your means initially, you can upgrade later and gain
the benefits of the ultimate performance as funds allow.
This integration brings several benefits because, unlike the transport,
the preamplifier benefits from it’s closer physical link to
the DAC and a much smaller circuit topology.
In details
With the introduction of the acclaimed DAC X and DAC XP D/A converters,
Cyrus moved into a new league for replay of digital sources by offering
192kHz up-sampling, true 192kHz DACs and full differential modes
of operation. The CD Xt SE+ is engineered to complement the DAC
XP+ and other established ‘X’ series components as a high-end
‘digital optimised’ CD source.
• Clock stability is a key element in the signal processing
chain in a player of this standard. The digital engineering of the
CD Xt SE+ therefore includes a special re-clocking circuit with
close tolerance crystal VCO located at the threshold of the signal
drive circuit to maximise jitter rejection.
• Packed into the stylish, compact chassis of the CD Xt SE+
is a high quality toroidal power transformer. The transformer has
two entirely separate secondary windings with one dedicated to feeding
the sensitive reclocking circuits and the other supplying a completely
separate feed to the current hungry motors. In true Cyrus style
the PSX-R power supply may also be connected to further refine the
power supply system and take over power supply to the motors further
improving resolution.
• Cyrus products have always delivered sonic excellence hand-in-hand
with state-of-the-art technical performance. The CD Xt SE+ is no
exception and Cyrus are justifiably proud of the measured performance
of the ‘X’ series transport and DAC combination. A CD
Xt SE+ partnered with a DAC X+ or DAC XP+ will deliver ruler-flat
linearity performance, vanishingly low background noise and superb
jitter rejection, out-performing most two box players in their class.
• A natural upgrade path for the CD Xt SE+ owner is the acquisition
of an optional PSX-R external DC Power supply. This unique and intelligent
component allows the CD Xt SE+ to tap into a massive reserve of
highly regulated DC energy source. Providing a completely separate
power feed for the high current demands of the mechanism motors,
the PSX-R effectively removes the dynamically changing load of the
motors from the internal power transformer.
• The unique MC-Bus connectivity of the CD Xt 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
Xt SE+ is facilitated via the MC-Bus during its manufacturing process,
eliminating potential human error.
• The quality lightweight magnesium die-cast enclosure of
the CD Xt SE+ has 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 electro-magnetic disturbances. This also eliminates coupling
of the power transformer stray magnetic fields to the sensitive
audio circuitry.
Partnered with a DAC XP+ and a pair of PSX-R power supplies, this
four box combination offers the discerning audio enthusiast one
of the most rewarding CD systems in the world.
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