Stream XP Review

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radio and is designed to be driven with the rather clever Cyrus n-remote (see picture). They will stream most only notable exception being Apple

and the maximum bit rate for streamed inputs is 24-bit/96kHz. treaming is the bandwagon to be on in 2011. Any electronics manufacturer worth its salt has realised as much and many

within the iconic half-width Cyrus case and bursting with features. The Streamline is the integrated solution

what is considered to be the future of audio. Cyrus has jumped in with three new streaming-compatible products that compete head-on with the

the Stream XP combines that with a high-quality preamp and DAC.

Stream X strips things right back to

These three products are built

outputs on RCA phonos and a headphone output on a mini-jack range that will accept the worthwhile Cyrus PSX-R power supply upgrade. XP out as the component with the greatest audiophile potential; without it you would be forgiven for thinking that the Stream X looks like the way to go for maximum


resolution. Cyrus chose to offer the Stream X for customers who already which is fair enough. The key to all three units is the incredible n-remote. This not only drives any other component in a Cyrus system (and third-party

pertinent information about the The n-stream is a pretty ambitious remote for a medium-sized company: screen and a motion sensor to turn it on; backlit keys and a charging base. remote that specialises in giving access to your digital music collection.

These inexpensive devices are usually used to expand the number found that they provide faster and more reliable streaming between the drive and player. As well as streaming stored net radio service. This offers world that you can save in presets stations can be synced across

suggestion for music storage is simply connecting the drive to your router and then wiring that the use of a switch in between.

as well. The total absence of analogue inputs on this product is unusual and


undoubtedly competes in soundwould have increased cost. Cyrus also thinks that analogue inputs would go largely unused by its customers and as the company

This Stream XP is built as per all the

resistance to vibration and more than adequate heat-sinking on a compact

(see advised) and can also be upgraded with a power supply. A product like the Stream XP is as as it is about sound quality and Cyrus appreciates this. The company provides a quick start-up guide for setting up the NAS drive with the player and pairing the n-remote. and we had the XP up and running

of the initial outlay die-cast chassis are pretty rare in this market. The value equation is greatly enhanced by the n-remote. Look at the competition in this sector and

NAS drive and switch had been done beforehand).

near it in terms of breadth of application and ease of access to your music collection. immediately appreciate the advantage of having a two-way link that puts all the information about the music in your hand. Competitors offer apps for smart phones and

the albums and tracks on the drive that issues can crop up; the most metadata. This makes them hard to artist info gets lost. Cyrus recommends ripping everything as uncompressed

when used for this purpose.There is a growing array of competition for format that most hi-res downloads come in as well. stiff and scrolling through the library volume control and accepts digital interface for instance. The album


more open and clear-cut (than a clear display that is intuitive and easy to read.

able to store presets from the

few streamer/DAC/preamps in this price range for comparison and we found the results very good indeed. The bass is not the on agility; sinuous bass guitarplaying is very easy to enjoy as

an interconnect with the XP. This tilts the balance upward and gives a bit more bite to leading The Stream XP is a remarkably

little added richness which helps most transparent midband in the equipped NAS drive and network switch wired direct (wireless was

revealing plenty of ambience and emotional intent.

remote handset. Not having to point the thing in the right direction is a luxury in itself! As an overall approach is commendably straightforward to set up and use. The standard of sound quality is

systems are reliable without a cable. who want to relax with their music The sound quality produced is

As a digital preamp using an

that offers so many features and this puts it in a class of its own.


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