Cyrus AV5 - worth it?

[dunkyboy]

Hi, I'm hoping to upgrade my budget Yamaha DSP-E800 to a higher-end proc sometime in the potentially foreseeable future. My initial plan was to save up (and up and up and up...) and get something like a TAG AV30R, or second-hand 32R, but I've recently heard of Cyrus AV5's going for around the £650 mark ex-dem and I was just wondering if this even comes close to the TAGs in terms of sound quality, and should I consider this as a more short-term upgrade?

See, if I only have to shell out £650, I can probably get it around January, whereas if I have to spend £1000 on top of that for the TAG, we're talking 1 to 2 years... i.e. aaaaaaages...

I have no need for anything more than DD and DTS 5.1 - all this newfangled 6.1/7.1 and ProLogic II mumbo jumbo's got no appeal to me whatsoever (or at least, there's no way I could fit an extra speaker or two in my room in any case), and I don't see myself having any need for it in the next couple years.

I reckon, if I go for a Cyrus AV5 in January, that would have me sorted for at least 1 to 2 years, at which time maybe I could afford a top-of-the-line TAG, or maybe an Arcam AV8, or Meridian - or even Lexicon maybe? I just want to know if the Cyrus is a big step up from my current Yamaha, or if I should just not bother.

In terms of movie sound quality, if my Yammy's a 1, and the TAG AV30R is a 10, where would the Cyrus stand? If it's around 6 - 7 or more then I'll go for it. Otherwise, it's probably not worth it.

I will get around to demoing, but probably not for a while, so I'd just like to see what people think. Cheers,

Dunc

P.S. - If anyone has any other suggestions for high quality AV procs around £500-1000 (the lower the better), including 2nd-hand and ex-dem, that you think I should consider, please do let me know!

 

[Nic Rhodes]

It was one of the better £1k processors but has been updated for obvious reasons. £650 does seem a bit steep, for just over £1k you should be getting Meridian 561s / 565s. In performance it is probably nearer the Yammy than the Tag. The replacement might be a better bet new. I would pass on this one...

 

[AOD]

Seconded.

The decoding chip used in the E800 I think was taken from either the A2 or the AX2 (can't quite remember which at this time of the morning) which wasn't exactly a slouch in the decoding stakes.

Whilst I'm sure the Cyrus is a fine pre-amp/processor, I wouldn't bother spending £650 on it as an interim solution. Hang on to the cash and keep saving for the Tag that you've set your sights on.

 

[dunkyboy]

I was afraid you'd say that...

Cheers,

Dunc

 

[AOD]

If it's any consolation, I've just been going through the same dilemma.

Currently I have a DVD player with an onboard decoder feeding a Pro-Logic amp with 5.1 inputs .

With what I've saved so far I could get an AV8 or a Rotel 1066, but what I *really* want is the AV32R. I heard one at the weekend for the first time and this clinched it.

If you have any doubts I would suggest you arrange an audition of the AV32R.

 

[NicolasB]

The AV32R is very nice; if your budget can go that high then there are several other processors at that level that are also very nice: Arcam AV8 and Naim AV2 are obvious examples. Slightly pricier but still comparable are a Meridian 568 or Bryston SP 1.7. You've also got to worry about getting a decent power amp for it - Bryston, Arcam, Meridian and Parasound seem to be the models of choice around here. But for the processor and amp together you're likely to be talking upwards of £5000 new.

 

[dunkyboy]

Power amps sorted - got actives for my front LCR set.

Well, okay, I will need a decent stereo power amp for the surrounds, but they're only Mission 77DS's for now, so shouldn't need to spend much on that at all.

Dunc

 

[Nic Rhodes]

Originally posted by NicolasB
The AV32R is very nice; if your budget can go that high then there are several other processors at that level that are also very nice: Arcam AV8 and Naim AV2 are obvious examples. Slightly pricier but still comparable are a Meridian 568 or Bryston SP 1.7. You've also got to worry about getting a decent power amp for it - Bryston, Arcam, Meridian and Parasound seem to be the models of choice around here. But for the processor and amp together you're likely to be talking upwards of £5000 new.

I would certainly not put the Naim in this company, closer to the Myrad / Musical Fidelity etc IMHO. The Arcam is nice but £3k is very different from what we are talking about here. The others are much more money and offer no benefit. I have seen AV32 from £1400 to £1600 secondhand. This is what you should aim for IMHO (or Meridian if you don't want updates in the future), more than your current £1k but not a silly difference for the quality jump involved.

 

[Nic Rhodes]

Meridian 565 for £1k in the classified here, not upgradable any more but serious quality kit. Any use?

 

[dunkyboy]

I saw that - and if I had a grand on me just now I'd snap it up... But right now I'm properly skint!

(Not that I have a right to complain or anything, seeing as I just received my £1100 ATC subwoofer. )

Dunc