Vintage HiFi. Sounds great, looks cool, costs peanuts
This Cyrus 8 integrated amplifier has developed a fault which renders it useless. The sound is loud and distorted. Volume control is ineffective. It is bit modern for me, with all those Integrated circuits and suface mounted components. My comfort zone is the all analogue Cyrus Two. However, it belongs to my cousin Nick. He’s …
I was delighted when I got a Cyrus Two amplifier and a PSX power supply to go with it. One of the finest combinations available in the 1980’s. Sadly, when I set it up I became aware of an occasional mechanical buzz from the PSX transformer. It is located close to my sitting position, so …
Cyrus have a novel approach to providing different power amplifiers in their range. To upgrade the amp, you connect an external power supply to crank up the specification and performance.
My Mission Cyrus One amplifier is a very simple affair, which is indeed one of it’s strengths. With the exception of the phono stage the pre amp is purely passive. Normally this is a good thing. However In my system I want to connect several devices to the tape-output sockets simultaneously. This just won’t work …
Continue reading “Output Buffer Amplifier for Mission Cyrus”
My Mission Cyrus One amplifier does not have the DC Power socket that you find on the Cyrus Two for attachment of a PSX external power supply. It would be just above the logo next to the tape out socket, but here it is clearly missing. The amplifiers are similar, so perhaps I could fit a …
Continue reading “A DC PSX like power socket for Mission Cyrus One”
The input selector switches on the Mission Cyrus amplifier deteriorate over time like any switch. Unfortunately their unique construction make them difficult to clean and impossible to replace. I have always shied clear of any attempt to strip the switches down, knowing that I couldn’t source replacements if it all went wrong. However, a recent …
Continue reading “Mission Cyrus selector switches. What’s inside.”
My love hate relationship with my old Mission Cyrus One amp hit an all time low when it refused to power up. I quickly established that the mains input fuse had blown. The replacement also immediately blew. This could be serious. Time to look inside.
I have a magnificent Mission Cyrus Amplifier which is the heart of my system. I was bought second hand of course. This is one of the later ones, with the heavy cast chassis, toggle power switch and 5 inputs. Let’s have a look inside.
This one was acquired by a relative for a very good price. Cosmetically and mechanically it looks to be in excellent condition. These turntables have a reputation for fantastic performance. It is a 3 point spring suspended design. Those columns house the springs. The arm is made from exotic alloys and is very well engineered. …
Restoring equipment can be as simple as replacing missing wires, as was the case with my B&W 600i speakers (£2 at a car boot sale). At the other extreme is the Garrard Zero 100SB turntable (£45 e bay) I’m currently restoring to health. This needs hours of work, including a motor re build.