Cyrus TTP Turntable Review

Name: Cyrus TTP Turntable Review
Item: Cyrus TTP Turntable Review
Rating: 9.6
Author: admin

October 4, 2024

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It was almost like a small sensation when Cyrus introduced its first-ever turntable, the TTP Turntable, in the fall of 2023. Following their award-winning amplifiers and streamers, we were eager to find out if the British manufacturer hit the mark here too.

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In the past, we’ve had the pleasure of reviewing 14 different products from British manufacturer Cyrus in our offices. All of them impressed us with precise, uncompromising performance. For instance, the combo of the CDi-XR CD player and the i9-XR integrated amplifier came close to a perfect reference score with an outstanding 9.4/10.

One of Cyrus’s trademarks is its distinctively unique and anachronistic product design—a style you either love or don’t. We find the minimalist aesthetic of Cyrus devices appealing, as it boldly states that musicality is prioritized over photogenic design. Notably, there are exceptions, such as the Lyric integrated amplifier or the Cyrus One series, which stand out visually. The latest model we reviewed, the Cyrus Classic Amp, was awarded a solid 9.0/10 and adhered to the classic Cyrus look, as its name suggests.

Cyrus TTP Turntable

We’re excited to showcase a debut product from the English company: The TTP Turntable, which Cyrus introduced last fall, is the first record player in the company’s nearly four-decade history! It made its German debut at the Central German HiFi Days in our Leipzig publishing house—a true honor.

When we finally had the chance to evaluate it in our listening rooms, we found that Cyrus had achieved a true design triumph. The TTP is understated, focused on the essentials—functionality. Typical of the manufacturer, nothing here clamors for attention with extravagant style. However, this turntable exudes more elegance and sophistication than models like the Classic Amp or the Phono Signature.

It remains true to Cyrus’s design language with a massive, brushed aluminum chassis and a slanted front panel, a feature seen on other models. Embedded in this panel are two tactile buttons that switch the platter between 33 1/3 and 45 RPM. We sensed the high-end nature of this turntable right from the unboxing, as the high-quality chassis practically invites you to touch its elegant metal surface and get it up and running. But first, let’s examine its technical details.

German-British Collaboration

A DC synchronous motor with a digital control unit powers the turntable. To optimize its performance, Cyrus offers an optional universal PSX-R2 power supply for around $1,250, which is compatible with a range of Cyrus devices by adapting to the reference voltage received from the connected equipment. The turntable’s rotation speeds of 33 1/3 and 45 RPM can be finely adjusted at the rear with two small screws.

The aluminum platter is driven by a belt, as is common for such setups. Upon assembly, we noticed a potential indication of Cyrus’s manufacturing partner for the TTP’s debut. The platter bearing on our test model resembled the Dura Turn Diamond (DTD) bearing from the renowned German high-end brand Acoustic Signature!

This design, an evolution of their Tidorfolon bearing from the late 1990s, is celebrated worldwide. The DTD bearing’s innovation lies in a vacuum-hardened, precisely ground stainless-steel shaft with a plasma-coated, diamond-like surface that reduces friction by 60 percent. The material composition allows the bearing to hold lubrication oil and release it only where needed, making it self-lubricating. Acoustic Signature even offers a 15-year warranty on this premium component, which also appears in the Cyrus TTP, affirming the manufacturer’s dedication to uncompromised quality. This dedication is reflected in the price tag as well, placing the turntable at the upper echelon of Cyrus’s product range at approximately $5,200.

A Familiar Name

Cyrus’s keen eye for collaboration is evident in the choice of tonearm. The TTP is equipped with the Rega RB330, a model we know well from numerous reviews of Rega’s Planar collection in our past 99 issues. The lightweight, straight tonearm tube of the RB330 has won several awards from the international press. Using advanced 3D CAD and CAM technology, Rega has continuously refined this tonearm, creating a bestseller with the current RB330 model.

Its high-precision components ensure smooth movement and stability. Both the tonearm tube and bearing housing have been redesigned to further reduce resonance points and friction surfaces. High-quality low-capacity wires with Neutrik connectors complete the signal path, and for our test, we attached the Concept V2 MM cartridge from Clearaudio. While Cyrus recommends its Classic Phono preamp for MC systems or an XR series for MM cartridges, we’ll be using the WATT stereo amplifier from Audionet for this review. The WATT amp allows us to configure its built-in phono stage according to the connected system, and we paired it with our reference nuVero 170 stand speakers from Nubert.

Pure Cyrus

In the first test, we played “Dummy,” the debut album by Portishead, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year! Once a newcomer, now a cult classic. Who knows, perhaps the Cyrus TTP will follow a similar path. Despite being the company’s first analog source device, this model sounds as impressive as it looks. The LoFi drums are vividly captured, with the system composed of the RB330 and Essence tonearm delivering the characteristic tone of Beth Gibbons’s voice with a remarkable agility and drive. With its solid 25kg weight, the Cyrus TTP also delivers bass that’s incredibly rich and full.

Vivid Sound

With less compressed mixes, as often found in classical music, the English newcomer also shows remarkable dynamic ability. During a 1962 recording of Wagner’s “Flying Dutchman” with the Berlin State Orchestra under Franz Kowitschny, the TTP demonstrates its talent for rendering smooth dynamic transitions, like the distinct decrescendo of the overture. The TTP reproduces subtle micro-dynamic accents, such as those in the Spinners’ Chorus, with great finesse, without sounding shy or strained. Instead, the sound of this turntable is as lively and sparkling as the music it translates. It effortlessly opens up the entire harmonic spectrum into a vibrant array of colorful tones.

A Successful Debut

As expected, we can confidently conclude that Cyrus has made an impressive entry into the highly competitive world of analog sources with the TTP Turntable. The turntable communicates the British brand’s identity both visually and musically. An expertly chosen selection of high-end components is merged into a minimalist yet uncompromisingly functional device. The TTP’s weighty, resonance-resistant components are notably unaffected by external noise, with the optional Cyrus PSX-R2 power supply offering an additional layer of refinement. All that remains is to congratulate Cyrus on this outstanding debut with a “reference class” rating—a commendation earned by only a select few manufacturers on their first attempt.