Cyrus vs Naim

If you are enjoying the sound you have now, tread carefully, in case you lose this, or end up moving sideways.

What speakers do you have and what other brands have you heard?

If you like small boxes, Bel Canto should probably be on your audition list.

I have been using a few different speakers - Harbeth, Proac and Spendor. Currently have Harbeth P3esr which are very good. 

I have always considered the two brands to be chalk and cheese, with Cyrus being very "HiFi" and analytical whereas Naim is more musical. I agree with Cno that you should be careful not to lose what you have. Cyrus sounds great but it is, as with Naim, a very distinct sound.

I have had the Cyrus DACXP+ running with an X Power and it sounds pretty amazing. 

The Harbeths are great.

Are you prepared to look outside of small boxes (eg. Luxman, Sugden, Creek, Pathos, Electrocompaniet etc), and what is your budget?

I think you should leave your system as it is. Btw, what Proac speakers have you had? What didn't you like about them to change to Harbeth?

IMO moving over to Cyrus is more likely a downgrade then upgrade. Have you added a Hi-Cap to your SN yet? If no, you can consider adding it, it will yield better return as compared to moving to Cyrus.

I find Naim more musical and easy on the ear than Cyrus to me..........

I had the D2 for while. Great speakers but preferred the Harbeth overall. I really like the Harbeth mid range and balanced sound.

Yikes, is Cyrus really not up to SQ of Naim then?! Cyrus seems to pick up some good reviews. Will have to have a listen anyway. 

Any Cyrus fans out there? 

SQ has such a big subjective element, that definitive judgements can't really be made. The main thing is to listen to a good variety of different brands and not get hooked on one or two....never take anyones'  word as gospel.

You're right... I just like the idea of Cyrus and Naim because they have a full range of components inc streaming, dacs, PSUs etc. Will have a listen.

Whether SQ of Cyrus is up to the SQ of Naim is subjective. One man's meat is another man's poison thus it be better off for the tread starter to audit carefully. To me if he hasn't added in the hi-cap, he should try doing so since it is a known fact that adding PSU improve the overall performance of Naim.

Both brands have their own merits I'm sure, but imo there other makes out there

that are similar, if not better quality without the continuous need to add boxes for that endless search for HiFi navana.

However, if you're mind is set on this path, Naim would be the one I'd choose, even if only on build quality and reliability issues.

Cheers

Mac

Someone needs to vote for Cyrus, so I guess thatll be me!

I personally have never really gelled with the naim sound, I have had two lengthy demos with a full naim system, plus heard various naim systems at Hifi shows. I can't quite put my finger on why I don't like the sound, but my reaction has varied from 'meh' to 'turn that noise off'.

Cyrus in the other hand I love. I currently own the 8xpd qx, and it really is a great little amp. My speakers are quite demanding (spendor sa1's), and while it doesn't drive them to their full capabilities, given its size, and qualities as a source when fed by sonos (no need for a cd player certainly) I think it does a great job. I still lust after a dac xp and mono x's but then that's the fun of the upgrade bug. I certainly don't need to upgrade.

The point is that you need to decide with your ears. Get a demo of the equivalent cyrus amp to your current amp or intended naim amp, and listen for as long as you can. They do have very different sounds, Cyrus being much more detailed and to my ears more balanced. YMMV

I'n not a big fan of either brand but would gravitate towards Naim personally. I would echo others advice here: stick to the devil you know, especially as the brands sound so different. If it ain't broke...

+1 for Naim