SOUND ADVICE - Yamaha RX-V2700 AV Receiver

It has always been Cyrus' guiding principle that technologies developed for the X series should trickle down to the other ranges. However this time they have developed a new optical servo system that significantly improves the data performance. Normally this type of engineering would be only found in their most expensive models but they have been able to use this circuitry throughout the CD range to replace the loader and laser elements they previously bought-in. As a result, the CD 6 SE design takes the fundamentals of last years award winning CD8x and adds to this key elements of the new precision slot loading CD drive and the superb SE optical control systems. The result is a special CD player for it’s price class, benefiting from unusually advanced servo technology and a new slot loading system.

The CD 6 SE benefits from the same high specification 24bit differential DAC as the CD 8 SE (although not in a fully balanced topology) and shares much of the CD 8 SE power supply technology (but with a single power transformer, rather than the twin transformer design of the CD 8 SE). The performance of the resulting player has far exceeded expectations, and is the perfect partner for the highly-rated Cyrus 6vs2 amplifier. Furthermore, the CD 6 SE owner can optionally return their player to the Cyrus factory for upgrade to full CD 8 SE specification.

Whilst the CD 6 SE is a simpler design than the CD 8 SE, it shares many aspects of the CD 8 SE circuit topology. This is particularly evident in the quality of components used in the power supply, DAC and analogue filter stages. This level of component quality is unusual in a CD player in this class and is an essential part of the winning formula necessary to deliver musical and technical performance to the exacting standards demanded by the Cyrus team.

In true Cyrus tradition, the CD 6 SE has a clearly defined upgrade path. In fact all CD 6 model variants can benefit from the Cyrus upgrade program by returning to Cyrus for a factory upgrade to any of the SE models including, CD 8 SE or Xt SE models. The 8 and X models include a PSX-R connection and a co-axial digital output are added. The front fascia is also changed with a CD 8 SE insignia. The PSX-R connection of the CD 8 SE and Xt SE makes a further optional performance upgrade possible.

The magnesium die-cast enclosure of the CD 6 SE has a myriad of advantages both electrically and mechanically. The non-resonant nature of the alloy minimises microphonic effects, while its non-ferrous composition provides an effective shield from external electro-magnetic disturbances. This also eliminates coupling of the power transformer stray magnetic fields to the sensitive audio circuitry.