MISSION CYRUS TWO Integrated Amplifier:
A cost-effective instrument for musical enjoyment
HE CYRUS TWO WAS the top of the line integrated amp produced by
Mission in the early 1980's. Mission had a very lean amplifier
line -- the company only had two -- and in typical understatement called
the two models One and Two. Both were often reviewed by the British
press and received varying degrees of recommendation. The One,
the less powerful sibling, had a rating of 25 watts per channel
(wpc) on paper but when tested produced 30 wpc at 8 ohms. As a
matter of personal preference, I skipped this model because of
its lower wattage.
Long time companion
I know the Cyrus Two very well. There was a time when I questioned the prevailing thought within high end audio that the way to musical nirvana lay with the expensive pieces of electronic equipment. I could not accept that. Being an economist I knew that there should be a point wherein the incremental cost would equal the incremental gain in musicality. Thus, I sought to uncover components that delivered musical value at a more earthly price. Given the best value approach, I took the route of integrated amps and stayed with this approach for many years. I still consider this a feasible and smart alternative.
Packaging
I personally like the austere and minimalist approach taken by Mission with their Cyrus integrated amp. It measures a mere 3" x 8.5" x 14" so it is easy to site. Its finish, in slate grey, reinforces the functional approach of the manufacturer and makes the amp look unobtrusive, the antithesis of those behemoths that look and weigh like an anvil. The amp has provisions for two phonos (mm and mc), CD player, headphone, tape, tuner, one pair of speakers, and a PSX socket for the optional external power supply. The unit under review does not have this option. The back panel layout is ingenious, a requirement to accommodate all of the amp's provisions. The front panel has the power on/off switch, indicator panel with the Cyrus Two insignia, and three knobs (1) Volume control, (2) Listen selector for phono, off (no signal selected or mute), compact disk, tuner, and tape, (3) Record selector to select the signal source for recording via the tape out. The Cyrus Two has a rating of 50 wpc at 8 ohms and 80 wpc at 4 ohms.
Associated Equipment
I have long discarded my turntable, a decision I took since I did not want to be encumbered by maintenance, e.g., adjustments, cartridge replacement, etc. I'm sure you've heard this litany before. As I said, my approach to audio is practical. I prefer to listen rather than tweak or tinker.
The Cyrus works best after a healthy warm up, around an hour or so before it begins to metamorphose and show it colors. I tried the Cyrus with several speakers: Sound Dynamics 300Ti, Rogers LS35a, Acoustic Energy Aegis II (to be a subject of later review) and, during the latter part, with the Linn Kan II. For the front end, I interchanged between the JVC XL-Z1050 and the Radio Shack Optimus CD 3400 player.
Listening
The Cyrus Two presents a clear, crisp, and spacious sound. Its major strength is detailing. I was surprised by its extractive prowess. You can, for example, hear the vibration of the violin strings. One of my favorite CDs for listening, a collection of baroque music -- Pachelbel/Canon/Abinoni/Adagio/Bach/Bonporti/Molter (Erato ECD 88020) -- was rendered with more lustre, life, and articulation. This is immediately noticeable. I had just before been listening to a pair of Quicksilver KT88 amps and I could clearly distinguish the difference in the detailing.
Its spatial capability is equally admirable. The stage reaches about a foot from the edge of the speakers and blankets the area in between. Its ability to portray depth was not as impressive. The layer of sound was confined to about a foot behind the speakers and about three feet in front.
The amp is also musically skewed toward the treble. This tilt produces more detail in the upper frequencies. This likewise changes the balance, making it sound lean. Is it irritating? No. You could do much worse with some separates.
The low end is satisfying. It is not earthshaking or visceral. The tone is there though it does not possess the solidity and vigor that one would hear in the music hall.
Scratches
Aesthetically, there is one caveat. The volume control and listen selector knobs are easily scratched. Of the three units that have passed my hands, two had scratches. Replacements are available from Mission.
Conclusion
Overall, this is a respectable performer. A used unit sells for around $200-$250 without the PSX option. With the power supply option, you will probably need to add another $100-$150. I'm satisfied with the Two as a stand-alone unit.
If you are into listening and less into fiddling with components, you could very well be satisfied by the Cyrus Two. By the way, the amp mates better sonically with the Linn Kan II than with the LS3/5a. Two clefs for this able performer. Recommended.
by Judy Cipriani
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