Cyrus Audio has officially launched the long-awaited 40 PPA Phono Preamp, completing its high-performance 40 Series lineup. First unveiled at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show in February 2025, the 40 PPA is more than just a final puzzle piece — it’s a statement of intent from a British brand with a proven legacy in phono stage design.
Known for building some of the finest external phono preamps on the market, Cyrus brings decades of analog expertise to the 40 PPA, delivering audiophile-grade performance to match its 40 amp integrated amp, 40 ST streamer, 40 CD player, and external 40 PSU sibling. This isn’t just about rounding out the product line — it’s about raising the bar for vinyl playback.
To truly round out the 40 Series and make a dent in the high-end phono preamp market, the Cyrus 40 PPA had to deliver something beyond just a pretty case—and it does. About two decades back, Cyrus dropped the Phono X, which quickly earned a reputation as a go-to for serious vinyl listeners.
But it was the Phono Signature, launched around their 30th anniversary, that really changed the game. That unit punched way above its price and became a bit of a cult classic among audiophiles.
With the 40 PPA, Cyrus takes everything it learned from those two models and refines it for the modern era. You get the same sleek brushed aluminum casing and glass display found across the 40 Series, but it’s the internals where the big upgrades lie. The PCB has been redesigned from the ground up, expanded from 4 to 6 layers to isolate critical circuits and squash noise interference to near zero.
The power supply has also been improved, now 20% quieter than the Classic PHONO, and gain control is available in 5dB increments—giving users tighter control and more flexibility with cartridge matching. This isn’t just a companion piece for the 40 Series—it’s a serious phono stage built for precision and performance.
Users can handle setup, adjust settings, and more using the included wireless remote and on-screen menu—no need to leave the couch.
The 40 PPA lets you connect up to four turntables—ideal for users with multiple tonearms or cartridge types—and supports both Moving Magnet and Moving Coil cartridges. It also offers your choice of balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA outputs for added flexibility.
Features
- Front panel status and setting display
- Provisions for connection of up to 4 turntables
- All inputs are compatible with MC & MM cartridges
- MC inputs are configurable for gain, load, and capacitance
- Stereo output level meters with peak hold are provided to optimize MC gain
- A Warp filter is provided to reduce bass excursion on warped records
- XLR balanced and RCA unbalanced outputs are both provided
- Ground lift switch helps eliminate any ground hum problems
- A wireless Remote control is provided for easy input selection and feature control
- The 40 PPA can be used with the 40 PSU external power supply
- RJ45 Ethernet and USB-A Connections For Firmware Updates
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 88 x 220 x 365 mm (3.46 x 8.66 x 15.16-inches )
- Weight: 4.8 kg (10.6 lbs)
- 5-Year Warranty included
The Bottom Line
With over 40 years of experience, Cyrus Audio continues to innovate while maintaining the hallmarks that have defined the brand: precision engineering, UK-based manufacturing, and a reputation for rock-solid reliability.
Their components are built like tanks, but achieving the best performance means pairing them carefully. Cyrus gear tends to have a clean, detailed sound signature, so we recommend matching it with warmer or darker-sounding loudspeakers to strike the right tonal balance. They don’t refresh their lineup frequently, which speaks to their philosophy: if it isn’t a significant upgrade, it doesn’t get released.
The 40 PPA phono preamplifier is a continuation of Cyrus’ strong tradition in vinyl playback. It supports both Moving Magnet and Moving Coil cartridges, offers four configurable inputs, and includes upgraded circuitry for improved noise performance and detail retrieval. Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs add flexibility to system matching. It’s also a natural partner for the Cyrus TTP turntable.
However, all that engineering prowess comes at a cost—the 40 PPA retails for $2,899.
Price & Availability
The Cyrus Audio 40 PPA is available for $2,899 (£1995 / €2499) from Authorized Dealers.
For more information: cyrusaudio.com
Related Reading
