British hi-fi brand Cyrus will bring its ONE Cast streaming integrated amplifier to Australia, which the company claims is the world’s first “genuine hi-fi amplifier” compatible with Google Home, Amazon Alexa and Apple AirPlay 2.
Cyrus first gained prominence with the release of the Cyrus ONE amplifier in 1984.
The company claims its new ONE Cast ($1999) is compatible with the three major consumer-grade home automation solutions, but it does require an external device such as an Amazon Echo Dot or Android phone with Google Assistant.
Voice assistants also allow the Cyrus amplifier to integrate into a multi-room network with other speakers.
An AV mode also allows the ONE Cast to integrate with existing home theatre systems.
The ONE Cast can stream directly from a source connected through Bluetooth, or over Wi-Fi through Airplay 2 and Chromecast.
When music is cast to the device it automatically wakes from standby and selects the cast input.
Bluetooth supports aptX but not aptX HD like on the lower priced ONE HD amplifier ($1599).
The ONE Cast also comes with an analogue RCA input, phono stage, headphone amplifier, digital optical and TOSLINK inputs, HDMI, and USB input up to 32-bit, 192kHz or DSD128.
The compact system uses a pair of 100 watt high current Hybrid Class-D amplifiers in a compact 85mm x 220mm x 390mm footprint.
The ONE Cast has been optimised by Cyrus for the brand’s ONE linear speakers, engineered with a “classically British linear frequency response curve” for a neutral sound.
Cyrus also supports modular upgrades, allowing listeners to shop with confidence new technologies will be supported into the future through add-on modules like the company’s QXR upgrade card.
The Cyrus ONECast will be available via Indi Imports towards the end of October.
