The Cyrus 40 PPA is the most advanced phono preamplifier the company has ever produced. Building on the lineage of the Phono X and Phono Signature, the 40 PPA represents a major leap forward in circuit design, user control, and cartridge compatibility. Engineered as part of the flagship Cyrus 40 Series, it delivers ultra-low noise performance, flexible configuration, and audiophile-grade output options. It is available now at All Elite Audio.
This unit is ideal for vinyl enthusiasts with high expectations for sound quality and system matching. Whether you are running multiple turntables or simply want the cleanest signal path possible, the 40 PPA is purpose-built to serve as the analog foundation of a serious listening system.
Internal Architecture: Engineered for Noise Elimination
At the heart of the 40 PPA is a completely redesigned six-layer printed circuit board. This structure provides dedicated pathways for different signal and power sections, which greatly reduces interference and improves signal integrity. Compared to earlier Cyrus designs, the new layout enables more precise routing and better isolation of sensitive components.
The internal power supply has also been upgraded to reduce noise. The 40 PPA delivers approximately 20 percent less noise than the Classic PHONO, allowing low-level musical information to emerge more clearly. The reduction in background noise is especially noticeable with low-output moving coil cartridges.
The result is a signal path that is optimized for purity. One reviewer described the sound as “exceptionally quiet with a rich sense of space,” adding that it pulled detail from the groove with effortlessness and control.
Adjustable Gain, Loading, and Capacitance
The Cyrus 40 PPA offers detailed control over cartridge gain settings, making it highly adaptable to both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges. Gain can be adjusted in precise 5 dB increments across a wide range, helping users match the output of any cartridge to their system.
Capacitance and resistance settings are also user-configurable. This level of control is especially useful for fine-tuning cartridge performance and ensuring proper electrical loading, which can have a noticeable impact on tonal balance and clarity.
Settings are stored independently for each input, which means you can configure multiple turntables or tonearms with different cartridges and switch between them without needing to recalibrate.
Four Inputs, Multiple Turntables
A standout feature of the 40 PPA is its ability to support up to four turntables at once. Each of the four inputs can be individually configured for MM or MC operation and saved with their own unique settings. This makes it easy to run multiple decks for comparison, rotation, or dedicated use cases such as mono playback or DJing.
The inclusion of multiple configurable inputs sets the 40 PPA apart from most high-end phono stages, which typically offer only one or two inputs. For vinyl collectors with diverse cartridge preferences or multiple tonearms, the 40 PPA is uniquely capable.
Output Stage and Connectivity
The unit offers both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) outputs, allowing for optimal integration into systems that require longer cable runs or prefer the noise rejection advantages of balanced audio. The output stage is designed to drive both types of connections with low distortion and high headroom.
An onboard stereo level meter, viewable on the front glass display, helps users set gain accurately and avoid overdriving downstream components. The meter includes a peak hold function, which provides real-time feedback when calibrating levels.
Warp Filter and Ground Lift
To address physical imperfections in vinyl playback, the 40 PPA includes a switchable warp filter. This filter removes excessive low-frequency content caused by warped records or poorly isolated turntables. When enabled, it helps reduce woofer excursion and preserves amplifier headroom without affecting audible bass content.
A ground lift switch is also included, allowing users to isolate the phono stage ground from system ground in order to eliminate common hum and noise issues. This is particularly valuable in complex analog setups where multiple components may share electrical ground paths.
Touchscreen Interface and Remote Operation
The Cyrus 40 PPA includes a five-inch glass touchscreen display on the front panel, providing a clear and modern interface for setup and monitoring. All cartridge settings, input configurations, and display options can be accessed from this screen.
For convenience, most functions can also be operated by remote control, including input switching and gain adjustments. This allows users to fine-tune cartridge loading and output levels from their listening position—a rare feature among phono stages.
40 PSU Compatibility and Upgrade Path
The 40 PPA is compatible with the optional Cyrus 40 PSU, an external linear power supply designed to further reduce noise and increase dynamic range. When connected, the external PSU bypasses the internal supply and delivers higher-current, lower-noise power to the analog circuitry.
This upgrade path gives users a clear way to scale their system’s performance over time. For those who already own other 40 Series components, the PSU offers shared benefits across the entire system.
Compact and Robust Design
Like other models in the 40 Series, the 40 PPA is built in a compact, half-width aluminum chassis with an anodized finish. The design is clean and understated, with precise machining and quality materials. Despite its compact size, the unit is heavy and solid, indicating a high level of build quality throughout.
The aesthetic matches other Cyrus 40 Series components such as the 40 AMP and 40 ST streamer, making it ideal for users building a complete system.
Available Now at All Elite Audio
The Cyrus 40 PPA is available now through All Elite Audio. This phono preamplifier offers unmatched control, quiet performance, and flexible cartridge integration in a design that fits perfectly into any high-end analog system. Whether you’re upgrading from a mid-level phono stage or building a reference-quality vinyl setup from the ground up, the 40 PPA is a compelling and future-proof choice.
For questions about compatibility, in-home demos, or adding the 40 PPA to your system, contact All Elite Audio at 443-402-5055.