Personally speaking - I got back into "hifi" by buying a Cyrus 7, PSX-R and a pair of Ruark Epilogue Reference.  I bought that combo because the music came to life - some might say forward or bright but I would say lively and engaging.

Whilst I'd now agree there is better to be had for the same money, I'd also say the differences arent that great (for the same money) unless you buy used of course.

I've since tried a few amps (including Lavardin IS Ref and Krell KAV 300i) and speakers (including Sonus Faber Signum and Kef Model 107/2).

The Cyrus amp wasnt shamed by the Lavardin or the Krell (both different to each other of course).  Similarly the Ruark's were certainly not at all shamed by the SF's, though the Kef's are a different animal.

I wouldnt advocate going up the Cyrus amp ladder, but dont assume the Cyrus kit you have is in any way a joke.  However regards Cyrus amps they seem to do a range of things pretty well, but dont really excel at anything. Good start point for comparison to other kit though.