Tubes Asylum: REVIEW: GW Labs Cyclops Amplifier (Tube) by dormant

Model:	Cyclops
Category:	Amplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$899
Description:	Integrated tube amplifier
Manufacturer URL:	GW Labs
Model Picture:	View

Review by dormant on October 10, 2001 at 18:08:44
IP Address: 12.84.22.84

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for the Cyclops

The following is a re-post of the review I wrote two months ago. I think my Cyclops has now reached a plateau in that it no longer changes its sound quality every time I power it up, but performs consistently and reliably producing pleasant music. I stand by the following review as it still holds true today.

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I've had this little amp for almost four months now, so I believe it's about time to write a small review. Cyclops has seemingly received very little attention so far, which I find curious as it is a unique product that seems to fill a void in the market: an easy to use entry level all-tube integrated amplifier that offers all the strenghs commonly associated with tube equipments at a very attractive price. Although there are some other entry level int. amps that use tube in their pre section, I currently am not aware of any other all-tube integrated amp that comes under $900 (Of course there could be others though).
The strength of Cyclops, I believe, all comes down to its sound quality. It offers all the good sonic qualities commonly associated with tubes: natural, life-like, 3D, etc. with the just right balance of warmth and detail. It also produces very cohesive, clear, and crisp bass, which I enjoy immensely. In comparison to Marantz MA-700s I have, which are very fine amps in their league, I much prefer Cyclops over MA-700s now, having extensively listened to what they sound like in all possible kinds of combinations with my other quipments. (MA-700s are now being used as subwoofer amps.)
Another advantage of Cyclops is that its sound can also be changed with different types of tubes. My Cyclops came with Philips 12AU7s and Sovtek EL-84s. The sound was very clear, crisp and analytical, almost SS-like, which would appeal to many but was somewhat disappointing to me as I had been looking for that "warm" tubey sound. I have since replaced them with all new-stock JJ tubes and the sound has completely changed. Now it is warm, soft, and very sweet, especially playing female vocal (jazz and classical). I find Cyclops to be quite responsive to each different tube I put in, and it only adds to the joy of having tube gears.
The weakness of Cyclops, on the other hand, are many but none of them quite a show-stopper. I can certainly live with them given the great sound quality of the amp, but these small things still annoy me occassionally. Most of them seem to arise from cost-cutting measures.
1) Construction is generally solid but the two switches (power and input selection) are rather flimsy and unreliable.
2) Headphone jack is not that useful. It functions fine but doesn't sound special. I'd rather listen to the main speakers in a small volume rather than using a headphone.
3) Speaker binding posts and input RCA jacks are too close together that hooking up a pair of big gauge speaker cables with two pairs of ICs is a "major" pain.
4) The amp cannot be placed horizontally (it must stand on its feet), which limits its placement due to its tall height. I must put the amp on the top shelf of my rack. Also, the amp generates enough heat to warm my living room, so it absolutely needs abundant air circulation around it.
5) The volume pot is smooth and subtantial to touch, but it is not that linear. There is little gain until 9 o'clock then suddenly big boost comes in. It goes linearly only about 12 o'clock and then there is very little gain until about 4 o'clock. There is another big boost between 4 and 5 o'clock. It takes some getting used to, but I surely wish for a better volume pot. (It's not the quietest volume pot I've used either.)
In all, I personally believe that, despite all those shortcomings above, Cyclops is well-worth an audition if you are looking to jump into the tube world. I find its sound quality surprisingly good for its modest price. I don't think it can be very useful connected to a computer and such, but it would do a great service to any vocal lover (esp. female jazz and classical solo) who are looking for a small tube amp for his/her second system, for instance.

Product Weakness: Read above
Product Strengths: Read above

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Cyclops
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	PT P3A +ModWright (DAC)
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	SONY DVP-S7000
Speakers:	Aliante Pininfarina Moda
Cables/Interconnects:	ZCable Jass4; Zu Cable Firemine
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Female vocal; solo string instrument; piano
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Panamax 1000+
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Read above
Product Strengths:	Read above