ZYKLOP
- ZYKLOP
- VISATON
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | VISATON |
| Kit Model | Loudspeaker Kit Zyklop #5991 Germany |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
| Power Handling (RMS) | 120 W |
| Frequency Response | 30 - 20000 Hz |
| Sensitivity | 80 dB |
The goal of Visaton's engineers was to develop a loudspeaker that would stand apart from conventional products in both its design and sound. The name "Cyclops" originally comes from Greek mythology and refers to powerful figures with an unusual feature: a single eye on their forehead. This distinctive detail was implemented in the Zyklop in the form of the high-end B 80 - 8 Ohm full-range driver, separated from the second part of the cabinet by its raised position. The powerful performance is realized by the extremely long-excursion TIW 200 XS - 8 Ohm high-end woofer.
The hexagonal cabinet shape quickly makes classification into conventional categories absurd, but follows functional considerations: While the slim baffle blends comfortably into the living space, the cabinet shape still provides sufficient stability and volume for impressive bass reproduction and creates a visual accent even when used as a standalone unit.
Acoustically, the Zyklop is characterized by a homogeneous and, as is typical for Visaton, very linear frequency response. The B 80 - 8 Ohm full-range driver ensures high detail from a crossover point of approximately 270 Hz, as well as precise mid- and high-frequency reproduction without any exaggeration. This is primarily due to the fact that the entire vocal range is reproduced by a single speaker.
The high-end TIW 200 XS - 8 Ohm woofer, combined with a sophisticated bass reflex system, provides a striking vibrancy and a necessary foundation. The channel-shaped bass reflex system is cleverly positioned between the two speaker chassis and simultaneously serves as a spacer between the two cabinets. The impressive lower cutoff frequency of 30 Hz is certainly not noticeable on the relatively compact Zyklop. However, thanks to the perfectly tuned crossover, it offers more than enough room for ample power reserves without sacrificing detail.
| KIT CONTENT | |||||
| QT | PART # | ITEM | MANUFACTURER | ||
| 1 | ZYKLOP | Louds. Kit Zyklop #5991 Germany | VISATON | ||
Construction
First of all, it should be mentioned that the unusual hexagonal shape of the cabinet makes assembly difficult. Therefore, precise cutting and careful planning are absolutely essential for trouble-free assembly. A perfectly functioning table saw with the appropriate stops is essential for this construction proposal.
The first step should be to consider the exterior of the cabinet. If, for example, you plan to veneer the cabinet at the end, the corresponding material thicknesses must be taken into account when milling the speaker openings.
After all the boards have been cut to the appropriate external dimensions (see also the detailed drawing), all the openings are either sawn and/or milled.
These include:
Opening for the TIW 200 XS woofer - 8 Ohm
Opening for the B 80 full-range speaker - 8 Ohm
Opening for the BT 95/75 connection terminal
Bass reflex port in the cover of the woofer enclosure
Hole for the cable routing from the full-range speaker to the woofer enclosure (including cable cover)
Furthermore, at this stage, aerodynamic curves should be provided at the opening of the bass reflex port in the cover of the woofer enclosure, on the side walls of the bass reflex port, and on the rear of the full-range speaker opening, using, for example, a router and round cutters (see also the drawing of the curves and chamfers). Additionally, the screw points for the crossover should be pre-drilled on one of the sides (3 or 4) of the woofer enclosure, which will make installation much easier later.
After this preparation, a dry installation follows to prevent problems and errors. If this is successful, the cabinet can be glued in various ways. A practical and simple method using adhesive tape is described below. For this, the woofer and full-range cabinets are assembled separately and then glued together.
Starting with the woofer cabinet, first glue the front panel to the lid and base, and insert the corresponding bracing here. The usual trick of hammering in and clipping small nails helps prevent slipping (see nail trick explanation).
During the drying phase, spread out the following individual boards in front of you to form an unfolded cabinet. The order from left to right is: side (2), side (4), rear panel, side (3), side (1). The mitered openings, i.e., the surfaces facing into the cabinet, should face down. It is extremely important to maintain the correct order and the correct miters relative to each other, and to work on a smooth and clean surface. Now, apply several strips of adhesive tape (e.g., parcel tape) over the unfolded boards, as a kind of protection against slipping and as a kind of "hinge" for later assembly (see also "Zyklop Construction Guide 1"). Then, twist the "chain" of boards together onto the actual outside (a second person is helpful here), and then place the already glued construction of the two hexagonal boards, base, and lid, onto the back panel and glue it in place. After a short drying time, once sufficient stability has been achieved, glue the miters of the side panels and all associated edges (see also "Zyklop Construction Guide 2," including the marked edges that need to be coated with glue) and fold the panels upwards. These panels are secured together using adhesive tape so that the woofer enclosure can dry easily (see also "Zyklop Construction Guide 3").
Component List for 1 Speaker
The kit contains all the components listed in this component list, but not the cabinet.
Full-range speaker
B 80 - 8 ohms
1 pc.
Woofer
TIW 200 XS - 8 ohms
1 pc.
Crossover
ZYKLOP
1 pc.
Terminal
BT 95/75
1 pc.
Damping material
Polyester wool
2 bags
Cable
2 x 1.5 mm²
2.1 m
Screws (cylinder head)
4 x 25 mm
4 pcs.
Screws (cylinder head)
5 x 30 mm
6 pcs.
Countersunk screws
3.5 x 25 mm
4 pcs.