I was very disappointed by these speakers and sent them back to the retailer. Quite simply, they don't sound good, at least not to my ears. I used them as stereo speakers and not as part of a surround-sound system.
The sound flips between being very sharp to the point of shrillness (so ... Read review
Advantages: Look good Disadvantages: Poor sound quality
...the Cresta's, even though I hadn't touched the volume dial.
So even if you're looking for highly efficient speakers, I'd at least audition these before buying, or perhaps just look elsewhere. Kef might have a good reputation but. on this evidence, it's not very well deserved. ... more
I was very disappointed by these speakers and sent them back to the retailer. Quite simply, they don't sound good, at least not to my ears. I used them as stereo speakers and not as part of a surround-sound system.
The sound flips between being very sharp to the point of shrillness (so much so that I almost winced during some solo violin parts) so being slightly muffled and subdued. On the whole I found the speakers to be hard to listen to for long periods.
The sharpness helps with percussion, and snare drums and cymbals certainly come out in the mix. I suspect that, for rock and pop, these speakers will be very good. For thumpy-thumpy dance music they might be very good indeed. But I listen to classical and IMHO they're not cut-out for that.
Yes, these are budget speakers but the magic with budget speakers is that they sound better than their price tag. These don't. You get what you pay for and not even a smidgin of anything better.
Fidelity was good, and there was no real problem picking out sounds in the mix. The soundstage was good, although I listen in a small living room so it's not a fair test. In other words, there is some quality here. These are not bad speakers. It's simply that in some important areas the quality drops below acceptable.
I suspect these speakers are designed to be supported by other speakers in a surround-sound ensemble, rather than used as stereo speakers. In fact, the manufacturers frequently make mention of the rest of the product line. For stereo use, they're a no-no.
As for the 90dB sensitivity rating, I question this. Not on any scientific grounds, but simply because I reattached my Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 speakers (86dB) and they sounded just as loud as the Cresta's, even though I hadn't touched the volume dial.
So even if you're looking for highly efficient speakers, I'd at least audition these before buying, or perhaps just look elsewhere. Kef might have a good reputation but. on this evidence, it's not very well deserved.
