KEF Cresta 10 Bookshelf speakers
A new variant of the Cresta line consists of central channel speaker system, two shelf and one floor models. The speaker system of the previous version of the series has left very pleasant memories. Cresta 10 is a smaller representative of the updated family. In every modern Cresta tweeter is located under the LF/MF-driver - at the installation of the system on a standard rack a tweeter turns out to be at ear level of the listener, who is sitting in the standard armchair. But the field of a small "tens" differs by mysteriously high spatial homogeneity. There are no obvious design prerequisites for such state of things: as if a very simple tweeter works with one-inch silk dome, which radiates from a small horn, which has to increase the orientation... The membrane of LF/MF-driver is durable cellulose. Low but deep case is made of MDF and is perfectly muted. The appearance is classical without uncertain ornaments and special requirements to the interior. A separate switching of bands is provided.
The manner of audio transmission in Cresta 10 is definitely one of the most neutral. However, I can talk about some originality of the interpretation of musical material. It is possible that exactly due to tonal neutrality of the speaker system and high homogeneity of the field there is the feeling of softened sound; space images stay a bit uncertain, a light veil as if covers them. It is quite acceptable to find such interpretation as the most realistic - the hearing doesn't localize so accurately the sound sources in the conditions of a concert hall. Reproducible by Cresta 10 musical images have a pleasant dynamic wholeness; the portraits of acoustic instruments are natural, attracting by the plasticity of timbre crossfades. There is not too much bass, but lower case sounds freely, without linear rubbish; the kick is clearly worked out, a good reserve of power is felt.
Cresta 10 is a very interesting representative of mini-monitor class of speakers, which combines an academic strictness and a light originality. The system is universal in genreswith some preference to chamber forms.
