Good dynamics

Depending on your musical taste, may sound too forward

I purchased the Cresta 2 speakers because I wanted to try more efficient (90db sensitivity) speakers in my 2-channel stereo system, which also performs "home theater" duty. My system consists of NHT SuperOne XU speakers (86db sensitivity) on 24" stands, NAD 7240PE 40W receiver, NAD 513 CD changer and Atlantic Tech 162PBM subwoofer. My living room is fairly large(?), 18'x20'x10', and probably less than ideal as a listening room.

I was impressed by the Crestas, because they can play loud without strain and they are more dynamic than the SuperOnes. I would describe their sound as lively, full and somewhat forward (very nice for rock music). After a few days, however, I found myself missing the crisp, clear sound of the SuperOnes. Switching back to the SuperOnes, I realized I preferred their smooth tonal balance and precise imaging. The Crestas are fine speakers, and I wish the SuperOnes had their dynamic strength, but in my room with my system and my music (mostly jazz and classic rock), I just prefer the SuperOnes.

Please take my comments with a grain of salt; I have not listened to a lot of different equipment. I probably didn't give the Crestas a decent chance to "break in". The Crestas are a good value and strong contenders in their price range.

Similar Products Used:

NHT SuperOne

NOTHING

EVERYTHING

Post reviews only for products you have used firsthand and write only one review
per product.
Detail your experience and make comparisons. What did you like or dislike and
why? What other similar products have you used? Who should buy it? Who
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Write reviews that are at least 50 words long.
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one star product would have many flaws that would be explained in the review.).
Please check your spelling.
Read examples of quality reviews. THESE SPEAKERS SMELL LIKE POEP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Similar Products Used:

NOTHING YOU ZUIGERT

NONE

This speaker sucks and the bass is so weak you can´t even hear it

I never heard such a bad noise
I hate my loudspeaker

Similar Products Used:

many

Open natural sound, wide stereo perspective, sweet treble, warm mid-range, good bass response all the way down.

Because of it`s low price, people tend to use low priced amp`s ..... That is a shame! Try them out with a mid/high priced amp and be astonished!!

I have had a lot of diferent "bookshelf" type speakers before, but never in my imagination did i think this could be possible! A set of speakers this good at such a low price!! Unbelivable!

Some of you may think i am going too far with this, but no!

I have a lot of experience in the audio world. I work at a local Hi-Fi store in the day time, listening to all kind of equipment and loudspeakers, and after work i run a recording studio by myself. This is my point: In my studio setup i use Genelec monitoring, a powered speaker system specialised for studio use with an extremly neutral freqency responce, so you can say i am used to listening to " the right sound "(My Genelec`s by the way cost`s ca 45000,- nok, 7 nok is about 1 dollar).

When i do my mixes in the studio i take them home with me to try it on my Hi-Fi system (with the cresta2`s) and it sounds almost the same!! Beautiful!!

Those of you who think the crestas sound bright should really check your system, because they are not bright, they just produse the sound that was intended by the producer/artist.

If you want great sound for great value buy these speakers now!! (And put them on some decent speaker stands for god`s sake)

Similar Products Used:

Mourdaunt-Short MS-20i, Mirage frx-one/two.....

Good midrange and treble, build is good for the price, good with beat-driven material

Bass can sound a tad overblown, detail isn't as good as some, strangely enough - impedence

I recently had the opportunity to listen to the Cresta 2s and Tannoy MX2s (review to follow) at home for a period of about a week.
Back To the KEFs.
The Cresta's sounded by far the best with beat-driven music, rock, dance and ambient sounded very, very good, while less dynamic material suffered from a strange laid-backness that bordered (to my ears at least) on lacklustre.
The problem cleared up somewhat when I switched amps from a NAD C320 to Rotel RB 971, and I got the distinct impression that these speakers need a good clout up the backside. A previous review mentioned that they sound best with pricier (more powerful?) electronics and I can definitely substantiate that claim.
The Crestas are well built for the price, they look stylish and play music with panache, provided one stays within their preferred musical diet.
I did notice a certain degree of detail loss -- most notably in the upper bass and lower midrange. Vocals also sounded a bit shut-in, but at this price that's a minor complaint.
So, to recap, fine speakers that do some things very well, but tend to get a wee bit lost with acoustic music. If they take your fancy and you listen to predominantly rock, pop or dance you won't go far wrong -- provided you partner them with high-quality electronics.
The Crestas are enjoyable and make a strong sonic case for themselves, but at the same price AE's Aegis Ones can grace your listening room and their all-round talents edge the KEFs. Four stars.

Similar Products Used:

Acoustic Energy Aegis One, Mission 732, Tannoy Mercury 2, Mordaunt Short MS 20i