Sound
The CF-70 presents a nominal 8 ohm load with a very high 96dB efficiency. However, the CF-70 didn't perform well with average power sources, and the sound improved a lot with better quality power. In other words, the performance and power needs ran counter to the 96dB rating. Adjust your power sources accordingly.
The CF-70s threw a deep, wide soundstage with excellent imaging. The soundstage's size and air, while big, weren't as big as one would expect from a larger speaker. As with its little brothers, the CF-70 offered great disperison and a large sweet spot. The CF-70 sounded a bit too edgy on rock and electronic material, but mostly made up for that with wonderful detail and a nice midrange transition. The midrange sounded smooth and clean, but, strangely, needed a bit more realism and openness. It was a bit too polite and needed some more immediacy. The top end's crispiness might have had a smidge to do with that in altering its perception, but mostly the midrange needed a little more detail and snap. Vocals sounded very good, but piano needed a bit more sparkle. The midrange gave way to the bass very nicely, making for a seamless presentation that didn't overly expose one area. The CF-70's bass was the best aspect of the sound, combining great punch with solid extension and very little flabbiness, especially with the port plugs in. Overall, the CF-70 sounded best with the plugs in, even away from walls. The sound was just a little tighter and cleaner overall. While the excellent bass sometimes exposed the polite midrange a little too much, it was so engaging that it didn't much matter. Combined with the detailed top end, the bass made for a nice bookend, especially on rock and electronic tracks. Acoustic and classical material needed a bit more transparency in the middle, but still sounded very good. The CF-70 played loudly with little breakup, but needed more power than would be expected from its 96dB efficiency rating. Overall, the CF-70 provides a crisp, dynamic sound with good size and just enough speed to get the job done. It's more of a brute than a finesse player, though.
Read the High Points, Low Points and Conclusion on Page 2
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