Напольная акустика — Davis Acoustics Krypton 10

The Krypton 10 is a three-way column in the Krypton range from Davis Acoustics, a French brand established in 1986 that designs and manufactures its loudspeakers in France. Davis calls it the most refined model of the series, which is positioned halfway between the Ariane and Courbet ranges and also contains the Krypton 9, Krypton 6, Krypton 3 V2 and the Krypton C centre channel. Suggested retail price is EUR 1,200 per speaker.

Key specs that matter

Davis builds it as a three-way reflex-loaded column carrying four drivers, with a laminar vent placed at the front. A 28 mm fabric dome tweeter and a 13 cm Kevlar midrange sit above two 21 cm woofers with cellulose pulp cones, which are wired in parallel. Crossover points are 400 Hz and 4,000 Hz. Davis quotes a response of 32 Hz to 24,000 Hz within 3 dB, sensitivity of 93.5 dB and an impedance given as 4 to 8 ohms. Power handling is 175 W nominal and 250 W maximum. Each cabinet measures 108 cm high, 23 cm wide and 35 cm deep, and weighs 28 kg.

Engineering and use context

The Krypton name goes back to a Davis speaker created at the end of the 1980s, which the company credits with establishing its house identity. In the current series the floorstanders stand on a solid base that leans the cabinet slightly to the rear, which puts tweeter and midrange in time alignment. The tweeter uses a very fine impregnated fabric dome, similar to silk, backed by a tapered rear chamber that captures the back wave. The midrange is a Davis driver whose woven cone has a strongly reflected profile. The woofers use treated and damped cellulose cones, light yet rigid, driven by a dedicated magnetic motor, with a cabinet back designed so air can flow freely behind the cones. The twin large woofers are what separate the Krypton 10 from the smaller Krypton 6 and Krypton 9. Davis positions it for large living rooms. Three finishes are offered - Nordik with light wood and white or grey fabric, Technik in matte black, and Classik combining walnut with a grey or brown cloth.

Pairing

Davis intends the Krypton 10 to be used with high-end electronics. For multichannel use the range adds the Krypton C centre channel, and the Krypton 3 V2 is the compact model of the series, built around a mid/bass driver with the seventh generation of the woven Kevlar cone and a soft dome tweeter with a rear decompression chamber.

Alternatives

The Davis Acoustics Krypton 9 is the next floorstander down in the range, using two 17 cm cellulose woofers in a 106 cm tall cabinet weighing 24 kg.