Floorstanding loudspeakers — HECO Aurora XT 700

The HECO Aurora XT 700 is a slim 3-way bass-reflex floorstanding speaker from the Aurora series, with two bass drivers working below a dedicated midrange. It builds on the earlier Aurora 700 platform and adds the brand's newer Fluktus tweeter technology. In sensitivity, HECO states, it comes close to the larger Aurora 1000.

Key specs that matter

HECO rates the response at 25Hz to 42.5kHz. Sensitivity is quoted at 92-93dB at 2.83V/1m, so modest amplifier power already gives it healthy volume. Impedance is given as 4-8 ohms. Power handling is 200W RMS and 300W maximum, and HECO recommends amplifiers rated from 30W to 300W. The crossover points sit at 290Hz and 3.3kHz. The cabinet measures 195 x 1100 x 325mm, or 265 x 1158 x 343mm with the stand and terminal included, and weighs 19.9kg.

Engineering and use context

The two 170mm bass drivers use lightweight HECO kraft paper cones designed for low distortion. A third 170mm driver with a cone of the same material handles the midrange on its own. Treble comes from a 28mm silk compound dome tweeter mounted in the Fluktus acoustic flange, which has ferrofluid cooling and a strong ferrite double-magnet motor for high output capacity. The cabinet stands on base crossbars fitted with height-adjustable solid aluminium cone spikes. The finish combines silk-matte lacquer with modern wood decor in Ebony Black or Ivory White, and the front grille attaches magnetically.

Pairing

High sensitivity and a broad recommended amplifier window mean the XT 700 works with refined low-power amplifiers as well as high-current designs. The XT 700 suits a stereo music system just as well as front duty in a home theatre.

Alternatives

Above it sits the HECO Aurora XT 1000, a bigger Aurora XT tower that reaches deeper in the bass and offers higher sensitivity.