Floorstanding loudspeakers — HECO Aurora XT 1000

The Aurora XT 1000 is a passive floor-standing three-way speaker from HECO, the German maker that points to more than 70 years in loudspeaker building. It is the XT revision of the earlier Aurora 1000 and keeps that model's cabinet size, efficiency and power rating, while HECO lists slightly lower crossover points for the new version. The Aurora XT family also contains an active subwoofer, and the Fluktus tweeter is fitted to every speaker of the line apart from that subwoofer.

Key specs that matter

The XT 1000 carries four drivers. Two 200 mm woofers and a 170 mm midrange have cones of HECO kraft paper, while a 28 mm silk compound dome handles the top end. The crossover hands over at 250 Hz and 3,100 Hz. Frequency range is quoted as 22 Hz to 42,000 Hz, and efficiency is 93 dB measured at 2.8 V and 1 m. Impedance runs from 4 to 8 ohm. Power handling is 230 W RMS and 380 W peak, while HECO suggests amplifiers of 30 to 380 W. The cabinet measures 235 x 1200 x 375 mm, or 305 x 1258 x 393 mm once the base and terminal are included, and one speaker weighs 26.6 kg.

Engineering and use context

The tweeter is cooled with ferrofluid and driven by a dual ferrite magnet, and it sits behind a Fluktus acoustic flange whose multi-wave front plate was shaped with computer optimisation. Several internal braces stiffen the reflex-loaded enclosure, and its reflex tubes are shaped for low air turbulence and screwed into place. Solid crossbeams form the base, carrying height-adjustable aluminium cone spikes, and interchangeable metal and rubber tips let the owner match the feet to hard floors or carpet. According to HECO, the filter network is optimised for both phase and amplitude. Front and top panels wear a silk-matt lacquer combined with wood decor, and black, oak and walnut versions are offered. The fabric covers are held in place by magnets.

Pairing

The high efficiency means moderate amplifier power already gives high listening levels, which is why HECO sets the lower end of its amplifier recommendation as low as 30 W. The impedance can fall to 4 ohm, so an amplifier specified for 4 ohm loads is the safer choice. Gold-plated, encapsulated terminals let the owner bi-wire the speaker or bi-amp it from a pair of stereo amplifiers, and the Aurora XT subwoofer can extend the system for film use.

Alternatives

The HECO In Vita 9 is another three-way HECO tower, using three 170 mm woofers in a 205 mm wide cabinet.