The Heco Aurora 700 is making waves in the audiophile community as a floor-standing speaker designed for those who demand premium sound quality. This review will thoroughly cover its features, performance, design, and comparison to its rivals. By the end, you’ll clearly understand whether the Heco Aurora 700 is the right choice for your sound system.

Overview of the Heco Aurora 700

Heco, a renowned German audio brand, consistently delivers high-quality sound solutions. The Aurora series epitomizes the company’s commitment to combining cutting-edge technology with elegant design. The Aurora 700, a mid-range offering in this lineup, balances cost-effectiveness and performance, making it an appealing choice for audio enthusiasts and casual listeners.

Key Features

Construction and Build Quality

The Heco Aurora 700 is a towering yet elegant piece of equipment that embodies quality and attention to detail. Standing nearly 115 cm tall, it makes its presence known in any room, yet its sleek design ensures it doesn’t overpower the space visually. The cabinet is crafted from high-density MDF panels, which minimizes unwanted vibrations and resonance, resulting in cleaner and more accurate sound reproduction. Every building element feels deliberate, from the solid base to the precision-engineered drivers.

The exterior design is equally noteworthy. Available in a matte silk finish with options like black ebony or white satin, the Aurora 700 exudes sophistication. The finish resists smudges and scratches, maintaining its pristine look even after prolonged use. Subtle wooden accents enhance its aesthetic appeal, making it a suitable addition to modern and traditional interiors.

Another thoughtful feature is the dual bass reflex port system. Positioned at the rear, these ports optimize airflow to enhance low-frequency response without compromising clarity. This design ensures that the bass remains tight and controlled, even during demanding tracks or movie scenes. The speaker’s heavy-duty binding posts also support high-quality cable connections, maintaining signal integrity for an uncompromised audio experience.

The Aurora 700 promises durability and sets the stage for an exceptional auditory experience with its robust construction and carefully considered design elements.

Driver Configuration

Its advanced driver configuration is at the heart of the Heco Aurora 700’s performance. The speaker features a meticulously designed three-way system, handling each frequency band precisely. The 28mm silk dome tweeter is a standout component, engineered to deliver smooth and detailed high frequencies. Whether it’s the delicate shimmer of cymbals or the piercing clarity of high-pitched vocals, the tweeter ensures every detail is faithfully reproduced.

The midrange driver and dual woofers are equally impressive. Each measures 170mm in diameter and utilizes Heco’s proprietary coated paper cones. This material choice balances stiffness and lightness, allowing rapid movement that minimizes distortion while maintaining dynamic range. The result is a midrange that feels natural and lifelike, complemented by a bass response that is deep, punchy, and highly responsive.

Thanks to a carefully tuned crossover network, these drivers integrate seamlessly. This network ensures frequencies transition smoothly from one driver to the next, avoiding overlaps or gaps in the sound. Whether you’re listening to a solo acoustic performance or a complex orchestral arrangement, the Aurora 700 handles the intricacies of the audio with aplomb.

Frequency Range and Impedance

The Aurora 700 boasts an impressive frequency range of 25 Hz to 42,000 Hz, far surpassing the limits of human hearing. This wide range ensures no detail is lost, whether a string section’s subtle undertones or a cinematic explosion’s booming bass. The speaker’s 4-8 ohms impedance rating adds to its versatility, making it compatible with many amplifiers.

Power Handling

Thanks to the Aurora 700’s 300-watt power handling capacity, even the most prominent venues can be filled with rich, immersive sound. This capability makes it reliable for intimate listening sessions and larger gatherings.

Performance Evaluation

Sound Quality

The Heco Aurora 700 excels in delivering a rich and immersive soundstage. Here’s a breakdown of its audio performance:

• Highs: The silk dome tweeter ensures the highs are smooth and well-articulated without becoming harsh. Instruments like violins and cymbals retain their natural timbre.
• Mids: Vocals and mid-range instruments are rendered with remarkable clarity, making the speaker ideal for genres such as jazz and classical music.
• Lows: The dual woofers and bass reflex system provide deep, punchy bass that resonates beautifully in larger rooms. The low end remains tight and controlled, whether a bass guitar or electronic beats.

Dynamic Range

The Aurora 700 effortlessly handles dynamic shifts. From the delicate subtleties of an acoustic track to the thunderous crescendos of a symphony, this speaker retains composure without distortion.

Imaging and Soundstage

The speaker creates an expansive soundstage, immersing listeners in a three-dimensional audio experience. Accurate imaging ensures that each instrument occupies its distinct place, enhancing the realism of live recordings.

Design and Aesthetics

The Heco Aurora 700’s design is a perfect marriage of form and function. As a floor-standing speaker, it commands attention with its substantial presence while maintaining a sleek and modern aesthetic. Its minimalist design ensures it can seamlessly blend into various contemporary or traditional interiors.

Available in two finishes—black ebony and white satin—the Aurora 700 caters to different stylistic preferences. The matte silk finish adds a touch of elegance and serves a practical purpose. It resists fingerprints and scratches, keeping the speaker looking pristine over time. Adding wooden accents at the base and on the front panel enhances its visual appeal, creating a subtle, modern, and timeless contrast.

Another noteworthy design feature is the two bass reflex ports at the rear of the cabinet. While these ports primarily improve bass performance, their discreet placement ensures they do not disrupt the speaker’s clean lines. The heavy-duty binding posts at the rear are also thoughtfully designed, accommodating high-quality cables for a secure and efficient connection.

The Aurora 700’s proportions are carefully balanced, making it suitable for medium to large rooms. Despite its imposing height, the speaker maintains a relatively slim profile, ensuring it doesn’t overwhelm smaller spaces. The Heco Aurora 700’s design exemplifies the company’s dedication to producing superior goods in terms of sound quality and visual appeal.

Setup and Compatibility

Placement Tips

Setting up the Heco Aurora 700 correctly is crucial to maximizing its performance. It requires adequate space to deliver its full potential as a floor-standing speaker. Ideally, the speakers should be placed at least 1-2 feet away from walls to reduce reflections and bass exaggeration. This spacing allows the bass reflex ports to function optimally, ensuring a balanced low-frequency response.

Angling the speakers towards the primary listening position can enhance imaging and soundstage. This toe-in positioning helps create a focused and immersive listening experience, especially for stereo music playback. If the room allows, placing the speakers equidistant from the sidewalls can also help achieve a symmetrical soundstage.

To achieve optimal performance, use isolation pads or spikes to effectively separate the speakers from the floor. This minimizes vibrations that can muddy the sound, particularly at higher volumes. Additionally, ensure that the tweeters are at ear level when seated, as this alignment is critical for accurate high-frequency reproduction.

Amplifier Pairing

The Heco Aurora 700’s 4-8 ohm impedance rating and power handling capacity of up to 300 watts make it compatible with a wide range of amplifiers. For best results, pair it with an amplifier capable of delivering 50-150 watts per channel. Brands like Marantz, Denon, and Yamaha offer models that complement the Aurora 700’s sound profile.

Comparisons with Competitors

The Heco Aurora 700 stands out in a crowded market, but how does it fare against its main competitors? Let’s explore.

Heco Aurora 700 vs. Klipsch RP-6000F

The Klipsch RP-6000F is a popular choice in the same price range, known for its bright and lively sound signature. While this appeals to rock and electronic music fans, some listeners may find the high frequencies more balanced. In contrast, the Aurora 700 offers a more neutral and balanced sound, making it suitable for a broader range of genres. The Aurora 700 also delivers superior bass performance thanks to its dual woofer configuration.

Heco Aurora 700 vs. Wharfedale Diamond 12.4

Wharfedale’s Diamond 12.4 is another strong contender for those who prefer a warm, laid-back sound profile. While the Diamond 12.4 excels in vocal-centric music, the Aurora 700 offers better detail retrieval and dynamic range. The Aurora 700’s bass response is also tighter and more impactful, making it a better choice for cinematic experiences.

Heco Aurora 700 vs. KEF Q750

KEF’s Q750 is renowned for its innovative Uni-Q driver array, which delivers excellent midrange clarity and imaging. However, the Q750 comes at a higher price point. The Aurora 700 provides comparable performance in terms of soundstage and bass response while being more budget-friendly. This makes the Aurora 700 a better value for those seeking high-performance audio without breaking the bank.

Here’s a detailed comparison of the Heco Aurora 700 with its notable competitors: Klipsch RP-6000F, Wharfedale EVO 4.4, and KEF Q750.

Feature	Heco Aurora 700	Klipsch RP-6000F	Wharfedale EVO 4.4	KEF Q750
Dimensions (H x W x D)	1150 x 190 x 325 mm	1007 x 237 x 431 mm	1060 x 250 x 310 mm	945 x 210 x 310 mm
Weight	19.6 kg	22.3 kg	25.6 kg	16.5 kg
Frequency Response	25 Hz – 42,000 Hz	34 Hz – 25,000 Hz	44 Hz – 22,000 Hz	48 Hz – 28,000 Hz
Sensitivity	92 dB	97 dB	89 dB	88 dB
Impedance	4 – 8 ohms	8 ohms	8 ohms	8 ohms
Power Handling	300 watts	125 watts	200 watts	150 watts
Tweeter	28mm silk dome	1″ titanium LTS	30mm fabric dome	1″ aluminum dome
Midrange Driver	170mm paper cone	N/A	50mm soft dome	6.5″ aluminum cone
Woofer	Dual 170mm paper cones	Dual 6.5″ cerametallic cones	Dual 6.5″ woven Kevlar cones	6.5″ aluminum cone + dual 6.5″ passive radiators
Cabinet Design	MDF with a matte silk finish	MDF with vinyl veneer	MDF with real wood veneer	MDF with vinyl veneer
Port Type	Dual rear bass reflex	Rear Tractrix port	Bottom-firing port	Front port
Bi-Amping Capability	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Price Range	Mid-range	Mid-range	Mid to High-range	Mid-range

Pros and Cons

Pros

Exceptional Sound Quality

The Heco Aurora 700 delivers a rich and balanced sound profile, excelling across all frequency ranges. The highs are crisp without harshness, the mids are warm and articulate, and the lows are deep and controlled. This makes it a versatile speaker suitable for various genres and listening preferences.

Premium Build Quality

Crafted with high-density MDF panels and a matte silk finish, the Aurora 700 is designed to last. The dual bass reflex ports and proprietary coated paper cones further enhance its durability and performance, ensuring years of reliable use.

Elegant Aesthetic Design

The speaker blends seamlessly with different home interiors in black ebony and white satin finishes. Its minimalist design, complemented by subtle wooden accents, adds a touch of sophistication to any room.

Wide Compatibility

With its 4-8 ohm impedance range, the Aurora 700 pairs well with various amplifiers. Its power handling capacity of up to 300 watts ensures it can perform optimally in small and large spaces.

Affordable for Its Performance

The Aurora 700 is a great option for audiophiles on a budget since, despite its high-end capabilities, it is reasonably priced.

Cons

Placement Sensitivity

The speaker requires careful placement to deliver its best performance. Improper positioning can lead to exaggerated bass or diminished imaging, making the setup more demanding for beginners.

Large Footprint

The Aurora 700 occupies significant space as a floor-standing speaker, which might not be ideal for users with compact rooms or limited space.

Lack of Wireless Connectivity

Unlike some modern speakers, the Aurora 700 lacks built-in wireless connectivity options like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, limiting its use with streaming services without additional equipment.

Use Cases

Home Theater Systems

The Heco Aurora 700 is a fantastic choice for home theater setups. Its dynamic range and powerful bass make it well-suited for delivering an immersive cinematic experience. Whether watching action-packed blockbusters or quiet, dialogue-heavy dramas, the Aurora 700 ensures every sound detail is crystal clear. Pair it with a center channel and subwoofer for a surround sound system that rivals dedicated home theater setups.

Music Listening

For music lovers, the Aurora 700 offers a well-rounded audio experience. Its balanced frequency response makes it adaptable to various genres, from the rich harmonies of classical compositions to the energetic beats of electronic dance music. The speaker’s ability to reproduce subtle nuances and maintain clarity at high volumes ensures a satisfying listening experience, whether enjoying solo sessions or hosting a party.

Professional Use

Thanks to its accurate sound reproduction, the Aurora 700 is an excellent option for semi-professional or professional audio work. It can serve as a reference speaker for mixing, mastering, or critical listening, providing a detailed and true-to-source sound profile that aids in creating high-quality audio content.

Pricing and Value

The Heco Aurora 700 is priced competitively within the mid-range floor-standing speaker market. While it doesn’t come cheap, its performance and build quality justify the investment. Compared to higher-end models that cost significantly more, the Aurora 700 offers a performance-to-price ratio that is hard to beat.

The Aurora 700’s timeless style and sturdy construction guarantee that it will continue to be a treasured asset for many years, in addition to its affordability. Its value is increased because it works with various amplifiers and audio configurations, making it a flexible speaker that can adapt to your changing audio requirements. When considering the costs of comparable speakers with similar features, the Aurora 700 is a cost-effective option for audiophiles seeking premium sound without exceeding their budget.

Customer Reviews

Real-world feedback is often the most reliable indicator of a product’s performance, and the Heco Aurora 700 has received overwhelmingly positive user reviews. Here are some common themes that emerge from customer testimonials:

What Customers Love

• Balanced Sound: Many users praise the speaker for its balanced and natural sound signature, which handles all genres of music with finesse.
• Bass Performance: The dual woofers deliver a satisfying, low-end, powerful, and controlled response, making it a favorite among bass enthusiasts.
• Elegant Design: Customers appreciate the speaker’s sleek and minimalist appearance, noting how well it blends into their home decor.
• Value for Money: For its price, the Aurora 700 provides features and performance that rival more expensive models.

Constructive Feedback

• Placement Challenges: Some users note that achieving optimal sound quality requires careful placement and adjustment, which can be challenging for beginners.
• Size Considerations: The speaker’s large footprint has been mentioned as a drawback for those with smaller spaces or minimalist setups.

Overall, the Aurora 700 enjoys a stellar reputation among its users, with most agreeing that its pros outweigh its minor drawbacks.

FAQs

What is the Heco Aurora 700’s power handling?

The Heco Aurora 700 is appropriate for broad areas and high-volume applications because it can manage up to 300 watts of power.

Does the Heco Aurora 700 work in small rooms?

While it’s ideal for medium—to large rooms, it can also perform well in smaller spaces with proper placement.

Is the Heco Aurora 700 compatible with all amplifiers?

Yes, it’s compatible with amplifiers that provide 50-150 watts per channel and support 4-8 ohms impedance.

Can I use the Heco Aurora 700 for home theater?

Absolutely. Its dynamic range and bass performance make it an excellent choice for immersive home theater setups.

How vital is speaker placement for the Aurora 700?

Placement is crucial. Positioning the speakers away from walls and angling them towards the listening position will optimize sound quality.

What type of music is the Heco Aurora 700 best for?

The Aurora 700 excels across all genres, offering detailed highs, balanced mids, and tight bass for an excellent listening experience.

Does the Heco Aurora 700 have wireless features?

No, it does not have built-in wireless connectivity. You’ll need additional equipment to stream wirelessly.

What other speakers are similar to the Heco Aurora 700?

In the mid-range price category, competitors like the Klipsch RP-6000F, Wharfedale EVO 4.4, and KEF Q750 offer similar performance.

Conclusion

The Heco Aurora 700 is a testament to Heco’s commitment to quality and innovation. It offers outstanding sound quality, a sleek design, and a competitive price, making it a fantastic option for many users. Whether you’re an audiophile seeking high-fidelity sound, a movie enthusiast building a home theater or a casual listener upgrading your setup, the Aurora 700 has something to offer.

With its balanced sound signature, premium construction, and compatibility with various amplifiers, the Aurora 700 stands out as a versatile and reliable speaker. While it requires thoughtful setup and occupies a significant footprint, these considerations are minor compared to its benefits.

If you’re looking for a speaker that delivers on all fronts—performance, design, and value—the Heco Aurora 700 deserves a place at the top of your list.