At that time they ran initially at my ancient, "kräpeligen" Sony TA-AX410 Vollverstärkerchens, I had more than 20 years in use and even on this they sounded in pure stereo operation (2.0) then already outstanding!
Meanwhile, there is a Setup in addition to the xt xt-701 4-301 and a xt-Center31 and is now fired + driven by a Denon AVR-3311. (5.0 + 2.0 for a secondary zone)
In addition to excellent for this price workmanship (work despite "only" decorative / foil - which is very good transmit queue regardless and looks not artificial or inauthentic - very classy and high quality), they feature a great, impressive sound quality (this had however first times the AV receiver from me are "gesounded" according manually because it could not provide convincing results my automatic calibration via microphone, because the sound I came along in this way too much treble, sharp and without sufficient volume / power in the fundamental tone and the bass range, So not my idea of comfort sound corresponded)
The XT speakers sound overall very natural, homogeneous, warm, vivid, even subtly / high resolution and especially the "big" 701 provide a depth and precision in the bass range, which one them due to their delicate shape and the rather small bass drivers (it is in contrast to the XT-501 is a real three-way system) would never dare. The bass is convincing even with body PA (bone dry, precise, robust yet intrusive at any time or set up and over the top) so much that I previously could me not even decide to supplement a subwoofer (which I will, however, probably sometime but still do) It booms / resonates here also nothing, not even at higher room volumes (the room has about 30 square meters) Who was however prefers very analytical and speaker on the last bit of clarity and audibility attaches great importance, which is probably another, alternative producers ( it Nubert, Canton, etc.) better off!
I use this sound system in different modes, both in the home theater Films, series and (rarely) TV shows, as well as listening to music or playing on the PC and make the speakers in any situation an excellent figure and just enjoy!
However, what stands out is that the bass is very sensitive very dependent on the installation and listening position or in this regard. If necessary, were anti-fashion measures (whether by the AV receiver), so certainly helpful to the potential of the XT-701 fully unlock, which the frequency cancellations that can compensate caused by reflections and interference, depending on the respective listening position. Or / and you have to experiment in accordance with the line-up! (They squeeze into the corner, is not a good idea, they need a certain degree of distance from walls!)
As quality these speakers are sound technically, you can tell by the way also and at the latest when you time to enjoy a really good HD audio track (it was a live recording on Bluray) comes, because then you will experience a small quantum leap by more " pressure ", clarity / purity and it still emerged more fine detail, compared for example to an already very good DTS soundtrack. The pure feel-good sound and ears!
I want - as someone who has studied quite intensively since his early youth with sound quality, speakers and amplifiers - even say that it is amazing and gratifying, for as little money nowadays already such good sound quality you get offered (even in Rochester Upper calibration) , XT speakers from grade of Metas would have certainly have to spend a fortune about 20-30 years ago, but these days is such a sound quality become affordable for ordinary people and people Heco offers here MMN an excellent, very fair-price ratio, in view of the processing and sound quality, the Metas XT-series! ;-)
Full 5 stars!