The "XD's" are somewhat of a light'ish sounding speaker with the soundstage starting between the speakers and extending well behind them. Tonality leans toward the sweet side of things. Nothing "hard" or "cold" about the sound. Spacial cues and instrument locations are outstanding. But my impression is that they lack a certain body and palpability that is available with other speaker/amp combinations. That "reach out and touch me" perception is a bit lacking in comparison to some other speakers. But, this does not mean that I didn't like them. Overall, the sound is relatively excellent.
My advice is to audition this speaker in your home before laying down hard earned dollars. I have also listened to the Revel F52 at the same store, with the XD's there, and preferred the Revels due to their their seemingly better sound projection and immediacy. If the recording media put a vocalist in your lap then that's exactly where the vocalist sounded - in your lap. I felt the Revels did a better job in that "reach out and touch me" venue. Music seemed more real and exciting. The XD's were more forgiving and slightly soft on top in comparison.
Whether the switching amplifier in the XD caused any of the perceived softness I don't know. Otherwise I would say it is an excellent sounding amplifier. Much better than the amps in most active monitor speakers that I have listened to. Maybe not the Meyer HD1 though.
But to each their own - some will prefer the XD, some will prefer the Revels. Most dealers nowdays will allow you to audition them in your home. Don't pass up the opportunity. It's a lot of money and you need to be sure that they are your cup of tea.
