Acoustic Energy
Acoustic Energy Loudspeakers was founded in 1987 with the launch of the world-renowned AE1 loudspeaker, setting new industry standards in audio performance from a compact enclosure. In 1994 we joined forces with an overseas manufacturing partner to enable the brand to expand its global reach through a wider product portfolio. To facilitate this growth, we moved from London to larger premises in the historical Cotswold town of Cirencester, where we remain to this day.
In 2017 Acoustic Energy became wholly British owned again, with its four Directors having over 100 years experience in the audio industry between them. For over 30 years our products have received critical acclaim from journalists around the world, helping to secure our status as one of the most highly regarded British brands in the audio industry.
Our simple philosophy is to employ technology wisely, thoroughly and elegantly with one objective in mind – to accurately transfer the amplified signal into audible energy and faithfully reproduce even the most complex and dynamic musical programme… all for the love of music.
500 Series
Our flagship 500 Series, comprises three models, the AE500 stand-mount, the AE509 and AE520 floor-standers and boast our newly developed carbon fibre tweeters and mid/bass drivers, designed to match the pistonic power and accuracy of our legendary ceramic aluminium drivers but with improved self-damping for a smoother, more transparent sound.
300 Series
The 300 Series features multiple upgrades over the entry-level 100 Series, all designed to improve both audio performance and aesthetics, befitting of its more premium status. Bespoke new drive units have been designed in tandem to offer seamless tonal integration in addition to low distortion and high power handling benefits. The 28mm aluminium dome tweeter also features our WDT Wide Dispersion Technology™ and a re-designed 130mm aluminium mid-bass driver uses a ceramic aluminium sandwich cone and long throw motor system. The seamless cabinet enclosures boast an inert 18mm high density MDF material with proprietary internal bracing technology to reduce cabinet colouration. They’re finished in attractive real open grain walnut wood veneer, piano grade high gloss black or white lacquer options.
The result is a premium-finished package which offers a refined, accurate and above all, enjoyable musical experience. Embodying all the qualities Acoustic Energy are famous for… and designed for the love of music.
Given the demanding requirements that led to the creation of the original 1 Series, it may sound surprising that we’ve been able to obtain even higher performance from more compact enclosures at more affordable prices… the 300 Series is physical proof this is possible.
100 Series
The 100 Series introduces a number of improvements and evolutionary changes all focused on refining the listening experience at the same time as providing a more room friendly loudspeaker. We’ve introduced our WDT tweeter assembly from the AE1 Active, which creates far better in-room dispersion, as well as locating our slot ports to the rear for less midrange colouration and improved bass response. At the same time, the external design has been improved for a more elegant appearance and smaller footprint that should work well in a wide variety of surroundings. With higher quality fit and finish than ever before available from our entry level ranges, new colour and vinyl options and neat magnetic grilles the visual appeal is higher than ever.
The result is a stylish and more powerful range of speakers that embodies all of the qualities that Acoustic Energy is renowned for while taking advantage of everything that we have learned in our continuous process of development.
AE1 Active
The changing roles of hifi equipment mean that audio systems themselves are changing shape. The increasing number of products with integrated pre-amplifiers mean that many customers are searching for an equally convenient speaker to connect them to. Taking full advantage of Acoustic Energy’s considerable experience in the field of active speakers, the AE1 Active is designed to deliver this convenience without trading performance.
The AE1 Active is a two way standmount speaker with integrated class A/B amplification and fully active filter networks. Featuring Acoustic Energy’s legendary pure piston ceramic aluminium cone technology, the AE1 Active has all the refinement and impact you would expect from the original AE1 housed within a self powered, fully active package. The speakers also feature Acoustic Energy’s proprietary aluminium dome tweeter with our unique WDT waveguide for improved coverage and room integration.
Ideal for direct connection to audiophile DAC/Preamps and Hi-Res streamers, the AE1 Active merges three decades of AE1 refinement with Acoustic Energy’s expertise in the active studio monitor sector. Fully bi-amped with two 50Watt class A/B amplifiers per speaker, the design offers unrivalled amplifier speaker integration and class leading dynamics. The new Active model offers all the musical insight and detail that has made the AE1 the audiophile’s small speaker of choice for 30 years.