Acoustic Energy AE1 Active Bookshelf Speakers

Acoustic Energy was founded in London, England in 1987 with the creation of the now-legendary AE1 loudspeaker. The AE1 redefined what was possible from a compact enclosure by setting new audio performance standards for dynamics, power and clarity previously unheard of outside larger, high-end speakers.  These design principals have remained enshrined in the company ethos to this day… 

Once becoming an Acoustic Energy owner, you’re beginning an audio journey that’ll provide decades of listening pleasure, whether new to our brand or upgrading.  You’re also buying into an exclusive club with the assurance of British design and engineering at its very best, backed by an industry-leading warranty support program, all created… for the love of music.

 

Description

Acoustic Energy AE Active Bookshelf Speakers (pair)

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.

Key to the success of the AE1 Active design is its unique pure piston ceramic aluminium cone technology. Now in its fifth generation, this 125mm ceramic hard-anodised spun aluminium cone offers exceptional stiffness at low weight. This negates the cone flex and break-up nodes at frequencies typical of paper and plastic cone designs. The tweeter is an all-new Acoustic Energy designed 27mm metal done unit designed to work in harmony with our Wide Dispersion Technology (WDT) waveguide. The result is perfect integration with the mid/bass driver, with extremely wide and spacious imaging.

Electronically, the AE1 Active is proudly an all-analogue design focused on performance without compromise. This includes wired analogue inputs, both balanced XLR and standard RCA, the highest quality linear power supplies and two pair-matched, high-performance 50Watt Class A/B amplifiers per speaker. While the design team experimented with wireless inputs, switch mode power supplies, Class D amplification and DSP, none delivered the audio performance befitting of a loudspeaker wearing the legendary AE1 badge.

AE1 Active (Walnut)

The active design offers the ability for accurate tuning to the listening room and placement thanks to defeatable +/- 2dB trims for bass and treble response. Each speaker features a high quality analogue volume pot for systems without level control on the source component. Each AE1 Active connects to a mains power supply using an IEC connector.

Externally, the AE1 Active gets a wholly redesigned cabinet. This features extensively braced heavyweight fibreboard construction with internal damping panels and the introduction of a slot port to the AE1 design for the first time. With several Acoustic Energy models already benefiting from the company’s R&D programme into slot port loading, the AE1 Active’s port delivers unrivalled cross-sectional area, reduced baffle space and significantly reduced ‘wind-noise’ at high volumes.

The AE1 Active maximises all the benefits of active loudspeaker design. These include reducing crossover losses, eliminating speaker cable influences and delivering unrivalled dynamic power. The result is a cohesive active loudspeaker with performance rivalling passive speaker / external amplifier set ups at many times its price.

With a bandwidth from 40Hz to 25kHz, efficiency of 104dB for 1Vrms, and maximum SPL of 115dB, no other small speaker gets close to the AE1 Active’s performance.

The AE1 Active is equally comfortable in the home or the recording studio. With the added benefit of adjustable bass and treble and a choice of RCA or balanced XLR connections, this speaker blends seamlessly into any listening environment.

mag_logo_hificritic_best_buymag_logo_stereo_videoGear Patrol rate teh AE1 Active as one of the best active speakers of 2019mag_logo_stereoplay_ae1_activemag_logo_audiofi_malaysiamag_logo_ae1 active taiwantrusted-reviewsmag_logo_hfc_editors_choiceStereonet Applause Award for the AE500Simplifi review the AE1 ActiveAE1 Active Product of the Year 2021 from StereonetLogo_a_brit_audiophile_poftheyear_2020A British Audiophile Outstanding Award for the AE1 Active

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

TWEETER

The tweeter is an all-new Acoustic Energy designed 27mm metal dome unit designed to work in harmony with our Wide Dispersion Technology (WDT) waveguide. The result is perfect integration with the mid/bass driver, with extremely wide and spacious imaging.

DRIVERS

Key to the success of the AE1 Active design is its unique pure piston ceramic aluminium cone technology. Now in its fifth generation, this 125mm ceramic hard-anodised spun aluminium cone offers exceptional stiffness at low weight. This negates the cone flex and break-up nodes at frequencies typical of paper and plastic cone designs.

AMPLIFICATION

Electronically, the AE1 Active is proudly an all-analogue design focused on performance without compromise. This includes wired analogue inputs, both balanced XLR and standard RCA, the highest quality linear power supplies and two pair-matched, high-performance 50Watt Class A/B amplifiers per speaker. While the design team experimented with wireless inputs, switch mode power supplies, Class D amplification and DSP, none delivered the audio performance befitting of a loudspeaker wearing the legendary AE1 badge.

CABINET

The cabinet is an extensively braced heavyweight fibreboard construction with internal damping panels and the introduction of a slot port to the AE1 design for the first time. With several Acoustic Energy models already benefiting from the company’s R&D programme into slot port loading, the AE1 Active’s port delivers unrivalled cross-sectional area, reduced baffle space and significantly reduced ‘wind-noise’ at high volumes.

SPECIFICATIONS

Drive Unit:125mm ceramic aluminium sandwich cone
Tweeter:25mm aluminium dome
Frequency Range:42Hz – 28kHz (+/-6dB)
Input Sensitivity:104dB for 1VRMS @ 1kHz
Peak SPL:115db
Maximum SPL:105db
Amplifier:Class A/B with linear power supply
Power:100w
Crossover Frequency:3.5kHz 4th Order Linkwitz-Riley
Inputs:RCA and Balanced XLR
Controls:Volume adjust 0dB to -inf
HF shelf +/-2dB
LF shelf +/-2dB

Power Connection:IEC C13
Voltage:Switchable 110 / 240v
Safety Certification:CE EN55013/20
Design:2 way active
Cabinet:18mm MDF with bracing and damping panels
Grilles: Slim, cloth magnetic fit 
Dimensions (mm):300 x 185 x 250 (HxWxD)
Weight:18kg (pair)
Finishes:Piano Black, Piano White and Piano Walnut real wood veneer

Related Products