About The Acoustic Energy AE100 MK2 Speakers
The Acoustic Energy AE100 MK2 is a compact standmount loudspeaker that has been engineered to offer neutral balance, low-distortion and high power handling with as little cabinet colouration as possible. Combined with wide output slot rear-porting, the AE100’s are extremely flexible loudspeakers for use in any room or position in the home.
The AE100 MK2 has been designed with a view to achieving high sound pressure levels from a small enclosure. This is obtained principally through the use of a 5” (130mm) driver built around an ultra-high force motor system that allows for an extremely long throw under complete control... in the best traditions of Acoustic Energy. This is augmented by a slot shaped bass duct which allows for a considerable cross sectional area while negating the issues of the air becoming audible as it moves through the duct. A 1” (25mm) soft dome tweeter featuring Acoustic Energy’s Wide Dispersion Technology completes the driver complement. The cabinet is made from 15mm thick sections of HDF (High Density Fibreboard). Taking design cues from the award winning 500 Series and finished in a choice of satin black or walnut vinyl veneer finishes, the AE100 MK2 is sure to look good wherever you choose to place it while delivering a sound that belies its compact size.
Why The 100 Series
The latest adaptation of Acoustic Energy’s globally acclaimed 100 Series features an all-new, innovative design from the ground up…
The new 100 Series MK2 introduces a plethora of evolutionary improvements focused on refining the listening experience. All models (aside from AE108 MK2 Subwoofer) feature Acoustic Energy’s WDT (Wide Dispersion Tweeter) waveguide for improved dispersion, now taking cues from the 500 Series with mid/bass drivers moved closer to the tweeter. The drive units are all-new and designed in tandem to offer seamless integration along with improved response and power handling. Slot ports to the rear of each cabinet reduce chuffing & distortion, thanks to a new tooled vent to further smooth airflow. Finally, as a first at this price point, the 100 Series MK2 uses HDF (High Density Fibreboard) construction to allow thinner cabinet walls with no loss in mass or stiffness – the result is larger internal volume providing deeper bass response for minimal external size increase.
This elegant, compact yet powerful range of speakers embodies all the qualities Acoustic Energy is renowned for, while taking advantage of everything they’ve learned in their continuous journey of development.
Speaker Positioning
The AE100’s are very flexible with regard to positioning and are designed to work well wherever they are located within the listening environment. There are however some basic guidelines that should be followed (where possible) for optimum performance. The tweeters (high frequency drivers) should ideally be at ear level when the listener is seated and for serious listening the grilles are best removed where practical. Rigid support is necessary for the speakers to deliver optimum dynamic response and detail so the AE100’s benefit from either good stands or a solid surface below them.
The AE100 Series speakers are very ‘room-friendly’ and should be able to be placed where most convenient with minimal detriment to sound. Where possible a minimum of 150mm of space should be allowed between the speakers and boundary walls. For stereo listening the two speakers should be the same distance from each other as the listening position. Experiment and listen to what works best for you, trust your own ears and judgement.
Reviews
“There is much to like about Acoustic Energy’s new AE100 Mk II standmounter. Set it up correctly, and it will sing for you – making music enjoyable and engaging. As with every loudspeaker, correct positioning is key, and when this is working right, it delivers a lot at the price. Of course, it has some low-frequency limitations, as all compact speakers do, but it still proved able to replicate bass notes in a tuneful way.
Thanks to this speaker’s generally sunny disposition, it proved to give a good rendition of all the music I threw at it. Of course, you’ll need a decent quality amplifier with at least 40W RMS per channel of power to really get the best from this baby box, but this done, it delivers an impressively uniform sound at low, medium and high volume levels. So if you are in the market for a little loudspeaker that’s sonically bigger than its compact cabinet suggests, you’re on the right track here – it certainly puts a smile on your dial!” StereoNet
Our Take
The AE100 MK2 has a unique and seductive tonality that is markedly different from most and will appeal to people who love a sweet treble character. Where so many speakers exhibit elevated high frequencies which are guaranteed to wear the listener down over time the AE100 MK2 offers an unusually mature and refined character that is reminiscent of much more expensive BBC type speakers. This is a very gentlemanly loudspeaker but it can also go properly loud way beyond its physical stature when pushed with an appropriate amplifier. A genuine contender and a new store favourite at the price point.
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: 2 Way Stand Mount/Bookshelf Speaker
- Mid/Bass Driver: 5” (130mm) paper cone
- Tweeter: 1” (25mm) soft dome
- Frequency Range: 51 Hz -26 kHz
- Sensitivity: 87dB
- Peak SBL: 112dB
- Power Handling: 120 Watts
- Crossover Frequency: 2.9 kHz
- Impedance: 6 Ohms
- Finishes: Satin Black and Walnut Vinyl Veneer
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 165 x 290 x 250mm
- Weight: 9.2 kg (pair)
- Manufacturer’s Warranty: 5 Years
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.