About The Acoustic Energy AE300 Bookshelf Speakers
The Acoustic Energy AE300 is a standmount loudspeaker that sports a brand new ceramic aluminium sandwich bass cone which offers extended bass slam and impressive power handling. Combined with wide output slot rear-porting, the AE300's are extremely flexible loudspeakers for use in any room or position in the home.
The AE300 is a new compact stand-mount loudspeaker suitable for small to medium sized rooms. Following on from the award winning AE100, it offers a significant step up in both audio quality, materials, and cabinet finish.
Tracing its lineage back to the original AE1, the AE300 uses the latest generation of AE's 130mm mid-bass drive unit. Featuring a brand new ceramic aluminium sandwich cone with an ultra-shallow profile and ultra-high force, long throw motor system, this new driver boasts improved dispersion, extended bass slam and overall power handling.
A new 25mm aluminium tweeter has been developed for the 300 Series which offers high power handling and a low fundamental resonance to reduce distortion. However, the main benefit to this new design is the excellent dispersion characteristics thanks to AE's Wide Dispersion Technology waveguides. The waveguides shape the acoustic output of the tweeter to match the woofer and provide a wider sweet-spot in your listening environment.
The inert 18mm high density MDF cabinet utilises proprietary bracing technology derived from the award-winning Reference Series, to reduce cabinet colouration and allow the new transducers to breath freely within the listening environment. The slot shaped duct port on the rear of the speaker augments the bass output and has been carefully developed to reduce the effect of air turbulence with a clean undistorted bass performance.
The result is a finely crafted speaker with clean, uncluttered lines delivering a thrilling and powerful presentation discerning Acoustic Energy owners have come to expect for over 30 years.
Finished in a choice of Piano gloss black, white or satin real walnut wood veneer finishes, the AE300 will easily integrate within any home décor placed on speaker stands or bookshelves.
Acoustic Energy 300 Series
Building on the hugely popular and universally acclaimed 100 Series, the 300 Series raises the performance bar further still…
The new 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 AE's 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.
A Closer Look
Tweeter: A new 25mm aluminium tweeter has been developed for the 300 Series which offers high power handling and a low fundamental resonance to reduce distortion. However, the main benefit to this new design is the excellent dispersion characteristics thanks to AE's Wide Dispersion Technology waveguides. The waveguides shape the acoustic output of the tweeter to match the woofer and provide a wider sweet-spot in your listening environment.
Mid/Bass Driver: Tracing its lineage back to the original AE1, the AE300 uses the latest generation of their 130mm mid-bass drive unit. Featuring a brand new shallow profile aluminium sandwich cone with an ultra-high force, long throw motor system. This new driver boasts improved dispersion, extended bass slam and overall power handling.
Cabinet: The inert 18mm high density MDF cabinet utilises proprietary bracing technology derived from the award-winning Reference Series, to reduce cabinet colouration and allow the new transducers to breath freely within the listening environment. The slot shaped duct port on the rear of the speaker augments the bass output and has been carefully developed to reduce the effect of air turbulence with a clean undistorted bass performance.
Speaker Positioning
The AE300’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 AE300’s benefit from either good stands or a solid surface below them.
The AE300 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.
In The News
“With the silky tones of Sinead O’Connor on her version of ‘Peggy Gordon’ from ‘Sean-Nos Nua’ the intakes of breath between the lines took me aback. This was as realistic as it comes from a set of compact standmount loudspeakers. So much so I could not help playing the track again and again to revel in the levels of detail revealed.”
“A compact loudspeaker that punches well above its weight. Highly recommended”
“Verdict: OUTSTANDING: amongst the best” Hi-Fi World (Five World Review Rating)
Our Take
If you like the AE100’s but are after the next step up the AE300’s could be the speaker for you. They take everything that makes the AE100 so popular and add a further level of refinement, dynamics, bass extension & vocal realness. They’re still not expensive for the quality on offer at less than $1,500 dollars but with a good source and amp (think Audiolab 6000CDT CD Player paired with an Audiolab 6000A Amp) they will give real musical enjoyment. And that’s a cracking system for under $4K. We generally have the AE300 on demonstration so please, if you’re interested, make the time to stop by our comfortable Ringwood showrooms for a listen to some of your favourite tunes.
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: 2 Way, 2 Driver Bookshelf or Stand Mount Speaker
- Mid/Bass Driver: 5” (130mm) ceramic aluminium sandwich cone
- Tweeter: 1” (25mm) aluminium dome
- Frequency Range: 45Hz -35kHz
- Sensitivity: 86dB
- Peak SBL: 112dB
- Power Handling: 100 Watts
- Crossover Frequency: 2.8kHz
- Impedance: 6 Ohms
- Available Finishes: Piano 'Gloss' White, Piano 'Gloss' Black and real Walnut wood veneer
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 175 x 300 x 260mm
- Weight: 6.5kg (each)
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 5 Years
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE