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acoustic energy AE1 40th anniversary loudspeakers

Acoustic Energy AE1 40th anniversary loudspeakers

In 1987, Acoustic Energy released a standmount loudspeaker that would redefine what was possible from such a compact enclosure. The AE1 became an instant classic. Now, for Acoustic Energy's 40th anniversary, the AE1 is back, faithfully reproduced, but also improved, making this little firecracker as relevant today as it was almost 40 years ago.

acoustic energy at the little audio company,

While parts and drivers of the original AE1 are long out of production, almost everything had to be faithfully reproduced in order to create the 40th anniversary model.

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The dimensions of the cabinet are nigh on identical to the originals, save for the odd millimetre here and there, and construction has been tuned to match the original. Acoustic Energy's own RSC (Resonance Suppression Composite) technology from the flagship Corinium model has replaced the concrete lining of the originals, avoiding the production drawbacks it created.

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The reproduced port tubes have been tweaked to allow a little extra bass output.

AE1 40th in high gloss black
AE1 40th in high gloss walnut

The 25mm magnesium HF unit has been replaced by a 29mm alloy dome with a larger voice coil, lowering distortion, and a large rear chamber absorbs rear energy.

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The original 4.5" mid/bass driver has been replaced by a larger 5" version, increasing efficiency and lowering distortion. The original driver was made from spun aluminium rather than pressed aluminium, and to keep this reproduction of the original AE1 authentic, has been made in exactly the same way. The addition of an aluminium shorting ring in the motor structure reduces distortion caused by motion variation of the cone.​

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The bass driver retains the signature straight profile and 'pointy' dustcap.

AE1 black lac.jpg

So with the subtle redesigning of the AE1, the speaker is now a more efficient 87dB instead of 84dB of the original, making it a little more amp-friendly. An extra 5Hz depth can be enjoyed thanks to the larger bass driver, and a cleaner top end due to the larger HF unit. As mentioned above, the addition of the shorting ring behind the bass driver also reduces distortion. They're about 1kg lighter to the absence of concrete, but AE's RSC technology balances things out with regards to preserving sound quality.

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The holes on the front of the cabinet for the grilles are now gone, replaced by the modern technique of magnetic grilles, creating a cleaner, more modern look.​​

To produce a cleaner, more modern look, the angled logo and the holes on the front of the cabinet for the grilles are now gone, replaced by the modern technique of magnetic grilles.​​

  • two-way, ported design

  • 1x 29mm alloy HF unit

  • 1x 5" spun ceramic /alloy mid/bass driver

  • 6ohms nominal impedance

  • 87dB sensitivity

  • 2.8kHz crossover frequency

  • 50Hz-45kHz response

  • high gloss black or high gloss walnut finishes

  • H 295mm x W 180mm  x D 255mm 

  • £1,500 / pair

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