Posted on Fri, 24 Mar, 2017
Posted by Bob

In the history of hi-fi loudspeakers, there are certain models which have blurred the lines between the worlds of Hi-Fi and professional monitoring: the BBC LS3/5a, the B&W 801, the Yamaha NS10 are all loudspeakers which have been embraced by recording engineers and Hi-Fi enthusiasts. Today’s blog looks at another famous example – The Acoustic Energy AE1.

The Acoustic Energy AE1 has been around since the late 80s. A compact, two way speaker, it introduced the concept of the ‘high quality miniature’, and challenged conceptions of size vs price. The AE1 soon became embraced by both the professional industry and Hi-Fi enthusiasts, for its extremely balanced and neutral mid-range.

AE1 CLASSIC

Acoustic Energy’s Original AE1 Classic


REVISED AND EVOLVED

The Acoustic Energy AE1 has undergone a number of revisions over the decades: the original textured black finish gave way to more decorative wood cabinets, more befitting of the home user. There have also been reissues of the original cabinet design and various detail revisions. The inherent character of the AE1 has always remained unchanged however, and so it is with the latest version – the AE1 Active.

The vast majority of compact, monitor type loudspeakers, are now of an active design. This is in keeping with changes in recording environments and technology, as well as a domestic shift towards self contained speakers.

In turn Acoustic Energy has made the bold, but not entirely unsurprising step, to retire the passive Acoustic Energy AE1 with a Limited Edition Run. From now on, if you want an AE1 the new, revised, active version, is the only choice.

AE1 Active
The new AE1 Active


NEW DESIGN – OLD VALUES

We Hi-Fi enthusiasts can often be a conservative bunch, and its understandable that some may be concerned that the move to active technology may have fundamentally changed the character of a classic loudspeaker. Let us assure you then, that for the AE1, it’s very much business as usual.

One of the defining features of the Acoustic Energy AE1 was its use of metal coned drivers, a unique feature for a loudspeaker of the period. This contributed to a much higher power handling than previous, small, monitor speakers. Take due note then, that the latest AE1 Active revision, still utilises spun aluminium cones for the woofers and Acoustic Energy’s propriety aluminium dome tweeter.

THE ACTIVE ADVANTAGE

Integrating the amplification within the cabinetry and with the loudspeaker drivers, typically results in tighter and more controlled speaker damping, lower distortion, and improved phase coherency. The Acoustic Energy AE1 utilises a pair of linear, 50w, class A/B amplifiers per enclosure, coupled to an “active 4th order minimum phase crossover“.

The result is a superb update on a legendary speaker – initial reviews have been outstanding, with the AE1 active’s receiving a coveted ‘Editors Choice’ award from ‘Hi-Fi Choice’ magazine. One area the original AE1 received criticism was its lack of low end, and a tendency for the high end to become rather ‘shouty’. The new active revision seems to cured the shortcomings, with a revised frequency response of 40-25kHz.

A CLASSIC REBORN

It seems safe to say, therefore, that the latest revision in the AE1 line retains all the qualities so beloved of the original passive version. This latest revision merely builds upon and enhances all of those qualities – making the new, AE1 Active, truly fit for the 21st Century.

Don’t believe us? Call into Audio Affair for a listen – we’re sure you’ll be impressed.

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