Acoustic Energy AE1 Active Speakers Piano Black Gloss (Pair)

Acoustic Energy AE1 Active — Active Bookshelf Loudspeaker (Pair)

The AE1 Active takes Acoustic Energy's most iconic loudspeaker and removes the need for a separate power amplifier entirely. Bi-amped with dual 50W Class A/B amplifiers per cabinet, a fully active crossover network, and analogue-only signal path throughout, this is a self-contained high-fidelity system that rivals passive speaker and amplifier combinations costing considerably more.

Designed for direct connection to a DAC, preamp, or hi-res streamer, the AE1 Active draws on over three decades of AE1 refinement and Acoustic Energy's deep expertise in active studio monitoring. The result is a compact bookshelf that delivers serious dynamic range, pinpoint imaging, and an addictively engaging musicality — all from a speaker barely 30cm tall.

Pure Piston Driver Technology

At the heart of the AE1 Active sits Acoustic Energy's fifth-generation 125mm ceramic hard-anodised spun aluminium mid/bass driver. This pure piston design maintains consistent behaviour across its entire operating range, eliminating the cone flex and break-up modes that plague paper and plastic alternatives. Partnered with a purpose-designed 25mm aluminium dome tweeter fitted with Acoustic Energy's Wide Dispersion Technology (WDT) waveguide, the driver pairing produces an exceptionally wide and stable stereo image with seamless integration between the two units.

All-Analogue, No Compromise

In an era of Class D amplification and DSP processing, the AE1 Active takes a decidedly purist approach. Acoustic Energy's engineering team evaluated wireless inputs, switch-mode power supplies, and digital signal processing during development — and rejected all of them. None met the performance standard demanded by a speaker carrying the AE1 name. Instead, each cabinet houses two pair-matched 50W Class A/B amplifiers fed by a high-quality linear power supply, with a 4th-order minimum-phase active crossover handling driver duties. The result is an uncompromised analogue signal path from input to driver.

Flexible Connectivity and Room Tuning

Both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs are provided, making the AE1 Active compatible with everything from dedicated hi-fi preamps to professional studio interfaces. Each speaker features its own analogue volume control for systems without source-level adjustment, plus defeatable ±2dB bass and treble trims for fine-tuning to your room and placement. Whether positioned on stands in a dedicated listening room or on a desktop in a nearfield monitoring setup, the AE1 Active adapts to its environment with ease.

Slot Port Cabinet Design

The AE1 Active introduced a slot port to the AE1 design for the first time. This delivers greater cross-sectional area than a traditional circular port, occupies less baffle space, and significantly reduces turbulence and wind noise at higher volumes. The cabinet itself is constructed from extensively braced 18mm MDF with internal damping panels, finished in your choice of Piano Black, Piano White, or Piano Walnut real wood veneer. Magnetically attached cloth grilles are included.

Who Is It For?

If you want AE1-grade performance without the cost and complexity of sourcing a separate amplifier and speaker cables, the AE1 Active is the answer. It's equally at home in a dedicated hi-fi system, a high-end desktop setup, or a professional studio environment — and its What Hi-Fi? Award-winning performance speaks for itself.