Acoustic Energy AE1 Active Speakers Piano White Gloss (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 an 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.

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 conventional paper and plastic alternatives. The ceramic aluminium sandwich construction delivers exceptional stiffness at low mass, translating to faster transient response and lower distortion across the frequency range. Partnered with a purpose-designed 27mm 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, delivering a combined 100W per speaker. A 4th-order Linkwitz-Riley active crossover at 3.5kHz handles driver duties with minimum-phase characteristics, preserving the timing and coherence of the original signal.

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 shelf 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 Piano Black, Piano White, or Piano Walnut real wood veneer. Magnetically attached slim cloth grilles are included.

What the Press Says

• "Clear, balanced and detailed" — What Hi-Fi? ★★★★★ (October 2018)
• What Hi-Fi? Awards 2018 winner