Acoustic Energy AE500

The AE500 is a compact stand-mounted speaker, designed for a quality stereo setup in a bookshelf configuration. It belongs to Acoustic Energy's 500 series, positioned above the AE100 and AE300 models, with the aim of delivering a higher level of sound definition and finish compared to these entry-level references.

The 125 mm midrange/woofer driver uses a carbon fibre cone, a lightweight material that promotes speed and clarity in transients. It features an oversized 35 mm voice coil, designed to limit thermal compression and improve power handling over time. The tweeter, a 25 mm dome also made of carbon fibre, completes this 2-way architecture with a crossover frequency set at 2.8 kHz. The speaker offers a frequency response of 45 Hz to 28 kHz (+/- 6 dB), a sensitivity of 87 dB and a peak sound pressure level of 113 dB, with a power handling of 120 W at an impedance of 6 ohms.

The cabinet is built using Resonance Suppression Composite (RSC) technology, inherited from Acoustic Energy's Reference series. This constrained-layer composite aims to reduce the cabinet's own acoustic radiation, a source of sound colouration when left unchecked.

This speaker is aimed at stereo listening enthusiasts looking for a compact bookshelf speaker capable of delivering precise midrange and detailed treble, particularly on systems where the cabinet itself needs to remain acoustically discreet. Its size and stand-mounted design suit living rooms or moderately sized listening spaces, paired with an amplifier suited to its 6 ohm impedance.