ACOUSTIC ENERGY AE1 40TH ANNIVERSARY

The Acoustic Energy AE1 40th Anniversary Edition celebrates 40 years of an audio legend, bringing the iconic compact monitor that revolutionized the speaker world in 1987 into the present. Designed to deliver the same dynamic range, clarity, and bass extension as much larger models, the AE1 combines studio-grade fidelity with a compact, elegant, and versatile design, perfect for both home use and recording studios.

Every element of the new AE1 has been rethought to preserve the original sound identity: the completely redesigned tweeter features a 29 mm voice coil and a slightly larger aluminum dome to reduce distortion and increase the radiating area. The ultra-shallow dome profile and large rear chamber keep fundamental resonance low and absorb rear energy, while ferrofluid cooling and damping provide greater power handling, improved dynamics, and reduced thermal compression.

The woofer has been developed to reproduce the distinctive character of the original. The new 125 mm cone, slightly larger than the original, offers higher efficiency, lower distortion, and greater air movement, delivering natural mids, impressive power handling, and dynamic performance for its size. The cone retains the straight-sided aluminum profile and the “spinning” forming process, reinforced with a thick hard-anodized ceramic layer on both sides. Beneath the signature aluminum dust cap, the thermally conductive aluminum voice coil works with a powerful motor structure, including an aluminum shorting ring that reduces distortion caused by coil inductance variations. The new woofer is designed with a 5-ohm DCR, making the AE1 easier to drive and less power-hungry.

The crossover is inspired by the original “Signature” version, using low-order filters and high-quality components to achieve a dynamic and natural sound. The result is warm and natural mids, well-defined bass for its size, forgiving highs, and exceptional punch throughout its operating range.

All components are housed in a finely finished cabinet, available in ten layers of high-gloss black paint or walnut veneer. The cabinet has been tuned to match the original AE1’s sonic character and updated with RSC material, increasing rigidity and replicating the sound of the original concrete-lined cabinets without past production limitations. The twin front ports have been redesigned with a subtle internal flare to reduce distortion and increase bass output.

The result is a speaker with outstanding charm, high performance, and exceptional value, capable of delivering a powerful, precise, and engaging musical experience while fully respecting the AE1 legacy cherished by Acoustic Energy enthusiasts for 40 years.

Technical specifications:

• Tweeter: 29 mm anodized aluminum dome
• Mid/Bass Driver: 125 mm spun/hard-anodized aluminum cone
• Frequency Range: 50 Hz – 45 kHz (+/- 6 dB)
• Sensitivity: 87 dB/m/2.83 V
• Power Handling: 150 W
• Crossover Frequency: 2.8 kHz
• Impedance: 6 Ohm
• Design: 2-way
• Cabinet: 18–22 mm HDF/bitumen with RSC™ constrained layer, braced, twin front reflex ports
• Grilles: Cloth, magnetic mount
• Dimensions: 295 × 180 × 240 mm (H × W × D)
• Weight: 7 kg (each)