Acoustic Energy Loudspeakers Logo

Our Story

Mat Spandl, James Luce and Neil Truckell three of the owners of Acoustic Energy Loudspeakers

 

Acoustic Energy was founded in London, England in 1987 with the creation of the now-legendary AE1 loudspeaker. The AE1 redefined what was possible from a compact enclosure by setting new audio performance standards for dynamics, power and clarity previously unheard of outside larger, high-end speakers.  These design principals have remained enshrined in the company ethos to this day…

All Acoustic Energy loudspeakers are subject to our rigorous design-process and carry the same DNA that’s run through each product range for over 35 years.  At prototype stage new designs are voiced through an exhaustive listening process, with electroacoustic measurement used to verify each step. They’re then benchmarked against our historical references mirroring the dynamics, transparency, tonal accuracy and above all musical involvement, necessary to warrant the Acoustic Energy marque.

From inception Acoustic Energy has garnered hundreds of awards and accolades from the world’s Hi-Fi press.  These and many other endorsements with critical acclaim from journalists around the globe help secure our proud, pedigree status as one of the most highly regarded brands in the audio industry today.

British owned and run, the company has been based in the heart of the beautiful Cotswolds, England since 1995.  As music lovers, its directors combine over 100 years-experience and knowledge in the audio industry with a passion for creativity, performance, quality and customer loyalty as core brand values.

Once becoming an Acoustic Energy owner, you’re beginning an audio journey that’ll provide decades of listening pleasure, whether new to our brand or upgrading.  You’re also buying into an exclusive club with the assurance of British design and engineering at its very best, backed by an industry-leading warranty support program, all created… for the love of music.

Product Timeline

  • 1987

    AE1

    AE1

    Acoustic Energy Limited opens for business in Ealing, London.

    The legendary AE1 monitor loudspeaker is born, tearing up the rule book of what was possible from a small speaker.

  • 1988

    AE2

    AE2

    Building on the success of the AE1, the product range was expanded with the launch of the AE2, AE3, and AE4.

  • 1994

    AE2 Signature

    AE2 Signature

    Signature Edition: featuring Piano Lacquered cabinets and rosewood veneer the AE Signature Editions brought real luxury and class that stood the test of time. Each speaker had a solid silver serial plate bearing the founders hallmark inset into the cabinet.

    AE forms a strategic partnership with Formosa Prosonic Berhad a world class speaker factory based in Malaysia and the company expands rapidly with new product ranges.

  • 1995

    AE109

    AE109

    Part of AE’s original budget range, the legendary AE109 bought sophisticated, punchy sound that stood out amongst the competition, and is fondly remembered (and still in use!) by AE fans.

    AE moves to a new larger factory in the idyllic Cotswolds where it remains to this day.

  • 1996

    AE5

    AE5

    The AE5 weighing in at 43kg each! These serious floorstanders produced Hi end fidelity with a price tag to match and remain on many AE fans wish lists.

  • 2002

    Aego 2

    Aego 2

    Ahead of it’s time – the Aego 2 active sub/sat system created shockingly good sound from a tiny room friendly package.

    The company enters an era of innovation first with the Aego 2 and later introducing the world’s first internet radio, and a Bluetooth speaker in partnership with Orange mobile phones.

  • 2006

    AE22 Pro

    AE22 Pro

    Back in the studio, the AE22 was an instant hit amongst musicians and producers. It’s combination of transparency and time resolution made it the perfect tool for mixes.

  • 2008

    AE1 MkIII Special Edition

    AE1 MkIII Special Edition

    The luxurious AE1 MkIII SE, was an instant hit. Featuring classic AE build quality, clean luxurious finishing and custom colour options and a beguiling sound.

  • 2009

    Radiance

    Radiance

    With sleek lines and first the first speaker to feature our now standard magnetic grills, the Radiance series had a room friendly appearance and sound.

  • 2011

    Reference Series

    Reference Series

    In it’s immaculate Gloss Ebony finish and the first to feature our composite (RSC) cabinets, the Reference Series set new standards for transparency and box-less sound. It became one of our longest running models.

  • 2012

    3-Series

    3-Series

    With a sleek bolt-free look and the first appearance of our slot port, combined with the latest version of our legendary pure piston ceramic cone, the 3-series launched a new era of AE speaker design.

  • 2016

    AE1 Active

    AE1 Active

    Featuring analogue, linear amplifiers the award-winning AE1 Active speaker sets new standards for transparency and dynamics and the perfect partner to the new generation of stand alone streamers.

  • 2017

    300 Series

    300 Series

    The sleek, powerful, 300 series raised the bar further with it’s all new aluminium dome tweeter perfectly matched to our pure piston ceramic woofer, produces the classic AE sound in an attractive modern package.

    AE’s longstanding management team take the business into private UK ownership once again, establishing Acoustic Energy Loudspeakers Ltd. The business is focused on growing its range of high quality hi-fi loudspeakers in the global marketplace.

  • 2019

    500 Series

    500 Series

    Featuring the latest generation of our RSC cabinets developed from the Reference Series and with our new Carbon Fibre Woofer and Tweeter, the 500 series is packed full of High End technology.

  • 2020

    AE520

    AE520

    In early 2020 we launched our flagship AE520 floorstanding speaker.  The slimline, 3-way design features the latest generation of our RSC cabinets and our new Carbon Fibre Woofer and Tweeter.

  • 2022

    The new 100 Series

    The new 100 Series

    After the amazing success and 5-year run of the 2016 100 Series we decided it’s time to shake up the budget Hi-Fi arena once again! The brand new 100 Series isn’t just an upgrade, it’s a completely new design from the ground up.

     

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