Interesting to see one product of a brand being product of the year and another of the same brand getting just a recommended. Increased my confidence in the impartiality and credibility of your reviews.

Great review! I really like the fact you present technical insights as well, it's what sets you apart in comparison to other sources of information for me - in a positive way👍

You supply the best balance of tech info and knowledge and real world useful info on audio on the net. You really do your research on a product which I appreciate. Another excellent review.

Another well done review Tarun. I enjoyed the additional information on the crossover. It seems you up your game with every new review. Can't wait for the next review. Cheers

I have a pair of original AE109s so it is interesting to see how the brand is developing after being in the woods for a while. Love to see an AE 509 review one day as they’ve also been well reviewed. Think I like this UK sound. Thanks again Tarun for a balanced review.

Your channel gets better each time. Loving it.

Thank you Tarun, a another fantastic review as you always do, I really like the way you present technical content (nobody does it better!). I had been waiting for this review since you mentioned it sometime back, as I owned a pair of AE109s which were fantastic. Now eagerly awaiting your review of the Hegel H95.

Fantastic, as always, Tarun. Thank you.

Another fine review. I always enjoy your take on products. Interesting about the LS3/5A and how as a purpose designed monitor speaker it was deliberately given a coloured mid-range.

Tarun, always enjoy your highly technical reviews. KZfaqrs have been presenting a high volume of LS3/5a reviews lately. Most of them singing their superlatives though they do point out the price and if they are the best value. It’s is terrific a speaker can be in production in various forms for 46 years. I know they are iconic in the UK and I don’t doubt their sweetness of sound. They are analogous in a certain way (not physically) to Klipsch heritage speakers here in the US. Iconic with a signature sound and a price tag to accompany.

Another great one Tarun. I love the way you position these as a “poor man’s” LS3/5a. Great for some but not for others (including myself). Perfect. The AE1 actives are still on my audition list however!

Good honest reviews to depend on. Well done and many thanks.

AHA! It's what I asked for. It's what you said you had coming up. Thanks! Love the way the cabinet corners curve the opposite directions(or however a person might describe that)

Good review. I appreciated the option to miss the 'geeky tech' section. Also, the images of the speaker a partnering equip breaking up the on camera dialogue. Nice to see suggestions having been acted on. I have wondered what all the hoopla is with the LS3/5a.

Solid review, T.

Hi Tarun ! Acoustic Energy has made a great comeback these past few years ! Since I am considering finding some new speakers, I'm unsure if I should buy an active or passive system. Your review help clarify some points concerning sound quality ! Thanks!

I really like the way the veneer is wrapped around the cabinet with the offset round overs. Definitely a good looking speaker for the money.

Another interesting video Tarun. Personally, I enjoy the geek section. And funny you should mention the B&W 606...

They're beautiful. I'd buy them just to soak in that walnut. Also, the more you compare them to the active AE1s the more I'm convinced that active speakers are more legit than I give 'em credit. Good work dropping the Point from Price Point, you managed it once, and that's a great start!

Nice review , thank you

Lovely review, you're fast turning into one of my favourite reviewers. How about a setup for us techno heads? Something with an extended low end. Dynamics aren't as much an issue with electronic music, since everything is locked in space and all sounds are over engineered in the studio anyways. Would love to see a setup that plays out frequencies from the low 30hz (maybe even full range) on a 1000 or 1500 pound budget (not sure if that's even possible). I'm coming from a pair of Hedd Type 20 studio monitors, that ticks all these boxes, and am wondering if there is anything out there that can get somewhat there on a lower budget. Thanks again for all your effort!

As you may remember (probably not) I got the AE1 actives right around the time you received yours. After that experience I dont think I'll ever go back to passives. If its quality for the money one is after, I just see no point in even bothering to try and match at home swapping components what a well designed active can do. If I ever need an upgrade I'd probably get an ATC active rig and call it a day.

Thank you so much Tarun 👌

Well done Tarun!

Good review Tarun

Thanks! I get to these late sometimes as I watch them on my theater system and remember (later) to do computer time and click the like button. Complications of the tech life style lol.

Some brave statements on the LS. I like your honesty even though some might not like what you're stating.

Thanks Tarun, as usual I appreciate your efforts to be objective as much as any of us can be, and your thorough approach. Every day I struggle with myself not to try a pair of AE500s as I have a fixation on that speaker. A little speedy here at $1400. That puts it in direct competition with the Keff 50, Elac Carina, Triangle Elite, and very close to the Dynaudio Evoke 10. While I have a pair of Evoke 20s, I like a variety to listen to, so...???.

Excellent review as always. It was interesting and to some extent surprising to note that you think that the performance of these with a £400 amp is not on par with the performance of the AE1 active. Steve Guttenberg put out a whole video on the problems inherent with choosing active speakers as an all-in-one solution, but then maybe he hasn't heard the AE1 and neither have I. On the other hand, the argument that you can taylor make your sound by choosing amp and speakers cannot be refuted, and let's be honest about it, it's more fun too!

Hi Tarun, another polished performance from you. In the last 12 months I've tried six different pairs of speakers in my study, where I have a rack of vintage hi-fi. All were small in size to supposedly match the room and the fact that they have to go on one of the long walls facing a couch on the opposite wall. This means they are about 30cm from that wall. It's this close proximity factor which, I believe, rendered most of them as unlistenable. Either the bass became overpowering, Monitor Audio Silver RS1, or tuneless, MA Bronze BR1 & Bronze 1. The common theme of these speakers is the rear facing port. The best so far is a pair of Bronze 2 from MA, again. Yes, I know, I just like the MA house sound! These have a forward firing port and manage decent, tuneful bass, even in this highly compromised position. There is a point to this ramble, honest(!), and this is it. I would only consider small speakers in a room where floorstanders are a non-starter. So, whilst reviewing them in a wonderful freestanding environment may tell you a lot about their absolute abilities, it may not help when it comes to deciding if they work in the kind of room many folk will use them in. Not sure how you would be able to explore this as part of your review process, unless you have a similarly small room to try them out? Cheers Mark

It’s hard to compare two sets of loudspeakers of dissimilar price points and characteristics. Compromises are just as much a part of most gear you come across. What some people still don’t get is how a great pair of speaker stands properly dampened can make a speaker of lesser value shine. They will not compete with the likes of your ProAcs, but they are not at that price point. Given a great pairing with good gear, you can get as much as they are capable. I would love to see a video on your stands as this is an accessory item that is not given it’s fair share of attention. This was a very fair review. Hope you have one coming on your stands! Love this channel and your videos! Stay safe mates!😊👍🏻😷

Great review as ever m8 :) I use a pair of 90s 4ohm Quadral speakers that are actually from their dalliance into the mid-range market (bass response is out of this world but they are buggers to drive) . However they are just amazing and I don't think I can improve on them without spending a lot of cash. So (inspired by GR research ) I am going to upgrade the the crossovers cables etc. Will report back :) Would be interesting if you could get Quadral to get you to review a piece of their equipment as they are not very well known outside of Germany . I am still looking to get some Titans some day!

I bought the ae300s based on your review. They are great and I cant wait to upgrade my amp and cd transport to make them really hit the spot. Which I am doing soon. Especially after your feedback last night ref to audiolab 6000 amp and cd transport. Craig

Don't ditch the new section (IMHO)... And keep 'em coming!

Great video Tarun. Nice to see how they compared to their powered brothers. Good to see that they pay a lot of attention to match the amplification and speaker in that price point. Looks great for a second system that a1 active.

Thank you, thank you for your impressions and expert advice on the AE300’s. Nice to know they’re forgiving in the decent equipment pairing arena. Makes me want them even more! Been considering these or the quad s2’s for a small listening room (mostly jazz for me). Didn’t know if you had any thoughts/impressions on the Quads.

It was designed by the BBC to monitor vocals only. Other speakers were used for monitoring music.

Another great review I've used acoustic energy speakers over the years to great effect, just wondering what you film your reviews on as the picture quality isn't brilliant on this review.

Hi Tarun. Thanks for the review. When is the Buchardt A500 review likely to appear? Can't wait

Very well done. Another fine video. Interesting that you compared them to the LS35A. Maybe a better choice than the Sound Artist version of the LS35A? Thank you.

Like to see there's still an interest in stereo equipment.... Just set up my old technics/monitor audio in bedroom and it has qualities above my roksan gear 🔉😊

Good one Tarun. AE's naming convention takes some understanding. I have some AE 301s which are a few years old. So 300 > 301 in this case!

Is that a Sony CD player sitting in the rack above the IOTA? What model would that be and how do you like it? I like it when you put a system together of similar price points and thought the CD player might fit in there as well for a lower priced system. Great review as always.

Another good one. The consistency of your presentation is much appreciated. The Ae1 actives seem like a better choice than the Ae300s, especially for ppl that don't have an amp, which I don't. In the Ae1 action review you did, in the section about equipment matching you talked about pairing them with a streamer and the chord mojo. I'm looking for a box (I don't know the proper term, maybe 'preamp') that I can use as a little hub to receive outputs from my TV, phone and Blu-ray and that can be remote controlled to adjust volume and input setting. I could use the mojo on its own but there's no remote and I'd have to unplug things and get up to change the volume. I was looking at the chord Hugo 2 which seems like a really great bit of kit but it's about £1800 or something like that. What are some options or examples of bits of kit that would work with the chord mojo to allow for remote control, or be a replacement/alternative to the chord Hugo 2. I like that chord Hugo 2 a lot, it looks like just the kind of thing I'm after but the price is a bit painful. Thanks again for all these vids.

Good review ... totally interesting as usual, however, I have to learn as to just why so many speaker manufacturers are making "active" speakers these days. Back in the late 60's and 70's me and my "stereo buddies" use to call them electric speakers and we tended to avoid them or just consider them curiosities. Yup, I am that old and believe me ... you youngsters today have no idea how good you've got it. Some of Andrew Jones creations come to mind ... well ... the ones you can afford. In any case Tarun, another very good review!!!

I would be very happy if you review Acoustic energy AE500 and QUAD S-2 bookshelf speakers :)

I've had (and loved) Ruark Sabres for nearly 30 years. Do you think its finally time to test them against these or more dynamic speakers at a similar price e.g. Dynaudio Emits? How different do you think they would be (assuming no bad caps in the Ruarks).

Those of us in the Colonies apparently cannot buy Acoustic Energy speakers, so my views are moot. However, I am particularly interested in the AE1 model, as it seems close to the state of the art in the emerging powered speaker regime. Your discussion impinges on the advantages of voicing an amplifier with one particular, well voiced combination amplifier(s) and crossover. I am convinced that powered speakers are the bulk of the future in playback systems. I take heart in your comparisons, here, because they advance that theory somewhat, and explain a modicum of why. (The purists with a passion for hifi hardware jigsaw puzzles will take issue, here. So be it; I'm right.) I am disheartened that, while we in America have access to playback hardware incoming from much of the world, there's a seeming dearth of offerings from the UK. I am disappointed but am not in tears. I for one tend to appreciate the British gentle voicing stereotype of many UK-intended products. Still, you show that the UK does have a voice in music reproduction, albeit a chauvinistic one. Carry on. I enjoy the structure of your stuff.

This is actually quite interesting. Even with the Hegel the A300 did not sound as good as the active?! Shows that component synergy in active speakers plays huge role. And I have to admit that I see active speakers as the future of audio

Remember those good old days of entry level gear and upgrading through Mid to Low High-End and beyond if cash allowed, or credit limits (GULP!) Those big leaps in resolution and all things audio nerd-d-ness. I miss them. I would love to say I've finally found the perfect system but I'm already looking at a pair of Subs!

You mentioned the B&W being better for rock music, but would it be better than the AE1 actives? I'm an avid metal fan whilst still having a broad taste in different genres.

Roger’s are on my wish list for a while but spend a lot on Headphones 🎧 so wify put me on budget now 🙁 Question Tarun , now I m more than convinced after your few recent reviews that AE A1active are really good and do want em for my bedroom ... do I need to position em to get the right centre image? Cheers Tarun , once again I appreciate your honest opinion.

You’re describing the experience I have with my AE309s. For jazz, acoustic and vocal music, those loudspeakers are really shining. Did you try their subwoofer (AE308) ? I’m hesitating to add their subwoofer or the REL T7i. There are no review of the AE308. Regards,

Regarding the AE line, do you have any experience or recollection of AE 300 models of the early 2000s? I am looking at a pair of Acoustic Energy AESPRIT 300CK standmounts which are larger than todays AE 300 series and uses a softdome tweeter with an AlMg woofer. If anyone has had any experience with these speakers, you're welcome to express your opinions. Thanks.

will you be doing any vids on complete systems? like "best system for $1,000", "best starter audiophile system" that kind of thing?

Hey Tarun ,Guess what my B&W 606's just came in yesterday and yes so far Rock sounds good.. found the highs a little fatiguing ....they do go deep felt the vocals were slightly recessed...but maybe I will have to give em some burnin time .

Q Acoustics 3030i or AE 300 with my Naim Uniti2 for electronic music, Jazz and acoustic genres mostly on vinyl? It's impossible to book an audition these days sadly.

Paired with marantz nr 1200 i am pleased with the performance.how would the ae 300 compare to kef ls50?

What type of legs should Energy AE300 be used with? Use as iron, steel or wood 4 is better or more suitable. 4 legs or single pole, thank you

Hi Tarun. Been lurking around your channel for a while as I appreciate your character. (Not being a sellout 🤣) and couldn't help but notice you placed AE100² in your short list for the year. It's easy to read between the lines... Was that a consideration of cost/performance, or would the 100² just be genuinely better speakers?

Taran - as a reviewer/journalist of Electronic music, I have been searching for a pair of detailed (strong micro details), dynamic and transient bookshelf speakers to pair with the Audiolab 6000A. I was advised that the A300 may be the solution but not according to your review. Hence, can you reccommend a pair?

Just got into hifi last month and I was over the moon at first, loving the sound - until I started noticing distortion on certain songs, (Fitter Happier from Radiohead/ Doo Wop from lauryn Hill, etc) .. I was convinced it was faulty hardware, but perhaps it’s “breakup modes” as you describe here. Using Cambridge CXA81 with KEF q350 speakers and the distortion seems to be coming from its metal tweeter, sounds almost like vinyl record crackling - not overly loud but annoying and happens at any volume. Do you have any advice on what I can do to diagnose the issue for sure? I’ll be so disappointed if I end up having to return this setup - I felt like I found the ideal hifi at first; The kefs have great synergy with amp and SVS sub.

Awesome review Tarun! What speakers would you pair with Rega PL3 and Rega Brio, I have a relatively small room with not much wiggle room.

If you have ever thought of running an online course on hifi/audio engineering, to know the usual topology of an amplifier and speaker, let me know, I would seriously consider it.

I can't get the idea out of my head of the AE1 active with a Bluesound Node 2i for the kitchen, to stream music, radio and podcasts. With equalisation technology in the AE1s I recon that I can postition it close to a wall/on a shelf and not compromise the sound too much. Anyone out there tried this combination for gerneral listening?

I have the AE500s with the carbon fiber drivers and improved cabinets, and based on your characterization of the AE300s here, the AE500s are comparatively quick, tonally accurate and neutral. The only similarity is they are also non-fatiguing. Interesting that AE don't consider important maintaining a consistent sound signature throughout the lineup.

Hi! I can get the AE 301 and the Aelite 1 below 150 usd both in close to mint condition. Which one do you think sound best please? (listening to music and movie streaming) thanks much!

Hi Tarun, which LS3/5a's did you get to listen to in the end?

Have you ever tried the Acoustic Energy AE500s with the IOTAVX SA3? I assume that the better speakers -- and I've heard that the AE500s are *excellent* for just over 1,000 pounds -- will reveal weaknesses in the nice budget integrated amplifier, but I'm wondering if the IOTAVX SA3 would be good enough with the AE500s until I can replace it with a better amp. What do you think?

Hey Tarun, how will this pair with Audiolab 6000a? Also, how about the larger AE500?

what is that weak high pitched noise in the background ?

Any chance you could review the Wharfdale Linton 85th Anniversary speakers? Want to get a true perspective from my fellow countryman

Where's the review for the actives I can't see a video

If these are the poor man's ls35a, where do the AE aegis ones from year 2000 stand? Something I'm using with satisfaction for years and conceivably will only be bettered by a ribbon powered upgrade.

Hi Tarun.. please do an interview with Mr Randall Messman @cheapaudiomam. Ron did...

What is the tonal difference compared with the Wharfedale Denton, for the same price here in Montreal. I want to try an easier driving speaker from my current Evoke 20.

Thank you Thrun ,will the work with the audiolab a6000 ? Best regards reinhart

any chance u review dali rubicon 6

Where's the pooch ? Is the Buchardt A500 coming up for review by you ?

Skip a section!....... Skip a section?.... Nope.... Where's the fun in that... 😊... Gotta get my geek on too 👍🏻

Am I fooling myself to think an NAD C328 paired with AE-100's will sound decent with a bit of rock n roll and some 80's dance music? I'm not prepared to spend up for the AE-1's, DAC, source, cables etc. And wish to keep things as simple as possible.

Why do they port speakers that have no bass?

Reminds me of Canton Karat 30's

"Perfectly Natural" are your ProAc Response 1SC's...

Can I be a bit controversial I think you should play music through whatever you are reviewing - obviously we can't hear the differences via our computers but it ads to the drama. Reviewers show 8K TV's in reviews and it adds to the theatre even though I can't see the benefits on my Mac screen. It can help a review to flow and allows us see your expressions as you listen - just a suggestion.

I agree, the LS3-5A is out of date, PMC, ATC, Monitor Audio, B & W and Focal are some of many other manufactures that are far better.

These horrible little standmount boxes are like half a speaker, but sold at full price. A floorstander takes up the same space and actually has some bass and dynamics. Don't get taken in.