Acoustic Energy AE1 Active Bookshelf speakers
In search of the right vector of development in the dynamic world of Hi-Fi the developers of Acoustic Energy went quite a logical way. The modern sound sources has the ability to adjust volume and do not require a preamplifier. In this situation the most convenient solution is active loudspeakers. As they have the experience in creating both home passive and studio active loudspeakers, the appearance of AE1 Active monitors was predictable.
From the design point of view, AE1 Active is assembled is accordance with classical solution from Acoustic Energy: MF/LF-driver with aluminum-ceramic diffuser, working exceptionally in the piston mode with minimum distortions, the tweeter with WDT aluminum dome, which expands the angle of sound waves dispersion, slit bass-reflex. And outside - a luxurious finish with natural cherry veneer and piano lacquer.
Curiously that the appearance of Acoustic Energy AE1 Active is rather similar to AE100, but active monitors belong not to the series AE100, but Reference and technologically close to Reference 1 loudspeakers.
Active part is realized on the amplifiers of AB class with 50W for MF/LF section and 50W for HF section. An active electronic four-order filter with linear phase characteristic precedes the amplifiers. Inputs of the monitors are exclusively analog: balanced on XLR and unbalanced on RCA. Input signal is adjusted by volume level, you can also adjust sound by +/-2 dB at the upper and lower frequencies in order to adapt the loudspeakers to the installation and room features.
It's time to appraise thoughtfully the quality and character of sound. You should start with sound stage. It is very realistic at any installation. Depth and motions of sound objects are well read. Curiously that the feeling of stage remains even if you leave the listening point and move around the room. If you sit on the side and listen to concert recording, there is the feeling that you are at a concert, in the center of the hall, not somewhere on the side.
The most important and obvious plus of Acoustic Energy AE1 Active sound is a terrific resolution, which is combined with quite alive and natural presentation of musical material. On the one hand, it is perfectly heard how the musicians of symphonic orchestra turn over note pages, but on the other hand this doesn't distract from the listening at all and soundness does not suffer. There is no effect of dispassionate music's dissection, which is typical for studio monitors and home loudspeakers, pretending to neutrality and accuracy of sound. Music, performed by AE1 Active, plays lively, exciting and super detailing gives the possibility to hear familiar compositions over again.
