Acoustic Energy launches the AE1 40th Anniversary Edition, a reimagined version of its iconic AE1 loudspeaker that first made an impression on the compact loudspeaker market in 1987.
Marking four decades of high-fidelity audio innovation, the new AE1 40th Anniversary Edition combines classic British loudspeaker design with advanced engineering to deliver detailed, powerful sound from a compact enclosure, says the company. The AE1 has long been recognised as a reference in premium bookshelf and compact loudspeakers and the latest edition continues that reputation with modern enhancements while retaining the sonic character that made the original a favourite among audiophiles, the company adds.
“Re-engineering a beloved and well-known classic is no easy feat,” says Managing Director Mat Spandl, “we had to examine where we could improve upon the original while retaining the character which made it such a big hit for decades. The AE1 40th is a faithful evolution, not a simple reissue.”
None of the original components remain in production so Acoustic Energy meticulously broke the original down, examining, appraising and, where possible, improving each element.
The all-new aluminium tweeter features several upgrades, including a larger 29mm voice coil, up from 25mm, for lower thermal compression and improved dynamics. A large rear chamber helps absorb rearward energy and keeps the fundamental resonance low for cleaner treble.
The bass driver’s spun and hard-anodised cone is slightly larger at 125mm, giving a greater radiating area and higher efficiency. An aluminium shorting ring has been added to reduce distortion from motion-induced induction variances in the voice coil.
With ten layers of gloss paint the new cabinet benefits from a high-density fibre (HDF) version of Acoustic Energy’s RSC™ technology. It is tuned to mimic the acoustic characteristics of the original cabinet while freeing up half a litre of internal volume to work optimally with the larger bass driver. All of this is achieved with no increase in external size from the original’s 295 x 180 x 240mm (HWD).
The AE1 40th Anniversary Edition loudspeaker is available in High Gloss Black or Walnut veneer and has an SRP of £1499 per pair. They will be available from October through to Acoustic Energy dealers.