Acoustics - tests. Acoustic Energy AE1 MkIII: reference standards for large speakers The way to yourself

Returning to the roots is a great way to remind a new generation of listeners of what it was likehi- fi in its heyday. The famous British speaker manufacturer has created a reincarnation of the iconic AE109 model, first released 20 years ago. The traditions of good old England with a modern twist are worth listening to.

THE WAY TO YOURSELF

In fact, the story with the re-release of this model is much more interesting. The company, founded in 1987 in the western suburbs of London, was taken over by Asian investors in 1995, who revised the production program in favor of mass models entry level and acoustics for home cinema. I don’t want to say anything bad - solid investments made it possible to create high-quality products that are in demand on the market - the Aego, Aegis, Neo models and the Evo line. And about a year ago, the previous management bought out a controlling stake, and by its 30th anniversary, Acoustic Energy returned to the jurisdiction of the British Crown. On this occasion, it was decided to release several iconic products, symbolizing the commitment to the glorious Hi-Fi traditions in the new conditions. The first such symbol was the already familiar active version of the legendary AE1 monitors, then the 100th series, a bestseller in the mid-nineties, was revived. She inspired the creation of four modern systems– bookshelf AE100, floor-standing AE109, center channel loudspeaker AE107 and active subwoofer AE108. We worked on them long and thoughtfully in order not only to preserve the signature sound, but also to surpass the previous result. In particular, they achieved great sound with compact dimensions and an affordable price.

A new design of heads with a reinforced magnetic system and suspensions designed for large displacements of lightweight paper cones has made it possible to radically reduce distortion at any volume.

The older AE109 has a body height of 80 cm, and the caliber of midbass drivers is only 4 inches. In this case, the input power can reach 150 W, and the maximum sound pressure is 113 dB. A new design of heads with a reinforced magnetic system and suspensions designed for large displacements of lightweight paper cones has made it possible to radically reduce distortion at any volume. Cone-shaped dust caps are phase-equalizing elements. The lower link operates in a bass-reflex design with a slot port across the entire width of the rear wall. With such an area of ​​the air duct, the flow speed is very low, so there are turbulent sounds - “sighs”, rustling sounds, etc. – absent.

The 28mm soft dome ring tweeter is a WDT design, an improvement on the earlier DXT design found in the expensive Reference series. Wide Dispersion Technology involves a waveguide (short horn) with a special profile bell that forms the desired radiation pattern, maintaining the linearity of the frequency response up to 35 kHz, the upper operating limit of the tweeter.

The bands are divided at a frequency of 2300 Hz, but the design itself is 2.5-band. The midbass speakers are absolutely identical, but cover different bands. This achieves more accurate time matching in the lower and middle ranges than in three-band systems. Much attention was paid to the coherence of the radiation of all heads when designing crossovers. There are two input terminals.

In the lower part there is a compartment for filling ballast, for which there is a hole in the lower part of the body, closed with a plug.

The case has increased rigidity and inertness - its walls are narrow, made of 18 mm MDF. In the lower part there is a compartment for filling ballast, for which there is a hole in the lower part of the body, closed with a plug. This cavity is filled with metal shavings at the factory, due to which the column’s substantial weight is achieved – 17.5 kg. The kit includes studs with lock nuts.

Model AE109 is available with a matte black finish and vinyl film that imitates walnut veneer. Lightweight fabric grills are attached with magnets. The quality of workmanship and finishing is impeccable.

Externally, the speakers do not stand out in any way - you put them in a room, and after a while you simply stop noticing them. Until you want to listen to music.

Within a few minutes, attention completely switches from the laconic form to the internal content. Every engineering solution kills at least two birds with one stone. The compact housing not only reduced the cost of the systems, but also made it possible to achieve the seamless sound characteristic of bookshelf monitors. The result is a delicate construction of the sound stage with quite mature dynamics and a convincing lower register. The modest caliber of the drivers ensures an immediate response to sharp sound contrasts, and the energy is provided by the total area of ​​a pair of diffusers. The absence of coloration and overtones at high volumes is a merit of the rigid body and bass reflex of the original design.

This is what happens - you turn on a symphony orchestra, and a copy of it appears in the room, albeit a smaller one, but quite reliable in terms of timbre and emotional content. An impressive tutti, and immediately after - a barely audible but absolutely live flute part. As for the speed, although I will repeat myself, I will still note the AE109’s ability to show the sound character of the remaining components of the system. In particular, the new speakers were able to capture the dynamic resolution of a very fast Astin Trew amplifier and the airy top-end delivery of a Creek CD player.

The modest caliber of the drivers ensures an immediate response to sharp sound contrasts, and the energy is provided by the total area of ​​a pair of diffusers.

The ring tweeter is really good - it can show all the tin of the cymbals on a test recording of a drum kit, and the barely noticeable spark of a triangle in the background of a large orchestra.

According to the general impression, the AE109 is an inexpensive acoustic system, but surprisingly correct. She’s not indifferent, but she doesn’t sugarcoat anything either. At both low and high volumes, the musical balance is almost perfect. Vocals, instrument timbres, surrounding atmosphere - nowhere does the ear catch any simplifications or unnecessary accents. Excellent sense of rhythm, three-dimensional scene. You can start building a system with these speakers, selecting other components to match them - this will be the most direct path to real hi-fi sound.

Acoustic Energy​ AE109 acoustic systems

Manufacturer: Acoustic Energy Loudspeakers Ltd (UK)

www.acoustic-energy.co.uk

Configuration: 3 emitters, 2.5 bands || Acoustic design: bass reflex || Frequency range: 40 - 35000 Hz || Nominal Resistance: 4 Ohms || Crossover frequency: 2300 Hz || Sensitivity: 89 dB || Peak SPL: 113 dB || Maximum input power: 150 W || Finish: matte black, natural walnut veneer || Dimensions: 800 x 160 x 240 mm || Weight 1 piece: 17.5 kg || Price per pair: 54 900 rub. (black), 49 500 (nut)

COMPONENTS

• CD player Creek Evolution 100CD
• Streamer Musaic MPL
• Integrated amplifier Astin Trew AT2000
• Network air conditioner ISOL8 Inline
• Cables:
  • interconnects and acoustics Studio Connections Reference Plus
  • network ISOL8 Isolink Wave

1. Dali, “In Admiration of Music. Volume 4". Dali CD, 2015
2. “Tutti! Orchestral Sampler". 24 bit HDCD Reference Recordings, 1997.
3. Jean Sibelius "Violin Concerto". Anne-Sophie Mutter & Staatskapelle Dresden. Deutsche Grammophon, 1995
4. "Great Cover Versions". Inakustik, Reference Sound Mastering, 2013

The editors thank the Panorama salon for their assistance in conducting the audition

Have you ever wondered why most studios use active acoustics? Professionals always achieve maximum results with the simplest and most effective way, and in this case it is not only a reasonable use of funds, but also technical feasibility.

LOOKING LIKE THE PROS

A good illustration of what has been said can be the list of equipment that we needed to build the current system - a CD player with adjustable output plus a set of cables: a pair of linear and three network. Instead of spending money on an amplifier and speaker wires, you can afford a more expensive source, or buy another one - a network player, for example. Here is the first argument in favor of active acoustics.

I will give the second example using specific systems that we are going to test. Let me remind you that AE1 monitors have been produced in various modifications for 30 years; this was the very first and extremely successful model created by Acoustic Energy engineers. The company decided to celebrate this anniversary by releasing the most radical, active version of its bestseller.

The body dimensions of the AE1 Active are the same as the AE1 Active - 30 x 18.5 x 25 cm, and the design is the same - two-way, with a 125 mm midbass driver and a large tweeter. But that's where the similarities end. Each head in the Active model is powered by its own 50-watt class AB amplifier. The power supply is also “analog” - from a linear source with a network transformer.

Each driver in the AE1 Active is powered by its own 50-watt Class AB amplifier. The power supply is also “analog” - from a linear source with a network transformer.

The bands are divided at 3500 Hz by active fourth-order Linkwitz-Riley filters (24 dB/octave). This is the main advantage active system– between the amplifier output and the speaker there are no bulky coils and capacitors that worsen damping and absorb some of the energy. In addition, implementing the fourth order on passive elements (and they must be of high quality) is cumbersome and expensive. Finally, active filters are easier to make phase-linear, and they are much more flexible in configuration. And in our particular case, there is also the ability to adapt monitors for specific conditions in terms of LF and HF within the range of -2, 0, +2 dB using three-position switches on the rear panel. The signal can be supplied via a balanced XLR cable, or via a regular cable via an RCA jack. The volume is controlled by a separate knob on the back. A 1 volt RMS signal produces an SPL of 105 dB, so you can connect a CD player with a fixed output and set the volume on the monitors. Not very convenient, but the path will be as short as possible.

Now let's look at the heads themselves. The midbass driver diffusers are made of sintered aluminum powder with the addition of ceramic chips. Optimal combination of mass, rigidity and damping of internal resonances. The tall, conical dust cap is immediately recognizable and has already become a hallmark of all AE1 models. The driver operates in a bass reflex design, and the port is not round, but is made in the form of a narrow slot on the rear wall.

The 27mm aluminum tweeter dome is placed in a proprietary WDT (Wide Dispersion Technology) waveguide, which expands the directivity pattern. If you look closely, you can also see a small round sticker on the inside of the protective mesh. This is the so-called aperture body to optimize phase response. By the way, in all my practice I don’t remember that the manufacturer indicated the dispersion of their acoustics. In the AE1 Active, it is stated with a respectable range – 130 degrees horizontally and 120 degrees vertically.

Inside the body, glued together from 18 mm MDF boards, ties and damping panels are installed. The monitors in the photo are in rosewood finish (RUB 125,000 per pair), the bright lacquered veneer literally glows under the soffits. But you can choose cheaper options - white and black mirror varnish (99,000 rubles).

The 27mm aluminum tweeter dome is placed in a proprietary WDT (Wide Dispersion Technology) waveguide, which expands the directivity pattern.

I must say that British specialists, having paid so much attention to the spatial characteristics of monitors, have achieved truly phenomenal results. The sound field is rich in detail and completely uniform no matter what distance you're listening at. The picture feels three-dimensional both in the near field and three to four meters from the front line, and the depth of the stage is almost independent of the volume level. This is the merit of not only the WDT waveguide, but also the separation filters with minimal phase shifts. Using passive elements, it would be extremely difficult to achieve such precise convergence of bands without time errors.

Accordingly, the musical balance is perceived as a whole, without emphasis on individual instruments or groups. Woodwinds and brass, strings, drums - everything is in complete harmony and, while listening, you don’t even think that the entire richness of the spectrum is reproduced by two small speakers. We listened in an acoustically treated room, there was no excess HF, but if you have a loud room, set the TREBLE switch to the -2 dB position - and there are no problems.

But the main advantage of active bandpass amplification is felt in the lower register. Firstly, it's control. The speaker is shunted by the output impedance of the amplifier, which is set by the feedback depth. It’s also not good to overdo it; the sound will turn out dry and unnatural. The AE1 Active has a well-chosen damping coefficient - the attack is fast and not blurry, which is especially noticeable on plucked instruments. The impact is biting, on powerful bass notes the diffusers move like pistons with a frightening amplitude, but within a well-controlled zone. It is possible that the low-frequency amplifier has an infra-low-frequency filter: the speaker honestly works out the range allocated to it, but does not try to go deeper, where the output drops sharply and distortion increases. And what is valuable is that the slot port does not whistle - only at high volumes you can hear slight rustling sounds if you bring your ear closer to the back wall. I won’t say that the dynamic potential here is limitless, but with such dimensions of the body, the volume of undistorted sound may puzzle an inexperienced listener.

The impact is biting, and on powerful bass notes the diffusers work like pistons with a frightening amplitude, but within a well-controlled zone.

From all the listed technocratic points, the overall impression of the new Acoustic Energy systems is formed. It is quite obvious that the main goal in their creation was precisely monitorability, i.e. extremely accurate and at the same time comfortable presentation of musical material. This is also indicated by the fact that neither DACs nor wireless modules were built into the AE1, preferring pure hi-fi classics. This is how they sound: balanced, with high resolution throughout the entire range, dynamic and confident in all musical genres. Clear separation of instruments, excellent sense of rhythm, high intelligibility on phonograms with a rich spectrum. But to get the most out of this pair, it makes sense to choose network cables; they affect the transmission of the atmosphere and the localization of imaginary sources in the upper range.

In terms of the efficiency of the investment, this is a very attractive option - four amplifiers with very competent speaker systems for less than 100 thousand rubles.

Professionals would choose this option, but why are we worse?

• CD player Creek CD-100
• Cables:
  • Interconnects Studio Connections Reference XLR
  • power ISOL 8 IsoLink, Shunyata Research Ztron Z-PC10

• Dali, “In Admiration of Music. Volume 4". Dali CD, 2015
• Jean Sibelius "Violin Concerto". Anne-Sophie Mutter & Staatskapelle Dresden. Deutsche Grammophon, 1995
• "Great Cover Versions". Inakustik, Reference Sound Mastering, 2013
• Noisia, "Split the Atom". 2 CDs, Mau5trap, 2013

This is how they sound: balanced, with high resolution throughout the entire range, dynamic and confident in all musical genres.

AE1 Active

Manufacturer: Acoustic Energy, Ltd. (Great Britain)

www.acoustic-energy.co.uk

Configuration: 2 emitters, 2 bands || Acoustic design: slotted bass reflex || Frequency range: 40 – 25000 Hz (+/- 6 dB) || Crossover frequency: 3500 Hz || Crossovers: active Linkwitz-Riley 4th order || Sensitivity (at 104 dB at 1 kHz): 1 V RMS || Maximum/Peak SPL: 105/115 dB || Power of built-in LF/HF amplifiers: 50/50 W || Horizontal/vertical radiation pattern: 130/120 degrees. || Frequency response correction for LF and HF: -2, 0, +2 dB || Finish: White and Black Lacquer, Piano Cherry Veneer || Dimensions 300 x 185 x 250 mm || Weight 1 piece: n.d. || Price per pair: 99000 rub. in lacquer finish, 125000 rub. in veneer.

The editors thank the Moscow Salon Hi-Fi for assistance in conducting the test

The theoretical basis for creating a Hi-Fi loudspeaker is simple at first glance: high-quality drivers and a crossover filter must be installed in a well-attenuated housing of a certain volume. But this simplicity is deceptive: on the path to “high sound fidelity” the creator of the speaker system faces many obstacles that do not fit into the framework of theory. Let's see how the engineers of the British company Acoustic Energy dealt with this when creating the speakers of the flagship Reference line. After all, the word Reference in the name of the manufacturer means that before you is the embodiment of all the capabilities, talents and experience of the developer - a truly reference product!

Back in 1987, the founders of Acoustic Energy (AE) were well aware of the difficulties facing them. The fact is that they were counting their future products primarily on the most strict consumers - professionals. High demands yielded a corresponding result: the first-born, the shelf “two-way” AE1, which appeared a year later, provided unprecedented accuracy in drawing the sound stage, breadth dynamic range and the degree of sound transparency combined with the ability to process a high-power signal.

"I must say that the AE1 is one of the finest, most transparent speakers I have ever heard... It takes the art of miniature loudspeakers to the next level," writes John Atkinson in a 1987 Stereophile magazine test.

Another year later, the “expanded” version of the AE1, the AE2 speaker was presented to the experts (while remaining two-way, it was equipped with not one, but two LF/MF drivers), and soon the AE1 and AE2 appeared in the “luxury” Signature modification, improved as By technical specifications, so on the exterior decoration. As a result, Acoustic Energy products were highly praised by musicians as well as recording engineers - in 1991 and 1992 the AE1 received the Hi-Fi Award for Best British Loudspeaker.

Then the natural thing happened: audiophiles also wanted a speaker system of small size and professional sound level. The company entered the household market and has maintained a strong position in it ever since. Currently, its products are exported to more than 50 countries. In 1995, Acoustic Energy moved its main production to Malaysia, which made it possible to reduce costs and develop high-quality entry-level products, as well as expand its presence in the premium speaker and home theater segment: the company’s arsenal included the “100”, “200”, Aegis, Aego, Evo. Then their baton was taken up by the Aelite, Liniar, Neo families and the premium Radiance line. In 2006, production of all-weather loudspeakers and a replica of the AE1 began (the speaker received the honorary title Classic). Neo V2 was updated in 2009.

Acoustic Energy AE 2 signature

Today relevant the lineup Acoustic Energy consists of the Series 1, Series 3, Radiance, Professional and Reference lines. The AE philosophy, as the company's specialists put it, is extremely simple: to create innovative acoustic systems using the latest technologies - but thoughtfully and elegantly.

The Reference models fully comply with this credo: the above-mentioned AE1 and AE2 acoustics are taken as a prototype, new technologies and modern materials are used. Meanwhile, the design of Reference 1 and 2 turned out to be so successful that these bookshelf speakers have been produced for the fourth year with virtually no modifications, and in 2013, on their basis, the Reference 3 floor-standing loudspeakers were created. The vintage speaker system AE1 Classic is also part of the Reference line, being one of the with its only bass reflex loudspeaker. The remaining Reference speakers have a closed-box acoustic design.

Damping and stiffness

Bookshelf acoustics Acoustic Energy AE Reference 1 in black and white piano lacquer finish

At the request of the company, an extensive range of research work was carried out, as a result of which it was possible to create a unique material for the speaker body. With a thickness of only 15 mm, it consists of three layers. The outer layer is a 7mm MDF board; the middle one is high-density rubber 3 mm thick, the inner one is a 5 mm MDF sandwich with layers of compounds based on synthetic resins with different viscosities. (In the Reference 3 floor-standing speaker, the inner layer of the body is made not of a sandwich, but of a rigid 5-mm MDF board.) Due to the carefully balanced properties of dissimilar layers, the so-called. a tense structure that effectively isolates vibrations of the inner wall from the outer one, so that the latter does not emit unwanted overtones.

Bookshelf speakers Acoustic Energy AE Reference 2

However, for effective damping it is necessary to prevent the spread of vibrations throughout the speaker body, i.e. increase the rigidity of the latter. To achieve this, the Reference speakers use a system of internal ties. In the Reference 1 model, they are X-shaped, simultaneously playing the role of an acoustic labyrinth that absorbs sound radiation from the bass/midrange driver directed into the body. It no longer returns to the diffuser, having been reflected from the internal walls, and does not have a detrimental effect on the operation of the driver.

Floor-standing acoustics Acoustic Energy AE Reference 3

The larger Reference 2s have a pair of low-frequency/mid-range drivers, so we had to use a different solution: here the couplers distribute the energy of the rear radiation inside the case so that it is effectively absorbed by the walls. As a result of such an original approach, engineers were able to create a housing with effective damping, a low transmission coefficient of sound waves, and extremely small amplitudes of resonant frequencies, i.e. high rigidity. In fact, the “closed case” design of the Reference 1 and Reference 2 has become the standard in their class. The AE1 Classic body is made of 22 mm MDF with internal ties made of the same material, but of a higher density.

What makes sound

Let's start talking about speakers with the tweeter. This is a Ring Radiator with a woven dome from one of the most respected manufacturers - the Danish company Vifa Audio. AE specialists have been closely cooperating with its research center for many years, which made it possible to develop an original emitter - thanks to the use of new materials and a more powerful magnetic system (in particular, due to the shunt rings of the original design introduced into the magnetic circuit, distortion is reduced).

Twitter floor acoustics Acoustic Energy AE Reference 3

As an acoustic design, a DXT (Diffraction Expansion Technology) waveguide is used, which makes it possible to obtain homogeneous radiation both on and off the emitter axis. A batch of modified Vifa tweeters are exclusively manufactured to our own specifications for the Reference Series speakers. The AE1 Classic speaker has a 25mm tweeter dome made of magnesium alloy and protected by an aluminum grill.

LF/MF drivers of AE acoustics traditionally have proprietary diffusers made of carbon material and aluminum and a conical protective cap on the core, which improves the radiation directivity characteristics. However, for flagship speakers, this proprietary concept has acquired new features: the diffuser is made of an alloy of ultra-light metals, which contributes to the realistic reproduction of frequencies even outside the operating range (due to the fact that the piston-like nature of the movements of the diffuser is maintained at all frequencies). Powerful magnets and double-layer voice coils on an alloy frame allow you to work with high-amplitude input signals. The foam surround provides the necessary damping characteristics for deep bass while simultaneously a high resolution in the midrange. Due to effective heat dissipation, the degree of thermal compression, that is, changes in sound after prolonged operation at high volume, is reduced.

Mid/bass speaker shelf system Acoustic Energy AE Reference 1

Reference 1 uses a single woofer/midrange driver with increased magnetic clearance and increased bias. It allows you to get surprisingly deep bass in a relatively small package. The three-way “floor-standing” Reference 3, in addition to the midrange driver with an aluminum alloy diffuser, is equipped with two long-throw low-frequency drivers with a reinforced magnetic system. The double voice coil made of aluminum wire is connected to the aluminum diffuser by thermal bonding and forms a rigid structure with high linearity of vibrations and improved heat dissipation. The AE1 Classic speaker is equipped with a bass/midrange driver with a 110mm ceramic sandwich cone with an aluminum cone in the center.

“In terms of genre preferences, the acoustics in the test coped well with small-band jazz and blues, large jazz orchestras, classic rock, electronics, classical and choral music, including large ensembles. Only some records of the heavy genre were not to her liking,” this is how Viktor Gorbatov assessed the acoustics in the magazine’s test

When developing crossover filters, AE specialists adhere to the concept of maximum simplicity of the signal path, using a minimum of components, but with the highest possible quality. The crossovers of the Reference speakers are equipped with polypropylene capacitors with a large operating voltage margin, inductors with a stacked core, and a transformer for matching the sensitivity of the high-frequency and low-frequency sections. There are no resistors in the HF section, which reduces the level of distortion and gives the sound of the upper registers openness and unity. In all Reference models, the crossover board is mechanically isolated from the speaker cabinet using a special elastomer coating. High-quality terminals from WBT ensure reliable connection of the speaker cable.

Terminals for connecting speaker cables from an amplifier (manufactured by WBT) on Acoustic Energy AE Reference 1 (left) and AE Reference 2 (right) systems

Flagship loudspeakers should please not only the ear, but also the eye. In this regard, the cabinets of the Reference speakers are finished by hand - Coromandel ebony veneer (Makassar), the structure of which elegantly combines dark red and dark brown lines. This veneer is hard and brittle, requiring extraordinary skill from cabinetmakers. In order to reveal the texture of the veneer more clearly, it is manually coated with nine layers of transparent piano varnish, and each layer is polished after drying (again by hand). And even the panel with the acoustic terminals is made of hand-polished ebony.

Where will we put it?

For Reference bookshelf users, AE produces special stands of the highest quality. They are a perfect fit in design and are engineered to achieve mechanical stability and best quality sound of installed speakers. The stands are made from the same unique multi-layer material used for speaker cabinets, providing a secure and inert support. They are finished in matte black lacquer and decorated with Coromandel ebony veneer inserts.

Stands manufactured by Acoustic Energy for bookshelf speakers of the Reference series

The intricacy of acoustic calculations did not deceive AE specialists. Sparing no effort, money and time, they solve problems that might seem secondary to an acoustics theorist. I can’t help but remember the classic: “theory is dry, my friend, but the tree of life is lushly green.” Apparently, Acoustic Energy engineers do not forget about this for a minute, and this is the philosophy of their success.

Acoustic Energy AE120- three-way floor-standing speaker system, has two woofers, a midrange-woofer speaker and a tweeter. It is the top model in the AE line. The cost of acoustics on the market is approximately $800. AC shape - candles, dimensions - 920x180x370. The mass of the speaker system is 24.7 kg. Resistance 4.6 Ohm. Case material - MDF. Wall thickness - front 14mm, rear - thicker 18mm, side - 14mm. Partitions - 14mm. Covered with veneer imitating valuable wood species. Has decorative grille pads made of black acoustic fabric. There are 4 speakers on the front panel - two woofers and one mid-bass with a diameter of 140 mm, a dome-shaped tweeter, covered with a plastic decorative cover. At the bottom of the speaker there is a stand made of the same MDF for better stability on the floor. On the back wall of the speaker there is a port for connecting to amplification equipment. Here there is a separate connection into three bands - you can separately connect the woofers, midrange-woofers and separately the high-frequency sections. In order to connect these links separately, you need to unscrew the terminal clamps and remove the gold-colored metal jumpers. If all speaker strips are used, the jumpers must all be installed. and you need to connect the amplifier to the middle terminals. This distinctive feature is unique to this speaker model.

The suspensions of the woofers and mid-bass speakers are made of a polymer material similar to polyurethane foam. They are quite soft and easy to press and damage. The suspensions are installed with the convex side towards the front of the speakers. Over time, they may need to be replaced. because it is made of polyurethane foam and is subject to destruction. The diffusers are made of black polymer material, smooth on the outside, but on the inside of the speaker they look like paper. Protective cap made of cone-shaped polymer material. Between the mid-bass speaker and the tweeter there are two bass reflex ports and one bass reflex port is located on the rear wall of the larger diameter speaker.

Disassembly of the speakers and layout of the internal space.

To access the inside of the speaker, you need to remove the speakers. They are attached using decorative self-tapping screws using a Euro screwdriver. The fastening is not very reliable, because... after frequent unscrewing, the threads in the MDF panel may wear out. The AC filter is also secured with self-tapping screws, on back side screw terminal port. The speakers are magnetically insulated and placed in screens. The copper wire, quite thick, is connected to the speakers using terminal connectors and is additionally soldered. Removing them is problematic, because... You must first heat it with a soldering iron and at the same time remove the terminals, but they get stuck. To remove the filter, you need to disconnect all the speakers, because the wire going to the speakers is shortened as much as possible and does not allow space for manipulating the filter without removing it from the speaker.

AC filter (CROSSOVER).

The filter is mounted on a printed circuit board, which is secured with six screws and additionally soldered. It is difficult to remove the filter board; you must first clear the solder from the screws, and then you can unscrew them. I couldn't find the filter circuit. The scheme looks simple. The low-frequency link is assembled on two 90-μF electrolytes and a large toroidal choke, which is fixed in the lower part of the speaker and has its own connector for connecting to a filter; there is also a large resistor in the low-frequency link. The woofers with a resistance of 8 ohms each are connected in parallel, so the total speaker resistance is not 8 ohms, but 4.6 ohms. The midrange and HF parts are assembled using MPT capacitors, wire resistors, and have two chokes. One is wound on a frameless coil, the other most likely with a ferrite core. The inductance is indicated on the chokes. All radio elements are additionally glued to the board for better immobility. The wires from the speakers are soldered into printed circuit board and have different color markings to separate the stripes.

Internal space of the speaker.

MDF panels are glued together, the body has a middle partition with holes. The acoustic design resembles a labyrinth and divides the speakers into two parts. The mid-HF link is separated from the low-frequency link by a partition, but not a solid one, but from the rear wall, which has an acoustic connection with the lower part of the speaker. The midrange speaker does not have acoustic isolation, which means it is mid-bass, and in addition, in its space there are two phase inverters, which also have an acoustic connection with the low-frequency section. The internal space of the mid-HF link is filled with sound-absorbing material - padding polyester, which is laid to the rear wall. Bass reflex pipes rest against sound-absorbing material.

The woofers are wrapped with padding polyester, and the lower part of the speaker is also filled with padding polyester. The peculiarity is that there are practically no speakers inside free space, it's all filled with padding polyester. Thus, the acoustic connection between transitions inside the speaker is carried out through sound-absorbing material. The large bass reflex on the rear wall of the speaker also rests on the layer of synthetic padding and is connected to the lower and upper bass speakers, and the other two bass reflexes, which are located above, are connected to the bass speakers through the middle partition, which is filled with synthetic padding.

Listening to the speaker and comparing it with 35AS-018 Amphiton.

Power source -

1. amplifier Odyssey 010 - modified, with replaced electrolytes, shielded interconnect wires, thicker power wires, and correctly set quiescent current and correct ground wiring.

2. Denon 690 amplifier.

The speaker for comparison is 35AC-018 Amphiton with a replaced SC 13\8 Visaton midrange speaker. As HF-10GDV-2. The filter is standard.

Signal sources are different. CD - Technics, FM tuner Kenwood, various MP3s.

Pros of Acoustic Energy AE120:

1. Well balanced mid and top. Neither the high-frequency nor mid-frequency components stand out, the sound is clean, dense, and balanced as the volume increases. All three speakers work harmoniously. The downside is that the HF component may not be very prominent.

2. Good sensitivity 89dB. At low volumes there is a general picture across all bands.

Minuses Acoustic Energy AE120:

1. Where is the bass? There is little or none of it. where it is even present at minimum volume on the 35AC-018.

2. Possibly insufficient HF output. But this is not for everyone.

Pros of 35AC-018 Amphiton.

1. Bass. Thanks to the 25cm low-frequency 75 with fresh PPU suspensions, it leaves no chance A.E.

2. Midrange - Visaton SC 13\8 - all the same advantages as AE. No significant difference was noticed.

3. High frequencies are expressive, but there is an excess of “sand”.

Cons of 35AS-018 Amphiton.

1. HF - on the 10GDV-2 there is “sand” in the sound.

2. Low sensitivity - 86dB. You need to turn up the volume. to get the full picture.

Acoustic Energy AE120 - need a subwoofer. With a Subwoofer they will be comparable in bass to the 35AC-018 and maybe even higher.

35AC-018- if the 10GDV-2 is not comfortable, then you need to replace the HF - 10GDV-2 with a Visaton SC 10N8. And reworking the filter.

Eventually 35AC-018 with a Visaton speaker provides tangible benefits and is not inferior AE.

The next acquaintance with the new Acoustic Energy products did not foretell any surprises. I am very familiar with the sound character of this brand. Why, the new AE109s look as if nothing has fundamentally changed over the years. But life is full of surprises - the new AEs of the hundredth series are, in my opinion, completely different AEs.

Nothing extra

The Acoustic Energy models I've tested in the past have always been a solid, complete product in both sound and style. And here you involuntarily ask the question: what else can be improved so as not to harm or upset the verified balance?

At first glance, there is nothing in common, but they are the same model

The new AE109 look exceptionally harmonious - compact, very neat floorstanders. Small midrange/bass speakers and a tweeter horn are installed so that not a single screw or screw is visible on the surface of the flanges. The body has rounded edges, and the roundings are used as a design element, for example, side edges top panel visually soften the contour, as well as a smooth transition at the junction of the bottom with the front and rear panels. Even the slot port of the bass reflex is not clearly outlined - its inner surface smoothly flows into the plane of the body. As a result, no matter which way you look at these speakers, your gaze glides freely, without clinging to anything.

I think that when the white matte lacquer finish becomes available in the range, it will become a suitable option for interiors that require discreet acoustics. For now, two colors are available: matte black and walnut-colored vinyl (from a distance it looks like good natural veneer, and in color it resembles the classic finish of speakers from the golden era of Hi-Fi).

As easy as pie

The description of the AE109 model does not contain information about unique technologies, like diffusers made of space alloys or cryogenic treatment of voice coils. After all, this is an inexpensive model and all the technologies are recognizable, understandable and well known.

The soft fabric dome has an increased size of 28 mm. This is a way to make the joining of bands less noticeable, and the sound of the upper ones fuller and more natural. WDT technology, which controls the dispersion of the sound wave (part of it is the horn design of the high-frequency driver), is also familiar from other Acoustic Energy models.

Large fabric dome sunk into shallow horn

MF/LF drivers are absolute classics. And not so much for Acoustic Energy, but for the industry as a whole. The diffusers are made of paper with a protective polymer coating. In the center there is a recognizable dust cap in the shape of a wide cone. We have seen exactly the same on other Acoustic Energy speakers, for example, with aluminum diffusers. The suspension is rubber, providing a large working stroke. The magnetic system of the AE109 speakers has increased power, resulting in the power of the speakers themselves being 150 W. For such kids - more than good!

The method of mounting the speakers remains a mystery. No screws, no studs on the back either.

The key element is the crossover, as has always been the case with Acoustic Energy. The company's engineers master this tool. And although they are far from the only ones who strive to obtain a linear frequency response and make the crossover phase-linear, in my observation, it is Acoustic Energy engineers who achieve these characteristics to be truly linear from model to model. All manufacturers seem to have the same set of components, but for some reason the result is completely different...

Wide flanges make the speakers look larger than they actually are

The AE109 case is made of 18 mm MDF and has stiffening ribs and partitions inside, which not only make it stiffer and stronger, but also help fight standing waves. The only fundamental difference from competitors in the same price niche is the presence of a compartment with a weighting agent, which is already filled at the factory. As a result, each speaker weighs more than 17 kg. Usually speakers for this money don’t even have an empty compartment for filling.

Quality and quantity

Before you listen to the details and subtleties of the sound of any acoustics, you need to find the right place in the room. In this regard, Acoustic Energy AE109 is no exception. By moving the speakers around the room, you can get different amounts of bass, but even in the most disadvantageous position they do not produce hum. The directionality of the tweeters is quite specific: strictly on the axis, the sound of the upper ones is quite sharp and caustic, but if you deviate from the axis of radiation, the value of the angle of rotation no longer matters much. The room is well filled with sound. The best scene and smooth tonal balance were obtained in a situation where the emission axes were almost parallel to each other, with minimal rotation inward, towards the listener. As a beneficial side effect, this results in a surprisingly even sound filling of the room.

Spikes as an integral part of any serious acoustics

The speakers have good overload capacity and can play music really loud. For a room with an area of ​​15-20 meters, the option is quite suitable without a subwoofer. The scale of the sound picture is quite consistent with expectations. The stage is built exactly in the size that speakers of this size can and should do. Here, as they say, no miracles.

Having dealt with the installation and the limits of possibilities from a purely technical point of view, it’s time to talk about sound quality. I will name three main factors: good macro- and microdynamics, resolution and a very even tonal balance. That case when from the first sounds you want to clarify: the price of the speakers is for a pair or a piece? All the main indicators indicate that we have speakers a class higher than they should be.

The choice of components determines the character of the sound in this case.

And if earlier I would have characterized the sound signature of Acoustic Energy as more like a monitor, precise, but prone to analytical presentation of musical material, the system consisting of AE109 and Creek components surprised me with the liveliness of the sound and the ability to literally involve me in listening to music from the first notes. Many times I caught myself having long ago stopped delving into the nuances of the sound, just sitting and enjoying listening. Moreover, the genre of music does not matter. The metal performed by Amon Amarth and the gentle jazz vocals of Jheena Lodwick sounded equally impressive. The complexity of the musical material and the quality of the recording were also not of fundamental importance. The simple rock hits from the first Rainbow album sounded no less expressive than the noisiest and most confusing Muse songs.

The bass reflex is integrated along the top edge of the body

The sound character of the acoustics itself was difficult to identify or characterize in any way. I would like to note the high rhythm and “rate of fire”, but this factor does not dominate and does not stand out against the general background in any way until a suitable opportunity presents itself, for example, something from Michael Jackson. And at the right moment, the AE109 fires in such a way that you can’t help but be surprised.

The same goes for other qualities. How do you describe smooth tonal balance? Rather, due to indirect factors: any music sounds clear, legible, without distortions, highlighting vocals or other instruments. Moreover, if the recording is sharp or bright, it remains understandable musically and will not “harm the ear.” Considering the omnivorous, dynamic and high resolution, I would like to recommend the AE109 for classical, complex jazz, progressive, but they also play simple music with no less quality.

Mister Perfect

All attempts to find shortcomings in the sound end in nothing. On some recordings, it seemed to me that the tweeter gave a characteristic “sand” in the upper part of the range, but as soon as I moved a little further through the playlist, it became obvious that these were problems with some recordings, and not playback. If the cymbals are recorded cleanly, they sound like real ones, and the reason for the audible “sand” is the imperfection of microphone technology or mastering.

The AE109 only has one pair of terminals, so choose your amplifier especially carefully

On heavy music, when played at a volume much higher than average, distortion was heard; the Creek A50's 50 W power turned out to be not enough. But moving on to more powerful amplifier Astin Trew AT2000Plus solved all the questions. The volume knob could now be turned further without loss of sound quality and comfort. At the same time, it became clear how transparent the acoustics are and how well they reveal the character of the sound of electronics.

With the Astin Trew AT2000Plus amplifier, the acoustics sounded completely different

With the more expensive Astin Trew AT2000Plus amplifier, the sound became more detailed, there was an accent in the upper mids, but I would describe the overall character as aristocratic. After him, the work with Creek seemed, although more balanced, but not so sophisticated. In other words, the AE109 has very solid potential, and although the combination with the same Creek looks adequate both in terms of equipment class and price, it is quite possible to think about more expensive components.

conclusions

I will not exaggerate the merits of the AE109 one iota if I say that for its budget this is a reference acoustics. Every time you want to add something to their sound, it turns out that this “something” will be a deviation from the truth, an accent or coloring. I highly recommend listening to this model.

The only point worth considering is the choice of amplifier. These kids are actually quite power hungry, and if you plan to play music loudly, it is better to choose an amplifier with a power of about 100 W. For moderate volume, a solid 50 W is basically enough. And of course, don’t forget about the quality of the components: the acoustics will reveal their character, advantages and disadvantages equally successfully.

AE109 is the perfect reference speaker you can imagine in this price category

I could not find any fundamental flaws in this model. I would just like to wish the manufacturer to add more modern and bright colors to the lineup. Otherwise, it's just a gift! One has only to think how much this pair of speakers would have cost if the dollar had not jumped a few years ago, and one’s head is spinning. During testing, I often found myself mentally comparing the basic sound characteristics of this system with a High-End set costing three to four times more, and the results of this comparison were very contradictory.

Advantages: excellent tonal balance, detailed and interesting sound, excellent rhythm and dynamics, great weight

Flaws: no significant shortcomings

Price: 49,500 rubles (walnut vinyl), 54,900 rubles (matte black)

Passport details

Acoustic design: slot bass reflex

Number of stripes: 2.5

Treble driver: 28 mm, fabric dome

Midrange/bass driver: 2x 100 mm, paper cone

Crossover frequency: 2300 Hz

Frequency range: 40-35000 Hz

Sensitivity: 89 dB

Maximum sound pressure: 113 dB

Impedance: 4 ohms

Power: 150 W

Dimensions: 800x160x240 mm