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Acoustic Energy AE100 MII Review
Acoustic Energy AE100 Mark II

Main Features

  • 1" soft dome with waveguide Tweeter
  • 5.2" paper cone Woofer
  • 51Hz - 26kHz Frequency Response
  • 87 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 6ohms
  • Power Range: up to 120watts
  • Weight:10.10 lbs / 4.60 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 11.4"x6.5"x9.8" / 290.0 x 165.0 x 250.0mm
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AE100 Mark II Review
 AE100 Mark II AE100 Mark II
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Acoustic Energy AE100 Mark II is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by Acoustic Energy. It features a 1" soft dome with waveguide Tweeter and 1 x 5.2" paper cone Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 51Hz - 26kHz and a sensitivity of 87 dB. AE100 Mark II has an MSRP of 499$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the AE100 Mark II is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldPoor
Small RoomAverage
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomAverage
Very Large RoomPoor

(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2. Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)

 AE100 Mark II  Lifestyle
AE100 Mark II Lifestyle

Acoustic Energy's AE100 Series of Loudspeakers

AE100 MII is a member of Acoustic Energy's AE100 series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

Acoustic Energy AE100 Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
AE109 Mark II
Compare
41-26k Hz 89 dB6Ω 1 x 5.2"
AE100 Mark II
51-26k Hz 87 dB6Ω 1 x 5.2"
AE120 Mark II
Compare
39-26k Hz 90 dB6Ω 2 x 5.2"
AE107 Mark II
Compare
55-26k Hz 90 dB6Ω 2 x 5.2"
Acoustic Energy AE100 Series Speakers
Acoustic Energy AE100 Series Speakers


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequency Response of the AE100 Mark II Speaker

AE100 Mark II has a Frequency response range of 51Hz - 26kHz at ±3dB and Power Range of up to 120 watts. With a minimum frequency of 51 Hz, AE100 MII delivers moderate bass depth so depending on your use case, you might want to consider adding a subwoofer to your system.

To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with AE100 Mark II, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $500. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how AE100 MII's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
AE100 Mark II
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
AE100 Mark II
Min
Average
Max

Crossover frequency of the AE100 Mark II?

The Crossover frequency of the AE100 MII is set to 2900Hz. This is the threshold frequency where the higher frequency signals over this level are sent to the tweeter and the lower-frequency signals are sent to the woofer by the crossover component.

Impedance and Sensitivity

AE100 Mark II's nominal impedance level is 6 ohms and has a sensitivity of 87 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
AE100 Mark II
Min
Average
Max

Nominal Impedance of the 6 Ohms makes the Acoustic Energy AE100 Mark II a relatively difficult to drive speaker compared to more frequently found 8 ohms speakers from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 87 dB, Acoustic Energy AE100 Mark II is a difficult to drive speaker from Sensitivity perspective, make sure to choose an amplifier with a high output if you like listening to your music at high volume levels. You may especially have a hard time using Tube amplifiers which are traditionally very low power compared to Class A/B or Class D amps.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the AE100 Mark II:

  • Integrated Amps under 300 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 500 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 750 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

AE100 MII features type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.
 AE100 Mark II Back View
AE100 Mark II Back View

AE100 Mark II External Dimensions and Weight

AE100 Mark II has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 11.4 x 6.5 x 9.8inch (290.0 x 165.0 x 250.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of AE100 Mark II is approximately 412.5cm2 / 63.9inch2.

Weight

The AE100 Mark II weighs 4.60kg / 10.1lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how AE100 MII's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
AE100 Mark II
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $500
AE100 Mark II
Min
Average
Max
 AE100 Mark II  - Top View
AE100 Mark II - Top View

Cabinet type and Materials

AE100 Mark II has a Bass Reflex type cabinet and a HDF finish. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.

Port Position

AE100 Mark II is a rear-firing port speaker so you have to make sure you leave enough space between the back of the speaker and wall or bookshelf so that it has room to breathe.

Available colors

AE100 Mark II is available in Walnut, Satin Black and White.

Wall Mounting

AE100 MII doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.

Does the AE100 Mark II come with a Grille?

AE100 MII comes with magnetic grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible. Since the included grille of the AE100 MII is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

 AE100 Mark II  with Grille
AE100 Mark II with Grille

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Acoustic Energy AE100 Mark II.

  • Speaker Cable and Connectors
    • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
    • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
    • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
  • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators more affordable options too.
  • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.
  • Speaker Stands: Stands bring your bookshelf speakers to ideal height (rule of thumb is to have the tweeter level with your ear in your listening position), helps stability and acoustical isolation.

User's Manual

For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Acoustic Energy AE100 Mark II, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for AE100 Mark II

Official Brochure

Here is a link to download the official brochure for the Acoustic Energy AE100 Mark II speaker:
Official Brochure for AE100 Mark II

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the Acoustic Energy AE100 Mark II speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for AE100 Mark II

Acoustic Energy AE100 Mark II Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
KEF Q150
Compare
2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 51-28k Hz
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2
Compare
2-way 87 dB 6 ohms 44-35k Hz
Monitor Audio Bronze 1
Compare
2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 55-30k Hz
AE109 Mark II
Compare
3-way 89 dB 6 ohms 41Hz - 26kHz
AE120 Mark II
Compare
3-way 90 dB 6 ohms 39Hz - 26kHz
Klipsch RP-600M
Compare
2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 45-25k Hz
Wharfedale EVO4.1
Compare
2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 64-22k Hz
B&W 606 S2
Compare
2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 52-28k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Acoustic Energy AE100 Mark II
What is the External Dimensions of Acoustic Energy AE100 Mark II
What is the Speaker Sensitivity of Acoustic Energy AE100 Mark II
is the Acoustic Energy AE100 Mark II an easy to drive speaker?

AE100 Mark II Detailed Specifications

General
BrandAcoustic Energy
Full Model NameAcoustic Energy AE100 Mark II
Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
Power Rangeup to 120 watts
Sensitivity87 dB
Impedance6 ohms
Max SPL112 dB
Frequency Response51Hz - 26kHz
DRIVERS
Woofer Size5.2-inch
Woofer Compositionpaper cone
Tweeter Size1-inch
Tweeter Typesoft dome with waveguide
Crossover freq2900Hz
Port Positionrear

CONNECTIONS
Port Positionrear
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height290.0mm ( 11.4-inch)
Width165.0mm ( 6.5-inch)
Depth250.0mm ( 9.8-inch)
Height290.0mm ( 11.4-inch)
Weight4.60kg ( 10.10 lbs)
EnclosureBass Reflex
FinishHDF
Available ColorsWalnut, Satin Black, White
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty
Labor Warranty
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