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  1. Home
  2. Acoustic Energy Speakers
  3. Passive Bookshelf Speakers
  4. Acoustic Energy AE100 Mark II
Acoustic Energy AE100 MII Review
 AE100 Mark II - Front View

Compare To

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 120 watts
  • Weight: 10.10 lbs / 4.60 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 11.4"x6.5"x9.8" / 290.0 x 165.0 x 250.0mm
MSRP: $499 (list price)
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AE100 Mark II Review
 AE100 Mark II AE100 Mark II
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Made by Acoustic Energy · United Kingdom · since 1987 · sold through dealers

Acoustic Energy AE100 Mark II is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by Acoustic Energy. It was released in 2021. 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. The AE100 is Acoustic Energy's entry range, compact British-designed speakers that punch above their price with a fibre-cone woofer and wide-dispersion tweeter. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

See all 4 Acoustic Energy AE100 models compared »

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

Frequency Response of the AE100 Mark II Speaker

AE100 Mark II has a Frequency response range of 51Hz - 26kHz 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.

Here we have a comparison of how AE100 MII's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
AE100 Mark II
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the AE100 Mark II?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 51 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $500 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

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.

AE100 Mark II driver frequency bands51-2.9kWoofer 5.2"2.9k-26kTweeter 1"20501002005001k2k5k10k20k40kHz, log scale

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
Median

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. Work out how loud the AE100 Mark II plays in your room →

Running more than one pair from a single amplifier? Check the load it would present →

What amplifier does the AE100 Mark II need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 20–120 W per channel into 6 ohms. Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery - not just watts.

Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $500, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

AE100 MII features type connectors.

 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.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →  ·  Work out where they should sit in the room →

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
Median
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 are our favorite isolators but you may find 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
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
KEF Q150
Compare
2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 51-28k 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
AE107 Mark II
Compare
2-way 90 dB 6 ohms 55Hz - 26kHz
Wharfedale EVO4.1
Compare
2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 64-22k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Acoustic Energy AE100 Mark II

What amplifier do you need for the AE100 Mark II?

Acoustic Energy rates the AE100 Mark II for up to 120 watts of amplifier power. It is a 6-ohm speaker, which most amplifiers and receivers handle without trouble.

Is the AE100 Mark II easy to drive?

The AE100 Mark II has a sensitivity of 87 dB. That is about average for a home speaker, so it is neither hard nor especially easy to drive.

Does the AE100 Mark II need a subwoofer?

The AE100 Mark II reaches down to 51Hz (full range 51Hz - 26kHz). That covers most music, though a subwoofer still adds the bottom octave for home theatre.

What drivers does the AE100 Mark II use?

The AE100 Mark II is a 2-way design using a 1" soft dome with waveguide tweeter and a 5.2" paper cone woofer.

Is the AE100 Mark II sealed or ported?

The AE100 Mark II uses a Ported enclosure. A ported design uses a tuned vent to get more low-end output from the same driver, but it wants some breathing room behind it.

Does the AE100 Mark II come with grilles?

Yes. The AE100 Mark II comes with removable grilles.

How big and heavy is the AE100 Mark II?

The AE100 Mark II weighs 4.60kg / 10.1lbs each and measures 11.4 x 6.5 x 9.8inch (HxWxD).

How much does the AE100 Mark II cost?

The AE100 Mark II has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $499 per pair.


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
Release Date2021
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)
Weight4.6 kg (10.1 lbs)
EnclosureBass Reflex
FinishHDF
Available ColorsWalnut, Satin Black, White
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty
Labor Warranty
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