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  1. Home
  2. Acoustic Energy Speakers
  3. Passive Bookshelf Speakers
  4. Acoustic Energy AE300
Acoustic Energy AE300 Review
AE300 - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 1.1" dome with waveguide Tweeter
  • 5.2" ceramic aluminium sandwich Woofer
  • 45Hz - 30kHz Frequency Response
  • 86 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 6ohms
  • Power Range: up to 100 watts
  • Weight: 14.30 lbs / 6.50 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 11.8"x6.9"x10.2" / 300.0 x 175.0 x 260.0mm
MSRP: $1,099 (list price)
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AE300 Review
AE300 AE300
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Made by Acoustic Energy · United Kingdom · since 1987 · sold through dealers

Acoustic Energy AE300 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by Acoustic Energy. It was released in 2017. It features a 1.1" dome with waveguide Tweeter and 1 x 5.2" ceramic aluminium sandwich Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 45Hz - 30kHz and a sensitivity of 86 dB. AE300 has an MSRP of 1099$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the AE300 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-fieldAverage
Small RoomGood
Mid-size RoomAverage
Large RoomPoor
Very Large RoomBad

(* 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.)

Acoustic Energy's AE300 Series of Loudspeakers

AE300 is a member of Acoustic Energy's AE300 series of Passive speakers. The AE300 sits a step up in Acoustic Energy's range, built around a ceramic-aluminium-sandwich mid/bass driver for extra detail and dynamics. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

See all 4 Acoustic Energy AE300 models compared »

Acoustic Energy AE300 Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
AE300
45-30k Hz 86 dB6Ω 1 x 5.2"
AE309
Compare
38-30k Hz 89 dB6Ω 1 x 5.2"
AE307
Compare
42-30k Hz 89 dB6Ω 2 x 5.2"
AE320
Compare
35-30k Hz 90 dB8Ω 2 x 5.2"
Acoustic Energy AE300 Series Speakers
Acoustic Energy AE300 Series Speakers

Frequency Response of the AE300 Speaker

AE300 has a Frequency response range of 45Hz - 30kHz and Power Range of up to 100 watts. With a minimum frequency of 45 Hz, AE300 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 AE300's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
AE300
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the AE300?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 45 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $1,500 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget
AE300 Woofer
AE300's ceramic aluminium sandwich Woofer


AE300 Tweeter
AE300's aluminium dome with waveguide Tweeter

Crossover frequency of the AE300?

The crossover frequency of the AE300 is set to 2800Hz. 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.

AE300 driver frequency bands45-2.8kWoofer 5.2"2.8k-30kTweeter 1.1"20501002005001k2k5k10k20k40kHz, log scale

Impedance and Sensitivity

AE300's nominal impedance level is 6 ohms and has a sensitivity of 86 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
AE300
Min
Average
Median

Nominal Impedance of the 6 Ohms makes the Acoustic Energy AE300 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 86 dB, Acoustic Energy AE300 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 AE300 plays in your room →

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

What amplifier does the AE300 need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 25–100 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 $1,500, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

AE300 features type connectors.

AE300 External Dimensions and Weight

AE300 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 11.4 x 6.9 x 10.2inch (300.0 x 175.0 x 260.0mm ).

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 AE300 is approximately 455.0cm2 / 70.5inch2.

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

Weight

The AE300 weighs 6.50kg / 14.3lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how AE300's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
AE300
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $1500
AE300
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

AE300 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet and a high density MDF 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

AE300 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

AE300 is available in Piano Gloss White, Piano Gloss Black and Real Walnut wood veneer.

Wall Mounting

AE300 doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.

Does the AE300 come with a Grille?

AE300 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 AE300 is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

AE300  with Grille
AE300 with Grille

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Acoustic Energy AE300.

  • 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 AE300, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for AE300

Official Brochure

Here is a link to download the official brochure for the Acoustic Energy AE300 speaker:
Official Brochure for AE300

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the Acoustic Energy AE300 speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for AE300

Acoustic Energy AE300 Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G
Compare
2-way 87.5 dB 8 ohms 35-35k Hz
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2
Compare
2-way 87 dB 6 ohms 44-35k Hz
AE309
Compare
3-way 89 dB 6 ohms 38Hz - 30kHz
B&W 606 S2
Compare
2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 52-28k Hz
AE320
Compare
3-way 90 dB 8 ohms 35Hz - 30kHz
Wharfedale EVO4.1
Compare
2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 64-22k Hz
KEF Q150
Compare
2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 51-28k Hz
AE307
Compare
2-way 89 dB 6 ohms 42Hz - 30kHz
Frequently Asked Questions about Acoustic Energy AE300

What amplifier do you need for the AE300?

Acoustic Energy rates the AE300 for up to 100 watts of amplifier power. It is a 6-ohm speaker, which most amplifiers and receivers handle without trouble.

Is the AE300 easy to drive?

The AE300 has a sensitivity of 86 dB. That is on the low side, so it needs more amplifier power than average to reach the same volume.

Does the AE300 need a subwoofer?

The AE300 reaches down to 45Hz (full range 45Hz - 30kHz). That is deep enough that many listeners will not feel the need for a subwoofer with music.

What drivers does the AE300 use?

The AE300 is a 2-way design using a 1.1" dome with waveguide tweeter and a 5.2" ceramic aluminium sandwich woofer.

Is the AE300 sealed or ported?

The AE300 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 AE300 come with grilles?

Yes. The AE300 comes with removable grilles.

How big and heavy is the AE300?

The AE300 weighs 6.50kg / 14.3lbs each and measures 11.4 x 6.9 x 10.2inch (HxWxD).

How much does the AE300 cost?

The AE300 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $1,099 per pair.


AE300 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandAcoustic Energy
Full Model NameAcoustic Energy AE300
Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
Power Rangeup to 100 watts
Sensitivity86 dB
Impedance6 ohms
Max SPL112 dB
Frequency Response45Hz - 30kHz
Release Date2017
DRIVERS
Woofer Size5.2-inch
Woofer Compositionceramic aluminium sandwich
Tweeter Size1.1-inch
Tweeter Typedome with waveguide
Crossover freq2800Hz
Port Positionrear

CONNECTIONS
Port Positionrear
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height300.0mm ( 11.8-inch)
Width175.0mm ( 6.9-inch)
Depth260.0mm ( 10.2-inch)
Height300.0mm ( 11.8-inch)
Weight6.5 kg (14.3 lbs)
EnclosureBass Reflex
Finishhigh density MDF
Available ColorsPiano Gloss White, Piano Gloss Black, Real Walnut wood veneer
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty
Labor Warranty
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