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  1. Home
  2. Acoustic Energy Speakers
  3. Passive Floor-standing Speakers
  4. Acoustic Energy AE320
Acoustic Energy AE320 Review
AE320 - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 1.1" dome with waveguide Tweeter
  • 5.2" ceramic aluminium sandwich Midrange
  • 2 x 5.2" ceramic aluminium sandwich Woofer
  • 35Hz - 30kHz Frequency Response
  • 90 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: up to 200 watts
  • Weight: 57.20 lbs / 26.00 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 39.4"x6.9"x10.2" / 1000.0 x 175.0 x 260.0mm
MSRP: $2,699 (list price)
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AE320 Review
AE320 AE320
Check price atAmazon›

Made by Acoustic Energy · United Kingdom · since 1987 · sold through dealers

Acoustic Energy AE320 is a 3-way Passive Bass Reflex Floor-standing speaker by Acoustic Energy. It was released in 2017. It features a 1.1" dome with waveguide Tweeter, 1 x 5.2" Midrange and 2 x 5.2" ceramic aluminium sandwich Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 35Hz - 30kHz and a sensitivity of 90 dB. AE320 has an MSRP of 2699$ per pair but can often be found around 2599$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the AE320 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-fieldBad
Small RoomPoor
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomGood
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.)

AE320  Lifestyle
AE320 Lifestyle

Acoustic Energy's AE300 Series of Loudspeakers

AE320 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
Compare
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
35-30k Hz 90 dB8Ω 2 x 5.2"
Acoustic Energy AE300 Series Speakers
Acoustic Energy AE300 Series Speakers

Frequency Response of the AE320 Speaker

AE320 has a Frequency response range of 35Hz - 30kHz and Power Range of up to 200 watts. With a minimum frequency of 35 Hz, AE320 delivers deep bass that will likely satisfy most listeners, especially those who enjoy music. However, movie enthusiasts and music fans who prefer a full range of sound may still benefit from adding a subwoofer.

Here we have a comparison of how AE320's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
AE320
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the AE320?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 35 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $3,000 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget
AE320 Woofer
AE320's ceramic aluminium sandwich Woofer

Among the speakers in our database with a max MSRP price of 3000$ (Pair), these are the 5 Passive Floor-standing speakers that have the deeper bass levels than the AE320's 35Hz:

  • KLH Kendall with Low Frequency of 25 Hz (Compare w/ AE320)
  • GoldenEar Triton Five with Low Frequency of 26 Hz (Compare w/ AE320)
  • KLH Concord with Low Frequency of 28 Hz (Compare w/ AE320)
  • SVS Ultra Tower with Low Frequency of 28 Hz (Compare w/ AE320)
  • GoldenEar Triton Seven with Low Frequency of 29 Hz (Compare w/ AE320)

AE320 Tweeter
AE320's aluminium dome with waveguide Tweeter

Crossover frequency of the AE320?

AE320 is a 3-way speaker and its crossover frequency between the woofer and the midrange is set to 380 Hz and the crossover frequency between the midrange and the tweeter is set to 3400 Hz.

AE320 driver frequency bands35-380Woofer 5.2"380-3.4kMidrange 5.2"3.4k-30kTweeter 1.1"20501002005001k2k5k10k20k40kHz, log scale

Impedance and Sensitivity

AE320's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 90 dB.

Sensitivity
Floor-standing Speakers
AE320
Min
Average
Median

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Acoustic Energy AE320 is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

90dB of the Acoustic Energy AE320 is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise. Work out how loud the AE320 plays in your room →

What amplifier does the AE320 need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 7.5–120 W per channel into 8 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 $3,000, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

AE320 features type connectors.

AE320 External Dimensions and Weight

AE320 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 39.4 x 6.9 x 10.2inch (1000.0 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 AE320 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 AE320 weighs 26.00kg / 57.2lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how AE320's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
AE320
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Floor-standing Speakers under $3000
AE320
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

AE320 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

AE320 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

AE320 is available in Piano Gloss White, Piano Gloss Black and Real Walnut wood veneer.

Does the AE320 come with a Grille?

AE320 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 AE320 is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

AE320  with Grille
AE320 with Grille

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Acoustic Energy AE320.

  • 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.

User's Manual

For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Acoustic Energy AE320, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for AE320

Official Brochure

Here is a link to download the official brochure for the Acoustic Energy AE320 speaker:
Official Brochure for AE320

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the Acoustic Energy AE320 speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for AE320

Acoustic Energy AE320 Alternatives in Passive Floor-standing Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
AE309
Compare
3-way 89 dB 6 ohms 38Hz - 30kHz
AE509
Compare
2-way 89 dB 6 ohms 32Hz - 28kHz
AE300
Compare
2-way 86 dB 6 ohms 45Hz - 30kHz
B&W 603
Compare
3-way 88.5 dB 8 ohms 48-28k Hz
AE307
Compare
2-way 89 dB 6 ohms 42Hz - 30kHz
Polk R700
Compare
3-way 88 dB 8 ohms 38-38k Hz
Wharfedale EVO4.4
Compare
3-way 89 dB 8 ohms 44-22k Hz
Triangle Borea BR09
Compare
3-way 92.5 dB 8 ohms 35 - 22k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Acoustic Energy AE320

What amplifier do you need for the AE320?

Acoustic Energy rates the AE320 for up to 200 watts of amplifier power. It is an 8-ohm speaker, the usual nominal load, so almost any amplifier or receiver can drive it.

Is the AE320 easy to drive?

The AE320 has a sensitivity of 90 dB. That is high: it goes loud on modest power, so it suits low-powered amplifiers, including valve/tube designs.

Does the AE320 need a subwoofer?

The AE320 reaches down to 35Hz (full range 35Hz - 30kHz). That is genuinely deep bass - a subwoofer is optional unless you want home-theatre effects below that.

What drivers does the AE320 use?

The AE320 is a 3-way design using a 1.1" dome with waveguide tweeter, a 5.2" midrange and 2 x 5.2" ceramic aluminium sandwich woofers.

Is the AE320 sealed or ported?

The AE320 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 AE320 come with grilles?

Yes. The AE320 comes with removable grilles.

How big and heavy is the AE320?

The AE320 weighs 26.00kg / 57.2lbs each and measures 39.4 x 6.9 x 10.2inch (HxWxD).

How much does the AE320 cost?

The AE320 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $2,699 per pair.


AE320 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandAcoustic Energy
Full Model NameAcoustic Energy AE320
Speaker Type3-way Floor-standing
Power Rangeup to 200 watts
Sensitivity90 dB
Impedance8 ohms
Max SPL116 dB
Frequency Response35Hz - 30kHz
Release Date2017
DRIVERS
Woofer Size5.2-inch
Woofer Compositionceramic aluminium sandwich
Tweeter Size1.1-inch
Tweeter Typedome with waveguide
Midrange Size5.2-inch
Crossover freq380Hz and 3400Hz
Port Positionrear

CONNECTIONS
Port Positionrear
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height1000.0mm ( 39.4-inch)
Width175.0mm ( 6.9-inch)
Depth260.0mm ( 10.2-inch)
Height1000.0mm ( 39.4-inch)
Weight26 kg (57.2 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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