Acoustic Energy AE500 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by Acoustic Energy. It was released in 2017. It features a 1" dome with waveguide Tweeter and 1 x 5" carbon fibre cone Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 45Hz - 28kHz and a sensitivity of 87 dB. AE500 has an MSRP of 1499$ per pair.
Room Size Suitability
The size of the room where you plan to use the AE500 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-field | Average |
| Small Room | Good |
| Mid-size Room | Average |
| Large Room | Poor |
| Very Large Room | Bad |
(* 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.)
AE500 Speaker Structure
Acoustic Energy's AE500 Series of Loudspeakers
AE500 is a member of Acoustic Energy's AE500 series of Passive speakers. The AE500 is Acoustic Energy's flagship standmount range, using premium drivers and a slot-loaded port for a refined, full-bodied sound. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.
**This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequency Response of the AE500 Speaker
AE500 has a Frequency response range of 45Hz - 28kHz at ±3dB and Power Range of up to 120 watts. With a minimum frequency of 45 Hz, AE500 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 AE500's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Thinking about a subwoofer for the AE500?
AE500's carbon fibre cone Woofer
Among the speakers in our database with a max MSRP price of 1500$ (Pair), there is only one Passive Bookshelf speaker that have the deeper bass levels than the AE500's 45Hz:
AE500's carbon fibre dome with waveguide Tweeter
Crossover frequency of the AE500?
The crossover frequency of the AE500 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.
Impedance and Sensitivity
AE500's nominal impedance level is
6 ohms and has a sensitivity of
87 dB.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Nominal Impedance of the 6 Ohms makes the Acoustic Energy AE500 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 AE500 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 AE500 plays in your room →
Running more than one pair from a single amplifier? Check the load it would present →
What amplifier does the AE500 need?
At normal listening levels in a medium room, about
20–100 W
per channel into 6 ohms.
Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.
Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $1,500, or every amplifier we cover.
Input Type
AE500 features type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.
AE500 External Dimensions and Weight
AE500 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 12.2 x 7.3 x 10.2inch (310.0 x 185.0 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 AE500 is approximately 481.0cm2 / 74.6inch2.
Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove → · Work out where they should sit in the room →
WeightThe AE500 weighs 8.00kg / 17.6lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how AE500's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $1500
AE500 on a Stand
Cabinet type and Materials
AE500 has a
Bass Reflex type cabinet and a Resonance Suppression Composite (RSC) 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
AE500 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
AE500 is available in Piano Gloss Black, Piano Gloss White and American Walnut wood veneer.
Wall Mounting
AE500 doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.
Does the AE500 come with a Grille?
AE500 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 AE500 is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.
AE500 with Grille
Recommended Accessories
Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Acoustic Energy AE500.
- Speaker Cable and Connectors
- 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 AE500, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for AE500
Official Brochure
Here is a link to download the official brochure for the Acoustic Energy AE500 speaker:
Official Brochure for AE500
Official Product Page
Official manufacturer's product page for the Acoustic Energy AE500 speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for AE500