SpeakerDecision
  • SPEAKERS by TYPE
    • Passive Bookshelf Speakers
    • Passive Floor-standing Speakers
    • Passive Center Channel Speakers
    • Passive In-wall Speakers
    • All Passive Speakers
    • Powered Subwoofers
    • Powered Stereo Speakers
  • AMPLIFIERS
  • SMART FIND
  1. Home
  2. Acoustic-Energy Speakers
  3. Passive Floor-standing Speakers
Acoustic Energy AE520 Review
Acoustic Energy AE520

Main Features

  • 1" dome with waveguide Tweeter
  • 5.2" carbon fibre cone Midrange
  • 4 x 5" carbon fibre cone Woofer
  • 30Hz - 28kHz Frequency Response
  • 90 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 6ohms
  • Power Range: up to 300watts
  • Weight:66.00 lbs / 30.00 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 44.5"x7.3"x12.6" / 1130.0 x 185.0 x 320.0mm
CHECK PRICE

Compare To

x
Add a Speaker for comparison
AE520 Review
AE520 AE520
See at AMAZON

Acoustic Energy AE520 is a 3-way Passive Bass Reflex Floor-standing speaker by Acoustic Energy. It features a 1" dome with waveguide Tweeter, 1 x 5.2" Midrange and 4 x 5" carbon fibre cone Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 30Hz - 28kHz and a sensitivity of 90 dB. AE520 has an MSRP of 4999$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the AE520 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 RoomAverage
Large RoomGood
Very Large RoomAverage

(* 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.)

AE520  Lifestyle
AE520 Lifestyle

Acoustic Energy's AE500 Series of Loudspeakers

AE520 is a member of Acoustic Energy's AE500 series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

Acoustic Energy AE500 Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
AE500
Compare
45-28k Hz 87 dB6Ω 1 x 5"
AE520
30-28k Hz 90 dB6Ω 4 x 5"
AE509
Compare
32-28k Hz 89 dB6Ω 2 x 5"


**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 AE520 Speaker

AE520 has a Frequency response range of 30Hz - 28kHz at ±3dB and Power Range of up to 300 watts. With a minimum frequency of 30 Hz, AE520 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.

To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with AE520, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $5000. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how AE520's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
AE520
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
AE520
Min
Average
Max
AE520 Woofer
AE520's carbon fibre cone Woofer

Among the speakers in our database with a max MSRP price of 5000$ (Pair), these are the 5 Passive Floor-standing speakers that have the deeper bass levels than the AE520's 30Hz:

  • KLH Kendall with Low Frequency of 25 Hz (Compare w/ AE520)
  • GoldenEar Triton Five with Low Frequency of 26 Hz (Compare w/ AE520)
  • Monitor Audio Silver 500 7G with Low Frequency of 27 Hz (Compare w/ AE520)
  • KLH Concord with Low Frequency of 28 Hz (Compare w/ AE520)
  • SVS Ultra Tower with Low Frequency of 28 Hz (Compare w/ AE520)

Crossover frequency of the AE520?

AE520 is a 3-way speaker and its crossover frequency between the woofer and the midrange set to 373Hz and the Crossover frequency between the midrange and the tweeter is set to 2800Hz.

Impedance and Sensitivity

AE520's nominal impedance level is 6 ohms and has a sensitivity of 90 dB.

Sensitivity
Floor-standing Speakers
AE520
Min
Average
Max

Nominal Impedance of the 6 Ohms makes the Acoustic Energy AE520 a relatively difficult to drive speaker compared to more frequently found 8 ohms speakers from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

90dB of the Acoustic Energy AE520 is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the AE520:

  • Integrated Amps under 2000 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 3000 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 5000 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

AE520 features type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.

AE520 External Dimensions and Weight

AE520 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 44.5 x 7.3 x 12.6inch (1130.0 x 185.0 x 320.0mm ).

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 AE520 is approximately 592.0cm2 / 91.8inch2.

Weight

The AE520 weighs 30.00kg / 66lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how AE520's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
AE520
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Floor-standing Speakers under $5000
AE520
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

AE520 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.

AE520  Feet
AE520 Feet

Port Position

AE520 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

AE520 is available in Piano Gloss Black, Piano Gloss White and American Walnut wood veneer.

Does the AE520 come with a Grille?

AE520 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 AE520 is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

AE520  with Grille
AE520 with Grille

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Acoustic Energy AE520.

  • 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.

User's Manual

For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Acoustic Energy AE520, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for AE520

Official Brochure

Here is a link to download the official brochure for the Acoustic Energy AE520 speaker:
Official Brochure for AE520

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the Acoustic Energy AE520 speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for AE520

Acoustic Energy AE520 Alternatives in Passive Floor-standing Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
AE509
Compare
2-way 89 dB 6 ohms 32Hz - 28kHz
AE500
Compare
2-way 87 dB 6 ohms 45Hz - 28kHz
Klipsch RP-6000F
Compare
2-way 97 dB 8 ohms 34-25k Hz
Polk R700
Compare
3-way 88 dB 8 ohms 38-38k Hz
B&W 702 S3
Compare
3-way 90 dB 8 ohms 46-28k Hz
Wharfedale EVO4.4
Compare
3-way 89 dB 8 ohms 44-22k Hz
Monitor Audio Silver 500 7G
Compare
3-way 90.5 dB 8 ohms 27-35k Hz
B&W 703 S2
Compare
3-way 89 dB 8 ohms 46-28k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Acoustic Energy AE520
What is the External Dimensions of Acoustic Energy AE520
What is the Speaker Sensitivity of Acoustic Energy AE520
is the Acoustic Energy AE520 an easy to drive speaker?

AE520 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandAcoustic Energy
Full Model NameAcoustic Energy AE520
Speaker Type3-way Floor-standing
Power Rangeup to 300 watts
Sensitivity90 dB
Impedance6 ohms
Max SPL113 dB
Frequency Response30Hz - 28kHz
DRIVERS
Woofer Size5-inch
Woofer Compositioncarbon fibre cone
Tweeter Size1-inch
Tweeter Typedome with waveguide
Midrange Size5.2-inch
Crossover freq373Hz and 2.8kHz
Port Positionrear

CONNECTIONS
Port Positionrear
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height1130.0mm ( 44.5-inch)
Width185.0mm ( 7.3-inch)
Depth320.0mm ( 12.6-inch)
Height1130.0mm ( 44.5-inch)
Weight30.00kg ( 66.00 lbs)
EnclosureBass Reflex
FinishResonance Suppression Composite (RSC)
Available ColorsPiano Gloss Black, Piano Gloss White, American Walnut wood veneer
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty
Labor Warranty
LATEST BLOG POSTS

Klipsch La Scala AL6 and Klipschorn AK7 Speakers are Unveiled
New Audiolab 6000A MkII with upgraded DAC and new HDMI ARC connection
Q Acoustics 3000c Series Loudspeakers added to the database
WiiM VibeLink Amp: A Game-Changer for Budget Hi-Fi in 2025
KEF Meta and Reference Meta Floorstanding Speaker Size and Specs Comparison
Triangle Borea Bookshelf and Floorstanding Speaker Size and Specs Comparison


Latest Passive Floor-standing Speakers
Klipsch Heritage La Scala AL6
Klipsch La Scala AL6
3-way Floor-standing | 103 dB | 8 ohms
Klipsch Heritage Klipschorn AK7
Klipsch Klipschorn AK7
3-way Floor-standing | 103 dB | 8 ohms
Q Acoustics 3050c
Q Acoustics 3050c
2-way Floor-standing | 90 dB | 6 ohms
Q Acoustics 3050i
Q Acoustics 3050i
2-way Floor-standing | 91 dB | 6 ohms
Triangle Borea BR10
Triangle Borea BR10
3-way Floor-standing | 92 dB | 8 ohms
ELAC Debut 3.0 DF63
ELAC Debut 3.0 DF63
3-way Floor-standing | 87.5 dB | 4 ohms
ELAC Debut 3.0 DF53
ELAC Debut 3.0 DF53
3-way Floor-standing | 87.5 dB | 4 ohms
Monitor Audio Gold 500 6G
Monitor Audio Gold 500 6G
3-way Floor-standing | 88.5 dB | 4 ohms
Monitor Audio Gold 300 6G
Monitor Audio Gold 300 6G
3-way Floor-standing | 87 dB | 4 ohms
JBL Stage 280F
JBL Stage 280F
3-way Floor-standing | 91 dB | 6 ohms


Copyright © 2025 by SpeakerDecision
About Privacy Contact US Camera Decision
Compare List

    Add a speaker to the List