Acoustic Energy AE120² Floorstanding Speakers

The Acoustic Energy AE120² is the flagship floorstanding loudspeaker in the current 100 Series.

It uses a true three-way design with two dedicated 130mm bass drivers, a separate 130mm midrange driver and a 25mm fabric-dome tweeter.

This arrangement allows each section of the speaker to concentrate on a more focused part of the frequency range, helping the AE120² deliver powerful bass, clear midrange detail and smooth high frequencies from its slim cabinet.

The speakers are supplied as a pair and require a suitable stereo amplifier and speaker cable.

True Three-Way Design

Unlike a conventional two-way or 2.5-way speaker, the AE120² assigns bass, midrange and treble to separate drive units.

The two lower 130mm drivers reproduce the bass frequencies, while the upper 130mm driver is dedicated to the midrange. The 25mm tweeter handles the highest frequencies.

Separating these duties reduces the amount of work required from each driver and allows Acoustic Energy to optimise them for their individual roles.

130mm Paper-Cone Drivers

All three larger drive units use doped paper cones with high-power, long-excursion motor systems.

Paper combines relatively low moving mass with useful natural damping, helping the dedicated midrange driver reproduce voices and instruments smoothly.

The twin bass drivers use the same basic cone material but operate within a different frequency range, providing the greater movement and radiating area needed for deeper low-frequency output.

Separate Midrange Enclosure

The midrange driver is housed within its own sealed internal chamber.

This prevents pressure and rearward energy from the two bass drivers from interfering with the midrange cone.

Isolating the driver in this way helps preserve vocal clarity, stereo focus and fine instrumental detail when the bass section is working hard.

25mm Fabric-Dome Tweeter

High frequencies are handled by a 25mm soft fabric-dome tweeter powered by a neodymium motor assembly.

Its design aims to combine clarity and extension with a smooth, approachable balance suitable for longer listening sessions.

The tweeter is positioned close to the dedicated midrange driver to help the two units integrate around the 2.7kHz crossover point.

Wide Dispersion Technology

The tweeter sits within Acoustic Energy's Wide Dispersion Technology waveguide.

The shaped surround controls how high-frequency sound spreads into the room and helps match the tweeter's dispersion to the midrange driver.

This supports a broad, even listening area and helps maintain a stable stereo image across more than one seat.

Impedance-Compensated Crossover

The three-way crossover operates at 300Hz and 2.7kHz.

Acoustic Energy uses impedance compensation to control electrical and mechanical resonance effects that could otherwise colour the midrange or reduce the speed and definition of the bass.

Careful attention has also been given to phase and timing so that the four drive units behave as one coherent loudspeaker rather than four separate sound sources.

Rear Slot-Shaped Reflex Port

A wide slot-shaped port is positioned on the rear of each cabinet.

The port uses air movement within the enclosure to extend the low-frequency performance of the twin bass drivers.

Its broad opening is designed to reduce turbulence and audible airflow while allowing the slim cabinet to deliver a specified response down to 39Hz.

Because the port faces backwards, the distance between the speakers and rear wall will influence the amount and balance of bass.

Mass-Loaded HDF Cabinet

The enclosure is constructed from 15mm High Density Fibreboard with internal bracing to control unwanted cabinet vibration.

Acoustic Energy also supplies the AE120² mass-loaded, adding damping and stability to the lower part of the cabinet.

Each speaker weighs 19kg despite measuring only 165mm across the main cabinet, reflecting the substantial internal construction behind its relatively slim appearance.

Plinth and Floor Spikes

A discreet satin-black plinth widens the speaker's footprint and provides greater stability than the narrow cabinet alone.

Adjustable floor spikes allow the speakers to be levelled on suitable carpeted floors and help prevent the cabinets from rocking.

Suitable floor protectors should be used beneath the spikes on wood, laminate, tile or other delicate surfaces.

Room Positioning

Begin with the AE120² positioned approximately 20–40cm from the rear wall and arranged symmetrically around the listening position.

Moving the speakers closer to the wall will normally increase bass weight, while moving them further into the room can produce a cleaner and more open balance.

Their twin bass drivers and rear ports mean the AE120² generally benefits from more breathing space than the smaller AE109².

Avoid placing one speaker close to a corner while the other sits in open space, as this can create an uneven tonal balance between the channels.

Toe-In and Stereo Imaging

Start with the speakers facing forwards or angled gently towards the main listening seat.

Increasing toe-in may improve central image focus, while reducing it can create a wider and more open presentation.

Both speakers should use the same angle and remain level on their plinths.

Amplifier Matching

The AE120² has a specified sensitivity of 90dB and a nominal impedance of 6O.

This makes it relatively efficient for a speaker of its size and allows it to work with a broad range of good-quality integrated, streaming and power amplifiers.

Its scale and 200W power handling also mean it can benefit from more capable amplification, particularly in a larger room or at higher listening levels.

Amplifier quality, stability and current delivery are more important than selecting equipment solely by its headline wattage.

Single-Wire Speaker Connections

Each speaker uses one pair of terminals for a straightforward single-wire connection.

Maintain the same polarity throughout the system by connecting positive to positive and negative to negative.

Switch the amplifier off before connecting or changing speaker cables and check that no loose strands can bridge the terminals.

AE120² or AE109²?

The Acoustic Energy AE109² is the slimmer and less expensive floorstander, using a 2.5-way arrangement with two 130mm drivers.

The AE120² adds a second dedicated bass driver, a separate midrange unit and a true three-way crossover.

This gives the AE120² greater bass extension, output capability and scale, making it the stronger choice for larger rooms or listeners wanting a fuller-range presentation.

Home Cinema Use

The AE120² can form the front left and right channels of an Acoustic Energy Home Cinema system.

The AE107² centre speaker provides a matching centre channel, while AE105 on-wall speakers can be used for surround duties.

The Acoustic Energy AE Sub can add the lowest bass and dedicated effects required by film soundtracks.

Available Finishes

The Acoustic Energy AE120² is available in Satin Black or Walnut vinyl veneer.

Slim magnetic cloth grilles are included and can be removed carefully when the exposed four-driver arrangement is preferred.

Key Features

• Flagship floorstanding model in the Acoustic Energy 100 Series
• True three-way loudspeaker design
• Two dedicated 130mm paper-cone bass drivers
• Separate 130mm paper-cone midrange driver
• Dedicated sealed internal midrange enclosure
• 25mm fabric-dome tweeter
• Wide Dispersion Technology waveguide
• Impedance-compensated crossover
• 300Hz and 2.7kHz crossover frequencies
• Rear slot-shaped reflex port
• 15mm High Density Fibreboard cabinet
• Internally braced and mass-loaded construction
• Satin-black plinth
• Adjustable floor spikes
• 90dB sensitivity
• 6O nominal impedance
• 200W power handling
• 116dB specified peak output
• Slim magnetic cloth grilles
• Available in Satin Black or Walnut

Frequently Asked Questions