Audio T Verdict
The Acoustic Energy AE300² is a thoughtfully engineered standmount speaker that combines a natural, controlled presentation with impressive bass extension for its compact size.
Its new paper and coconut-fibre driver delivers clarity and punch without sounding clinical, while the Corinium-inspired soft-dome tweeter provides an open and refined top end.
Add the heavily damped RSC cabinet and you have a speaker capable of revealing worthwhile improvements in amplifiers and source components without becoming difficult to enjoy. Place it on a rigid stand, give the rear port some breathing space and the AE300² makes a very convincing choice for small to medium-sized rooms.
Acoustic Energy AE300² Standmount Speakers
The Acoustic Energy AE300² is a compact passive two-way loudspeaker from the completely redesigned 300 Series.
It combines a newly developed 120mm paper and coconut-fibre mid/bass driver with a 29mm fabric-dome tweeter, an 18mm constrained-layer RSC cabinet and a rear slot-shaped reflex port.
The speaker has been designed for small to medium-sized listening rooms, providing greater refinement, cabinet control and driver quality than Acoustic Energy's entry-level 100 Series while retaining manageable dimensions.
Supplied as a Pair
The price shown is for one pair of passive Acoustic Energy AE300² speakers.
A suitable stereo amplifier, speaker cable and rigid speaker stands are required separately.
A Completely New 300 Series Design
Although it retains the AE300 name, the AE300² is not a minor update to the previous model.
Acoustic Energy redesigned the drivers, crossover, cabinet and external styling, drawing on research completed during the development of its flagship Corinium loudspeaker.
The previous generation's metal mid/bass cone has been replaced by a paper and coconut-fibre construction, while a new soft-dome tweeter replaces the earlier aluminium design.
The result is intended to provide a smooth, natural tonal balance while retaining the speed, clarity and dynamic character associated with Acoustic Energy.
120mm Paper and Coconut-Fibre Driver
The newly developed 120mm mid/bass driver uses a paper cone reinforced with coconut fibres.
Paper provides low moving mass and useful natural damping, while the coconut fibres increase stiffness and help control unwanted cone breakup.
This allows the driver to reproduce bass and midrange information with clarity while reducing the resonances that can colour voices and instruments.
An extended copper pole shield within the motor structure helps reduce midrange distortion, while a non-conductive voice-coil former supports bass extension and dynamic range.
29mm Fabric-Dome Tweeter
High frequencies are handled by a newly developed 29mm fabric-dome tweeter inspired by the unit created for Acoustic Energy's Corinium project.
The relatively large dome is designed to combine speed and clarity with low distortion and a smooth, natural tonal balance.
Its operating range overlaps comfortably with the mid/bass driver, allowing the crossover to divide the signal at 3.5kHz.
Wide Dispersion Technology
The tweeter sits within Acoustic Energy's latest Wide Dispersion Technology waveguide.
The carefully shaped surround controls how high-frequency energy spreads from the speaker, helping reduce diffraction from the cabinet around the crossover region.
It also creates a broader listening area, allowing the AE300² to maintain a more consistent balance across several seats rather than requiring one very narrow listening position.
Mid/Bass Driver
- 120mm paper-cone construction
- Reinforced with coconut fibres
- Designed for low mass and controlled stiffness
- Extended copper pole shield
- Non-conductive voice-coil former
Tweeter
- 29mm fabric dome
- Developed from the Corinium project
- Wide Dispersion Technology waveguide
- Designed for low diffraction
- 3.5kHz crossover frequency
RSC Constrained-Layer Cabinet
The AE300² uses an 18mm Resonance Suppression Composite cabinet made from layers of MDF and bitumen.
Combining materials with different mechanical properties helps absorb vibration within the cabinet walls rather than allowing large panels to resonate along with the music.
Acoustic Energy uses the same fundamental constrained-layer principle within its Corinium and 500 Series loudspeakers.
Reducing cabinet radiation allows more of the sound to come from the drive units, supporting clearer midrange detail and more precise stereo imaging.
Rear Slot-Shaped Reflex Port
A wide slot-shaped reflex port is positioned on the rear of each enclosure.
It uses the movement of air inside the cabinet to extend the output of the mid/bass driver towards the lower end of its operating range.
The duct has been developed to reduce air turbulence and the audible chuffing that can affect smaller conventional ports.
As the port faces backwards, its distance from the rear wall will influence the amount and character of the bass.
Speaker Stands and Placement
The AE300² will normally perform best on rigid floor stands that position the tweeter close to seated ear height.
Begin with the speakers around 20–40cm from the rear wall and arranged an equal distance from the main listening position.
Moving them closer to the wall will usually increase bass weight, while bringing them further into the room may produce a cleaner and more open presentation.
A sturdy shelf can be used where floor space is limited, although it should be deep enough to support the cabinet and leave useful clearance behind the rear port.
Speaker Stands Are Not Included
Suitable stands are available separately and will normally provide better stability, positioning and isolation than lightweight furniture.
Browse our
speaker stands and brackets
or ask Audio T to recommend an appropriate match.
Toe-In and Stereo Imaging
Start with the speakers facing forwards or angled gently towards the main listening seat.
Increasing toe-in may sharpen central image focus, while using less angle can create a wider and more open soundstage.
Wide Dispersion Technology provides useful flexibility, but both speakers should remain level and use the same angle.
Amplifier Matching
Acoustic Energy specifies a sensitivity of 86dB and a nominal impedance of 6O.
The AE300² is not unusually difficult to drive, but its moderate sensitivity means it will benefit from an amplifier with good control and a stable power supply.
Power handling is rated at 120W. This is not a required amplifier output, and a lower-powered amplifier can perform very well when used within its clean operating range.
Amplifier quality, current delivery, room size and preferred listening level are more useful considerations than headline wattage alone.
Single-Wire Speaker Connections
Each speaker uses one pair of terminals for a straightforward single-wire connection.
Maintain consistent polarity by connecting positive to positive and negative to negative at both speakers.
Switch the amplifier off before connecting or changing cables and make sure that no loose strands can bridge the terminals.
Available Finishes
The Acoustic Energy AE300² is available in Walnut, Silk-Touch Matte Black or Silk-Touch Matte White.
The trim, screen-printed logos and slim magnetic grilles are colour matched to each finish.
The cabinets should be cleaned with a soft, dry cloth without abrasive cleaners, solvents or furniture polish.
AE300² or AE100²?
The
Acoustic Energy AE100²
provides a more affordable and slightly smaller entry point into the range.
The AE300² moves to a more sophisticated paper and coconut-fibre driver, larger tweeter and constrained-layer RSC cabinet.
These changes make the AE300² the more suitable choice where greater refinement, cabinet control and system transparency are priorities.
Adding a Subwoofer
Acoustic Energy specifies useful bass extension down to 42Hz, but listeners wanting deeper low frequencies for films, electronic music or organ recordings can add a suitable active subwoofer.
The
Acoustic Energy AE Sub
provides adjustable crossover, output level and phase controls for stereo and Home Cinema systems.
Key Features
- Current second-generation Acoustic Energy AE300
- Compact passive two-way standmount design
- Supplied as a pair
- 120mm paper and coconut-fibre mid/bass driver
- Extended copper pole shield
- Non-conductive voice-coil former
- 29mm fabric-dome tweeter
- Wide Dispersion Technology waveguide
- 3.5kHz crossover frequency
- 18mm RSC constrained-layer cabinet
- MDF and bitumen cabinet construction
- Rear slot-shaped reflex port
- 42Hz–29kHz frequency range
- 86dB sensitivity
- 6O nominal impedance
- 120W power handling
- 112dB specified peak output
- Slim magnetic cloth grilles
- Walnut, Matte Black or Matte White finish
- Speaker stands required separately
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the AE300² speakers active?
No. They are passive loudspeakers and require a separate stereo amplifier and speaker cable.
Is the price for one speaker or a pair?
The Acoustic Energy AE300² is supplied as a pair.
Are speaker stands included?
No. Suitable rigid stands are required separately for the best positioning and stability.
What is the driver made from?
The 120mm mid/bass cone uses paper reinforced with coconut fibres to combine low mass, stiffness and natural damping.
Can the speakers be placed close to a wall?
They can work reasonably close to a wall, but the rear port benefits from some breathing space. Moving them closer will normally increase bass output.
What amplifier should I use?
Their 86dB sensitivity and 6O nominal impedance suit a broad range of good-quality amplifiers with stable power delivery.
Are they suitable for a small room?
Yes. Acoustic Energy designed the AE300² primarily for small to medium-sized rooms.
Can I add a subwoofer?
Yes. A correctly adjusted active subwoofer can extend the lowest bass while retaining the AE300²'s compact cabinet and standmount presentation.
Which finishes are available?
The available finishes are Walnut, Silk-Touch Matte Black and Silk-Touch Matte White.
Can Audio T help with amplifier and stand matching?
Yes. Audio T can demonstrate suitable amplifiers, stands and speaker cables and help position the AE300² correctly in your room.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Experienced Acoustic Energy loudspeaker specialists
- In-store demonstrations through participating branches
- Amplifier compatibility and system-matching advice
- Speaker stand recommendations
- Speaker cable and termination guidance
- Room positioning and toe-in assistance
- Help comparing the 100 and 300 Series
- Subwoofer matching and integration
- Home demonstration options where suitable
- Professional delivery and installation options
- Ongoing system and setup support
Contact your local Audio T store
to arrange a demonstration or discuss suitable amplification and stands for the Acoustic Energy AE300².