Audio T Verdict
The Acoustic Energy AE320² is the speaker to choose when you like the natural, engaging character of the redesigned 300 Series but want considerably more bass depth, scale and dynamic headroom.
Its dedicated midrange driver keeps vocals and instruments clear while the two larger bass drivers provide the authority expected from a flagship floorstander. A 92dB sensitivity also makes it relatively efficient, although its revealing nature still rewards a suitably capable amplifier.
The AE320² is a substantial speaker for medium to larger rooms, but its slim proportions prevent it from appearing as imposing as its performance or 26kg cabinet weight might suggest.
Acoustic Energy AE320² Floorstanding Speakers
The Acoustic Energy AE320² is the flagship floorstanding loudspeaker in the redesigned 300 Series.
It combines two 140mm bass drivers with a dedicated 120mm midrange unit and a 29mm fabric-dome tweeter, creating a true three-way speaker capable of reproducing deep bass, clear midrange detail and open high frequencies.
Acoustic Energy developed the driver technology, crossover and cabinet construction using research from its Corinium loudspeaker project, bringing several higher-level design principles into a more accessible model.
Supplied as a Pair
The price shown is for one pair of passive Acoustic Energy AE320² floorstanding speakers.
A suitable stereo amplifier and speaker cable are required separately.
True Three-Way Driver Design
The AE320² assigns the bass, midrange and treble to separate drive units rather than asking one driver to reproduce both deep bass and critical midrange information.
The two lower 140mm drivers concentrate on the bass frequencies. The smaller 120mm driver handles the midrange before handing over to the tweeter at 2.8kHz.
This division of work allows each section to operate within a more focused frequency range, helping the speaker maintain clarity and composure when playing demanding music at higher volumes.
Twin Bass Drivers
- Two dedicated 140mm paper-cone units
- Greater radiating area for deeper bass
- Designed for strong output and low distortion
- Supported by a rear slot-shaped reflex port
- Operate below the 240Hz crossover point
Dedicated Midrange Driver
- Separate 120mm paper-cone driver
- Handles voices and instruments
- Derived from Corinium driver research
- Designed for natural tone and clarity
- Hands over to the tweeter at 2.8kHz
Paper and Coconut-Fibre Driver Technology
Acoustic Energy developed the 300 Series cone technology around a paper-based construction reinforced with coconut fibres.
Paper provides low moving mass and useful natural damping, while the additional fibres improve stiffness and help control unwanted cone breakup.
The motor structure uses an extended copper pole shield to reduce distortion through the midrange, while a non-conductive voice-coil former supports bass extension and dynamic range.
29mm Fabric-Dome Tweeter
High frequencies are reproduced by a 29mm fabric-dome tweeter developed from technology created during the Corinium project.
Its relatively large dome is designed to combine speed, extension and low distortion with a smooth and natural tonal balance.
The tweeter is positioned close to the midrange driver, helping the two units integrate coherently through the 2.8kHz crossover region.
Wide Dispersion Technology
The tweeter sits within Acoustic Energy's Wide Dispersion Technology waveguide.
The shaped surround controls how high-frequency energy spreads into the room and helps reduce diffraction from the front baffle.
This supports a broader listening area and helps the speaker maintain a more consistent tonal balance across several seats.
RSC Constrained-Layer Cabinet
The AE320² uses an 18mm Resonance Suppression Composite cabinet constructed 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 with the music.
Reducing cabinet radiation allows more of the sound to come from the drive units, helping preserve midrange clarity, bass definition and stereo focus.
Each cabinet weighs 26kg, reflecting the substantial construction beneath its relatively understated exterior.
Rear Slot-Shaped Reflex Port
A wide slot-shaped reflex port is positioned on the rear of each speaker.
The port uses air movement within the enclosure to extend the output of the twin bass drivers towards the bottom of the frequency range.
Its broad opening and carefully developed duct are designed to reduce turbulence and audible airflow, allowing cleaner bass at higher output levels.
As the port faces backwards, the distance between the speakers and rear wall will influence the amount and character of the bass.
Aluminium Feet and Floor Spikes
The AE320² is supplied with aluminium feet and adjustable M8 floor spikes.
The feet create a wider and more stable base beneath the cabinet, while the spikes allow each speaker to be levelled securely on suitable carpeted floors.
Protective spike covers are included for use on wood, laminate, tile and other hard floor surfaces.
Room Positioning
The AE320² is designed primarily for medium to larger rooms and should be given enough space to allow its twin bass drivers and rear port to operate cleanly.
Begin with the speakers approximately 30–50cm from the rear wall and positioned symmetrically around the main listening seat.
Moving them closer to the wall will normally increase bass weight, while bringing them further into the room may improve definition and stereo depth.
Avoid placing one speaker close to a room corner while the other sits in open space, as this can produce an uneven tonal balance between the channels.
Toe-In and Stereo Imaging
Begin with the speakers facing forwards or angled gently towards the listening position.
Increasing toe-in may sharpen the focus of central vocals and instruments, while reducing it can create a wider and more open soundstage.
Both speakers should remain level and use the same angle and distance from surrounding walls where practical.
Amplifier Matching
The AE320² has a high specified sensitivity of 92dB and a nominal impedance of 6O.
This means it can produce useful volume from a broad selection of amplifiers, but its scale, bass capability and revealing nature still reward high-quality amplification with good current delivery and control.
Acoustic Energy specifies power handling of 200W. This should not be treated as a required amplifier output, as a lower-powered amplifier can work well when operated within its clean range.
Amplifier quality, room size and preferred listening level are more useful considerations than headline wattage alone.
Avoid Amplifier Clipping
An amplifier driven beyond its clean operating range can produce harsh distortion capable of damaging a loudspeaker.
Reduce the volume if the system begins to sound strained, compressed or obviously distorted.
Single-Wire Speaker Connections
Each AE320² uses one pair of speaker terminals for a straightforward single-wire connection.
Maintain correct polarity throughout the system by connecting positive to positive and negative to negative.
Switch the amplifier off before connecting or changing cables and ensure that no loose strands can bridge the terminals.
AE320² or AE309²?
The
Acoustic Energy AE309²
is the slimmer and more compact 2.5-way floorstander in the 300 Series.
The AE320² adds a dedicated midrange driver, larger 140mm bass units, greater cabinet volume and considerably higher sensitivity.
This gives the AE320² deeper bass, greater dynamic headroom and a larger-scale presentation, making it the stronger choice for bigger rooms or listeners wanting a more full-range system.
Home Cinema Use
The AE320² can form the front left and right channels of a high-performance Acoustic Energy Home Cinema system.
The
Acoustic Energy AE307²
provides a matching centre or LCR speaker, while the
Acoustic Energy AE Sub
can reproduce the dedicated low-frequency effects channel.
Available Finishes
The Acoustic Energy AE320² is available in Walnut, Silk-Touch Matte Black or Silk-Touch Matte White.
Each version features colour-matched trim, screen-printed branding, aluminium feet and slim magnetic cloth grilles.
Clean the cabinets using a soft, dry cloth and avoid abrasive products, solvents and furniture polish.
Key Features
- Flagship floorstanding model in the current 300 Series
- Supplied as a pair
- True three-way rear-ported design
- Dedicated 120mm paper-cone midrange driver
- Two 140mm paper-cone bass drivers
- 29mm fabric-dome tweeter
- Wide Dispersion Technology waveguide
- 240Hz and 2.8kHz crossover frequencies
- 18mm RSC constrained-layer cabinet
- MDF and bitumen cabinet construction
- Rear slot-shaped reflex port
- 30Hz–29kHz frequency range
- 92dB sensitivity
- 6O nominal impedance
- 200W power handling
- 118dB specified peak output
- Aluminium feet
- M8 floor spikes and protective covers
- Slim magnetic cloth grilles
- Walnut, Silk-Touch Matte Black or Matte White
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the AE320² speakers active?
No. They are passive speakers and require a separate stereo amplifier and speaker cable.
Is the price for a pair?
Yes. The Acoustic Energy AE320² is supplied as a pair.
What does three-way mean?
The bass, midrange and treble are reproduced by separate dedicated drivers rather than one driver covering both bass and midrange.
How does the AE320² differ from the AE309²?
The AE320² adds a dedicated midrange driver, larger bass drivers, greater cabinet volume and higher sensitivity for deeper bass and greater scale.
Are the floor spikes included?
Yes. Aluminium feet, adjustable M8 spikes and protective covers for hard floors are supplied.
Can the speakers be placed close to a wall?
They can work near a wall, but their rear ports and substantial bass output benefit from breathing space. Moving them closer will normally increase bass weight.
Which amplifier should I use?
Their 92dB sensitivity and 6O impedance suit a broad range of amplifiers, although good control and current delivery are recommended.
Are they suitable for smaller rooms?
They are designed primarily for medium to larger rooms. The AE309² or AE300² may be easier to accommodate in a smaller space.
Which finishes are available?
The AE320² is available in Walnut, Silk-Touch Matte Black and Silk-Touch Matte White.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Experienced Acoustic Energy loudspeaker specialists
- In-store demonstrations through participating branches
- Help comparing the AE309² and AE320²
- Amplifier compatibility and system-matching advice
- Speaker cable and termination guidance
- Room positioning and toe-in assistance
- Home Cinema and subwoofer integration advice
- 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 for the Acoustic Energy AE320².