AE1 40th Anniversary Edition

“Such spatiality, plus the sheer speed and grip makes this track a thrill ride… the AE1 40th Anniversary delivers excitement and precision in equal measure.”
— Hi-Fi Choice ★★★★★

In 1987, the loudspeaker world was shaken by the arrival of the Acoustic Energy AE1 - a compact monitor that defied the norms of that time. The AE1 was a revelation: a small speaker that delivered the kind of dynamic range, clarity, and bass extension typically reserved for much larger enclosures.

Now, decades later to celebrate 40 years of this ground breaking loudspeaker, we’re proud to launch the AE1 40th Anniversary Edition bringing that legacy into the modern era - with cutting-edge engineering and timeless design.

Performance That Defies Size

Despite its compact dimensions, the AE1 40th Anniversary delivers a sound that feels far larger than expected. Bass is tight, weighty, and controlled, the midrange is rich and expressive, and the treble is clean, open, and refined. The presentation is lively and engaging without sounding aggressive — making it easy to enjoy across long listening sessions and a wide range of music.

Balanced and musical, the AE1 40th excels with vocals, acoustic instruments, jazz, rock, and modern recordings alike.

What’s New in the 40th Anniversary Edition

• Larger 29 mm anodised aluminium dome tweeter with improved power handling and lower distortion

• Newly developed 125 mm spun and hard-anodised aluminium mid/bass driver for improved efficiency and control

• Updated crossover design using modern components for better integration and clarity

• Stiffer, resonance-controlled cabinet with refined port tuning for deeper, cleaner bass

• Easier to drive than the original AE1, making it compatible with a wider range of modern amplifiers

These updates retain the spirit of the original while making the AE1 more accessible, more refined, and more musically satisfying in today’s systems.

Key Features

Tweeter

The 29 mm aluminium dome tweeter features a larger voice coil and improved motor design for lower distortion and greater refinement. High frequencies are detailed and airy without harshness, offering excellent extension and smooth integration with the midrange.

Mid/Bass Driver

The newly developed 125 mm aluminium cone mid/bass driver delivers speed, control, and natural tonal balance. Carefully engineered for the AE1 40th, it produces impressive bass weight for its size while maintaining clarity and texture through the midrange.

Crossover

A redesigned crossover network optimises phase alignment and transient response. High-quality components ensure coherence across the frequency range and preserve the speaker’s dynamic and musical character.

Cabinet

The rigid, resonance-controlled enclosure minimizes coloration and supports precise imaging. Improved port design enhances bass depth and control while maintaining the AE1’s compact footprint.

Listening Experience

The AE1 40th Anniversary offers a sound that is fast, dynamic, and emotionally engaging. Imaging is precise, the soundstage is wide and immersive, and instruments are rendered with convincing scale and realism. It captures the energy and immediacy that made the original AE1 famous, while delivering greater refinement and versatility for modern listening environments.

Not sure which Acoustic Energy speaker is right for your room?

We compared the AE300, AE500, and AE1 40th Anniversary to help explain the differences in room size, listening distance, and sound character.
Read the Acoustic Energy Speaker Guide

Reviews & Awards

“Such spatiality, plus the sheer speed and grip makes this track a thrill ride… the AE1 40th Anniversary delivers excitement and precision in equal measure.”
— Hi-Fi Choice ★★★★★

“An outstanding modern reworking of a classic loudspeaker — fast, articulate, and far bigger-sounding than its size suggests.”
— Hi-Fi News (Outstanding Product)

“A magnificent love letter to the original AE1, but modernised in all the right ways.”
— The Ear (Editor’s Choice)

“The AE1 40th Anniversary sounds impressively mature, controlled, and engaging — with bass weight and scale that belies its compact dimensions.”
— StereoNET