Acoustic Energy AE300² Bookshelf Speakers

Best Bookshelf Speakers 2026 via What Hi-Fi?

The Acoustic Energy AE300 Mk2 is one of the most accomplished bookshelf speakers in its class, combining clarity, punch, and musicality at an exceptional price point. Compact, refined, and easy to place, it delivers a confident, room-filling sound that consistently outperforms expectations.

Recognized by leading hi-fi publications and loved by listeners, the AE300 Mk2 is a standout choice for anyone building a serious two-channel system without stepping into high-end pricing.

Sound That Punches Above Its Weight

The AE300 Mk2 delivers a balanced and engaging sound with impressive bass presence for its size, a clear and expressive midrange, and a smooth, open treble. It’s equally comfortable with vinyl, streaming, and digital sources, making it an easy recommendation for a wide range of music and systems.

Its presentation is detailed without being fatiguing — ideal for long listening sessions and real-world living spaces.

Key Features

Tweeter

A newly developed aluminum dome tweeter provides clean, extended highs with excellent control. Treble is crisp and detailed while remaining smooth and natural, avoiding the brightness common in lesser designs.

Mid/Bass Driver

The 130 mm aluminum cone mid/bass driver delivers tight, articulate bass and a clear midrange. Voices and instruments sound natural and well-defined, with surprising weight and authority for a compact speaker.

Cabinet

The rigid, resonance-controlled cabinet minimizes coloration and enhances clarity. Thoughtful port tuning allows the AE300 Mk2 to perform confidently even when placed closer to walls or in smaller rooms.

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

What Hi-Fi

“The Acoustic Energy AE300 Mk2’s performance is the very definition of a slow burner… they’ll slowly but surely win you round.”
— What Hi-Fi?

The Ear

“A highly likeable character that makes music fun… one of the best speakers in its price category.”
— The Ear

StereoNET

“Impressive and rather unusual combination of sophistication and fun… smooth with distinct vocals.”
— StereoNET

Videos

Buy With Confidence — Authorized Dealer

Eardrum Audio is an officially authorized Acoustic Energy dealer, offering genuine, warrantied products and personalized system-matching advice.
Have questions about pairing, room size, or the right model? Call or text us — you’ll speak directly with a hi-fi specialist.