Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- Well-rounded sound for the price
- Easy to drive with various amplifiers
- Easy to place in a room, even close to a wall, thanks to the rear slot port design
- Wide sound dispersion, making them suitable for enjoying with friends and family
- Smooth, warm, and non-fatiguing sound, suitable for long listening sessions
Product Considerations
- Bass can sometimes muddy the midrange, especially with tone controls that increase bass
- Soundstage depth may fall a bit short compared to more expensive speakers
- The provided spikes attach directly to the base of the cabinet, which could affect side-to-side stability
- Accessories could be better
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Magnepan LRS+—AE109² easier to own, less finicky with amp requirements and placement, and better for sharing due to wider sweet spot, though Magnepan sounds better
- Vs DALI Spektor 6—AE109² presents a genuine challenge, with better looks, though DALI has more 'fizz' of excitement
Takeaway: The AE109² is a budget-friendly floorstanding speaker that provides a balanced and enjoyable listening experience, especially for those prioritizing ease of placement and a wide soundstage. These speakers are a great option for creating a solid system.
Compared to their other products
We think it's helpful to understand how this product fits into the brand's full lineup (below). To learn more about these products, visit the brand's page.
Acoustic Energy 100 Series
- Positioning: The entry-level range, designed to offer high-quality sound at an affordable price.
- Description: Features a 130mm mid-bass driver with a long throw motor system for high sound pressure levels. Compared to the 300 Series, it uses HDF construction for thinner cabinet walls, providing deeper bass without increasing size, making it ideal for small to medium rooms with budget constraints.
Acoustic Energy 300 Series
- Positioning: A mid-range offering, providing a step up in performance and design from the 100 Series.
- Description: Features new paper/coconut-fibre drivers and soft dome tweeter, offering a warm and natural sound. Unlike the 100 Series, it uses RSC cabinets for reduced cabinet radiation.
Acoustic Energy AE1 Active
- Positioning: A high-performance, self-powered speaker designed for convenience and superior sound quality.
- Description: Features integrated Class A/B amplification and ceramic aluminium cone technology, providing exceptional stiffness and low weight. Unlike passive models in the 100 and 300 Series, it offers direct connection to DACs and preamps.
Acoustic Energy 500 Series
- Positioning: The flagship range, offering the highest level of performance and design.
- Description: Features carbon fibre tweeters and mid/bass drivers for a smoother, more transparent sound, surpassing the 300 Series in clarity and detail. Its RSC cabinets and advanced driver technology deliver premium sound for larger spaces.
Acoustic Energy Corinium
- Positioning: A premium, bespoke offering, representing the pinnacle of Acoustic Energy's design and engineering.
- Description: Distinguished by its refined design and exquisite cabinet finish, incorporating advanced drivers and crossovers. Unlike the 500 Series, it is tailored for those seeking the ultimate in luxury and performance.
Read the reviews
AE109²
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Manufacturer's notes
- Drive Unit: 130mm paper cones
- Tweeter: 25mm fabric dome
- Frequency Range: 41Hz - 26kHz
- Sensitivity: 89dB
- Peak SPL: 115dB
- Power Handling: 175w
- Crossover Frequency: 275Hz, 2.5kHz
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Design: 2.5-way
- Grilles: Slim, cloth magnetic fit
- Dimensions: 860 x 165 x 250 (HxWxD)
- Spike Thread Size: M8
- Weight: 16kg (each)
- Finishes: Black and Walnut vinyl veneer
Our take on the brand
Used
Acoustic Energy
What if you spend a bit more?
The AE309 is a slim-line floor-standing loudspeaker with compact dimensions, suitable for medium to large sized rooms. Similar to the AE300 comparison, the AE309 offers higher levels of performance and finish than its 100 Series equivalent.
The AE309 uses two latest generation 130mm mid-bass drive units. Featuring a brand new ceramic aluminium sandwich cone with an ultra-shallow profile and ultra-high force, long throw motor system, this new driver boasts improved dispersion, extended bass slam and overall power handling.
A new 28mm aluminium tweeter has been developed for the 300 Series which offers high power handling and a low fundamental resonance to reduce distortion. However, the main benefit to this new design is the excellent dispersion characteristics thanks to our Wide Dispersion Technology waveguides. The waveguides shape the acoustic output of the tweeter to match the woofer and provide a wider sweet-spot in your listening environment.
The inert, 18mm high density MDF cabinet utilises proprietary bracing technology derived from the award-winning Reference Series, to reduce cabinet colouration and allow the new transducers to breath freely within the listening environment. The slot shaped duct port on the rear of the speaker augments the bass output and has been carefully developed to reduce the effect of air turbulence with a clean, undistorted bass performance.
The base of the cabinet is pre-loaded with an inert mass material which adds damping and reduces cabinet colouration. The mass loading coupled with 8mm floor spikes help stability and provide a solid foundation for the drive units to operate without resonances from the cabinet interacting with the floor surface.
The result of this latest drive unit technology and enclosure design is a slim-line, powerful floor-standing loudspeaker for the discerning listener when refined audio quality coupled with elegant aesthetics are paramount. Finished in a choice of Piano gloss black, white or satin real walnut wood veneer finishes, the AE309 will easily integrate within any home décor.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Impressive bass extension and power for its price
- Clear and communicative mid-range and a smooth treble
- Good dynamics and scale, performing like a much larger speaker than it is
- Very high resolution and overall good sound for the price
- Warm, sweet, inviting mid-range and smooth high frequencies without sacrificing detail
Product Considerations
- Bass response isn't the most taut
- Stage depth isn't great
- Some reviewers noted a slight loss of fine detail towards the back of the soundstage
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Monitor Audio's Silver 200, the AE309 focuses on musicality over analytical detail
- Compared to Fyne Audio F501s, Fyne Audio F501s offer a more spacious and detailed performance, but cost more
- Compared to the AE100 Series, the AE309 adds transparency and tonal accuracy while retaining the energy of the AE100 series
- Compared to Q Acoustics Concept 40, the AE309 sounds more fun—it's less analytical
Takeaway: The AE309 is a well-rounded and fun floorstanding speaker that offers impressive performance for the price. It is a mature all-rounder and a new standard to beat for the under $2000 category.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Fit and finish plus performance that is a bargain for around $3k/pair
- Gelcore cabinet construction minimizes unwanted sound energy from resonance and vibrations
- A tweeter that is hermetically sealed and mechanically isolated (floating) from the baffle provides lower distortion
- Size, weight, and richness of tone belies their size, with a wider baffle to each loudspeaker pointing at you
- A mild sound throws emphasis back to the midrange that in itself seems almost holographic, as well as deeply insightful in a gentle but revealing manner
Product Considerations
- A medium to large size room is required to shine, otherwise the bass will dominate
- Flaws in poor recordings can be revealed due to their detail and accuracy—warts and all performance
- The top-end is a little soft and gentle—classic BBC like—which may require amps with some zing to compensate
- Listeners seeking absolute detail or transparency might not be satisfied because of Q Acoustics' house sound that massages treble and plumps up bass and lower mid
- They don't go sub-40Hz deep, frequency response is rated at 42 Hz – 30 kHz (-6dB)
Takeaway: The Q Acoustics Concept 50 offers excellent value with its blend of innovative design and high-quality sound, making it a great choice for enjoying music with a sense of depth and engagement. The Concept 50s are easy to listen to and fun.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Model Five acoustic suspension speakers are known as one of the finest and most sought-after speakers for audiophiles, both new and seasoned. Our updated version of this classic speaker has real wood veneers, cast aluminum baskets, and uses acoustic suspension design principles made famous by founder Henry Kloss.
The KLH Model Five vintage speaker is offered in three gorgeous finishes (English Walnut, West African Mahogany, and Nordic Noir), allowing the loudspeaker to blend with all home decor. The English Walnut Model Five comes with a beautiful Stone Wash Linen grille cloth that magnifies the rich finish of the real wood veneers. Meanwhile, our West African Mahogany finish is complemented by an Old-World Linen grille cloth that will stop you in your tracks. And lastly, the Nordic Noir finish is shipped wearing the lovely Medici Grey Linen grille cloth.
Want the option of pairing any grille cloth with the finish of your choosing? Don't worry- you can purchase each style separately below! Riser base and grilles included with speaker purchase.
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Retro aesthetics reminiscent of vintage speakers, with a well-applied veneer and woven front panel
- Balanced sound with clarity in the midrange and treble, creating an immersive listening experience
- Good sensitivity makes them relatively easy to drive with a range of amplifiers
- Acoustic suspension design provides tight bass and allows for flexible placement near walls
- Three-position attenuation switch allows for adjustment to different room acoustics
Product Considerations
- Can sound a bit bright out of the box, requiring a break-in period
- Sound can harden a little when provoked by poor or bright recordings, and they are finicky about upstream electronics
- Bass might not be punchy enough for some listeners, potentially requiring a subwoofer or EQ adjustments
- Lack of provision for spikes to fasten the speakers to the carpet
- Grilles need to be off for best sound, according to one reviewer
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the JBL L100, the Model Five is better balanced and more enjoyable to listen to
- Compared to the NHT C3, the Model Five is an upgraded variant, offering deeper, wider sound and more resolution
- Compared to the Buchardt S400, the Model Five sounds more open, brighter, and more detailed—with better instrument placement
- Compared to the Aurender S5W, the Model Five reaches lower frequencies and has better overall resolution and detail
- Compared to the Graham LS6, they perform on par, albeit via a different approach, trading in some refinement for a more direct—in-your-face sound
Takeaway: The KLH Model Five is a speaker with retro style and balanced sound. They are versatile and can be used in different listening spaces.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent clarity and detail resolution, with leading edges of notes crisply defined
- Accurate reproduction, with precise tonal accuracy and fine spatial definition within the soundstage
- Superb build quality for the money, and they look more expensive than they are
- Easy to drive without requiring excessive power to perform to their best
- Soundstage width is better than the 3050i
Product Considerations
- Needs care in system matching, as they are transparent and will reveal shortcomings in the source or amplifier
- Can sound slightly lean throughout the lower midrange, and the highs can sometimes present as a bit hot depending on the content
- Does not plumb the depths that some other floorstanders do
- Not designed for pokey rooms and cupboard-sized man caves, they need to breathe and require adequate space
- Some reviewers felt the build quality of the binding posts could be better
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The 5040 has a more neutral tonal balance with better-defined bass and exceptional clarity, while the 3050i delivers greater overall impact with its larger drivers and cabinet
Takeaway: The Q Acoustics 5040 is a well-built speaker that sounds great and looks modern, making it a good choice for those who want clarity and detail in their music, but system matching is important to avoid a bright presentation. These speakers are a strong statement in the right listening environment for the price.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What else competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Flat in-room frequency response, especially from 200 Hz upwards, contributes to accurate sound reproduction
- Amplifier and receiver friendly due to its high sensitivity and 8-ohm impedance, performing well with entry-level to flagship AV receivers and amplifiers
- The new, larger Tractrix horn waveguide design offers improved directivity control and high-frequency focus
- Excels in dynamics, delivering raw impact and presence that enhances the excitement of movies and gaming, as well as rock and electronica music
Product Considerations
- Treble might become fatiguing with lesser recordings or at higher volumes, and may not be agreeable with all genres for listeners seeking a very smooth top end
- The midrange, while linear, isn't completely neutral due to some cabinet resonance, adding extra energy that may or may not be desirable depending on listener preference
- For true full-range playback, a subwoofer is required to compensate for the lack of deep bass extension
- The vinyl finish may disappoint fans of natural materials
- Best listened at within a 5-degree angle, and listening at a height level with the tweeter is clearly the best choice
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Polk R700: R700 is a more versatile all-rounder, but preferred for rock and electronica
- Vs. Sonus Faber Lumina 5: The Sonus Faber is better built and looks nicer, but more refined
- Vs. Q Acoustics Concept 50s: The Concept 50s image a little better, disappear just a little bit better, and they are exceptional off-axis, but do not play as low
- Vs. Heco Aurora 1000: The Heco is more linear across the range
- Vs. SVS Prime Pinnacle: The SVS Prime Pinnacle has a tweeter that is lower in level, offering a warmer sound
Takeaway: The Klipsch RP-8000F Mark II is a speaker that brings a dynamic sound to movies, gaming, and music. For speakers that are easy to set up, are amplifier-friendly and deliver punchy, clear audio, these could be a great option.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Creates a very open and transparent soundstage, which crosses the threshold of believability in a small to medium-sized room
- Low distortion, especially in the midrange and upper bass, making listeners realize how imperfectly transparent many speakers are
- Highly resolving, with impressive performance on acoustical instruments and vocal reproduction
- Offers a unique and remarkable experience due to the story and love behind the speaker's creation
- Presents a challenge, helping users understand speaker positions as the sound changes completely with movement
- Considered 'eminently affordable' and provides incredible sound for the price
Product Considerations
- Requires significant time to install, tweak, and dial in due to its dipole design, making positioning critical
- Bass is not powerful—it doesn't do pounding bass, and listeners won't feel the bass pounding on their chest, so a subwoofer might be needed, especially for rock, pop, dance, and electronic music
- Needs good power and high current to sound clean and not cause fatigue, it is not a powerful-sounding speaker
- The stand included is considered subpar and not very versatile
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs the original LRS, the LRS+ has ameliorated treble, has smoother upper mids, and has a reduced nosedive in the power range and midbass
Takeaway: The Magnepan LRS+ is a special speaker with an open soundstage, great details, and makes music sound real and enjoyable. Though not perfect, it is well worth buying because it offers an excellent way to experience a panel speaker without spending too much.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The Emit 30 delivers a satisfying and full-bodied sound, particularly excelling in the midrange, making vocals, piano, strings, and horns sound 'right'
- Bass performance is impressive for its size, delivering clean, fast, and airy bass with low distortion
- Good clarity and detail, rendering a wide range of recordings
- Good dynamics and energy, making music lively and engaging
- Top-notch build quality
Product Considerations
- The Emit 30's presentation might favor sophistication over excitement, with rhythmic drive being somewhat muted
- High-frequency non-linearity
- Some reviewers found the upper frequencies 'off', sometimes a little too soft
- The vinyl finish may be a drawback for some, as it is not as luxurious as real wood veneers
- Speakers like a bit of power
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Triangle Comet: The Emit 30 is rich, warm, and sweet, whereas the Comet is fast, quick, hyper-detailed, and exciting
- Vs KEF LS50 Meta: The Emit 30 gives a more complete, full-bodied sound, while the LS50 offers clearer vocals and more air
Takeaway: The Dynaudio Emit 30 is a well-rounded speaker that offers a satisfying and engaging listening experience with impressive bass and midrange performance. It's a great value for those seeking a refined and capable floorstanding speaker without breaking the bank.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The Imagine T65 benefits from technologies passed on from the company's flagship Synchrony Series
- The dual 6.5-inch woofers produce serious bass, with good depth and authority
- Features a dedicated 5.25-inch midrange driver, leading to a more resolved and clear midrange
- Strong output capability and low distortion
- The speakers have a wider vertical window for better home theater use than is typical
Product Considerations
- The midrange may need some equalization work, especially if dialogue in movies and vocals in music are not at the forefront
- The white cabinet finish might look and feel a little more like primer than high-quality paint
- The upper bass range might be a bit much from time to time, and tunable ports may have helped
- The gold-plated binding posts are nice, but the large, plastic fixture might be undesirable
- Placement in too small a room could overwhelm it, resulting in muddied sound
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sonus Faber Lumina V: The Lumina V may edge out the T65's in mid-bass performance, but they are more different—not overall better
- Vs Paradigm Premier 700F: The Paradigm is a remarkably refined loudspeaker that has a smaller form factor than the T65
Takeaway: The PSB Imagine T65 is a refined and powerful speaker that provides a lot of energy, making it great for both two-channel and home theater environments. It is a good choice for those looking for a full-range speaker that plays clean and loud.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Cabinet has been updated with an internal bracing system to reduce resonances
- Wiring is available for RP500SA2 satellites, which can be mounted on top in Dolby Atmos theater systems
- Bass and lower mids are improved due to the new cabinet with spacers, resulting in cleaner and more articulate bass
- Offers flexibility with the built-in option for Atmos driver speakers
- High sensitivity at 96 dB, making it easy to drive with different amplifiers
Product Considerations
- It has a baffle step dip around 200 to 300 hertz, and the low-frequency extension is limited, requiring a subwoofer
- The soundstage is more on the narrow side due to the controlled directivity horn design
- Vertical radiation pattern requires listeners to be within about plus or minus 10 degrees of the tweeter line
- Has a mild high-frequency tilt, which can be fatiguing
- Lacks laser-focused imaging, imaging is only okay, and layering is not a strong point
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the RP600M, the RP6000F sounds substantially better
- Compared to the Buchardt S-400 Mark II, the Buchardt's top end is clearer, more transparent, and has more detail, while the RP-6000F has more drive and power
- Compared to the RP5000F and RP8000F2, the RP6000F2 is similar in sound, with some different issues across the three models
Takeaway: The Klipsch RP-6000F is a good speaker for the price that has nice improvements in the bass and lower mids. It is enjoyable and allows one to have lots of fun playing their favorite music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- Well-rounded sound for the price
- Easy to drive with various amplifiers
- Easy to place in a room, even close to a wall, thanks to the rear slot port design
- Wide sound dispersion, making them suitable for enjoying with friends and family
- Smooth, warm, and non-fatiguing sound, suitable for long listening sessions
Product Considerations
- Bass can sometimes muddy the midrange, especially with tone controls that increase bass
- Soundstage depth may fall a bit short compared to more expensive speakers
- The provided spikes attach directly to the base of the cabinet, which could affect side-to-side stability
- Accessories could be better
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Magnepan LRS+—AE109² easier to own, less finicky with amp requirements and placement, and better for sharing due to wider sweet spot, though Magnepan sounds better
- Vs DALI Spektor 6—AE109² presents a genuine challenge, with better looks, though DALI has more 'fizz' of excitement
Takeaway: The AE109² is a budget-friendly floorstanding speaker that provides a balanced and enjoyable listening experience, especially for those prioritizing ease of placement and a wide soundstage. These speakers are a great option for creating a solid system.
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