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
- 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.
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
AE309
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Manufacturer's notes
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 performanc...
- Drive Unit: 130mm ceramic aluminium sandwich cone
- Tweeter: 28mm dome
- Frequency Range: 38Hz – 30kHz
- Sensitivity: 89dB
- Peak SPL: 115dB
- Power Handling: 175w
- Crossover Frequency: 296Hz / 2.56kHz
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Design: 2.5 way
- Grilles: Slim, cloth magnetic fit
- Dimensions: 900 x 175 x 280 (HxWxD)
- Spike Thread Size: M8
- Weight: 22kg (each)
- Finishes: Piano Gloss White, Piano Gloss Black and Real Walnut wood veneer
Our take on the brand
Used
Acoustic Energy
What if you spend a bit more?
The AE320 is a new slim-line floor-standing loudspeaker with compact dimensions, suitable for medium to large sized rooms. The AE320 uses three latest generation 130mm mid-bass drive units. Featuring the brand new ceramic aluminium sandwich cone, that was especially developed for the 300 Series, 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.
The 28mm aluminium tweeter 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.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Deep, strong, and powerful bass conveys music on a scale that may not be expected
- Excellent musical communicator with a relatively clean and open midband, and a surprisingly polished treble for its price
- Well-rounded sound with perfect tonal balance and the ability to create perfectly stable and three-dimensional sound sources with great tonal differentiation
- Delivers on quality while being easy to drive from even moderately powered amps due to its impressive sensitivity
Product Considerations
- May require a medium to large room to avoid overpowering smaller environments
- The snappy character of the ceramic/aluminum drivers needs sympathetic amp matching, as it is best not partnered with a brighter-balanced transistor amplifier
- There is some cabinet coloration
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins' 603 S2 Anniversary Edition, B&W is a more 'grown-up' sounding speaker in that it's more discreet, controlled, measured, and refined
Takeaway: The AE320 is a well-designed and well-made speaker that sounds warm, open, and cohesive across the frequency range. It offers great value for its price and is ideal for those looking for a floorstanding speaker with excellent detail and impact.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Introducing the T Series The T66 is the first model in GoldenEar’s new T Series. While it boasts several significant refinements of our time-tested design concepts, the T66 is undeniably a GoldenEar loudspeaker, placing beautiful sound and music before all else. Honoring the Triton Series The T66 honors the critically acclaimed Triton Series, sharing a similarly tall, slender profile; built-in DSP-controlled subwoofer amplification; and a driver complement comprising GoldenEar’s High-Velocity Folded Ribbon AMT tweeter, cast-basket mid/bass units, quadratic planar radiators, and long-throw powered sub-bass section. Onward and Upward Several important cosmetic and sonic refinements distinguish the new T66 from previous GoldenEar speakers. These include a dramatically augmented crossover design, high-quality internal wiring, a new cast-aluminum base and metal grille, and, in addition to GoldenEar’s Gloss Black cabinet finish, a vibrant Santa Barbara Red.
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent bass performance is a defining feature, providing tight, smooth, even, solid, and tangible bass extension into the 20 Hz range, eliminating placement issues associated with separate subwoofers
- Balanced overall sound, coherence, and ability to present music in a natural and effortless way is consistently praised
- High levels of detail come through with the High-Velocity Folded Ribbon AMT tweeter and cast-basket mid/bass units
- A holographic image over the seating area of a typical sofa is capable with excellent imaging and a wide and open soundstage, even when not seated in the exact sweet spot
- The Santa Barbara Red finish option receives high marks for its visual appeal
Product Considerations
- Still a significant investment, especially the Santa Barbara Red finish
- The metal grille covering the drivers is not designed to be easily removed
- Care should be taken with system matching, due to a slightly hot high-end
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The T66 offers more refinement and a more 'of-a-piece' sound than the Triton One.R
- Has internal structural improvements that make it even more stable and rigid than previous generations
Takeaway: The GoldenEar T66 delivers audiophile-grade sound and aesthetics, with powerful bass and exceptional detail. These speakers are easy to incorporate into nearly any environment, and have the power to let the listener appreciate all the nuances in favorite songs or movies.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Slender Speakers with Surprising Performance.Lumina V takes inspiration from Sonus faber’s core designs and technologies, packaged in a sleek and minimalistic floorstanding speaker.LUXURY, SIMPLIFIED.Lumina V is the flagship three-way floor standing model in the collection. A slender speaker with high-power handling and fast transient response, Lumina V produces a natural, generous, and emotional sound for an immersive listening experience.LIGHTING THE WAYThe Lumina collection ushers in exciting changes while preserving the history and values core to Sonus faber. Centered on simplicity, Lumina provides an immersive and musical experience to a broader audience.SIGNATURE SONUS FABER MATERIALSLumina V incorporates multilayer wood on the front baffle and wood veneer, available in multiple finishes. The sides and top of the speaker cabinet are hand-covered in black leather.SIMPLICITY AND STYLELumina takes note of Sonus faber’s iconic natural materials.
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Elegant design with a combination of wood and leather that gives a classy appearance
- Impressive bass output, with some reviewers noting deep and tuneful bass
- The midrange is articulate and expressive, delivering vocals with palpability and detail
- Smooth and detailed high-end reproduction, thanks to the Damped Apex Dome (DAD) tweeter
- Relatively easy to drive with a sensitivity of 89-90dB
Product Considerations
- Requires careful placement to achieve the best balance, especially regarding toe-in
- The bass can sometimes be perceived as boomy depending on the room acoustics
- Some reviewers mention the included binding posts are cheap
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Q Acoustics Concept 50, the Lumina V has a more live sound, but the Concept 50 is more neutral, and more inert
- Compared to the Polk R700, the Lumina V is sonically similar to the R700, but with slightly less bass and a smaller cabinet—with better aesthetics; the R700 is more full range and warmer
- Compared to the Spendor A4 or ProAc Response DT8, the Lumina V is not as precise, but offers a natural sonic grace
Takeaway: The Sonus Faber Lumina V is an elegant speaker that delivers detailed sound and impressive bass. It is a great option if you want speakers that look as good as they sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
You wanted a flagship R-Series to fill larger rooms based on the trickle-down technology from the S-Series. The second-best two-channel system in our line-up still rivals most competitor's flagship. Employing the same DPC array and long-excursion woofers for extremely low distortion and our beam forming controlled directivity down to 500Hz make this a full-range masterpiece only rivaled by our own award-winning S7t.
Designed as a stand alone 2ch high fidelity speaker with the versatility to be used as part of multi-channel systems. Sharing "trickle-down" technology from our flagship S-Series, the DPC-Array here based on three 26mm domes, guarantees excellent directivity control and timbre matching with all R-Series speakers.
The Silk diaphragms developed ground up, chosen specifically their smooth, effortless representation of midrange and treble. The 165mm woofers are made from our proprietary HPF pulp, two years in development, bringing new technology to one of the oldest materials used in loudspeaker design.
The R7t can be aligned as bass reflex or acoustic suspension depending on specific tastes. Rich, dynamic bass matched with advanced mid/treble directivity pattern control and silky highs offer best in class performance.
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Remarkably coherent and balanced sound profile, resulting from well-engineered and matched drivers and cabinet
- An uncanny ability to 'disappear' in the listening room
- The DPC array design contributes to a wide horizontal dispersion, allowing a broader sweet spot for multiple listeners
- Accurate sound reproduction and neutral enough for studio use
- A high level of dynamic ability, good low-end control, and a cavernous soundstage
Product Considerations
- Only available in gloss black and gloss white finishes, which might not suit all tastes or home décor
- The price point is a significant investment, placing it beyond the reach of many
- Some reviewers noted a mild treble roll-off, or smooth character that was overly kind on poor recordings and might lack the sparkle and excitement some listeners prefer
- Setting up requires assistance, due to the weight
- The lower bass extension may not satisfy deep bass enthusiasts, with extension starting to drop below 40Hz
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Perlisten S7t, the S7t offers more overall weight, bottom-end reach, resolution, and dynamic speed, but the R7t shines brightly on its own
- Compared to the EgglestonWorks Oso, the Oso presented a more muscular version of the music with more bottom end oomph, while the R7t conveyed music's finer points with more apparent resolution
- Compared to the KEF Reference 3, the KEF may yield deeper bass extension due to greater cabinet volume, and the scale of the soundstage may also be improved, but the Perlisten offers a superior disappearing act
Takeaway: The Perlisten R7t are well-built speakers that provide a detailed and immersive listening experience, with their advanced design and unique driver array creating a spacious soundstage. Their cutting-edge design creates a great listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What else competes at this price?
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
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
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a lot of sound output and low bass, good for listeners who like full-range speakers
- The diamond-coated tweeter offers a big sonic improvement, sounding more open and less tinny or strained on the high end
- Exceptional value for money
- Exceptional bass weight and presence for the price range
- The Ultra Evolution Pinnacle offer scale, drama, and full-range sonics
Product Considerations
- Voiced for warmth rather than accuracy
- Can be room-sensitive in ways that other designs are not
- Should be driven with a robust amplifier
- The speaker's tonality is not linear, with a dip in the upper mid-range followed by a peak, making the sound somewhat shouty
- Speakers require placement away from walls due to a wide Q bump in the lower bass region
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- vs Bowers & Wilkins 802 D4: The new tweeter in the SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle loudspeakers had a lot of that open sound when playing "Blackbird" from QoBuz, but the highs weren't as open and airy as the nearly six times more expensive Bowers & Wilkins 802 D4 speakers—the improvement over the past tweeter is notable
- vs Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3: B&W is slightly more money and slightly more refined
- vs MartinLogan XT F200: The SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle loudspeakers may have a different sonic signature
Takeaway: The SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle speakers are a great option for those seeking a powerful, full-range sound with exceptional bass at a competitive price. They are the best SVS speaker yet and will make the listening experience vibrant and fun.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers weighty bass that can be felt due to its 15-inch passive bass radiator, a unique feature among Klipsch Heritage speakers
- Offers an open, transparent, true-to-life sound and a greater sense of scale compared to smaller Klipsch speakers, getting very close to the standards set by the La Scala in midrange clarity
- Detailed and nimble high frequencies, refined and easier on the ears than past Klipsch designs due to crossover updates
- Known for superb imaging, even better than some high-end bookshelf speakers, with a clean, sparkly, detailed, and 3-dimensional sound character
- Plays bigger, fatter, and taller than most speakers under £10,000, delivering effortless dynamics and a full-blooded, immediate sonic presentation
Product Considerations
- Placement is crucial; close to the wall can result in too much bass, compromising clarity, while too far can diminish bass capability
- May reveal faults in recordings, with some modern recordings not sounding as good as expected, and proper amplifier matching is essential to avoid tweeter hiss
- Can sound a bit more treble centric and forward compared to other Heritage speakers, potentially sounding hotter on top and thinner in the mids with certain amplifiers
- Requires careful amplifier matching, as the speaker can reveal weaknesses in the system
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Heresy Mark 4: Forte IV has more bass and scale, though some may prefer the size and styling of the Heresy
- Vs La Scala: Forte IV gets close to the La Scala's transparency but provides more bass
- Vs KLH Model 5: Forte IV is the better speaker overall, with greater scale, openness, and dynamics, but the Model 5 is easier to place and more forgiving of poor recordings
- Vs JBL L100 Classic: Forte IV has a more open and live sound
Takeaway: The Klipsch Forte 4 is a highly regarded speaker, offering a great blend of detail, dynamics, and bass performance making it a very enjoyable listening experience. With careful placement and amplifier matching, it can deliver exceptional sound quality that rivals more expensive speakers.
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
- 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.
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