NEW SPEAKER! Acoustic Energy AE100ii Review - Now in the US!
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- Опубліковано 8 лип 2024
- Acoustic Energy AE100ii bit.ly/3TVVUc4
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0:00 Start
0:20 Best Intro Ever
1:01 Basics
2:06 Specs
3:54 Where were They
5:14 Soundstage and Imaging
7:56 Bass
10:24 Midrange
13:26 Treble
16:10 Final Thoughts
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Randy , the link to the AE100ii does not seem to work.
Thanks for bringing these to my attention. I was unaware of the brand. I’m looking forward to your speaker shoot out that includes the speakers. Great job!
I got a pair of these about 2 months ago. I fell in love with them right away. I have work around jets my whole life so my high end hearing needs some help. Warm speakers sound muddled to me. The clarity of these speakers paired with the Cambridge Audio AX100 was outstanding. I felt and heard the bass, but it didn’t kick in until -35db. To fix this I then bought a SVS SB-1000 powered subwoofer. Problem solved. I now have the clarity I need and also have the punchy bass.
I was living in the UK in the 80's-90's and bought the Acoustic Energy AE2's around 1994, several years after they were introduced. They still are my main speakers and the sound is fantastic. Thanks' for reviewing one of my favorite companies. Great job!
Very cool!
Really like the looks!! Great review Randy!! As usual, covered the most important aspects of a product. Well done sir.. Have a GREAT day.
Thanks so much for supporting the channel!
Great Review! I appreciate the test song call outs, which give me a reference to listen for things in my system and maybe try out a song I haven't listened to before. Also, like the old school notebook notes.
EU user here : ] I'm using these speakers together with the loxije a30 on a daily basis since 6 months now, hooked up on my TV via optical cable. The sound is way better than you'd expect from a speaker this size. The little loxije amp + AE100ii is a match made in heaven. Really good for listening music and movies. Rich and detailed sound considering the price of the full setup. For movies there is a little trick I figured out. When the TV's audio is set to tv speakers, the optical sends signal regardless to loxije and speakers hence you have 3 (or more) spekers to listen to. :) Playing around with the volume levels on both can result in a complementary setup with very good results.
Very cool, sounds like a good value and I could hear your enthusiasm😊
I have the new AE1, which are basically powered AE-100 mk1, on my desktop. They are fantastic and used ones can be had for really cheap. Love them, there's something very special about their realistic tonality.
Thanks for sharing!
That was actually the best intro ever. Had me groovin’
According to A British Audiophile, they match up perfectly with the Cambridge Audio AXA35.
Thanks for the review
Having made Critons, notice how the curves on the speaker allow you to cover the entire speaker with only two pieces of veneer or vinyl. Clever. I borrowed that when I made my Critons.
The original ae-1s were a phenomenal achievement. These are cute and nice but I'd like to see AE bring back some of the glory.
I remember in the begging you always had your notes lol. Glad they are back
Love these!
thanks!
Congrats on the magnificent introduction!
Glad you like it!
So fancy! Like the mail slot on the rear 😁
It really is!
I too was really interested in this line after watching BA but the value/dollar dynamics and a constrained dealer and/or for distribution do not motivate or move things well. Still so glad you chose to check these out and who knows, maybe the access and purchase arena will change for these in time.
This is a wonderful little speaker. I own Sonus Faber, Zu Audio and Klipsch Heresy IV's. These little guys (comparatively) are really, really good. I've had them for a few days and am quietly sneaking away to listen to them over the Sonus Faber and Zu's. It's got a nice soundstage, an ever so slightly warmth (a good thing), and maybe best of all, they're not fatiguing. If you're in the market for a speaker with a small footprint in a smaller room, this is your speaker!
the intro was great, i never would have noticed the curved edges without it
lol. I had fun with the intro
Well done, thank you.
Thank you too!
Nice! The review from Tarun/British Audiophile (awesome channel btw) got me interested in researching better gear
Glad it was helpful! He's great
@@cheapaudioman For sure, thanks to you as well, really looking fwd to your coverage of all the holiday deals - cheers
Cool review. Would this speaker be a bad choice for sitting on a bookshelf since it has the rear slotted port ? Would this make the bass muddy or boomy ?
Had the originals, now have the 300's and the 500's (with the c/fibre woofer and tweeter). Others may excel in certain areas but I feel the AE'S are better as an all round performer. They are also very well made.
I like them a lot
Did see the reviews of the two Brits ABA and PPS, same week heard them in a store here in Quebec. To my ears they beat all the very good ones around this price (that I've heard or owned : diamond's, Q's, elac, Dali, triangle. Now I'm Left with AE mk2 and RP 500m😉. Great intro by the way chief 😆
thanks, brother
@@cheapaudioman I did get them @600CAD so cheaper up North 🤷🏿♂️🤑
😳😳.... I love the new synth retro intro music!
Nice Review!
What is the tube amplifier over your shoulder ? I don’t recognize it.
Love the retro gaming feel spec recap intro
Hey, throwing some Bruce Hornsby out there. Man, I've been interested in Acoustic Energy speakers since I came across an ad for the AE320s earlier this year. Good to see someone speak on them.
Bruce is on my test track playlist I think. Love the piano
These are in my country not much more expensive as the Speaker Box 5 which you don't seem to mention much anymore, would you pick this over the speaker box 5?
Glad you enjoyed these, Randy. I have a soft spot for AE speakers. My first floorstanders were AE 109s and nearly 30 years later they are still doing a great job delivering tunes and TV to my eldest son. At £259 here in the UK these are a no brainer if you need a compact bookshelf.
nice
Good vid man, a slight nod to the old style of vids u did, approved. 👍
Much appreciated. going back to the beginning
Hah, I remember I suggested you should look at these speakers in one of your streams! How would you say they compare to the Dali Spektor 2's? They are the same price where I live
Hi Randy. Thanks for the reviews! Do these challenge the ELAC Unifi 2.0? Or are you still waiting on the challenge you threw down almost 2 years ago?
IMHO, I'm gonna say they can't challenge the Unifi's as others above their 6 to 7 hundred price point, can't.
I've been waiting for this review for a long time.I'll expect a shootout.Thank you very much, sir!P.S In my village, they are sold for $300
wow. that's a steal
They are pretty, no doubt about that, but these for $500 USD or the ELAC B5.2s for $329.98 pair? Yes, lots of speakers hitting similar price points. OK, speaker shootout time, oh boy! Still loving my Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 I got in part on your recommendation.
Love the intro tunes.
Glad to see this speaker is bigger than a Sandperson! Loved the comparisons. Let’s do a little Slipnot!
Any advice? I have some B&W DW 601 speaks and finding they lack bass. Should I buy some of these (currently just £200 in the UK) or add a sub woofer instead?
Love your reviews, can't always take your "music" choices. See you in the next video. Best, D.
Hi Randy would you have a chance do a review for Heco Aurora's Speakers either bookshelf or Tower, they seems very good value and top sound they deserve to a good review . Watched most of your videos , I do enjoy all of them a lot Thank you !
I have a pair of AE aegis 1, cheap on price but built like rocks and sounds surprisingly good in bass and midrange.
Call me the "cheapest" audio guy...but I am enjoying this show while listing through the following:
PC: Built my own 3 years ago...X79-based for $650 total (mix of used server CPU (XEON 8C/16T up to 4.5Ghz), used motherboard/RAM/GPU and new PSU & data storage).
DAC: FiiO BTA30Pro (in DAC mode) ~$125
Receiver: Yamaha CR-420 (minty mint/used) ~$150
Equalizer: Marantz EQ20 [minty mint/used $128] with Randy's presets
Speakers: Bookshelf Mordaunt-Short MS20i's ~$38 [ EXC condition; impromptu purchase at a Salvation Army store. Stumbled upon them...high up on a shelf collecting dust]
Hard to justify new bookshelf speakers when deals like the above abound where I live. As for the sound quality/performance...love this rig.
Hey Randy, just as I am looking for an affordable pair of speakers for near field or some light home theater you deliver this awesome review. I am a bit 'worried' (eh?) that these are 6 Ohm speakers. My little amp currently powering the emotiva B1+'s is rated for 90W@4 Ohm / 50W@8 Ohm and after reading opinions on the internets for 20 minutes im totally confused.
The equipment you hooked them up to (the A1 amp) is quite a tad beefier to say the least. Any idea how low one can get on the budget amp side? I hope I wont have to change my SMSL AO200 to drive these adequately :(
30 Watts would be plenty, the 6 Ohm rating is an average but they don't drop below 5 Ohms, many 8 Ohm speakers drop to 3,4 or even less. It's a pretty vague spec without more detail really...
Clarity comes from a very rigid enclosure that allows the driver to work against a solid base and use its maximum potential.
Who doesn’t love a good speaker shootout?
crazy people
I love that synth music during the b-role Lord Audioman!
Could you possibly link me to it?
it's from epidemic sound. I can't remember the name of the track
Good fun video.
Glad you enjoyed it
I live in the Europes, specifically Brexitland. Finding Emotiva speakers here is difficult! Keep wanting to try out the B1+. Wharfedale, Q Acoustic, Cambridge Audio and Dali however are definitely affordable here, but not ANY kind of AV receiver (which is a bummer).
that is a bummer
@@cheapaudioman At the current exchange rate the AE100ii are $298 (including Tax), which makes them look superb value :)
AVR's model for model definitely are pricer here in UK.
As are USA based brands even when manufactured in China
Could you review the Mission QX2 mk2? Love to know what you think. It has some fancy pants tech.
I think you should check out Rush “Limelight.” The last note of the solo at 3:14 is sustained for what seems like forever. I had heard this song hundreds of times and never noticed the sustain. On some speakers its barely audible. On others its very prominent. I think the note is D#5, 588Hz.
Edit: I meant D#6, 1176Hz
Randy, you are very important in my book! Every time I see your videos or pictures I always think about how far you've come since your first videos! Not a good accomplishment, but a great accomplishment! I'm so glad for you my man! You fricken rock! 🇺🇦🇺🇸👊
Have you ever done a review on the Ascend Acoustics products? Specifically cmb170 or htm200? They seem like they would be right in your wheelhouse of price vs quality.
Great video…but damn you for putting that song in my head lol @1:57
ha. sorry
How do these compare to the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1? (assuming they're the same price)
I've been a huge acoustic energy fan since the first AE1 speakers. It's a shame the is limited distro in the USA
I think they're trying to expand it
I bought these speakers in Italy for 377 €, the equivalent of 400 $. I think that is really difficult to find something better at this price. In England they cost the equivalent of 300 €.... Even better
£279 regular with a couple of dealers at £259 Inc tax here in UK 🇬🇧 currently 👍 🙂
Thank man for binding post technology
I believe you are getting the phenomenal sound staging results because of the higher transparency that you’re getting from your new cabling set-up. How much different would it sound with your old cables?
I just think the cabling helps.
Rock on!
The cool thing is, accurate reviews.
well I did most of my critical listening through a pair of homemade cables with budget copper wire. I did have a audio quest optical cable though. the rest was just stock
Speakers make me think of Andrew Jones ELAC/Pioneer mashup with improved look. I think $300 is a more realistic price point. But, whadda I know? Thanks for the review. The use of the sandman for perspective was brilliant!
Hi
If you had to choose between the Acoustic Energy AE100ii and the Emotiva B1+ without considering the price, which would be your choice?
I have the Emotiva A1+ would love to know as well, and how do they relate to the Kef R3meta on imaging.
It’s a shame tax hikes the prices of international audio products so high, I had to pay up for my polks sadly being from europe, loved the new intro tho Randy!
These speakers were made in Malaysia for a UK company, I don't quite understand why they are almost double the price in the US.
Pleaseeeee, review the akg k712 pros. They have a unique spot in the akg brand and I'm thinking of getting a pair and I'd love to get your thoughts on them.
Those kind of remind me of KEF 350's or whatever the bookcase size is. Same demensions and wood grain exterior. Im interested.
That tweeter has a horn......................
The soft dome looks about an 1" recessed and surrounded by a horn-ish waveguide-ish thingy. I'm assuming that increases directionality and reduces 1st reflection off the wall? Anyone?
Has this channel ever reviewed toe powered speakers from people like Edifier and Swan? I'd love a 3-way shootout between the Edifier s3000pro, the Swan M300 Mk-ii, and something at the top of the line from Kali.
Ah, the omnipresent green notebook. Anyone not in the military cannot appreciate the importance of that piece of equipment. Kiddos for using it 👍 I still have all mine. They become a diary of your career. Though my classified pages are torn out 😉 Feel better soon.
it's falling out of the cover at this point but it was fun taking a walk down memory lane
hmm damn, was just about to buy the new Klipsch R-40m a bit of a gamble cause you haven't reviwed the new Klipsch reference line-up. But damn this AE100ii matches my floor, so now I'm really re-considering what to get haha.
In Poland Acoustic Energy AE100ii cost 263$, Emotiva is over 410$! For around 250$, you think it's one of the better speakers?
New subscriber here, I really appreciate your insight! I do have a huge concern, I've not found ANY speaker stand reviews. Maybe this is something you will include someday, or not. Regardless, thank you for your valuable vanaculare.
Did you prefer eyes open or closed when listening to music?
Hi Randy! Were do I buy those small stands in from the beginning of video? Best regards Mikael ps Greetings from Sweden
you can get them at Crutchfield. they're iso acoustics
@@cheapaudioman Many thanks! 🙂
Are you actually "More Human Than Human"......love your delivery....
Yes you are very important, obviously, good choice of background music too, little 80s funk or something, whatever, good stuff as usual Randy, thanks again! Comparisons are important too, especially the sand person…
Yes! Thank you! very important
Hi Randy great video, am looking at the ae300 at £649 is one great manufacturer’s actually use veneer not vinyl wrap, the ae100 the tweeter is code the main driver of whick B&W 606 s3 done the same thing. Regards mark
At the 19 minute mark you were referencing the ELAC, B2 plus, I thought that was a Emotiva speaker? I don’t remember a review of an ELACB2+.
He added a text to correct that...But yep, easy mistake to make.
Those look like Jamo tweeters. And the port in the back mimics the Jamo S-801(and probably others in the Jamo line, but my experience is with the S-801s, and that experience was not good).
these are quite a bit better than the S803's
Acoustic Energy AE100ii or Paradigm Atom SE ? both were reviewed on the channel...
Hey Randy do you prefer te ae100mk2 over te elac Unifi 2.0?
Grtz Patrick
I'am on a budget they are both €350.
Ae100 new elac used
hmmm. tough question. I never really considered that comparison. I'd say the Elac are probably the "better" speaker from an objective standpoint but I'd probably go with the Acoustic Energy because they're more fun.
Tnx Randy and did you pair the acoustic energy's with any class d amplifier's?
Is this speaker better than Q Acoustics 3030i for overall performance vs value for money?
I think I would prefer the AE 100 Mk 2 over the Q Acoustics for music 🎶👍
Waiting for your review on Dynaudio emit20 Randy.
would love to get one in
I wish there was a channel like this for audio stuff available in India.
compared to US Some of the items are just double the price here, while a few others are decent , and hence the value for money recommendation goes awry
I think you should start one, my friend!
The US pay a lot more for British speakers than we do here. It's usually better value to buy domestic brands.
Can you review the CG5 and the new smaller CG23 I believe it's called speakers from RSL?
would love to
@@cheapaudioman Thanks for the reply. There's hardly any reviews on them, maybe RSL would be willing to send you out a couple pairs for comparison especially considering their new release. Would really like to hear your take on them
Did I measure it ❔.... No ❕ I used my ears 😂 classic line mate .. great vid as always Randy 👍
Thanks! I like to use my ears when I evaluate speakers
@@cheapaudioman agreed I trust my ears more than a spec sheet .... 🎶
Would be cool to see how these fare in a shootout!
hopefully soon
If you compare this to PSB XB that you reviewed 6 months ago, who's the winner? Tia
BTW, you built a speaker awhile back, a HiVi-Swans I believe but never reviewed them. How does a speaker build like that compare sound-wise? I think that one was under $300.
I never got it put together. I couldn't get the enclosure glued up so I abandoned that project. I think I sent it back to the guy that sent it to me
@@cheapaudioman Oh...I have one to put together and review. Maybe I will have better luck. Supposedly, some have said they have a Dynaudio like sound.
I had the AE100's from back in the 90's.
I loved them - until my cat destroyed them a few years ago by ripping the diaphragm.
Today I couldn't even find them where I live - and if I could I probably couldn't have afforded them.
Ended up getting Monitor Audio Bronze II's, but as good as they are for the money, they aren't as good as my old AE100's.
Maybe one day I'll go back to them.
cool. they're really good
@@cheapaudioman the AE100's or the Bronze II's? :)
The AE100's actually were my first foray into high-ish end audio.
I went to a local stereo store - to my shame - to buy one of those crappy 90's CD carousel all-in-one compact stereo's, which I though would be all I could afford. Fortunately the salesman talked me out of it and told me that for slightly more I could get the AE100's and an NAD 304 (I think it was) amplifier, and he told me to make do with my old Sony Diskman until I paid off the amp and speakers, and then I could upgrade to a decent CD player later (got a Luxman 1 bit CD player later from the same guy).
I was so grateful he talked me out of that crappy Aiwa all-in-one. I got years of pleasure from the AE100's and the NAD setup.
@@cheapaudioman by the way, did the mark 1's support bi-wiring?
Mine were bi-wired. Maybe they were the AE-1's after all? Now I'm confused.
Maybe later generation AE100's just went 2 pole?
🤔
🐈--->🗑️
There's at least a couple of places in the States that sell AE speakers. Rarely go on sale. But I watch every now and then. Wait for a model turnover. I just picked up a pair of Dali Opticon 1s at half off as I wanted a small speaker and so far, I like them. But the new models jumped from $800 to $1200...wth? Not worth it at that price, IMO. Oberon has the best vinyl wrap though...is it so difficult to give a nice wrap? How much more could it cost?
The "Sand-person" size comparison made do something that I love to do but not express because I'm not 14....but...here we go...LOL!!!
I have a pair of the Mk I's. They are fine. Mine were £200.
Billy!
I've been watching YT videos of those lucky (?) enough to hitch a ride on a Los Angeles class nuclear sub stationed in the arctic. The first was on Physics Girl's YT channel , where she got to ride along on a dangerous deep stationary vertical dive. I thought of you Randy when watching it
Ha. I'd love to get back on one and take a spin although they probably won't get the coverage out of my little channel as some big ones. But it would be fun
Would you recommend these over Klipsch RP600M?
yes.
Without comparisons: okay, looking forward to that video then....
Hi Randy. Check out Tori Amos' cover of Led Zeppelin's Thank You. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised 🙃
those cost 270$ in my country
These or the BR03?
Great review as usual.
For me they are a little like the q-acoustic series.
i owned the 3020i series but now i use the Kef Q-350's
But these Acoustic Energy AE100ii ...here in The Netherlands they are not so expensive, and ik will go listen to them
nice.