Acoustic Energy AE1 40th Anniversary

Introduction

I was delighted when Acoustic Energy announced the release of a re-engineered version of the original AE1 compact monitor, created to mark the model’s 40th anniversary. It keeps the classic small, front-ported standmount format but uses newly developed drive units and an updated cabinet/crossover to preserve the AE1 character while reducing distortion and improving power handling.

Design – What’s New

There was a lot of furore when the original AE1 was released back in the 90’s because it really upset the applecart of small speaker design and what could be achieved. The design was a radical approach to a small monitor-style standmount speaker that would stand out from the crowd of icons such as the BBC LS 3/5 A, Linn Kan or ProAc Tablette, to name a few. Those models all had endearing qualities and abilities back in the 80’s, and are still loved today, but things have moved on. I sold them all, but their shortcomings limited their appeal to enthusiasts seeking more bass. I am not a bass fiend, but when you hear a full-range speaker, it’s hard to ignore what is missing. I use a Totem Storm active subwoofer in my system, which works admirably with my Totem Signature 1 speakers. I used this with the AE 1’s 40th Anniversary to great effect.

So what’s new with the AE1 40th Anniversary?  In short, there is;

• a new tweeter developed to match the original’s character, using a larger 29mm voice coil and aluminium dome; ferrofluid cooled/damped.

• a new 125mm woofer intended to preserve the AE1 sound, using a spun aluminium cone with a hard anodised ceramic layer, including an aluminium shorting ring to reduce distortion.

• an updated cabinet construction (still compact, twin front ports) and a refreshed crossover aimed at a natural, dynamic presentation.

• the finishes commonly listed: High Gloss Black or High Gloss Walnut; magnetic cloth grilles.

I know the original AE1 well because my old school friend Andrew bought a pair when he was living in Sheffield back in the 90’s, and I couldn’t wait to hear them. It was a treat to go round to his home to hear them and play our favourite prog rock and jazz albums.

Specification and Price

Performance

I received the AE1 40th Anniversary in the gloss lacquered walnut, and they looked stunning. The gold-coloured Allen bolts attaching the drive units added a touch of bling, which I liked. Made in China for cost reasons and economies of scale, they are hugely impressive and fantastic value. I placed them on my Atacama Moseco 6 24”/ 60cm stands, which were perfect, and gave them a few hours to settle in properly before serious listening was commenced.

The original AE1 was known for its fun and feisty nature, punching well above its weight, and the 40th Anniversary continued to improve on that. My current system serves me well, consisting of a Musical Fidelity A3.2 preamp, power amp, and CD player. My Technics SL1300G/Hana SL mk2 are a joy to use with my Mellow Tone Audio universal valve preamp and Puresound T30. I use a variety of cables from Black Rhodium, Way, Atlas, etc. The 40^th Anniversary is ideal for my setup as they are compact and suit my smallish living room to a tee.

I started with listening to The Blue Nile’s High CD. I got into them back in the 80’s when Linn issued their first album on vinyl, A Walk Across the Rooftops. This gave them a bit of a cult status in audiophile circles, but I wasn’t immediately drawn to the music. Later, I rediscovered them and now love them. They have only made four albums and are glacial in their progress. The songs on High, the fourth album from The Blue Nile, give no clue that they took eight years to create. Eight years, however, is the gap between the new recording and its predecessor, Peace at Last. In turn, Peace at Last came seven years after Hats. And Hats followed A Walk Across the Rooftops, their debut, by six years. Sadly, the relationships broke down, and it is highly unlikely that the band will perform again as a threesome. The music is very sparse and poignant, and the 40th AE1s portray this sublimely, floating the images with real depth in front of you.

Boz Scaggs has been a favourite since the release of the Silk Degrees album in the 70’s.  I put on Dig from 2001, which is an excellent album, and the last track, Thanks to You, has a wicked bass line I adore and a horn section arrangement that is sublime. The bass floated across the floor without sounding bloated, and the horns gave an intimate, atmospheric feel. Scaggs has a lazy, relaxed delivery, and his music reflects what the AE1s convey with ease. He has collaborated with the best musicians out there, and his albums are always well recorded.

Donald Fagen’s Morph the Cat has regular airplay, and the track What I Do is a perfect late-night comforter. So well crafted with all the instruments beautifully accompanying Fagen’s distinct voice, and the female backing vocals perfectly adding the harmonies. Fagen’s albums are so well-crafted that they never let you down. The AE1s lapped the music up like a thirsty Labrador, keen and eager!

Whilst attending the recent Deluxe show in Whittlebury, I heard a new artist, Arooj Aftab. She is famous for being the first Pakistani woman to win a Grammy. She mainly sings in Urdu, but also sings in English. Her album Vulture Prince piqued my curiosity, and the track “Mohabbat” is very atmospheric and haunting.

Uncomplicated, her compositions are a real change from Western music, with a sense of mystique and ethereal touches. Aftab was born in Saudi Arabia and grew up in Pakistan before moving to the US to attend music school. Her compositions are full of small and delicate details, involving many musicians and instruments, including piano, harp, strings, brass, guitar, synthesiser, and percussion. It’s relaxing music to calm oneself down after a hard day or stressful situation, and the Anniversaries convey that tranquillity so well. I like all sorts of musical styles, and music is so emotional, giving us infinite options.

The AE1 40ths are fun and build on the brilliant original AE1, which was born 40 years ago. They are not just a rehash of the original but a carefully considered product that maintains the ethos and DNA while incorporating modern materials and experiences. Had I not already got a very good pair of standmount speakers, these would be staying put. I am a huge fan of smaller speakers and have owned many.

Overall

Acoustic Energy is having huge success with the new 40th Anniversary, and sales have taken off. I am not surprised; the original was superb, and its new brother has got even better. Designing a successor is not guaranteed to work well. Acoustic Energy has painstakingly taken everything into consideration (like VW, whose Golf spawned a GTI version and was a roaring success) and come up trumps with its new iteration of a classic.