British loudspeaker maker Acoustic Energy has completely reworked its Acoustic Energy 500 Series. The new range uses technology from the flagship Corinium project and consists of four models: the AE500² standmount, the AE509² and AE520² floorstanders and the AE507² LCR speaker. The speakers reach dealers from December 2026.
Corinium technology in a more accessible range
The heart of the new Acoustic Energy 500 Series is a redeveloped bass/midrange driver with a shallower carbon fibre cone and an ultra-linear motor system. According to Acoustic Energy, this reduces inductance variation and distortion. The new 29 mm soft dome tweeter was also developed from the Corinium programme.
The crossovers were redesigned as well, with a focus on low group delay rather than frequency response alone, so that phase stays intact through the crossover region. “Quite small improvements in several different areas can add up to a very significant improvement,” says Mat Spandl, managing director and chief designer.
Four models for music and cinema
The AE500² is a two-way standmount with a 125 mm carbon fibre driver, a sensitivity of 87 dB and a frequency response from 45 Hz to 26 kHz. The AE509² is a two-way floorstander with two 125 mm drivers, 89 dB sensitivity and bass down to 32 Hz.
At the top sits the AE520², a three-way floorstander with a 125 mm midrange and two 165 mm bass drivers. It reaches 28 Hz, has a sensitivity of 92 dB and weighs 30 kg. The AE507² is a horizontal two-way LCR speaker with a passive radiator, designed for both music and home cinema use. It can serve as a centre channel or be mounted on the wall.
Cabinet with tapered profile
The Acoustic Energy 500 Series keeps the Resonance Suppression Composite (RSC) cabinet construction of the previous generation, now with a faceted, tapered profile that disperses internal reflections. Upgraded aluminium feet, silicone trims and slim magnetic cloth grilles complete the design. Acoustic Energy earlier refreshed its more affordable range, as you can read in our article on the new Acoustic Energy 300 Series.
Who is it for?
The original 500 Series earned a strong reputation for its carbon fibre drivers and compact, inert cabinets. With the new Acoustic Energy 500 Series, the brand brings its flagship know-how to a price level that remains within reach for many enthusiasts. The AE507² also makes the Acoustic Energy 500 Series interesting for listeners who want to build a matching home cinema system around the floorstanders.
Pricing and availability
The Acoustic Energy 500 Series will be available from December 2026 through authorised dealers worldwide, in Piano Gloss White, Piano Gloss Black and American Walnut veneer. UK prices are £1,200 for the AE500², £2,700 for the AE509², £4,000 for the AE520² and £650 for the AE507². Euro prices have not yet been announced. More information is available on the Acoustic Energy website.
Key specifications
- AE500²: 2-way standmount, 125 mm carbon fibre, 45 Hz–26 kHz, 87 dB, 8 Ω, 7.5 kg
- AE509²: 2-way floorstander, 2 x 125 mm, 32 Hz–28 kHz, 89 dB, 8 Ω, 19 kg
- AE520²: 3-way floorstander, 125 mm mid + 2 x 165 mm bass, 28 Hz–28 kHz, 92 dB, 6 Ω, 30 kg
- AE507²: 2-way LCR with passive radiator, 55 Hz–28 kHz, 90 dB, 8 Ω, 6.8 kg
- Tweeter: 29 mm soft dome, derived from Corinium
- Cabinet: RSC construction, faceted tapered profile
- Finishes: Piano Gloss White, Piano Gloss Black, American Walnut
- UK prices: £1,200 / £2,700 / £4,000 / £650
