Acoustic Energy AE500 Bookshelf Speaker; pair

The Acoustic Energy AE500 is the compact stand-mount loudspeaker from the flagship 500 Series, representing a significant leap forward in audio quality, materials, and finish. Following the success of the award-winning AE100 and AE300, the AE500 introduces newly developed Carbon Fibre drive units—a first for Acoustic Energy. Designed to match the pistonic power and accuracy of their legendary ceramic aluminium drivers, these new carbon cones offer improved self-damping for a smoother, more transparent sound. Housed in advanced Resonance Suppression Composite (RSC) cabinets evolved from the prestigious Reference Series, the AE500 delivers the thrilling, powerful, and neutral presentation that discerning listeners have expected from Acoustic Energy for over 30 years.

Key Features:

• Carbon Fibre Tweeter: Features a brand new 25mm carbon fibre dome that is lighter and better damped than typical hard domes, providing lightning-fast, natural highs.
• Carbon Fibre Mid/Bass: Utilizes a 125mm carbon fibre cone with an oversized 35mm voice coil for low thermal compression and a highly dynamic, controlled bass response.
• WDT Waveguide: The tweeter is housed in a cast aluminium Wide Dispersion Technology (WDT) waveguide, positioned close to the mid/bass driver for optimum dispersion and reduced vibration transfer.
• RSC Cabinet Construction: Employing Resonance Suppression Composite (RSC) technology, the cabinet features constrained layer damping to greatly reduce acoustic radiation and coloration.
• Advanced Crossover: A 2-way crossover network uses high-voltage polypropylene film-wound capacitors and air-core inductors at critical locations for seamless driver integration.
• Premium Finishes: Available in high gloss Piano Black, Piano White, or American Walnut wood veneer to easily integrate into any home décor.

The Carbon Advantage

The AE500 marks a new era for Acoustic Energy by utilizing carbon fibre for both the high and low-frequency drivers. Carbon fibre is inherently lighter and possesses better damping characteristics than other hard dome materials. This allows the drivers to operate with pistonic precision, delivering a transient speed and clarity that reveals the finest details in your music without the harshness often associated with metal domes. The result is a sound that is startlingly neutral and transparent.

Dynamic Power and Control

The 125mm mid/bass driver is a marvel of engineering. It features an oversized 35mm voice coil which ensures very low thermal compression and a high motor force factor. Combined with an optimized motor and suspension system, this allows for maximum linearity and the lowest possible distortion. The lightweight nature of the carbon fibre cone increases transient speed, ensuring that bass notes are punchy, defined, and tightly controlled.

Reference-Grade Cabinet

Great drivers require a silent foundation. The AE500 cabinets are constructed using the new Resonance Suppression Composite (RSC) material. Evolved from the Reference Series, this constrained layer composite creates an inert enclosure that prevents the cabinet walls from vibrating and coloring the sound. This ensures that you hear the drivers, not the box, resulting in a cleaner, uncluttered presentation with a wide and precise soundstage.

Seamless Integration

To ensure sweet, clear, and natural highs, the high-frequency driver is mounted in a stiff cast aluminium WDT waveguide. This waveguide is positioned close to the mid/bass driver to optimize dispersion, widening the listening "sweet spot" and ensuring a seamless blend between the frequencies. Whether placed on dedicated stands or a bookshelf, the AE500 delivers a performance that defies its compact dimensions.

The Listening Room Difference

We’re a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on trust, not hype. Whether you’re visiting in person or ordering online, we bring decades of experience, personalized service, and honest guidance to every interaction. We don’t just ship boxes. We help build systems, answer your questions like real humans, and make sure every detail of your setup is right, from the cables to the final connection. Our passion is helping you get the most out of your gear, with support that lasts well beyond the sale.

Specifications