Acoustic Energy's revamped 500 speaker series inherits flagship technology to achieve "exceptional refinement"
Can Acoustic Energy continue its stellar speaker run?
Acoustic Energy has announced the next generation of its established 500 Series hi-fi speakers. The new lineup introduces engineering developments taken from the company's flagship Corinium speakers.
Acoustic Energy promises a new range that delivers "greater openness, naturalness and coherence" while preserving the "dynamics, balance and musical engagement" of the original 500 Series.
The second-generation lineup consists of the AE500² standmounts, the AE509² floorstanders, the more premium AE520² floorstanders, and the AE507² LCR speaker.
A set of redeveloped drivers sits at the heart of the range. The new 12.5cm bass/midrange driver features a shallower carbon-fibre cone and a new motor system engineered to deliver a more natural tonal balance and a cleaner, more open midrange.
Complementing that new mid/bass driver is a 29mm soft-dome tweeter taken from its Corinium speakers, designed for "exceptional refinement and sonic integration".
Acoustic Energy has also put in work upgrading the crossover design, with new crossover networks promising improved phase integration and a more coherent sound.
All of these technological advances are housed within Acoustic Energy’s 'Resonance Suppression Composite' (RSC) cabinets, with a new tapered cabinet profile designed to disperse internal sonic reflections.
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According to Mat Spandl, Chief Designer at Acoustic Energy: “We’ve looked carefully at the cone profile, the motor system, group delay in the crossover and even the way reflections behave inside the cabinet. The result is a much more open and natural-sounding loudspeaker, without losing the character that made the original 500 Series so successful".
The new 500 Series will be available from December 2026 in Piano Gloss White, Piano Gloss Black and American Walnut wood veneer finishes. Prices are as follows:
- AE500² standmounts: £1200 per pair
- AE509² floorstanders: £2700 per pair
- AE520² floorstanders: £4000 per pair
- AE507² LCR: £650 each
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Harry McKerrell is a senior staff writer at What Hi-Fi?. During his time at the publication, he has written countless news stories alongside features, advice and reviews of products ranging from floorstanding speakers and music streamers to over-ear headphones, wireless earbuds and portable DACs. He has covered launches from hi-fi and consumer tech brands, and major industry events including IFA, High End Munich and, of course, the Bristol Hi-Fi Show. When not at work he can be found playing hockey, practising the piano or trying to pet strangers' dogs.
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