Acoustic Energy AE520 Speakers
The 500 series speakers are derived from the famous AE1 using Acoustic Energy’s special alloy cone mid/bass units.
These were Acoustic Energy’s flagship floorstander series, positioned above the AE109 etc and AEGIS ranges - in particular the treble performance is on a different level altogether. (not my opinion – I spoke to AE a while ago and that’s what they told me)
Each speaker has three 130 mm drivers in addition to the tweeter – one for the midrange and 2 for the bass.
They are very solidly built, internally braced and factory mass-loaded for improved bass performance. They sit on an extremely heavy cast iron plinth which has spikes.
What do I think of them? I upgraded to the AE520 from the AE505 (smaller version with only one mid/bass driver) because I liked their sound so much but wanted some extra power.
They are very sweet to listen to (unlike some designs with metal tweeters) and they have an amazingly fast and taught bass – the purpose I think of the driver design
The pair I have is also unique in that they are the last ever pair and have a higher quality finish compared to standard production. AE told me they were going to keep them I guess as a reference - however when I contacted AE to see where I could get hold of some, they offered to sell them to me. The boxes are labelled as B Stock they said to distinguish them from a normal production pair. The finish is called "Georgian"
Condition is for the most part nearly as new. Some very small nicks and one of the grills has a small hole but this is not noticeable certainly at listening distance – if you have them on at all! Currently configured for biwire - I will supply Chord Odyssey links for single wire operation if required.
Normal price for these new was £1000. I bought these in 2001
I have the original boxes so in theory these can be shipped, however the speakers are heavy and the cost is likely to be in the order of £60 – but if you know how more cheaply then let me know!
More preferable would be personal collection – I’m fairly accessable 3 mins away from M4 J15.
I will also deliver for cost of petrol within 50 miles.
For this reason, PLEASE DO NOT USE PAYPAL despite the option below - (I can't remove it) -to pay for the speakers as the costs will need to be adjusted depending on the above. Instead please correspond after the auction and we'll work it out, thanks
Reviews:-
Hifi Choice said :-
Emerging as the favourite of the day is an achievement that goes some way towards justifying the 520's substantial price. Everyone liked this speaker,…. "A serious upgrade in transparency over the others today," as one panellist put it.
And on the cabinet
The piece de resistance, however, is the cast alloy plinth. It not only feels exceptionally solid and ensures good spike connection, but its 3D curves and crackle finish set off the wooden enclosure beautifully, bringing a welcome completeness to the whole affair.
and from Audioreview
http://www.audioreview.com/cat/speakers/floorstanding-speakers/acoustic-energy/PRD_123850_1594crx.aspx
and about the 505 also
http://www.audioreview.com/cat/speakers/floorstanding-speakers/acoustic-energy/PRD_123848_1594crx.aspx
HF Unit -25mm silk coated fabric diaphragm, ferrofluid cooled and damped.
MF/LF Unit - 130mm cast aluminium chassis with anodised alloy cone thermally bonded to a 32mm high-power voice coil.
Power Handling - 250 watts
Overall Frequency Response:- 33Hz – 22kHz
Sensitivity 90dB
Impedance 8 ohms
Cabinet
Wood veneered low resonance triple-chamber bass reflex enclosure. 18mm MDF throughout with full internal bracing, mass loading and die-cast plinth.
Terminals:- Gold-plated 2-way binding posts. Tri-wireable
Dimensions WxHxD 187 x 970 x 240 mm
Weight (exc packaging) - 28kg each
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