Acoustic Energy AE500² Brings New Drivers To Its £1,200 Standmount Speakers

November 4, 2026

Acoustic Energy has announced the AE500², a new standmount speaker joining its redesigned 500 Series. Priced at £1,200 a pair, it brings technology developed through the company’s flagship Corinium project into a smaller passive speaker.

This is a bigger-budget option for someone taking the next step with a separates system. You will need an amplifier as well as a music source, so the speaker price is only part of the total system cost.

Quick Reference

Product: Acoustic Energy AE500²
Type: Two-Way Passive Standmount Speakers
UK Price: £1,200 Per Pair
Tweeter: 29mm Soft Dome
Finishes: Piano Gloss White, Piano Gloss Black And American Walnut
Availability: December Through Authorised Retailers

What Has Changed

Acoustic Energy has revised the drivers, crossover and cabinet rather than simply changing the finish. The bass/midrange driver uses a shallower carbon-fibre cone and a new motor system, while the 29mm soft-dome tweeter draws on the Corinium development programme.

The company has also reworked the crossover, the circuit that divides the musical signal between the drivers. Its stated aim includes improving how the drivers work together through the frequencies where their outputs overlap.

A Cabinet With A Purpose

The new cabinet has a tapered profile and uses Acoustic Energy’s Resonance Suppression Composite construction. The company says the shape helps manage reflections inside the enclosure.

Building A System Around Them

As passive speakers, the AE500² pair needs a separate amplifier and speaker connections. There is no built-in Bluetooth receiver or streaming platform to set up. Your choice of source and amplifier supplies those functions where needed.

Price And Availability

Acoustic Energy says the new range will reach authorised retailers in December. The AE500² costs £1,200 a pair in the UK and comes in Piano Gloss White, Piano Gloss Black or American Walnut wood veneer.

What The Terms Mean

Standmount Speaker: A compact speaker intended for a suitable support rather than standing directly on the floor.

Two-Way: The speaker divides reproduction between a bass/midrange driver and a tweeter for higher frequencies.

Passive Speaker: A speaker powered by a separate amplifier, rather than amplification built into its cabinet.