Acoustic Energy Rolls Out AE320² Loudspeakers: Big Sound, Slim Cabinet, Proper British Swagger

Acoustic Energy has officially expanded its reimagined 300 Series with the introduction of the AE320², a new floorstanding loudspeaker that draws from the company’s flagship Corinium series while staying firmly planted in the real-world price category. Known for models like the AE100 MK2 and the AE1 Active—both favorites of ours for their tonal balance and bang-for-the-buck appeal—Acoustic Energy is once again targeting budget-conscious audiophiles who want high-end sound without a five-figure invoice.

Mat Spandl, Managing Director of Acoustic Energy, commented “The development of the new 300 Series has been a journey of innovation and discovery. By leveraging the insights from our Corinium project, we have been able to push the boundaries of what is possible in loudspeaker design at this price point. Our goal was to create a speaker that not only delivers exceptional sound quality but also integrates seamlessly into modern living spaces. We believe the new AE320² achieves this and more.”

So…What the Hell Is “Corinium” and Why Should You Care?

Acoustic Energy keeps name-dropping “Corinium” like it’s some sacred British audio code, so let’s clear it up. Corinium was the Roman name for Cirencester—a charming Cotswolds town that’s been home to AE for over 25 years. Back in the day, it was the biggest Roman city outside of Londinium, and was the inspiration for AE’s most ambitious speaker to date: The Corinium.

Why does that matter? Because the trickle-down tech from AE’s flagship loudspeaker is now baked into the new AE320². That includes the upgraded cabinet, tweeter, and mid-bass driver tech—reengineered from the Corinium to perform at a far more accessible price point.

Let’s start with the tweeter. AE developed a new soft dome that’s actually lighter than carbon fiber. Translation? Faster transients, more detail, and less coloration. That same design sits behind a wide dispersion waveguide to give you a bigger sweet spot and more open, natural highs—without that grainy metallic edge you get in cheaper domes.

The mid and bass drivers? They’re built using a super-rigid carbon fiber cone derived from AE’s 500 Series, now refined further for the Corinium with long-throw voice coils for better dynamics and slam. The new AE320² takes some of this DNA and gives it a paper/coconut-fiber twist—swapping out the carbon fiber for something smoother, but still quick on its feet. Think warmth and punch in equal measure.

Now, the cabinet. This isn’t your typical MDF box. The Corinium uses AE’s proprietary RSC (Resonance Suppression Composite) design—a hybrid of MDF and bitumen layering that damps internal vibrations and resonance. That same approach is used in the AE320², albeit slimmed down a bit. It’s a tech borrowed straight from AE’s Reference Series, and it lets the drivers breathe and perform cleanly, without boxy coloration.

For bass, the Corinium uses twin 165mm drivers in a wider cabinet, designed for speed and power—not just boom. While the AE320² isn’t quite as beefy, it still benefits from the same airflow-friendly port design and careful low-end tuning.

The bottom line? The Corinium is AE’s blueprint for high-end British loudspeaker design. And the AE320² is the budget-conscious benefactor of all that R&D—offering a real taste of flagship performance without forcing you to remortgage the cottage.

You can read more about our listening experience with the Acoustic Energy Corinium here.

Standing tall but not overbearing, the AE320² is designed for medium to large listening spaces. Available in matte walnut, black, or white with color-matched trim and upscale grille fabric, they look as good as they sound. The cabinets are finished in a durable “silk-touch” matte coating, and the solid aluminum outriggers keep things planted—even when you’re pushing them hard.

Acoustic Energy AE320² Specifications

• Design: 3-way floorstanding loudspeaker
• Midrange Driver: 120mm paper/coconut fibre cone
• Bass Drivers: Dual 140mm paper/coconut fibre cones
• Tweeter: 29mm soft dome (derived from the Corinium project)
• Frequency Response: 30Hz – 29kHz
• Sensitivity: 92dB (1W @ 1m)
• Peak SPL: 118dB
• Recommended Power Handling: Up to 200W
• Crossover Frequencies: 240Hz / 2.8kHz
• Nominal Impedance: 6 Ohms
• Cabinet Technology: RSC™ (Resonance Suppression Composite), 18mm MDF/bitumen constrained layer
• Grilles: Slim-fit magnetic cloth grilles
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 1050 x 200 x 350mm (1070mm height including spikes)
• Spike Thread Size: M8
• Weight: 26kg each
• Finish Options: Walnut veneer, ‘Silk-Touch’ Matte Black, or Matte White

The Bottom Line: An Affordable Rival to Q Acoustics, KEF, and Wharfedale

Acoustic Energy is playing the long game. By offering Reference-level build and tech under £1500, the AE320² becomes a very serious alternative to similarly priced loudspeakers from Q Acoustics, KEF, and Wharfedale. While those brands dominate the conversation in mid-tier British hi-fi, Acoustic Energy keeps proving that it deserves to be in that conversation—if not leading it.

Keep an eye on Acoustic Energy later in 2025—they’re gearing up to celebrate a major milestone with a 40th Anniversary Edition of one of their most iconic loudspeakers. If you’re heading to the North West Audio Show in the UK, you might catch a sneak peek in about 10 days. We’ve already seen it—and yeah, it’s a real looker.

Pricing & Availability

The Acoustic Energy AE320² (aka AE320-2) will be available in late June 2025 from authorized retailers for about £1500. We’re still awaiting U.S. pricing.

For more information: acoustic-energy.co.uk

Related Reading:

• Acoustic Energy’s 300 Series Loudspeakers Feature Trickle Down Technology From Its Flagship Corinium Series
• Acoustic Energy Corinium And Fidelity Imports: CAF 2023
• Acoustic Energy’s CORINIUM Floorstanding Loudspeakers Aim To Make Reference Quality Performance More Attainable