Press Release: Acoustic Energy AE1 40th Anniversary Edition; The legendary British monitor reborn — now available from Essence For Hi Res Audio

[Bob Rapoport]

St. Petersburg, FL — October 2025 — To celebrate four decades of the iconic AE1, Acoustic Energy has released a very special 40th Anniversary Edition. This limited-production model re-imagines the classic studio monitor that started it all in 1987 — refined with today’s materials, voicing, and craftsmanship.


I’m proud to announce it’s now available for pre-order at Essence For Hi Res Audio, your U.S. retail source for the Acoustic Energy line.

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Why the AE1 still matters​

Since its debut, the AE1 has defined what a compact reference monitor can be—fast, transparent, and musically honest. Engineers loved it for revealing the truth; music lovers loved it for making that truth beautiful.


The AE1 40th Anniversary Edition carries that legacy forward, remaining faithful to the original while leveraging every design advancement Acoustic Energy has developed in the past 40 years.

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What’s new in the 40th Anniversary Edition​

• Exclusive 40th-Anniversary tuning — upgraded crossover components and precision voicing for lower distortion and seamless driver integration
• Double-walled, well-damped cabinet — eliminates resonance and coloration, letting the music breathe freely
• Premium finishes — choose High Gloss Black or American Walnut with hand-matched veneers and anniversary badging
• Advanced driver technology — ultra-rigid aluminum mid/bass cone for fast, accurate transients and a refined tweeter for smooth, extended highs
• Compact yet full-bodied — slot-ported design extends low-frequency response while easing placement in real-world rooms

“Small speakers don’t have to sound small,” said Bob Rapoport of Essence For Hi Res Audio. “Feed them great content and the AE1 40th will simply disappear—leaving you with the performance. It honors the classic while elevating clarity, dynamics, and that unmistakable British monitor midrange.”

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The AE1 sound​

• Neutral, uncolored midrange for lifelike vocals and instruments
• Explosive dynamics and speed that track every nuance
• Holographic imaging that locks performers in place with depth and width
• Surprisingly deep bass from a compact footprint

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Quick Specs​

• Design: 2-way stand-mount loudspeaker, twin front reflex–ported
• Cabinet: double-walled, resonance-free MDF
• Drivers: 1″ aluminum-dome tweeter / 5″ aluminum-cone mid-bass
• Frequency Response: 50Hz – 45kHz (±6dB)
• Sensitivity: 87 dB / 2.83 V @ 1 m
• Impedance: 6 ohms nominal
• Recommended Amplifier Power: 40 – 150 W RMS
• Dimensions (H × W × D): 11.6 × 7.1 × 10.6″
• Weight (each): 15.4 lbs.

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Pricing & Availability​

• MSRP: $1,999 / pair
• Finishes: High Gloss Black or American Walnut
• Availability: Limited Edition — now accepting pre-orders, deliveries begin in January 2026
• Learn more / reserve yours: https://www.essenceelectrostatic.com/product/acoustic-energy-ae1-40th-anniversary-edition/

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About Acoustic Energy​

Founded in 1987 in the UK, Acoustic Energy earned immediate acclaim with the original AE1—a compact studio monitor celebrated for speed, neutrality, and precision. Today, the brand continues to design and build honest, high-performance loudspeakers that convey the emotional truth of music.

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About Essence For Hi Res Audio​

Essence For Hi Res Audio specializes in bridging classic hi-fi with modern sources—from HDMI-based DACs and amplifiers to world-class loudspeakers. We help enthusiasts make their systems sound their best with today’s high-resolution and 4K content.


bob@essenceelectrostatic.com
https://www.essenceelectrostatic.com

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