Loudspeakers

The sensitivity levels shouldn't present any problems for all but the most under-powered of AVRs, and the frequency response of these speakers is good, even if the lower-end numbers seem optimistic. Not that bass is an issue, because you have the subwoofer to do all the heavy lifting when it comes to cinematic mayhem.

The system sound is free of discolouration, and there's a welcome sense of refinement to the performance. AE's aluminium drivers showcase a neutrality that produces wonderful clarity and high-frequency detailing. There's also a cohesion to the overall sonic signature, resulting in a thrilling and powerful delivery with a sense of scale.

A great example of this system's ability to deliver big dynamics is the opening of the original Hellboy (Blu-ray). As Nazis try and conjure demons on a remote Scottish island, a terrible storm erupts around them – these speakers pick out the sounds of rain and wind with a lively realism, while the AE309 sub gives the thunder depth.

A huge inter-dimensional portal is opened, and this package creates a threatening feeling of unbridled power, while keeping a tight rein on dialogue clarity.

These speakers might be accurate, but they also manage to retain that all-important sense of fun, engaging you at an emotional level and sweeping you along for the sonic ride. If you're in a position to crank them up, they'll undoubtedly put a big smile on your face.

There's nothing better than the Blu-ray of The Matrix for testing a system's ability to steer effects around the room. The film's famous 'bullet-time' sequences use all the channels as the bullets tear through the air and skim past a gyrating Keanu Reeves. Here the 300 Series is in its element, with the overall tonal balance and the cabinets' wide dispersion helping to shunt soundtrack details from speaker to speaker.

While the 300 Series is more than capable of delivering an enjoyably cinematic experience, the floorstanders and standmounts are also intended for hi-fi duties. It therefore comes as no surprise to discover they're extremely musical. The upbeat numbers in Elton John biopic Rocketman on Blu-ray provide plenty of opportunity for the system to reveal a knack with transients, and a driving rhythm that powers the songs to an emotionally rewarding climax.

It's not quite a perfect performance, however, particularly when it comes to the subwoofer. It's certainly nimble in terms of its response, but it doesn't plumb the depths of some other models in its price range (or even more affordable ones, for that matter). As a result the bass-tastic Atmos track on the Godzilla: King of the Monsters Blu-ray misses out on the full low-end slam I know it packs, somewhat diminishing the impact of the city-levelling destruction in the film's climatic kaiju slugfest.

It's also fair to say these midrange speakers are relatively expensive compared to their peer group, primarily because many of Acoustic Energy's competitors benefit from larger economies of scale. The company's sensible decision to concentrate on what it does best also means that, with the exception of the centre speaker, the range (at least currently) lacks more AV-related options such as dedicated surround speakers or upward-firing modules for immersive audio.

Six-Pack Crowd-Pleaser
Yet those points aside, this speaker package is still a class act, with a highly accurate performance that gels into a wonderfully cohesive soundstage. They're refined, dynamic and above all fun, with a classic, timeless look and an impressive level of build quality. Acoustic Energy has resisted the temptation to tear up the rulebook, and stuck to what it knows best. The results speak for themselves.

HCC Verdict

Acoustic Energy 300 Series 5.1

Price: £2,500
www.acoustic-energy.co.uk

We say: These excellent midrange speakers do simple things extremely well, resulting in impressively accurate sonics for an enjoyable cinematic experience.

Overall: 4.5/5

Specification

Acoustic Energy AE309
DRIVE UNITS: 2 x 5in aluminium cone midbass drivers; 1 x 25mm aluminium tweeter
ENCLOSURE: Ported
FREQUENCY RESPONSE (CLAIMED): 38Hz-30kHz SENSITIVITY (CLAIMED): 89dB
POWER HANDLING (CLAIMED): 175W
DIMENSIONS: 175(w) x 900(h) x 280(d)mm
WEIGHT: 22kg

Acoustic Energy AE307
DRIVE UNITS: 2 x 5in aluminium cone midbass drivers; 1 x 25mm aluminium tweeter
ENCLOSURE: Ported
FREQUENCY RESPONSE (CLAIMED): 42Hz-30kHz
SENSITIVITY (CLAIMED): 89dB
POWER HANDLING (CLAIMED): 175W
DIMENSIONS: 460(w) x 175(h) x 260(d)mm
WEIGHT: 9kg

Acoustic Energy AE300
DRIVE UNITS: 1 x 5in aluminium cone midbass driver; 1 x 25mm aluminium tweeter
ENCLOSURE: Ported
FREQUENCY RESPONSE (CLAIMED): 45Hz-30kHz
SENSITIVITY (CLAIMED): 86dB
POWER HANDLING (CLAIMED): 100W
DIMENSIONS: 175(w) x 300(h) x 260(d)mm
WEIGHT: 6.5kg

Acoustic Energy AE308 (Subwoofer)
DRIVE UNITS: 1 x 12in down-firing doped paper cone woofer
ENCLOSURE: Sealed
FREQUENCY RESPONSE (CLAIMED): 26Hz-120Hz
ONBOARD POWER (CLAIMED): 500W
REMOTE CONTROL: No
DIMENSIONS: 360(w) x 360(h) x 360(d)mm
WEIGHT: 16.5kg
FEATURES: LFE phono input; low-level stereo phono inputs; high-level stereo binding post inputs; level, crossover and phase controls; auto on/off