Acoustic Energy's new 100 Series is said to be a completely new design that retains the line's compact dimensions while offering “a more mature, refined and bigger sound with greater bandwidth and power”.

The new 100 Series comprises the AE1002 bookshelf, AE1092 floor-stander, AE1072 centre and AE1082 active subwoofer, with a new AE1202 flagship floor-stander following in the Spring.

Eschewing the 4-inch paper cone driver after a decade of service for an all-new 5-inch unit utilising a four-layer voice coil with flux rings has a knock-on effect for the 100 Series' cabinet construction. The cabinets are now made from HDF (High-Density Fibreboard) to enable more internal volume thanks to the material allowing for thinner walls with no loss in acoustic performance - the mass and stiffness of the 15mm HDF are the same as the previous 18mm MDF. The upshot is a mere 15% increase in cabinet size but a 30% increase in internal volume.

A new 25mm soft-dome tweeter and waveguide developed to match the new bass driver takes care of the upper frequencies. Furthermore, using lessons learned from the higher-ranked 500 Series book, the tweeter and woofer are as close together as physically possible thanks to a cutaway trim.

The AE1002 two-way bookshelf speakers have a claimed frequency range of 51Hz – 26kHz and 87dB sensitivity and measure 290 x 165 x 250mm (HxWxD), while the range-topping AE1202 three-way floorstander measures 950 x 165 x 250mm (including plinth) and is said to cover 39Hz – 26kHz with 90dB sensitivity at 6ohms.

Further improvements can be seen in the new 100 Series' cleaner, and more refined lines with higher-grade veneer finishes, binding posts, and a dedicated flared trim on the bass port, all adding to the increased quality, says Acoustic Energy.

The new 100 Series retails from £229 to £599. All speakers are available in Black and Walnut vinyl veneer, with the AE1002 adding White to its finish options.

Visit Acoustic Energy for more information