WiiM Ultra + Acoustic Energy AE1 Actives?

[dangermouse]

Seems like a simple, compact, and not ridiculously expensive setup. The AE1's always seem to get rave reviews.

Has anyone tried it?

 

[pieterv1]

Should work, but to me they look like basic studio monitors and very overpriced for only 5 inch.

You can get a pair of Focal Alpha 80 Evo for way less money. With an 8" woofer they'll go much lower. They also have an automatic standby function with input sensing

Or a pair of Adam A7V for roughly the same price. I use these in my music studio (upgraded from the previous generation of Focal Alpha 80). The amount of definition produced by that ribbon tweeter is next-level. There's advanced on-board DSP with eq and room correction as well (needs Sonarworks to so the measurements), but you'll probably want to stick to the Ultra for that.

Both of these speakers have front-ent bass reflex ports which should help with positioning. Plenty of other options by in the price range between these two!

 

[QuarryHunslet]

I borrowed a pair of the original 1980s AE1s, complete with dedicated stands, and they were very good, but couldn't handle music with any bass content. The drivers would move back and forward a massive amount, even at low volume. Perhaps they would have been okay with a subwoofer.

I don't know how the new AE1 active speakers would compare, or even if they are remotely similar in design or performance.

 

[dangermouse]

Should work, but to me they look like basic studio monitors and very overpriced for only 5 inch.

You can get a pair of Focal Alpha 80 Evo for way less money. With an 8" woofer they'll go much lower. They also have an automatic standby function with input sensing

Or a pair of Adam A7V for roughly the same price. I use these in my music studio (upgraded from the previous generation of Focal Alpha 80). The amount of definition produced by that ribbon tweeter is next-level. There's advanced on-board DSP with eq and room correction as well (needs Sonarworks to so the measurements), but you'll probably want to stick to the Ultra for that.

Both of these speakers have front-ent bass reflex ports which should help with positioning. Plenty of other options by in the price range between these two!

Thank you for the suggestion, but neither of them possess waf.

 

[dangermouse]

I don't know how the new AE1 active speakers would compare, or even if they are remotely similar in design or performance.

 

[DRC]

I had Acoustic Energy (passive) floor standing speakers for more than 20 years until maple speakers did not go with a grey decor. They were excellent.

 

[pieterv1]

Thank you for the suggestion, but neither of them possess waf.

Wife Acceptance Factor?

 

[VMoose22]

WAF option:

Try the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus in Cherry

 

[pieterv1]

Focal Shape 50/65/Twin look to have a high WAF maybe?