Great review sir. These are incredibly good speakers. I had a pair of AE309s and then (stupidly!) traded them in for some Wharfedale Linton 85s mainly because I got seduced by their look, but I never really liked the sound of them despite really trying to for 14 months - I just found the treble horribly grainy with anything but the very best recordings, and they didn’t have as much bass as I felt they should have had. So I sold the Lintons and upgraded to some AE509s in the piano black finish. This was one of the best decisions I have ever made - they are easily my favourite speakers I’ve ever had the pleasure of owning, they sound absolutely amazing partnered with my Rega P8/Ania Pro/Aria 3 and my Luxman LX-380 amp - silky smooth but with bags of detail - man I love this combo!
@@analogholic_reviews thank you! Yes it’s built like an absolute tank tbh everything about it screams quality it’s the highest quality item I’ve probably ever owned - even the back of it is beautiful lol. I was slightly worried about it only having 20wpc before I bought it coming from a 120wpc Yamaha, but it’s oddly powerful I think it’s a 20 true watts into 6ohms and I have never had the volume past 11 o’clock. Some people recommended upgrading the tubes but I don’t really know much about it, but could be a fun upgrade when the time comes to replace the supplied tubes, which by the way are absolutely fine. Take care cheers
@@paulcookson5091 I definitely much preferred the AE309s to the Lintons, but it could just be my personal taste of course. I regretted getting rid of mine. Having said that, I would keep an eye out on eBay for a used set of AE509s (or 309s) there are some bargains to be had I have seen AE509s sell on there for under £1000 - and AE309s for £600. Good luck finding some cheers
@@Stuck_in_the_70s Thank you so much. I'm borrowing a pair of Lintons from a friend and they have impressed in a lot of ways, but can be a tad boring at times. I'm struggling to find an AE dealer near me at the moment but will audition a pair as soon as I can. Thanks again.
I have always wondered about carbon fibre for acoustic applications. I have a set of Castle Avon 2 which uses c fibre. However when i use dads 35 yr old Infinity with emit tweeters and polypropline drivers I hear a much sweeter sound.
Very nice review! Thanks for sharing.
You are fast becoming my favourite reviewer.
Thank you for the kind words!
Great review sir. These are incredibly good speakers. I had a pair of AE309s and then (stupidly!) traded them in for some Wharfedale Linton 85s mainly because I got seduced by their look, but I never really liked the sound of them despite really trying to for 14 months - I just found the treble horribly grainy with anything but the very best recordings, and they didn’t have as much bass as I felt they should have had. So I sold the Lintons and upgraded to some AE509s in the piano black finish. This was one of the best decisions I have ever made - they are easily my favourite speakers I’ve ever had the pleasure of owning, they sound absolutely amazing partnered with my Rega P8/Ania Pro/Aria 3 and my Luxman LX-380 amp - silky smooth but with bags of detail - man I love this combo!
You have an amazing setup! Very curious about the LX380. Seems to have impeccable build quality!
@@analogholic_reviews thank you! Yes it’s built like an absolute tank tbh everything about it screams quality it’s the highest quality item I’ve probably ever owned - even the back of it is beautiful lol. I was slightly worried about it only having 20wpc before I bought it coming from a 120wpc Yamaha, but it’s oddly powerful I think it’s a 20 true watts into 6ohms and I have never had the volume past 11 o’clock. Some people recommended upgrading the tubes but I don’t really know much about it, but could be a fun upgrade when the time comes to replace the supplied tubes, which by the way are absolutely fine. Take care cheers
Interesting. I've been looking at alternatives to the Lintons. You say the 509's are better, but how did the 309's compare to the Lintons? Thanks.
@@paulcookson5091 I definitely much preferred the AE309s to the Lintons, but it could just be my personal taste of course. I regretted getting rid of mine. Having said that, I would keep an eye out on eBay for a used set of AE509s (or 309s) there are some bargains to be had I have seen AE509s sell on there for under £1000 - and AE309s for £600. Good luck finding some cheers
@@Stuck_in_the_70s Thank you so much. I'm borrowing a pair of Lintons from a friend and they have impressed in a lot of ways, but can be a tad boring at times. I'm struggling to find an AE dealer near me at the moment but will audition a pair as soon as I can. Thanks again.
I have always wondered about carbon fibre for acoustic applications. I have a set of Castle Avon 2 which uses c fibre. However when i use dads 35 yr old Infinity with emit tweeters and polypropline drivers I hear a much sweeter sound.
Hi, Where are these Acoustic Energy AE509 speakers made? China?
Yes
How would you compare the treble of the 509 to the 309?
Both speakers have great smooth treble. 509 treble is more detailed and sounds more integrated as though it were better interwoven with the mid range.
509 or Aya?
Tough call. If you like bigger images, smoother tone, then 509. I like the razor sharp image precision and speed of the Aya as well though.
Thank you from the Netherlands!
@@59christiaanof course, most welcome!