Acoustic Energy Aegis Neo V2 Series Review & Comments

Tech News

Joined
Sep 15, 2004
Messages
29,589
Reaction score
470
Points
29,702
Location
Cyberspace
<img src="http://reviews.images.static-avforums.com/reviews/145/thumb.jpg" align=right>Reviewed by Russell Williams, 21st July 2010.
In conclusion, despite it's relatively budget nature, this is a package with a well judged balance of strengths and in parts, some genuine star quality. It's faults are few and strengths plentiful and at the price being asked, it's hard not to like what Acoustic Energy are offering.
Read the full review...
 
Great Review Russell.

I'll ask the question that no doubt many others will.
Does the sub compare to the xxls400, or would you stick to the AE with this setup?

Andy.
 
In raw performance terms, the much larger BK is a step up, but the point I'm keen to labour is that the AE is a very competent performer in the market place in which it is sold and is very competitive against the subs sold as part of packages at a similar price.

The other important point is that the performance gap perceived between the forum favourites and package subs isn't as large as it was, nor as large as forum chatter would have you believe.

I'd also add that it does sport the PEQ, that if used properly can make a disproportionate improvement in the in-room bass quality.

Russell
 
Good points about the eq Russell. That could really help people integrate the sub into their rooms.

Andy.
 
We've been running our package in on a Pioneer VSX920, and given the price of the package, it sounds great! Definitely worth a listen for those in this budget sector. It'll be interesting to see how they stack up against the new Monitor Audio Bronze BX's when they appear....
 
Interesting review. Nice to know that British speakers (at the very least in design) and in particular Acoustic Energy are great performers and competitive within their price segment. But is the same true of their Radiance range? I know you were very impressed at the Bristol show last year Russell, but is there any chance you could get s set in for review? All my attempts so far for a demo have failed (nearest dealer is 70 miles away), so I'd very much like to read your interpretation of their performance.
 
Interesting review. Nice to know that British speakers (at the very least in design) and in particular Acoustic Energy are great performers and competitive within their price segment. But is the same true of their Radiance range? I know you were very impressed at the Bristol show last year Russell, but is there any chance you could get s set in for review? All my attempts so far for a demo have failed (nearest dealer is 70 miles away), so I'd very much like to read your interpretation of their performance.

I'll see if I can sort something out Chester - as far as I'm aware there were some rumblings from our PR guy about sending a set of Radiance over to AVF, i'll do some chasing...

It's quite important in my view to spread review gear around as much as possible because the UK in particular seems dominated by the opinions of a certain publication - which are often in contrast to the views of many others! Said publication gave decent, but not fantastic reviews to the Radiance series so reception in the UK has been fairly lukewarm (as you can tell in difficulties finding review sets - compounded by a minor halt to production due to some veneer issues, all sorted and fresh batches shipping out shortly!). I'm all for fair reviews, whatever the outcome, I just worry that many small companies can almost be wiped out by the opinion of one magazine which has so much influence! (we are fairly lucky with worldwide distribution in that respect)

So while the UK has not been set alight by the Radiance, the rest of the world has taken to them very warmly indeed! I picked up an award in Russia for them as "Best 5.1 Package of 2010" which comes from their combined press (Stuff, T3, Total DVD and half a dozen others!), in the US every review of them has been as positive as I could ever have hoped for!

Sorry, strayed into a minor rant there - Back on topic, I'll see if we can sort something out for AVF if they're interested!

James Luce
Brand Manager
Acoustic Energy Ltd.
 
James, that's great, and if all concerned agree to go ahead, that truly would be amazing.

I have been an Acoustic Energy user for about 13 years. I have demo'd many speakers when the 'upgrade bug' decides to infect me and I've got to say I think the world has really strayed away from a neutral bias to one that's quite bright and splashy to my ears. The last pair of floor standers I auditioned were painful for music listening after 3 minutes; I walked out! Needless to say, my AE109s have been performing quite well for both music and movies, although getting stretched with the latter.

Alas Acoustic Energy products haven't been sold in the Peterborough area for many years, and due to the unfortunate rise of people getting demos from shops and then buying off the Internet, amongst financial crises and such events, our 2 main HiFi/AV shops have disappeared. So I haven't heard the Aelites (I was originally going to upgrade to these), or the Radiances. I have fairly regular business trips to Nottingham though, and one store there, whilst trying their best to be helpful and phoning me quite often with updates, haven't been able to provide a demo and have struggled with stock. Hence my plea here.

I have also heard of the veneer problem, but equally to anyone else reading this, the shop mentioned above also said that as soon as anyone hears the Radiance 3 in particular, they're leaving the shop with them! Now they can't be at all bad if that's the case. Even when I've been in Nottingham and they've confirmed that they're ready to demo but a customer will be there before me, this has happened!

All that said, I'm in no great rush.

So thanks again for your input here James. I'm sure it will be appreciated by many other forum members, not just me.
 
I have also heard of the veneer problem, but equally to anyone else reading this, the shop mentioned above also said that as soon as anyone hears the Radiance 3 in particular, they're leaving the shop with them! Now they can't be at all bad if that's the case. Even when I've been in Nottingham and they've confirmed that they're ready to demo but a customer will be there before me, this has happened!
I'm not trying to nit pick here, but if the Radiance seems so popular at that store, why don't they keep a set on demo permanently? If stores aren't keeping on demo and in stock the products that are selling, how do they expect to survive?

Just an observation.
 
Too true, and I even wondered if these things actually exist. Even thought of just taking a real gamble and buying from AE's B grade stock. Too risky at this price point though, without having details of what exactly the cosmetic damage is.

But yes, showrooms should keep a demo set. At least then I would be able to tell if the product would be the right choice or not.
 
Over the last few days we have been contacted, the Radiances have been offered (based around the new Radiance 2 floor-stander) and I have gratefully accepted.:thumbsup:

Russell
 
Ooh. We're moving already. I'll keep an eye out for further news. Thanks :smashin:
 
I own the AE Neo floor standing speakers from this package and i am also getting the sub on the 8th of next month! :D
And i have to say i am loving the Neo's and cant wait for the sub after reading your thoughts (i have heard it but not for that long)
i would also love to hear what you think of the Radiance floor standing speakers. :)
First time i have read a review on hear and i must say 5 stars Russ :smashin:
 
I own the AE Neo floor standing speakers from this package and i am also getting the sub on the 8th of next month! :D
And i have to say i am loving the Neo's and cant wait for the sub after reading your thoughts (i have heard it but not for that long)
i would also love to hear what you think of the Radiance floor standing speakers. :)
First time i have read a review on hear and i must say 5 stars Russ :smashin:

I´m waiting for my Neo V2 sub, should be here within next week (for 249 + 40 GBP shipping):smashin:
Do you think the Neo One V2s would be good enough as fronts+rears or should I stick to Neo Three V2s?
My room is 5.5x4.5 m..
 
I´m waiting for my Neo V2 sub, should be here within next week (for 249 + 40 GBP shipping):smashin:
Do you think the Neo One V2s would be good enough as fronts+rears or should I stick to Neo Three V2s?
My room is 5.5x4.5 m..

If you have the space and funds the Neo 3's imo would be better. Looking at your room size the Neo 3's would definitely fill your room better :smashin:
 
If you have the space and funds the Neo 3's imo would be better. Looking at your room size the Neo 3's would definitely fill your room better :smashin:

Smart idea:smashin:
since I´d need the stands for Neo 1s as fronts and the cost of Neo 3s is almost the same:

Neo 1s + Soundstyle Z2 stands 260 GBP @ Audioaffair.co.uk

Neo 3s 290 GBP @ Laserlinehifi.co.uk

it´s a must..
 
I have a speaker system on my shopping list, I'll definitely be adding the AE's the audition list, many thanks for the review. I have other AE products and have been very pleased.
 

The latest video from AVForums

TV Buying Guide - Which TV Is Best For You?
Subscribe to our YouTube channel
Back
Top Bottom