Perhaps what some have been waiting for...

[jjbomber]

However, at the moment active speakers are out for me unless someone has a decent preamp with balance control.

The Oppo?

 

[Al ears]

The Oppo?

I'd have to check whether it has balance control and input for turntable

 

[Jasonovich]

These speakers have a presence today as they had yesteryear, its an epitome of British craftsmanship.
Back to the future with these gems.

 

[record_spot]

Does anyone know if the current actives still use the same amplifier plates as when they came out?

They're being gently modded and the updated model should be out towards the end of the year. At least that's what one if the AE guys said at the Cranage show in June.

Perhaps @AEJim could confirm if that's still the case when he's got a minute?

 

[record_spot]

I fail to see them producing active speakers for the same price as current passive

You're right. The 40th Anniversary model looks to be about £1500, the AE1 actives clock in at £1250 and I think that price will remain the same when the modified version comes out.

The standard AE1 is £1100.

 

[Dave_]

View attachment 9930

Shame about the bolts. Gold always looks tacky as ****

 

[AEJim]

The AE1 Actives are in progress, likely for a launch at Bristol '26 with stock to follow a little later. The amps in the current version have been unchanged from launch.

It's definitely a "warming over" of the current model rather than a clean slate design, they've been going strong for around 7 years and were always intended as a long term model. The tweaks will include new versions of the bass driver and tweeter but still in hardened aluminium. Amps will be basically unchanged with some small adjustments to improve dynamics and the addition of an auto standby mode with red/white LED. Visually they'll be marginally slimmer/taller, drive units closer together as is our current way and toying with more regular open grain wood finish rather than gloss lacquer. Much of this is to improve performance and freshen up while maintaining a similar price point, nothing concrete until nearer production though!

 

[AEJim]

Shame about the bolts. Gold always looks tacky as ****

It's what the signature models always had and still very popular in many markets (the largest ones for AE1's in particular!). We may introduce more finish options as we go.

 

[plastic penguin]

Sorry Jim, but AE speakers have seemed to bypass my past demos. Certainly a good brand....

 

[record_spot]

The AE22 Active. One of my favourite speakers of all time.

(And I sold mine on....waaaaagh!!!)

 

[record_spot]

The AE1 Actives are in progress, likely for a launch at Bristol '26 with stock to follow a little later. The amps in the current version have been unchanged from launch.

It's definitely a "warming over" of the current model rather than a clean slate design, they've been going strong for around 7 years and were always intended as a long term model. The tweaks will include new versions of the bass driver and tweeter but still in hardened aluminium. Amps will be basically unchanged with some small adjustments to improve dynamics and the addition of an auto standby mode with red/white LED. Visually they'll be marginally slimmer/taller, drive units closer together as is our current way and toying with more regular open grain wood finish rather than gloss lacquer. Much of this is to improve performance and freshen up while maintaining a similar price point, nothing concrete until nearer production though!

...if you ever need anybody to do a review on the back of an extended, in-home, user listening test Jim, then y'know, I'm here!