Smooothzzs

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Price Paid:  $450.00

Summary:
Driven by just a 100W Cambridge Azur 540 receiver, Cardas hexlink 1/c and AFA Zeus power cables using Rotel RCD-971, the sound produced is superbly balanced with smooth unfatiguing highs and taut and coherent never boomy deep lows. Timing of the speakers is unbelievably accurate. For a more accurate timbral voicing and greater inner depth details and air, replace the stock croosover ceramic resistors to wirewound Mills and MKT caps to ICW capacitors(PX and SA range). These components really add wonders without altering the overall balance of the sound and soudstage is wider too with greater stereo imaging. Affordable upgrade to really make this pair of potential speakers to really bring out the best in AE design. Recommended as a keep or a 2nd hand buy though it's of an old model.

Strengths:
Imaging and seperation, balanced sound, smooth treble, great timing with taut and stunningly deep but never boomy bass

Weaknesses:
Lack of air or treble extension for which the crossover capacitor upgrade is useful. Can be considered lack of transparency and holographic compared to well-built speaker such as Totem Arro which costs nearly twice as much.

Similar Products Used:
NHT, Dynaudio, Monitor Audio, AE Aegis One

Price Paid:  $450.00 from Singapore

Summary:
Man do these floorstanders really outshine most others in their price range. Though it's an old model compared to newer model speakers from other brands, these are solidly build to perform floorstands. Drive them with just normal Cambridge Azur receiver, Cardas Hexlink i/c, AFA Zeus power cables and there you go.... emotions without the loss of tightness nor details. To get real airy highs and clear emotive vocals, replace the stock crossover caps to ICW (PX and SA) caps and resistors to 1% wirewound 12W Mills as mid-priced mass-produced speakers won't definitely come with great components. That's just about it. No regrets. Recommended 2nd hand buy though an old model speaker.

Strengths:
Very, very coherent taut bass and timing for this AE range. Emotive voicing and clarity but can be better with x-over upgrades.

Weaknesses:
Need at least 100W pure power to have that flow....
Quite lacking in transparency as compared to Totem Arro floorstand which I've tried.

Similar Products Used:
Monitor audio floorstand, NHT floorstand, Dynaudio

Price Paid:  $200.00 from Superfi, Newcastle,

Summary:
I have owned these from new. I had AE200 before buying these. The main difference between AE200 and AE209 is the bass extension obtained from the lower cabinet. There is a good deep bass extension and is delivered gently alongside the clear midrange and treble. If you want a warm muggy sound do not go for these, as these are alloy drivers and sound flat. Hooked up with my Yamaha DSP-A2, AE200 and Aegis centre this makes a fab cinema sound. The MGM lion really comes to life and scares my 2 yr old everytime ! I would not trade these speakers exept for maybe a pair of B&W P5's.

Strengths:
Cabinets are rock solid. Slimline look and a well balanced sound.

Weaknesses:
Too heavy to move around !!!

Similar Products Used:
Mordaunt Short MS40i. B&W DM580. Both overpowering in bass and size.

Price Paid:  $200.00 from Superfi, Newcastle,

Summary:
I have owned these from new. I had AE200 before buying these. The main difference between AE200 and AE209 is the bass extension obtained from the lower cabinet. There is a good deep bass extension and is delivered gently alongside the clear midrange and treble. If you want a warm muggy sound do not go for these, as these are alloy drivers and sound flat. Hooked up with my Yamaha DSP-A2, AE200 and Aegis centre this makes a fab cinema sound. The MGM lion really comes to life and scares my 2 yr old everytime ! I would not trade these speakers exept for maybe a pair of B&W P5's.

Strengths:
Cabinets are rock solid. Slimline look and a well balanced sound.

Weaknesses:
Too heavy to move around !!!

Similar Products Used:
Mordaunt Short MS40i. B&W DM580. Both overpowering in bass and size.

Price Paid:  $400.00 from UK

Summary:
AE 209's are simply fantastic speakers , I listened to missions and tanoys including Rogers and the AE109's but the 209 was just right for me , the treble is not too bright and vocals well balanced and has a nice controlled bass too. I had a choice of colours to chose from Ash Black, cherry wood and Rose wood finsh , I bought mine in the Rose wood fininsh look great sound super. I'd definitly recommend. I am using them mainly as part of my AV set up. Sony STRDB 940 , Sony DVD DVP305, SOnt SLVE 725 Video recorder. My front centre is a mission ageis centre and it blends is well with the 209's rears i am using mission dipoles 77 which are surprising big sounding ! anyways AE 209 good ..very good ! happy listening ....