For Whom
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This is a speaker for someone who listens mostly to calmer work and has a somewhat smaller room. That’s where the speakers will come into their own. They are also the perfect upgrade for something like a Q Acoustics 3020i or 3030i. They have more refinement and engagement than most other budget speakers in their class and are ideal for a second system. But like the AE301, it can be a speaker to start this crazy hobby with.
Finally, the AE300 is also for the fashion-conscious buyer given its excellent looks. Pair it with an Audiolab 6000, Cambridge CXA61 or the more expensive Rega Elicit MK5. All three of these are energetic and lively. A Rega Brio or Keces 40 are less good choices here.
Check our amp-test in this price class.Â
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There are many similarities with the Q Acoustics 3030i (€499). Both speakers have a somewhat tamer midrange especially with the wrong amplifier. Fortunately, there are many energetic budget amplifiers that will make these speakers come alive.
The 3030i has a bit more subbass but the AE300 is more balanced in our opinion. The 3030i are also larger and not so easy to place and we have to put even more effort into finding a suitable amplifier for them.
The AE300 sounds more refined and is also more rhythmic than the 3030i. Compared to the Bowers 606 (799 euros), the AE300 again loses out in the lower regions. The Bowers 606 has more punch and is faster than the AE300. However, the AE300 is more coherent and less pronounced in the highs than the 606, and the timbre is also more correct on the AE300.
The Bowers 606 is a fun speaker (you lean forward) versus the rather relaxed AE300 (you lean back). Both speakers couldn’t be more different