Short answer: the Arendal 1961 Monitor. It ranks #8 of 178 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.3/5) at $1,150 and is still sold new; the Acoustic Energy AE100 Mk2 ranks #118 (rated 2.9/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Arendal 1961 Monitor is the better-sounding option. A robust sealed monitor with two 5.5” woofers that delivers low compression, low distortion and really good overall neutrality. Watch for: Bass rolls off around 70-80Hz, so it cannot be used as full-range mains for music without a subwoofer, and a sub is recommended for home theater use as well.
The Acoustic Energy AE100 Mk2 is the more accurate, deeper-bass pick. Good directivity linearity: on-axis and off-axis response track each other well despite an otherwise uneven overall response, which means the tonal problems can be EQ’d out with reasonably good success. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.96 against 3.38 for the Arendal 1961 Monitor. Its bass reaches about 63Hz before falling 3dB, against 84Hz for the Arendal 1961 Monitor. The catch: High-frequency level runs noticeably too hot regardless of placement: the reviewer tried four different setups (near/far from wall, on-axis, 30° off-axis) at two listening distances and couldn’t get it to sound right at any of them.
Buy the Arendal 1961 Monitor. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Acoustic Energy AE100 Mk2 is discontinued.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
A robust sealed monitor with two 5.5” woofers that delivers low compression, low distortion and really good overall neutrality.
Arendal Sound $1150 eBay
Good directivity linearity: on-axis and off-axis response track each other well despite an otherwise uneven overall response, which means the tonal problems can be EQ’d out with reasonably good success.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Arendal 1961 Monitor | Acoustic Energy AE100 Mk2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1150 per pair | $399 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #8 of 178 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #118 of 178 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 42Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 84Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 63Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1500Hz | 2.9kHz |
| Dimensions | 16.6”H x 6.4”W x 5.9”D (421.6 x 162.6 x 149.9 mm) | 11.4”H x 6.5”W x 9.8”D (290 x 165 x 250 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (4.1 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 6 ohms nominal, 4.7 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 85.9dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 84dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 2 x 5.5” woofers, 28mm tweeter | 5.25” midwoofer, 1” soft fabric dome tweeter with waveguide |
| Weight | 16 lbs (7.25 kg) each | 20.1 lbs (9.1 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | sealed | ported, rear slot port |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.38 | 4.96 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.69 | 7.18 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
Frequency Response Compared
Both speakers’ spinorama measurements, overlaid. A flatter line is more neutral: peaks sound forward or harsh, dips sound recessed. Each curve is shifted so its average from 300 Hz to 3 kHz sits at 0 dB, so loudness differences between the two are removed and only the shape is compared. The two were measured by different sources, so small differences, especially in the bass, can come from the measurement setup rather than the speakers.
Measurement data: Arendal 1961 Monitor (measured by Audio Science Review) and Acoustic Energy AE100 Mk2 (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner), via spinorama.org.
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