Acoustic Energy AE300 Mk2

We rarely have to choose a winner from such a high-quality field. There is no weak link here - but the AEs break the tape first. Just

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We need to start by acknowledging that the standard of this group is excellent. All these speakers are talented performers that, given an appropriate system, are capable of sonic magic. There is no better example of this than Ruark's immensely likeable Sabre-R.

There are certainly areas where they lag behind the best of the competition; their lows sound a little soft-centred and don't dig as deeply as some, for example. But, given sympathetic electronics, they can also deliver a beautifully fluid and free-flowing performance that can't help but pull us into the music.

Vocals are superbly rendered thanks to a lovely midrange, and there is a balance and sweetness to the treble that exposes the otherwise excellent Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3's lack of refinement in this region. Add classy cosmetics and a fuss-free nature, and there is much to commend these little Ruark standmounts.