Tom,

AE300 MK2 is definitely superior to the 220B v2 if you have the right amp. My only recommendation is not using one that is too neutral from the upper midrange into the treble. Might get a little too hot. The AE100 Mk2 is more forgiving.

IW

Ian,

No, I was referring to the Acoustic Energy AE300 Mk2 for around 1K which would be similar to the Quad Elegan 1 or Rotel in price.

Tx, T

Tom,

Do you mean the Anniversary speakers from AE? I would seriously consider anything Quad is offering now in the bookshelf category. Not so much Rotel.

IW

Hi Ian,

Thanks for your reply. With all the recently new 1K loudspeakers coming out, any thoughts on some that share a similar tonal balance to the AE 100 MKII? We now have Quad and Rotel or still consider AE 300 MKII? So many options but less opportunity to hear them all. 🙁

Tx Tom

Hi Tom,

Totally different sounding speakers. The AE is also much easier to drive. I was using my Edge A (200 watts of class A/B) on the Paradigm and it really dragged more low-end response out of it. It sounds more open and as well.

Between the two…I kinda like the AE 100 MKII more because of the tonal balance and how it works with my NAD, Cambridge, and Quad amplifiers. The Paradigm is more analytical sounding and built like a tank. Superior build quality over the AE for sure. For smaller rooms, the 220B v2 can be a very good choice if you get the amp right.

IW