Along
with KEF's excellent new iQ9 series, the Acoustic Energy AELITEs
look set to dominate the 'big speaker' Home Cinema category
this season. It really has developed into a two horse race -
nothing else even gets close. And it has to be said that right
now, the two runners are 'neck and neck'. KEF have the edge
size-wise, with a slightly smaller sub and smaller rears (their
front and centre are almost identical in size to the AELITEs).
KEF also have the edge in terms of finish - offering more alternatives,
including a new 'chocolate brown' Walnut veneer. KEF are ahead
in terms of convenience too - their rears mount flush onto the
wall, with just two screws. However, the A.Es can still easily
hold their ground, because they have lovely real wood veneers
(as opposed to KEF's vinyl finishes) and a superb forward-firing
sub that gives them a degree of bass 'slam' and overall presence
no other system can match. For those reasons, the mighty AELITEs
are just about 'edging it' by a nose at the moment, but the
truth of the matter is that you wouldn't go far wrong with either
package. Just don't buy anything else!!
