Acoustic Energy's New Corinium is the Company’s Best Ever Loudspeaker - and an Audiophile Bargain!

We're back to modern loudspeakers this week, as Mike and David discuss the new flagship floorstander from Acoustic Energy. It's the first time for a long time that this company has done a seriously expensive design, and the guys reckon it's a rock star!
Each episode of Hi-Fi Riff features the guys' unedited, unexpurgated views about all manner of weird and wonderful hi-fi designs. Business executive Mike has a wealth of knowledge from previous hi-fi retail experience, and David has written about hi-fi for thirty years. Now Editor-in-Chief of StereoNET, he's picked up a few things along the way.
So relax and enjoy some one-take hi-fi riffing - and please leave your comments below. And don’t forget to hit the Subscribe button, this one goes up to eleven!
The eighties-tastic title tune is called ‘UFO/Mike’s Jumper’, and used with the express permission of our old pal and rights holder Simon Lythe.
To read David's StereoNET review of the new Corinium, click here:
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Follow Hi-Fi Riff on Instagram here: hifiriff

[@Gsmiler]

...and I look very much forward to seeing you both in the next one!

[@kjbunnyboiler]

How about a Riff on both your systems including all the backup gear👍👍

[@jimsregaturntableshifijukebox]

100% agree, my friend. 👌

[@martinrose2833]

Had the privilege of auditioning them ( Curiniums ) back in September at Audio T Oxford with the designer Matt . Placed an order there and then , shall be P X ing my AE 520 speakers

[@seanwhitehead7391]

I have the 520 and I love them. I listen to most genres but mainly rock/grunge/indie/reggae, some electronic and jazz. Do you think these will be a little polite for faster stuff? And can you give me an idea where the Coriniums are better? I think the 520's are great all rounders, not sure if I want to upset the balance. TIA

[@martinrose2833]

Likewise I love the 520's and I have not heard the Coroniums at home yet, it took some time to get the 520's absolutely right regarding positioning but only to get the most from them and it's hard to praise the Coriniums without it reading like criticism of the 520's which by the way I think are smoother than the AE 509 .The Coroniums bring refinement and seamless integration which is a big trick to pull off , transition from mid range into the base is imperceptible . They are more detailed with better controlled base but with drive and no sense of being sat on or constrained . The tweeter is a delight something I'm sensitive to ( I'm not a metal dome fan ) , they are a reference speaker but not in a BBC way . I played some Heaven 17 and the base was visceral and remanisant of the steelworks hammer of yesterday's Sheffield . Do they party like AE520's ? Possibly but they will need a hell of a good frontend , they are from memory a very wide window on your system . @@seanwhitehead7391

[@MrVinylista]

@@martinrose2833 Beautifully put, squire! The Coriniums are better than the AE520 in every respect, and very significantly so. They really do ask a lot more questions of your front end and amplifier. In some respects, they're up with many speakers I've heard at £10k to £12k, they're that good - and that fussy. What system do you have?

[@martinrose2833]

Hi David , my system is , deep breath ! CEC belt drive CD transport Naim DAC XPS power supply . LP12 loaded for bear . Keel, Karousel Lingo four Ekos Dynovector Kahn top plate Booplinth ( bamboo plinth very special ! ) Pre-fix Supercap Naim Nac 282 pair of Hi-caps Nap 250 Power amp Quadraspire SVT and 7x QPlus reference isolators . Like to think of it as a modern take on an old school big Naim system . I had thought to mention that in my opinion the Coriniums should be regarded as £10 K speakers but you have :) Kitchen system Rega Apollo Naim Nait 50 Spendor S3 @@MrVinylista

[@MrVinylista]

@@martinrose2833 You have an excellent and very well set-up and matched system, then. I would think the Corinium would be perfect for this. You'll instantly hear what the AE520 is doing wrong. It's a great speaker for the money but it's built down to a price. Mat Spandl (the designer) said he'd got very good results with a NAP250.

[@jimfarrell4635]

I feel so much better after listening to this. I was smitten by the racing green version of these when I saw them, but I have recently bought a pair of Wharfedale Elysian 4s, which are hands down the best speakers I have ever had. However my speakers need to be driveable by a 12.5 watt 300b SET and a 215w solid state, which the Elysians are. Now I know the AE are not I can relax and relinquish my FOMO. So thanks, Riffers !

[@TheDjcarlos67]

You looked so pleased with yourself with “Leaning tower of speaker” quip😂

[@mikeyevs]

It's the funniest thing I have ever said! Mike

[@TheDjcarlos67]

@@mikeyevs 😂 I enjoyed this review fellas. More proof, if needed, that you really need to find the right combo before deciding where to spend your money. Not easy when the equipment you want to audition is with different dealers. I thought your comments on getting the amp/speaker combo right, rather than focusing heavily on the front end was very interesting. I love my LP12 but I agree that getting the right amp/speakers combo is really important. I heard a Quad 33/303 with ESL 57’s recently, which sounded superb, despite a budget turntable source🎵😍 Had me rethinking the whole source first philosophy

[@mikeyevs]

@@TheDjcarlos67 David and I are very lucky to have some lovely kit to listen to and compare, and your comment about the difficulty of listening to different equipment from different dealers is absolutely on point. All I might say is that when I was in retail, whilst we could not stock everything, we chose our manufacturers carefully, did lots of listening and tried to give heartfelt, un-commissioned advice. If you find and trust a good retailer they are worth their weight! Mike

[@MrVinylista]

@@mikeyevs That is not saying much, to be fair!

[@Hi-FiRiff]

Great comment

[@ben23a31]

Perhaps for those who don't know the details maybe you can do a video on power amplifiers and the differences of watts vs current/voltage.

[@Hi-FiRiff]

I'll let David do that one... Prepare for a day long riff and be careful what you wish for 😁 Mike

[@stevehollingbery9744]

Yet another entertaining and informative riff guys. Think my room size precludes me from the AE s. Still interesting nevertheless. Cheers.

[@tomhirschel8524]

They look like Magico . ish.

[@gryphongryph]

Love these videos, very nice format, like a cosy chat where the viewer is sitting opposite the table so to speak. Can I ask a question? I have a pair of Graham Audio LS 5/9, power amp is a class A Belles sa30 and the pre is a Supratek Cabernet valve amp, my dac is an older Primare Dac30, I would like to get a better dac, do you guys have any suggestions? Looking forward to the next video 👍🏻

[@Hi-FiRiff]

May I ask what budget you are working to?

[@gryphongryph]

@@Hi-FiRiff somewhere between £1500-3000, needs to have a remote.

[@andrehendrik]

to buy or not to buy the Corinium . . . quite a conundrum

[@acousticenergyloudspeakers]

Is that a Conundrium or Corinidrum?

[@Hi-FiRiff]

Nice!

[@EddyTeetree]

Good one this but I do not get this tower fad at all, look at all the compromises that design requires. Thanks for your reply regards the Rega Brio David I found a demo at a great price (David Price LOL) my daughter will be well pleased this year!

[@BUY_YOUTUBE_VIEWS_g0g9]

I played this during my job interview. Got the job AND a promotion

[@gaetancharbonneau3902]

I always wondered why most speakers, say 80%, are way too bright. Without trying to be sarcastical, I suspect that manufacturers are trying to compensate for the demography they are selling speakers... to the grey hair crowd with slight hearing loss in the treble. Very nice review, thanks guys!

[@cyphermote6857]

Your conjecture is a modern fallacy. (1) You are probably referring to the sub-audiophile world of imposters - these speakers are cheap, talked up by KZbinrs but ultimately inadequate. They need the viewers and you only get what you paid for. (2) Age related hearing loss (Presbycusis) is not just a treble thing - many people (including young) cannot hear the low (bass) frequencies as well. A lot has to do with the individual's health, genetics and environment. (3) Headphones - this is sited as one of the key reasons for hearing loss today. The older gen listened mostly through speakers but the amazing new gen tech means precision speakers that you wear directly over your ears and listen loud - you don't have to be a genius to know what happens after that - especially prolonged use. As far as I can tell, this is mainly a younger generation issue (a likely equalising factor for the data spread by age). Good speakers are designed to be excellent for all facets of the frequency spectrum... and those requirements mean high cost of production which translates to the high price we pay. Know one thing - it pays to get your knowledge right on the topic... because if you love all things audio then also know that hearing loss is NOT reversible.

[@Lee-yt1de]

I bought the ae509, i was disappointed at first i genuinely felt gutted, after a month or 2 they honestly sound brilliant and im so glad i have kept them, these are my first ever hifi speakers ive bought. I actually enjoy listening to music now and can hear music differently, just subscribed to your channel, both of you are brilliant and well spoken and let the other one actually talk without interrupting them.

[@Hi-FiRiff]

Thank you! We are normally drunk, slurring and arguing 🤣 Mike

[@user-jj7uy1ns5f]

What amp your using

[@Lee-yt1de]

@@user-jj7uy1ns5f I've got a denon avc a1h

[@MikeK6046]

YOO GUYS ARE Awesome!!! IMO, you have the "hearing/ listening ability" to notice the various differences in speakers & equipment. As for many others (I bet 50%++), if they don't have "good hearing", there's really no need to spend more than $1500 to $2000 for a complete system (one reporter's opinion)

[@Hi-FiRiff]

It's a really good and interesting point, and I get asked this often when I'm boring my mates in the pub (regularly). My answer is in a question... If Joni Mitchell played live in your living room would you be able to tell the difference between the live performance and a recording of Joni playing the same song at the same level coming through your speakers? I honestly don't think "special hearing" , or "a good pair of ears" is a thing... I genuinely believe everyone could easily tell the difference between the two. When my friends, or family do compare any review equipment I have, they are always astonished at the differences. My hearing is nowhere near as good as it was when I was in my 20's, but the differences remain. Mike

[@matldn2697]

At £6,000 per pair, they are in a very competitive area.

[@jimfarrell4635]

An extra £1000 in stunning British Racing Green, which looks gorgeous and comes with a free racing green E-type jag to put in your driveway. Or did I dream that bit ?

[@martinmbokazi8372]

Totally agree, i would rather buy the Dynaudio Evoke 50 at 4000 GBP or Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 at 5499 GBP

[@sunilm3181]

Hi David, Any experience with old Jamo concert 8?

[@scslite5206]

I'm currently deciding between these or the Borresen X2s. Both have good reviews although pretty sparse as they have just been released. Anyone have heard them both at shows? Would love to hear any subjective opinions especially how they reproduce mid bass punch as in percussions/kick drums.

[@Hi-FiRiff]

Excellent question! Mike

[@elkartian]

What do you think of Ruark Accolades.I’m using them with a Rega Atheos amp.I have reference 104 -2’s and a very rare Muscal Fidelity super integrated A1001 class A which I’ve just had upgraded by J .Sampson ,but not fired it up yet

[@rohan_of_arc9895]

I have Accolades, and love them. A recent online discussion had one owner talking about his and his quest to replace them. He auditioned speakers at £1k ,then £2k, then, 3, 4....£6k...and found nothing to whoop them. He had to go to spending closer to £10k on some Kudos floorstanders before he could hear a clear improvement in all areas. Fantastic speaker and would cost a fortune to make today.

[@rohan_of_arc9895]

Just out of interest, what do you think are the relative strengths and weaknesses between the 104.2 and the Accolade? Tonality, soundstaging etc. Quite rare to find someone who owns both!!

[@alexg4284]

Would my exposure 3510 mono blocks be enough current for this @mrvinylista?

[@robertgough5804]

Rod Stewart early days in the Faces did some good stuff b4 he went all MOR.

[@TonyCottrell-iv2qv]

I rather like his outing as Python Lee Jackson as well...

[@Hi-FiRiff]

Don't get David started on Rod Stewart! Mike

[@jozefserf2024]

My main problem with these is that whilst they do nothing obviously wrong, they are also so self efacing. There's nothing immediately impressive about them and that's hard to swallow for a £6k loudspeaker.

[@robertgough5804]

Is there a riff on pmc progidy. Lots of reviewers raving

[@MrVinylista]

Coming soon!

[@menfallinloveandwomenmakeplans]

Now listen chaps, David has mentioned his vintage Sony amp several times. We need to now more about it. The power amp comes up on an ebay search for around three hundred quid. Not a bad price but sold from Japan only. The pre amp has not yet come up on my searches. So three questions. Did you have trouble finding the pre amp? Did you buy your amps from Japan? Do you use a transformer to change from Japanese mains voltage to UK?

[@rohan_of_arc9895]

The matching preamp is rare but appears for sale in the UK usually a couple of times a year. I have the power amp that David mentioned (the TA-N86). Great sound. Early example of a Class D design. Can be run in pure Class A mode at 18w/ch into 8Ω. Those that have them tend to hang onto them.

[@menfallinloveandwomenmakeplans]

@@rohan_of_arc9895 Thanks for taking the time to reply. Could you add a bit? Was your power amp sourced from Japan? Are you using a transformer to match GB voltage to Japanese?

[@MrVinylista]

@@rohan_of_arc9895 The TA-N88 is the Class D design, and preceded the TAN-86 by a year or so. You have the TA-N86 which is switchable between Class AB and Class A. It sounds much better than the Class D TAN-88, as you'd expect.

[@rohan_of_arc9895]

@@menfallinloveandwomenmakeplans Hi there- yes, I am using a custom-built transformer with mine as it is a Japanese version. In Europe and the UK the 220/240 version is usually the TA-N86B (the B simply denotes the darker finish). I haven't seen any from Japan on ebay as low as £300, but maybe I am not looking hard enough!

[@rohan_of_arc9895]

@@MrVinylista The TA-N86 is also Class D driven though surely, as it has a switching mode power supply which operates at a switching frequency of 20kHz. It does seem to go against the logic though I admit, seeing as it has a class A mode!

[@garth56]

People get so mixed up with current and watts. High watts does not mean loads of drive. I'm pretty sure some 20-30 watt amps could drive these speakers quite happily if they have huge amounts of current. Also don't rule out valves they could do these proud. However I've never been a fan of carbon fibre drive units. There is another British manufacture that makes speakers in the £60-100K mark and I really don't like them. Carbon fibre has a sound that's unengaging to me. Brilliant separation and 3D imaging but so dull. I love my Westminster's eg horns, panel speakers eg electrostatics,ribbons and emt's ..They have a immediacy that no other can come close to.. Thanks guys for this video!!

[@MrVinylista]

In this case, this speaker needs both current and watts. The more the merrier, for both!

[@alexz8373]

I tried the Corinium with 300B from AMS... mind blowing !

[@billarmstrong5568]

The best speakers I ever heard were ProAc Carbon Sixes (which I reviewed for 6moons). I was really disappointed when they subsequently switched back from carbon fibre drivers to kevlar, for me at least a step back. Really looking forward to hearing the Coriniums. They look great and the pricing seems surprisingly sane🍻🎶

[@razisn]

In my view the K6 is a step forward from the Carbon 6 both in imaging and in sound staging. They also do a better disappearing act. Woofer material in a 3-way is imo mostly irrelevant to the speaker timbral qualities.

[@billarmstrong5568]

@@razisn It's all very personal and I'm way past the stage of arguing with people over their preferences. The K6 are a well-liked design, but having had a chance to directly compare them back to back, the Carbons suited my own tastes much better. But yes, at the end of the day it's just one opinion🙌🍻

[@billarmstrong5568]

@@peterlynn3190 Or even completely invisible...

[@razisn]

@@billarmstrong5568 You are using the present review to justify your opinion about a completely unrelated matter. I just point this out in case you don't realise it. That is why I expressed my own opinion which is different than yours. Apart from my opinion though I expressed something related to the woofer material which is, I believe, a fact to which you gave no reply. In a nutshell, you can have your opinion but the premise and the context in which you expressed it are false and irrelevant.

[@jimfarrell4635]

Well that degenerated quickly from a pretty innocuous and, I thought, relevant comment. Although, despite having heard neither of them, I am pretty sure both the carbon 6s and K6s are crap.

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

Good to see yous back

[@De132an]

Can we do anything to tone down the overblown production values? 🤭

[@MrVinylista]

Comment of the month!

[@Hi-FiRiff]

Priceless...

[@zjzozn]

👍

[@oliverbeard7912]

If these are able to make the worst of Rod Stewart sound good,that's no mean feat. The bigger challenge is whether they can perform the same trick for Phil Collins? Lol 😊

[@matldn2697]

ha ha

[@Hi-FiRiff]

Oh no! Please don't give David any ideas! We'll be listening to "face valium" or "hello, I must be boring" in no time! Mike

[@Carl-yx1ww]

Ewwww I dnt like them...just had a look ...I'd rather get martin logan for that price

[@TheDjcarlos67]

Buying on the basis of looks is a bit silly