Help a college student out! Component pairing ideas for Acoustic Energy AE500


So a friend was nice enough to gift my son with some AE500 speakers, about 87db/6ohms or so. (I don't know the impedance curve's characteristics.)

He's heading to his own apartment for his senior year in college and I need to set him up with something to power them and stream music.

Budget: I'd love to do this for $500 - $700 new or used. 

Some details: I do have BS Node 2i that he can have if there are no "all in one" ideas here, and so anyone who says "That's impossible at that price" is invited to suggest integrated amps or even inexpensive separates.

A few other details:

  • He won't be filling a giant space or cranking it to concert levels.
  • He might want to hook a TV or play station up to  the system.
  • He would likely be better off with a single unit or, if the streamer is separate, just two units.
  • His musical tastes vary, so perhaps just consider him to like "many genres."

Thanks for any ideas!

hilde45

Showing 1 response by hilde45

Thanks so much for the suggestions. We don’t have to make a decision yet, but I’m printing this thread as a PDF so I can keep track of what you’re saying.

@freediver I have played these speakers on my own system, using my ST35 amp and even with 17 watts it sounds quite nice. But I'm just about 7 feet away and I agree that more power will be best for these.