Test Bench

The Acoustic Energy Radiance 1 has a moderately downsloping bass-to-treble balance that falls at about 0.3 dB per octave over its full bandwidth. Measurements show only minor irregularities, including a moderate peaking at 8-9 kHz. Directivity is fairly well controlled except at ±45° and ±60°, where more raggedness becomes evident. The Radiance Centre shows significant roughness above 300 Hz that develops into a small off-axis notch at ±22.5°, followed by more exaggerated irregularities at wider radiating angles. Although both speakers can deliver 62 Hz with less than 10% distortion, neither can do so at a significant soundpressure level. The Acoustic Energy Radiance 1 Subwoofer displays limited overall dynamic capability and only average bandwidth uniformity, but maximum SPL capability occurs at 32 Hz instead of the more typical 62 and 50 Hz - an unusual characteristic. For this reason, it's more likely to sound like a "true" subwoofer than many of its competitors. - Tom Nousaine