INTRODUCTION

    High‑end bookshelf speakers have quietly become one of the most interesting corners of modern audio. What used to be a “compact alternative to floor standers” has evolved into a category defined by smarter amplification, cleaner cabinet engineering, and DSP‑assisted tuning that squeezes far more performance out of smaller enclosures. Recent designs lean heavily on active architectures, where amplification, crossover management, and driver control are all handled internally. This shift has given bookshelf speakers tighter low‑end authority, better phase coherence, and a level of plug‑and‑play simplicity that traditional passive setups rarely match. aune’s latest AS5 Active Speakers enter as a compact, purpose‑built pair designed for listeners who want reference‑leaning clarity without the footprint of studio monitors.

        In 2004, shared passion and a common pursuit brought together a group of seasoned audio enthusiasts with profound expertise in audio engineering. Over two decades, we've been dedicated to creating high-quality audio products including DACs, digital transports, players, amps, clocks, speakers, and headphones. The logo of aune was inspired by the concept of Yin-Yang - the Chinese philosophy of balance. The rounded design of the letters conveys a message of peace and gentleness. The openings on four sides indicate inclusiveness.

    Coaxial precision defines the aune AS5 Active Speakers, where a 1‑inch silk‑dome tweeter sits concentrically within a 5.5‑inch bio‑fiber mid/bass driver to maintain phase alignment and consistent off‑axis behavior. The coaxial assembly integrates a shorting ring to suppress inductance modulation and reduce distortion during dynamic passages. Each speaker is powered by its own dedicated Class AB amplifier (together with a pure analog toroidal transformer), delivering 40W to the HF driver and 60W to the LF driver, with a 3kHz crossover ensuring a clean, controlled transition between bands. This fully independent monoblock design eliminates the compromises of master‑slave systems and guarantees symmetrical channel behavior. The AS5’s 45Hz–25kHz frequency response is supported by a rigid vibration‑controlled cabinet measuring 275x186x240mm, while RCA and XLR inputs provide flexible integration. With a combined weight of 16 kg, the pair underscores aune’s focus on dense, vibration‑controlled construction and reference‑grade stability.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

The AS5 arrived inside a plain cardboard box that just has a product drawing and the product name at the front and rear.

On the right side we find the color selection, serial number, packed weight and contact details for aune.

The AS5 is actually shipped in two boxes and both speakers are wrapped inside plastic bags and placed between two thick pieces of foam.

Along with the AS5 active speakers inside the box you'll find their power cables (each speaker has its own), 8 rubber feet and a quick start guide.

THE AS5

Each speaker weighs roughly 8kg and measures 275mm in height, 186mm in width and 240mm in depth.

The AS5 are not the most compact speakers around but they are quite smaller compared to for example the R2750DB MKII by Edifier.

Although the body of the AS5 is grey in color (the black version at least) the cover is white (perhaps light grey).

Behind the high transparency acoustic grille, we find the 5.5‑inch bio‑fiber mid/bass driver with the center 1‑inch silk‑dome tweeter.

Right under the drivers we see an activity LED and a hyperbolic flare port for seamless airflow.

Turning both speakers around we find the bass control knob, RCA and XLR ports, on/off switch and the power port with a replaceable fuse underneath.

CONCLUSION

    After spending almost 2 weeks with the AS5 active speakers by aune (paired primarily with the R9 player by FiiO and the neo IDSD 3 by iFi Audio) they leave a strong final impression. They present a sound signature built around clean, well‑defined imaging, thanks to their coaxial layout, with treble that stays smooth and non‑fatiguing even at higher listening levels. The midrange comes through organized and coherent, giving vocals and instruments a natural sense of placement without congestion. Their overall presentation feels controlled, tidy, and stable, with a focus on clarity rather than exaggerated warmth or boosted low‑end. Needless to say, their robust cabinet construction with the fully independent Class AB amplifier in each speaker and the RCA and XLR inputs for clean integration are equally strong selling points. On the downside, volume output could be stronger, there’s no volume knob or remote, and the “black” version is actually grey. Even so, the AS5 remain a compact active pair with serious engineering behind them.

    The AS5 active speakers by aune were officially released in May of this year and currently retail for USD699 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 739Euros inside the EU (aune-store.com), a price tag which puts them right next to several similar models by the competition. At the end of the day, even though there are countless bookshelf speakers I haven’t yet used or reviewed, meaning I can’t fairly compare them all to the AS5, what I can say is that these are the best‑performing speakers I’ve tested so far in this size class. They’re not perfect true, but their overall execution is strong enough that they clearly earn the Golden Award.

PROS

- Build Quality
- Audio Reproduction
- Active Speakers (Independent AB Amplifiers)
- No Master / Slave Speaker (L/R)
- Overall Size
- RCA & XLR Ports
- Bass Control Knob
- Available In Black & White Colors

CONS

- Overall Volume Output
- Lack Of Volume Controls
- Color Accuracy (Black Is Grey)