Cambridge Audio Aero – Performance

Let’s get straight to the burning question – how well do Cambridge Audio’s BMR drivers work? Brilliantly, as a matter of fact.

Their main talent is their ability to create an incredibly broad, engulfing soundstage. Cambridge Audio weren’t kidding about BMR’s wide dispersion – these bad boys send forth waves of sound that fill the room with consummate ease.

Not only is its soundstage big and powerful, it’s also remarkably cohesive. Sounds pass from speaker to speaker without any tonal discrepancies, while the subwoofer integrates seamlessly with the other speakers’ own ‘subwoofers’ to create rich, hard-hitting yet surprisingly agile bass.

Turned up too loud, the subwoofer can become a little overwhelming, but with judicious adjustment it really hits the spot.

The sense of 360-degree immersion is aided considerably by the superb rear speakers, which in bipole mode generate a gapless rear-room soundfield that really makes you feel involved in the action.

So when Tony Stark’s home is annihilated during Iron Man 3, explosions are loud and frightening, missiles zip quickly and fiercely around your head and falling debris smacks into the sea with a massive, rumble-heavy splash.

What’s even more impressive is that effects are clearly and carefully placed within this soundstage, giving you a pleasing sense of position and space.

Aero also tackles high frequencies with decent clarity, although there isn’t as much detail as you’d get from a conventional tweeter. It teases out enough to give a sense of crispness, but that very top layer is missing. But you’ll probably be having too much fun submerged in Aero’s thrilling soundstage to care much about that.

Importantly though, dialogue is consistently intelligible and certain voices are imbued with warmth and depth by the subwoofers.

Aero also makes a damn fine music system. Its timing and stereo imaging are spot-on, while the BMR drivers bring a wonderful sense of cohesion to the music. Audiophiles may crave a little more transparency and detail but Aero’s talent for a tune will leave most listeners satisfied.

Should I buy the Cambridge Audio Aero?

Most definitely. It’s a superb speaker system that creates an immersive, room-filling movie soundstage better than any other system we’ve tested at this price, thanks to those brilliant BMR drivers.

Its sound is powerful, cohesive and beautifully controlled, with terrific dialogue clarity and well-integrated bass. What’s more, build quality is excellent and although they’re not exactly cheap you feel like you’re getting a lot of speaker for your money.

Our only criticism is that conventional tweeters dig out more detail, bass output needs careful monitoring and their design is a little dull.

But these are minor niggles – in all other respects Aero is a sweet speaker system that’s ideal for those who like to be completely submerged in sound.

Cambridge Audio Aero – Verdict

Aero’s fantastic 5.1 speakers deliver the most immersive and cohesive soundstage we’ve heard at this price.

Trusted Score