The new Edifier D32 wireless speaker offers a lot for the money. Most people will like it because … [+]
Today’s design looks very minimalistic. The days when audio equipment was something beautiful to both look at and listen to seem long gone. However, the recent launch from Edifier International sees a flash of retro style that reminds us of the 1950s and the golden age of radio. The new retro-inspired wireless desktop speaker D32 looks as good as it sounds.
With its handcrafted wooden body, the new Edifier D32 wireless speaker is acoustically treated to limit excess resonance and distortion. Dual bass reflex ports are used to boost the low frequencies without compromising the mids and highs.
To add definition to the D32’s sound, Edifier uses a pair of one-inch silk-dome tweeters. These tweeters provide the directionality and focus for the compact speaker, while a high-frequency mid-bass driver takes care of the frequency range from 52Hz to 40kHz. The combination of drivers has resulted in the D32 receiving Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certifications.
The D32 wireless speaker from Edifier looks suitably retro with its line of piano-style controls. … [+]
To drive these speakers, the D32 uses two Class D audio amplifiers from Texas Instruments with a combined output of 60 W. A two-way active crossover splits the audio signal during processing, while a dynamic range control reduces the difference between the loudest and the quietest. aspects of the audio signal. The overall result is a nicely balanced tone with enough detail to make the D32 at home with a wide range of musical genres.
Unlike regular Bluetooth speakers, the Edifier D32 also supports Apple AirPlay 2, which means it can transmit wireless audio at 16-bit / 48kHz. It’s CD quality and more than enough for this kind of speaker. For devices that do not support AirPlay 2, there is Bluetooth with support for SBC, AAC and LDAC codecs. Alternatively, the D32 can be connected to a computer or other source using a USB-C cable and can then handle audio files up to 24-bit/96kHz, making it ideal for H-Res streaming from Apple, Tidal, Qobuz and other .
The limitation of Bluetooth streaming is the range limit of 10 meters. With AirPlay 2, you can stream music as long as your smartphone, tablet or computer is within range of your home Wi-Fi network. Even better, with AirPlay 2 you can stream to more than one device at the same time. Another great feature is Spotify and Tidal Connect support, so you can stream from these services without having to keep your phone in wireless range.
The main driver of the Edifier D32 is a long-throw woofer covering 52Hz to 40kHz. Besides, there are two … [+]
As well as being mains powered, the Edifier D32 includes a built-in rechargeable battery so you can take the speaker out into the garden or anywhere there is no power source available. As well as offering wireless streaming via AirPlay or Bluetooth, the D32 also has a USB and 3.5mm stereo AUX input for playing audio from other devices, including a PC or Android phone.
At 3kg, the D32 isn’t the lightest of speakers, but it’s compact enough to sit on a kitchen counter or bedside table without cluttering up everything around it. Best of all, the retro styling is sophisticated enough for the D32 to fit into a variety of design situations or decors. There’s a hint of a 1950s jukebox about the design with its row of buttons for pressing piano keys.
The sound of this cute speaker is very good. Edifier’s decision to add dual reflex ports on the back ensures there’s plenty of bass and the speaker never sounds boxy or restricted. The silk dome speakers add definition and clarity to the overall soundstage, creating a relatively convincing stereo image for a compact speaker.
Thanks to the inclusion of Apple AirPlay 2 and USB, the Edifier D32 receives Hi-Res certification … [+]
One thing that annoyed me a bit in daily use of the D32 was its insistence on always booting into Bluetooth mode. As an Apple user, I would have preferred it if the login selection was remembered, but perhaps this is something that could be added in a future firmware update. Other than that, the speaker performed flawlessly.
The Edifier ConneX app can be used to control the D32, or you can just use those beautiful retro keys. The app has an EQ setting to sculpt the speaker sound and you can change the input source using your smartphone.
The D32 is available in both white and black walnut. It’s stylish and a bit elegant without being over the top. For anyone who doesn’t like the current aesthetic of modern audio trends, the D32 is something a little different.
The Edifier D32 is available in a white version as well as black walnut.
Verdict: The Edifier D32 is a great little speaker with a lot of personality, both in terms of its warm and engaging sound and its nice retro style. The inclusion of AirPlay 2 is welcome and elevates the speaker from Bluetooth to Hi-Res playback. If you want a compact speaker for the kitchen or bedroom and want something that looks a little different, the Edifier D32 might be the one for you.
Prices and availability: The Edifier D32 is available now and costs a very reasonable $129.99 from Amazon.com.
More info: edifier.com
Technical specifications:
- 60 W (RMS) total output power with quality sound.
- Dual 1″ silk dome tweeters and one 4″ long-throw mid-bass tweeter.
- Full digital signal processing, two-way active crossover and DRC.
- Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certified.
- Works with Apple AirPlay2 via 5GHz and 2.4GHz dual-band Wi-Fi connection.
- Bluetooth V5.3, USB and AUX inputs.
- Supports SBC, AAC, LDAC and ALAC (AirPlay mode only) codecs
- 11 hours of playback from the built-in battery.
- Works with the EDIFIER ConneX mobile app.
