Perhaps the most honest and technically qualified review on a set of speakers which has over a hundred other reviews . All I hear in the other reviews are loose intangibles like " blow your mind " "crazy loud" and "amazing for hundred bucks" This was the only reviewer who looks like he knows what he's talking about. Thanks sir for the honest review.
@@MichaelBeeny I'm just hunting around for a decent (not great and expensive hifi, but decent for the price) bookshelf speakers for my turntable. And I see that the edifier R1280DB might just fit the bill. What's your opinion sir?
@@kishorevigneshkumar Hi Vignesh, I don't think I can add anything to what I have said in my review. Good value for money but you will need to use the tone controls for anything like a flat response.
Thank you for the review. Listening to it on my pair now. I'll agree, they're not as good as a $1000 pair of "pick your favorite brand" hi-fi speakers, but for $70 (US) on sale at Amazon, they were the best bang for the buck computer speakers I could find. You can easily spend a whole lot more, and get much less. Musically, for me, I'm happy with them and while I haven't taken mine apart, it's nice to see these are well made. Cheers!
I own these and completely redesigned them specifically for a kitchen entertainment system. I have a 45 degree wall in my kitchen which left two triangle shaped voids when the builder used standard upper cabinets. I built slightly larger triangle shaped boxes and added extra poly fill. The speakers are somewhat suspended firing down on a granite countertop and about 5 feet apart. I cut off the top third of the passive speaker to make a box for the amp/ controls/connections. For the money (I paid $70 USD in 2019), you absolutely cannot beat them. I have the sound for the tv running through them as well as a Chromecast Audio. Spotify through the Chromecast Audio is superb. Spotify through my Roku stick is not quite as good. My friends are quite impressed with the sound!!
Michael, if you don't mind my saying, you are an absolutely excellent reviewer. What you say is what we want to hear about, and your take-apart / tear-open segment is delightfully insightful. Thank you very much, good sir. Wonderfully done. You've just earned a new subscriber! Edit: If you wouldn't mind, could you explain what causes the change to the white-noise when the speaker is "lifted?" I wondered if it might be because the tweeter's going off-axis. Am I on the right track? Thanks!
@@MichaelBeeny If you monetised, I'd be happy to contribute to a binaural audio capture rig so you can let people "hear" much more closely what you're describing.... haha.
To degree it is going off axis, but more the influence of it's surroundings. That's why most speakers tend to sound better balances when surrounded by air and not solid objects. Sorry for my late reply, only just noticed your question
Very nice video mate. You remind me of when I was young. I would take everything in the house apart. My mum and dad never really got too mad as I was just learning how things worked. Cheers!
It's a habit I never grew out of. I should now better at my age. I've just uploaded another Edifier speaker the D12 take a look. th-cam.com/video/ivklo9h3ORw/w-d-xo.html
First I would like to thank you for a wonderful Chanel that increase my knowledge base. Second, I have the R1280DB which are great speakers for the desktop and been recently tested (freq. response) by another youtuber "Joe N Tell" and been found quiet flat. I myself recommend this amplified speakers to all my friends and I got their big brothers the S2000 for the living room. Of course it is never enough (:))and I look at your amplifiers work with interest. Keep safe and bring us more ! Best Regards from the Holly-Land.
I tried your suggestion of turning the bass knob all the way down and turning the treble almost all the way up. You're correct, it sounds flatter. I can tolerate the extra sibilance for added clarity. Cheers!
Wasn't expecting to watch the whole review but your content and delivery kept me hooked. Thank you for the detailed review and letting us look under the hood!
What a fantastic review. seriously you have answered everything and given some real insight on positioning off the table which i found very interesting. thankyou
My local music store has a pair of the better models (r1280dbs), and I'm grabbing them tomorrow. I was pleased to see that the chips were Texas Instruments, because if they went as far as using high quality ICs, they certainly would have used some other quality components throughout the circuitry, hopefully that means the SMPS as well! (I loved the inclusion of Hey Joe during the sound test, Hendrix is my favorite musician!)
i have the very similar Edifier R1280DB version with bluetooth module. everything this gentleman has mentioned is spot-on. the sound is very boomy, especially if used on a table. i used windows equalizer app to flatten the response, but it was still bad, so now i ocasionally use them in my living room as tv speakers and looking for a substitute
No kidding, we have another thing in common... I have a edifier too, the s880db. I lend it to my brother and it didn't come back. It was really very lovely and great for small spaces
@@MichaelBeeny Thanks Michael - at this time of night you're either in a different time-zone or like me in the UK , at a certain age, that doesn't like sleep!
@@MichaelBeeny I AM in the UK. Live in North Yorkshire, it's been a tough work day & winding down. Have been thinking about these speakers for a few weeks and delighted to find your review which I found excellent for the afore-mentioned reasons. Have a wonderful afternoon in NZ - wonderful country. Armed with your information, I'm gonna crack open a final cold one and then get me off to bed. It's 01:05 hrs and time for sleep. Best wishes Kyran
Now this is a review! Leaps and bounds ahead of other reviews of any genre. Great tip about the air under the cabinet... followed by a scientific demonstration. Can I just sit the speakers sideways to get the same effect or should I lift them?
smart guy, you should do more videos on various items and topics, I watched 5+ videos and all were useless, didn't cover anything you couldn't find in 5 minutes. This was really helpful
Thanks for the honest review. I was considering buying a pair of these as monitors for my home recording studio, because a number of websites are including these on their top 5 or top 10 budget studio monitors, but given that the main criterion for studio monitors is a flat frequency response, I don't see how these would be fit for purpose.
Excellent, thank you. Usefull information esp. examining the inside. I ordered some of these and was wondering about the build quality, now I no longer have to wonder.
$64 Amazon Black Friday. Amazing. Interesting analysis on the bass and treble - can’t wait to test them out. Nice heavy magnet on that woofer gives it some capability.
Good review Mr Beeny. Just bought a set yesterday to replace an old 2.1 from Cambridge Audio for a Windows PC. The computer is used mainly as reference monitors for Audacity DAW. - I do record a live rock'n roll band out from a Soundcraft console that goes thru a Behringer USB interface from the RCA's REC OUT of the mixer to the USB port of the computer to Audacity for basic editing, mixing & mastering. The result is very good. I'm very satisfied. I would recommend EDIFIER to anyone looking for a good cheap speakers solution.
Thank you for this excellent and useful review. Everything was well explained. I am thinking of buying Edifier R1850DB active speakers. If you have a chance to review them that would be brilliant.
I have these from last couple of years. I find these pretty decent. Always wondered whats inside (BTW I also suffer the same problem of opening stuff up) but didnt want to accidently spoil the look in the process of opening it and satisfying my curiosities. Nice review, much appreciated.
My son in law has a pair; I was about to order when I watched this review. I had questions which were answered in this video regarding whether these could act as studio desk top monitors. I've changed my mind on ordering a set for mixing. Thanks for the video.
Excellent review! One of the best speaker reviews I've seen on TH-cam. Thank you. (Ps. Please don't poke the electronics, you might scare the magic smoke :).)
A great review and a great observation about the white noises and the air on the bottom of the speaker. I just bought the next model (with bluetooth and optical in) and I will try to suspend the speakers from the table. Thank you!
I did contact Edifier about reviewing another of there speakers, not even the curtesy of a reply. Do you think it was something I said?? Most companies don't like the fact that I tell it as I see it. Many reviewers on TH-cam get free products or are paid to say good things about the product. If it's good I will tell you but if it's, not so good I will also tell you and why I come the conclusion.
Hello Michael, Thank you for the excellent review. You have excellent taste in music and knowledge of sound and electronics. Wish your family and self the best.
I'm not sure age has anything to do with being tidy. This table is in my lounge, my workshop bench, shown in my more technical vids can be more of a mess, thanks for watching.
Thank you Michael extraordinary review. Could you suggest a pair of speakers that are powered which cost say 1500 dollars. Your knowledge and expertise was quite impressive. Thank you.
Really excellent review, thanks! I appreciate you introducing bits of electrical (sound) engineering knowledge without going too in-depth. I take it you're a Brit living in New Zealand? I've done the opposite - am a Kiwi living in Bristol. Haha
P.S. Could you review the Presonus Eris 3.5 model? They are around the same price as this Edifier model but reportedly have a much better flat frequency response, which should make them (sort-of) usable for home studio work.
Thank you Aldea, I do hope to do more soon. I have a pair of Monitor Audio Silver 500s I am listening to right now. As I receive no money from any source, I have to buy these speakers myself.
Wow. A proper technical review. Being honest didn't understand all of the content but very impressive. I've just bought these. Just one question, I've bought these to plug in a digital controller into the rca input. Does it matter which input side I use. It's only home djing use. What is the difference as I'm sure what you mean by a difference in the gain? Many thanks
Hi Ian, the difference in gain refers to how sensitive the inputs are. In real terms the difference is quite small. To select the best input, make it so when the volume control is about 1 pm the sound should be OK for most listening. Either input should be fine.
I think these are great for anyone wanting for a PC or something micro for a kitchen, but as you say these are not for HiFi. I enjoyed your review and hope for more in the future. Kudos!
very well reviewed sir, cos i'm planning to have this on christmas eve... so far it's a good speaker as you have said, we'll my budget is kinda tight so i will stick on this, thank you...
I was never really happy with the sound of these. After more listening I found the left speaker tweeter had a very tizzy sound like the voice coil was slightly off centre. I have since returned them for replacement, better now but overall my opinion remains the same.
Michael, have you considered specialising in doing loudspeaker reviews? Seriously, we need more professional reviewers, compared to most so-called reviewers (most of them look like social media influencers instead of an expert like you are). I also love the fact that you dont pull punches on what is considered to be by most accounts a highly-rated set of speakers.
Hi Nicolas, it's a complicated story! It's a question of supply of the loudspeakers. As I am retired and not a millionaire, funds are limited. No loudspeaker manufacture will just give or loan me a speaker and let me give my opinion freely! Some reviewers are sponsored and there income is reliant on money from them. Obviously you will never get a really honest review, you cannot. The first thing you say they don't like, that's it, you're gone. I do this for fun, my working life (I'm 70 now) is over, that's why you don't get a video every week. I no longer have some of the specialist pieces of test gear I once owned that are really a must. Mostly, I am 100% independent. I don't get a single penny from ANYONE, I don't ask for donations. It's just fun, when it stops being fun I will stop. Thank you for confidence and kind words, that is REALLY appreciated.
@@MichaelBeeny I completely understand where you're coming from Michael and yet I wish that some audiophile publication such as head-fi.org, or even generalist tech such as cnet, would commission you to do reviews for them! In any case, your enthusiasm is contagious, and I appreciate the time and effort you've put in making this video. Keep on rocking my dude!
@@MichaelBeeny you might be surprised who will send you free kit to test without any strings if you have enough viewers... but then it becomes a job. Thanks again for a helpful and entertaining review!
@@markpenney7700 The main issue for my channel is, I don't promote it, because it's not monetised I make nothing from it. You Tube don't like it because they make little or nothing from it. I don't keep begging people to LIKE or subscribe to me. Needless to say, TH-cam, never recommend or promote my channel at all, it's all about money. I do this for fun, that's all. I don't care if I only have a few viewers as long as the few, like what I do, I'm happy. I really appreciate people like you that take time to comment, mostly positively.
Hey, I know this is completely irrelevant, but, you seem like the kind of guy to ask for health and longevity advice. Do you have any advice/secrets for a 26 year old who hopes to continue ENJOYING life into old age? It's just that your aura immediately struck me as youthful and passionate. Also, incredible review.
Well, it's all done with lots of clever video editing! Sadly I'm not the best person to ask such a question. I've been a type 1 diabetic for the last 54 years. I have had a triple by pass 4 years ago. My heart is now only 44% efficient and my main arteries are quite blocked. On the plus side I've never smoked ANYTHING. I don't drink alcohol or take drugs. So I'm not sure what conclusion to draw from this. Very pleased you enjoyed my video however.
@@MichaelBeeny Hah, I'm not devastated! Let's just say your response made me smile. Even with all of your physical health problems, you still seem to be living a full, beautiful life filled with music and other passions. I was reading the other comments on this video, and many of them weren't even about the video's content, but rather about how kind and pleasant you seem to be. And I think that's special. I hope I can be that kind of person one day, a calming presence, a kind soul. Y'know? But anyway, I wish you the very very best, Michael. 🙂
Hello! Excellent video! Have you tested if there is a difference in volume between the optical output and the RCA output? Because I saw comments that the optical port has less volume than the RCA port !. I have a Kilpsch cinema 400 soundbar and I also see that the optical port sounds slightly lower than the hdmi port. Is it possible that the problem is with the digital converters that take a little power in the source outputs in the conversion? Thanks!!!!
To be honest I have not tested that. Any additional conversion D to A usually has an impact on gain to a degree. This is quite normal. It's not usually an issue because as long as you have enough gain, does it matter? All devices have different levels, even CDs or records are all recorded at different levels. Provided it's within reasonable paramotors, it really does not matter. It's not a question of one using more of the power, that does not happen.
Great review. 👍 Just two quest. Do these speakers produce clear mids? Also how do instruments like the guitar and the accordion sound on these speakers?
Great video. Is there a difference between either the PC or AUX inputs? I think you said something about the gain being different or one? Which one should I use to avoid a bottleneck? Thanks.
Not that much different really. I would try both, which ever give you a sensible range on the volume control will be fine. I doubt you will overload either. Suck it and see!!
Thanks for the review. I'll be replacing my Roland MA-8's with these. I'll probably just be using these as something fun and for anything serious I'll stick to my HD800 headphones.
I hope you do more videos like this. Very informative. Been thinking of getting serious to Audiophile, Monitor Audio is my first and only choice. But for practicality sake, seems like Edifier is a good brand.
Hi Glenn. I think Monitor Audio will give you a more faithful sound, not really any comparison at all, if you are looking for clean true sound with no dreadful processing but you do pay for quality.
Great explanation about the not flat response and its use cases (movies and games). Do you know if a Pioneer audio system is HI-FI or if it is pure marketing? (talking about the Pioneer X-CM56W). I was thinking to buy that one specially because is white and it will look good with my computer setup color. However, it is more expensive than this pair of Edifier speakers. I would like to know your opinion on this.
I was really torn from the R1280T to the R1280DBS. After so many youtube video's I found the T to sound more crisp and clean compared to the DBS accept I went with the DBS only because it was only 25 dollars more and has bluetooth as well as the option to connect a sub too it. I was thinking that if I turned up the terrble really high it would copy or near to copy the same sound from the T hope i am right. Ty for the in depth review. Oh btw how have they been holding up for the passed 4 years, are you still using them?
To be perfectly honest I would never use any Edifier speaker in any HiFi application. They produce a very un-natural sound due to the use of extensive built in EQ. It is not possible to disable this function and in consequence you cannot get a flat frequency response from it. On the plus side, you get a lot for your money, built in amplifiers. What you don't get colour free sound, very equalized, voice sounds dreadful with excessive boom and sibilance. Saying that it's very low cost, you get what you pay for. Many people buy these as a first loudspeaker. After a while they begin to find the speakers faults, then they up grade. If you like electronic type of music, you might like these, lots of one note, boomy bass, no midrange and lots of tizzy treble. Just the thought of listening to these gives me a headache. lol
Hello, you can be the one of few nice people left on this planet, i really admire people who speak kindly like you. Also it was great to watch a review from a professional like you and i learnt some good tips. Thank you. But i have an issue about one point that you have mentioned. You said that "these speakers sound better with open air under the cabinet" I am wondering, if speaker stands can help in this situation and solve this problem? I have these speakers and i am thinking to buy speaker stands nowadays. Greetings! (TH-cam has deleted my last comment automatically, because i didn't know that it is not allowed to add any product link here)
Hi Selim, thank you for your kind words, most appreciated. Regarding stands you can test the idea before you buy. Try putting them on a chair or small table and listen to them. It should open up the sound quite abit. Try it first.
@@MichaelBeeny First i have tested with playing a song, but i couldn't make a clear decision. Then i decided to try white noise like you - by the way i realized that i forgot how relaxing white noise was, i am still listening lol - This time the difference was prominent and it acted just like your speakers in the video and i can't say i have enough background in this area to talk confidently, but this result make me think i should try these stands. Anyway thank you sir, hope you have a nice day.
Edifier actually sent me two pairs for the price of one by mistake, so I was able to demo the passive speakers as a pair together on my receiver. To put things delicately as possible, I think that built-in EQ on the powered speakers does a lot to wow people with the sound these put out. On their own, at around 85dB listening volume in a small room, lower bass wasn't so much dropped off as much as chewed up and spit out. I use a track by Peter Gabriel from his album Passion called "The Promise of Shadows" which has lots of sub bass I like for stressing out speakers, and these Edifiers sounded like they would literally fall apart. The woofers would crackle from the bass unless I put a finger on them.
2 pairs for the price of one sounds like a good deal. I still think for what they cost they are not bad, no really HiFi but what should anyone expect for the price?
I'd say for under $100 bucks, on a desk and about 2 feet from you maximum, they're perfectly fine for the job. I was able to sell both my pairs a month later and hopefully those folks have a better time with them.
Hi, thanks for the very detailed review. I would like to know according to your expertise, do you think we can get rid of the tizzy sound? By adding a crossover to the tweeter? Rather than only single a capacitor there.
I think it's the tweeter itself, it's a low cost loudspeaker. For what you get it is value for money. If you wont better, you need to spend more money,
Thanks for your opinion,you are an exception in youtube.Sadly to be honest is strange in this world for that I would like to launch you a question. Do you recomend these to watch films? Do you know any other which are good for films for this price?.
The perfect example of "englishness". Elegant and gentle
Well, I am British!! Thank you for the kind words.
instablaster...
A video explaining the speakers well enough from a senior citizen is soothing and respect-worthy.
Thank you Tanvir, your kind words are most appreciated.
This is the best ever youtube review not only of speakers but of all other reviews. Just amazing. Congratulations.
Thank you Rafal for your kind words, much appreciated.
Hi Michael,
as a electrical engineer I miss professional reviews like this one. Keep doing a good job.
Thanks
Thank you Mario, I really appreciate you're kind comments.
Edifier has the most bang of the buck audio product
Perhaps the most honest and technically qualified review on a set of speakers which has over a hundred other reviews .
All I hear in the other reviews are loose intangibles like " blow your mind " "crazy loud" and "amazing for hundred bucks"
This was the only reviewer who looks like he knows what he's talking about.
Thanks sir for the honest review.
Thank you, kind sir, I am so pleased you found my opinion helpful.
@@MichaelBeeny I'm just hunting around for a decent (not great and expensive hifi, but decent for the price) bookshelf speakers for my turntable. And I see that the edifier R1280DB might just fit the bill. What's your opinion sir?
@@kishorevigneshkumar Hi Vignesh, I don't think I can add anything to what I have said in my review. Good value for money but you will need to use the tone controls for anything like a flat response.
I couldn't agree more with you.
This is one of the best reviews I've ever seen on speakers. Job well done! thank you!!
Thank you Pablo, much appreciated.
Thank you for the review. Listening to it on my pair now. I'll agree, they're not as good as a $1000 pair of "pick your favorite brand" hi-fi speakers, but for $70 (US) on sale at Amazon, they were the best bang for the buck computer speakers I could find. You can easily spend a whole lot more, and get much less. Musically, for me, I'm happy with them and while I haven't taken mine apart, it's nice to see these are well made. Cheers!
I own these and completely redesigned them specifically for a kitchen entertainment system. I have a 45 degree wall in my kitchen which left two triangle shaped voids when the builder used standard upper cabinets. I built slightly larger triangle shaped boxes and added extra poly fill. The speakers are somewhat suspended firing down on a granite countertop and about 5 feet apart. I cut off the top third of the passive speaker to make a box for the amp/ controls/connections. For the money (I paid $70 USD in 2019), you absolutely cannot beat them. I have the sound for the tv running through them as well as a Chromecast Audio. Spotify through the Chromecast Audio is superb. Spotify through my Roku stick is not quite as good. My friends are quite impressed with the sound!!
My man! Absolutely amazing review with a clear demonstration of expertise. Thank you 😀😀!
Thank you so much, it's rare these days to have a straight to the point honest review from a person with actual experience and knowledge.
Thank you, Hans, for your kind words, much appreciated.
Thanks so much for taking the time. You have a very calming way to convey knowledge, I wish the very best for you and your channel
Thank you for the kind words, I really appreciate them. Mike
Michael, if you don't mind my saying, you are an absolutely excellent reviewer. What you say is what we want to hear about, and your take-apart / tear-open segment is delightfully insightful. Thank you very much, good sir. Wonderfully done. You've just earned a new subscriber!
Edit: If you wouldn't mind, could you explain what causes the change to the white-noise when the speaker is "lifted?" I wondered if it might be because the tweeter's going off-axis. Am I on the right track? Thanks!
Thank you so much for the kind words, it's most appreciated, makes up for not making any money!!
@@MichaelBeeny If you monetised, I'd be happy to contribute to a binaural audio capture rig so you can let people "hear" much more closely what you're describing.... haha.
To degree it is going off axis, but more the influence of it's surroundings. That's why most speakers tend to sound better balances when surrounded by air and not solid objects. Sorry for my late reply, only just noticed your question
Very nice video mate. You remind me of when I was young. I would take everything in the house apart. My mum and dad never really got too mad as I was just learning how things worked. Cheers!
It's a habit I never grew out of. I should now better at my age. I've just uploaded another Edifier speaker the D12 take a look. th-cam.com/video/ivklo9h3ORw/w-d-xo.html
First I would like to thank you for a wonderful Chanel that increase my knowledge base.
Second, I have the R1280DB which are great speakers for the desktop and been recently tested (freq. response) by another youtuber "Joe N Tell" and been found quiet flat. I myself recommend this amplified speakers to all my friends and I got their big brothers the S2000 for the living room. Of course it is never enough (:))and I look at your amplifiers work with interest.
Keep safe and bring us more ! Best Regards from the Holly-Land.
Probably the best review of this speaker i have seen around
Thankyou Chief, most appreciated.
Thank you, Sir! Great review. Wish you a wonderful life ahead.
Just purchased this on sale for around 60 usd and viewing this review is just the thing i need to know that it's good for the money!
I tried your suggestion of turning the bass knob all the way down and turning the treble almost all the way up. You're correct, it sounds flatter. I can tolerate the extra sibilance for added clarity. Cheers!
Wasn't expecting to watch the whole review but your content and delivery kept me hooked. Thank you for the detailed review and letting us look under the hood!
Thank you Erik for the kind words. Even watching to the end!!
I appreciate your work on your projects with great will to explain everything precisely and neatly.Such a gentlema
n.I hope that it will continue.
Thank you for you're kind comments, I really appreciate it.
I could listen to you reading me a book, and I'd relax and fall asleep in peace.
Yes David, many people fall asleep during my video's!! Thanks for watching, I appreciate it.
kinda gay bro
@@Ravage017 ;)
What a fantastic review. seriously you have answered everything and given some real insight on positioning off the table which i found very interesting. thankyou
Thank you for your kind words, most appreciated.
My local music store has a pair of the better models (r1280dbs), and I'm grabbing them tomorrow. I was pleased to see that the chips were Texas Instruments, because if they went as far as using high quality ICs, they certainly would have used some other quality components throughout the circuitry, hopefully that means the SMPS as well! (I loved the inclusion of Hey Joe during the sound test, Hendrix is my favorite musician!)
i have the very similar Edifier R1280DB version with bluetooth module. everything this gentleman has mentioned is spot-on. the sound is very boomy, especially if used on a table. i used windows equalizer app to flatten the response, but it was still bad, so now i ocasionally use them in my living room as tv speakers and looking for a substitute
i love the professionalism and all the detail you go into
Thank you Jacob, much appreciated.
Finally what i was looking for about these speakers,an honest opinion backed by knowledge and experience!
Thank you Ingemar for the kind words, most appreciated.
Just got my unit & this popped up in my recommended list. you are right on the settings; bass down, treble up. almost flat like that.
No kidding, we have another thing in common... I have a edifier too, the s880db.
I lend it to my brother and it didn't come back.
It was really very lovely and great for small spaces
Hi Michael. Really liked your review - professional, measured, comprehensive and very helpful. Excellent. Much appreciated.
Hi Ky, thanks for watching and you're kind words, much appreciated.
@@MichaelBeeny Thanks Michael - at this time of night you're either in a different time-zone or like me in the UK , at a certain age, that doesn't like sleep!
@@kyrandell3290 If you are in the UK you SHOULD be sleeping but here in NZ it's almost 2pm (at the time of reply)
@@MichaelBeeny I AM in the UK. Live in North Yorkshire, it's been a tough work day & winding down. Have been thinking about these speakers for a few weeks and delighted to find your review which I found excellent for the afore-mentioned reasons. Have a wonderful afternoon in NZ - wonderful country. Armed with your information, I'm gonna crack open a final cold one and then get me off to bed. It's 01:05 hrs and time for sleep. Best wishes Kyran
What a fine review! Much more interesting and informative than the reviews from the popular tech channels.
Thank you Vertuvius for the kind words, much appreciated.
I actually really liked this review. Reminds me of my elementary music teacher in Ontario lol.
Now this is a review!
Leaps and bounds ahead of other reviews of any genre.
Great tip about the air under the cabinet... followed by a scientific demonstration. Can I just sit the speakers sideways to get the same effect or should I lift them?
I've not tried them sideways, no reason not. Put the tweeters outer most to broaden the image. Thanks for your kind words, most appreciated.
smart guy, you should do more videos on various items and topics, I watched 5+ videos and all were useless, didn't cover anything you couldn't find in 5 minutes. This was really helpful
Thanks for the honest review. I was considering buying a pair of these as monitors for my home recording studio, because a number of websites are including these on their top 5 or top 10 budget studio monitors, but given that the main criterion for studio monitors is a flat frequency response, I don't see how these would be fit for purpose.
Excellent, thank you. Usefull information esp. examining the inside. I ordered some of these and was wondering about the build quality, now I no longer have to wonder.
This is without a doubt the most pro explanation of this speaker with an explanation of the inside as well. Thank you so much
Awesome !
Please upload move videos like this .
True GYAN !
$64 Amazon Black Friday. Amazing. Interesting analysis on the bass and treble - can’t wait to test them out. Nice heavy magnet on that woofer gives it some capability.
Burning mine in now. Gonna hook up a subwoofer to mine once I get a splitter lol
I bought them because of your great review. Thanks.
Thankyou Emile, I appreciate your comment.
Same here
Good review Mr Beeny. Just bought a set yesterday to replace an old 2.1 from Cambridge Audio for a Windows PC. The computer is used mainly as reference monitors for Audacity DAW. - I do record a live rock'n roll band out from a Soundcraft console that goes thru a Behringer USB interface from the RCA's REC OUT of the mixer to the USB port of the computer to Audacity for basic editing, mixing & mastering. The result is very good. I'm very satisfied. I would recommend EDIFIER to anyone looking for a good cheap speakers solution.
Thank you for this excellent and useful review. Everything was well explained. I am thinking of buying Edifier R1850DB active speakers. If you have a chance to review them that would be brilliant.
OMG you check each and everything of this speaker. Thanks for that
God what an amazing review, thanks a lot, answered all my questions :)
I have these from last couple of years. I find these pretty decent. Always wondered whats inside (BTW I also suffer the same problem of opening stuff up) but didnt want to accidently spoil the look in the process of opening it and satisfying my curiosities. Nice review, much appreciated.
My son in law has a pair; I was about to order when I watched this review. I had questions which were answered in this video regarding whether these could act as studio desk top monitors. I've changed my mind on ordering a set for mixing. Thanks for the video.
i watched with pleasure. Thanks for your opinion on these speakers!
Beautifully explained, thank you.
This was such a nice reveiw! I loved every bit. Thank you!
Thank you, Lukas, much appreciated.
now this is a review; raw, technical and honest.
thank you for your honest review i have decided to order one of these for my laptop desktop needs.
Excellent review! One of the best speaker reviews I've seen on TH-cam. Thank you.
(Ps. Please don't poke the electronics, you might scare the magic smoke :).)
I couldn't agree more. Micheal is terrific, and this review demonstrates why.
A really informative video. The Warehouse have these for $100 at the moment. Thanks for taking the time to make this Michael.
Yes Warehouse do reduce the price from time to time, that's when purchased mine. Very good value for $100nz
A great review and a great observation about the white noises and the air on the bottom of the speaker. I just bought the next model (with bluetooth and optical in) and I will try to suspend the speakers from the table.
Thank you!
Thank you for the very well thought-out and thorough review. I really enjoyed it and also learned a lot :)
fantastic review. the best review in youtube. u should do more speakers review sir. especially edifier speaker.
I did contact Edifier about reviewing another of there speakers, not even the curtesy of a reply. Do you think it was something I said?? Most companies don't like the fact that I tell it as I see it. Many reviewers on TH-cam get free products or are paid to say good things about the product. If it's good I will tell you but if it's, not so good I will also tell you and why I come the conclusion.
What a review very detailed indeed!!
Love your smile keep smiling.
Thank you brother I wanted to teardown my speakers but didn't want to risk damaging it. Thank you for satisfying my curiosity!
My pleasure.
Excellent review, the best I could find. Thank you very much!
Hello Michael,
Thank you for the excellent review. You have excellent taste in music and knowledge of sound and electronics.
Wish your family and self the best.
Thank you Clarke, I'm pleased you found it helpful.
Amazing review. You really know what you are talking about. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
I have these and they actually sound alot better than my LG 230w stereo, they have more bass and are less harsh on the high end than the LGs speakers
"Insane amount of bass" - Why I bought them XD
For someone who's on the old side, you probably have the nicest, cleanest, and most comfy looking desk setup I've seen
I'm not sure age has anything to do with being tidy. This table is in my lounge, my workshop bench, shown in my more technical vids can be more of a mess, thanks for watching.
Thank you Michael extraordinary review. Could you suggest a pair of speakers that are powered which cost say 1500 dollars. Your knowledge and expertise was quite impressive. Thank you.
Really excellent review, thanks! I appreciate you introducing bits of electrical (sound) engineering knowledge without going too in-depth. I take it you're a Brit living in New Zealand? I've done the opposite - am a Kiwi living in Bristol. Haha
P.S. Could you review the Presonus Eris 3.5 model? They are around the same price as this Edifier model but reportedly have a much better flat frequency response, which should make them (sort-of) usable for home studio work.
Job well done sir, i just ordered a pair based on your review. Kind regards and i do hope you post more fair reviews such as this one.
Thank you Aldea, I do hope to do more soon. I have a pair of Monitor Audio Silver 500s I am listening to right now. As I receive no money from any source, I have to buy these speakers myself.
Great narration and a proper analysis torn apart edi inside out great sir cheers great job
Wow. A proper technical review. Being honest didn't understand all of the content but very impressive. I've just bought these. Just one question, I've bought these to plug in a digital controller into the rca input. Does it matter which input side I use. It's only home djing use. What is the difference as I'm sure what you mean by a difference in the gain? Many thanks
Hi Ian, the difference in gain refers to how sensitive the inputs are. In real terms the difference is quite small. To select the best input, make it so when the volume control is about 1 pm the sound should be OK for most listening. Either input should be fine.
@@MichaelBeeny thank you. Would these speakers be suitable to plug into a TV instead of using the internal ones?
@@simulation8083 Yes, probably, almost ANY speaker will sound better than any TV speakers which are at best crap!!
Just bought these, thanks for the review. In my opinion they are good enough for my application but they are not 10/10
You do get lots for your money.
I think these are great for anyone wanting for a PC or something micro for a kitchen, but as you say these are not for HiFi. I enjoyed your review and hope for more in the future. Kudos!
very well reviewed sir, cos i'm planning to have this on christmas eve... so far it's a good speaker as you have said, we'll my budget is kinda tight so i will stick on this, thank you...
Thanks Michael very informative video. Covers all the things I wanted to know about the speakers.
Hi!! Writing from
Chile. What a nice and useful review, the best one I’ve heard about these speakers! Thank you very much
I was never really happy with the sound of these. After more listening I found the left speaker tweeter had a very tizzy sound like the voice coil was slightly off centre. I have since returned them for replacement, better now but overall my opinion remains the same.
the wood is fake too, better get the Genius sp-hf1800a
Michael, have you considered specialising in doing loudspeaker reviews? Seriously, we need more professional reviewers, compared to most so-called reviewers (most of them look like social media influencers instead of an expert like you are). I also love the fact that you dont pull punches on what is considered to be by most accounts a highly-rated set of speakers.
Hi Nicolas, it's a complicated story! It's a question of supply of the loudspeakers. As I am retired and not a millionaire, funds are limited. No loudspeaker manufacture will just give or loan me a speaker and let me give my opinion freely! Some reviewers are sponsored and there income is reliant on money from them. Obviously you will never get a really honest review, you cannot. The first thing you say they don't like, that's it, you're gone. I do this for fun, my working life (I'm 70 now) is over, that's why you don't get a video every week. I no longer have some of the specialist pieces of test gear I once owned that are really a must. Mostly, I am 100% independent. I don't get a single penny from ANYONE, I don't ask for donations. It's just fun, when it stops being fun I will stop. Thank you for confidence and kind words, that is REALLY appreciated.
@@MichaelBeeny I completely understand where you're coming from Michael and yet I wish that some audiophile publication such as head-fi.org, or even generalist tech such as cnet, would commission you to do reviews for them! In any case, your enthusiasm is contagious, and I appreciate the time and effort you've put in making this video. Keep on rocking my dude!
@@MichaelBeeny you might be surprised who will send you free kit to test without any strings if you have enough viewers... but then it becomes a job. Thanks again for a helpful and entertaining review!
@@markpenney7700 The main issue for my channel is, I don't promote it, because it's not monetised I make nothing from it. You Tube don't like it because they make little or nothing from it. I don't keep begging people to LIKE or subscribe to me. Needless to say, TH-cam, never recommend or promote my channel at all, it's all about money. I do this for fun, that's all. I don't care if I only have a few viewers as long as the few, like what I do, I'm happy. I really appreciate people like you that take time to comment, mostly positively.
Hey, I know this is completely irrelevant, but, you seem like the kind of guy to ask for health and longevity advice. Do you have any advice/secrets for a 26 year old who hopes to continue ENJOYING life into old age? It's just that your aura immediately struck me as youthful and passionate.
Also, incredible review.
Well, it's all done with lots of clever video editing! Sadly I'm not the best person to ask such a question. I've been a type 1 diabetic for the last 54 years. I have had a triple by pass 4 years ago. My heart is now only 44% efficient and my main arteries are quite blocked. On the plus side I've never smoked ANYTHING. I don't drink alcohol or take drugs. So I'm not sure what conclusion to draw from this. Very pleased you enjoyed my video however.
@@MichaelBeeny I appreciate your reply, Michael. Have a nice week. 🙂
@@user-bv7jc I bet your devastated by my reply? lol
@@MichaelBeeny Hah, I'm not devastated! Let's just say your response made me smile. Even with all of your physical health problems, you still seem to be living a full, beautiful life filled with music and other passions. I was reading the other comments on this video, and many of them weren't even about the video's content, but rather about how kind and pleasant you seem to be. And I think that's special. I hope I can be that kind of person one day, a calming presence, a kind soul. Y'know?
But anyway, I wish you the very very best, Michael. 🙂
@@user-bv7jc Thank you for your kind words, I really appreciate them.
Excellent review sir, a factual, detailed and well explained review. Kudos to you
Thank you Fahad, much appreciated.
The crystal is for the micro that decodes the IR remote would be my guess.
Exactly the review I was looking for, quite informative, thank you.
Thank you for the very detailed review. I've just ordered some and they sound like they'll be good for what I want (casual listening on my pc)
Hello! Excellent video! Have you tested if there is a difference in volume between the optical output and the RCA output? Because I saw comments that the optical port has less volume than the RCA port !. I have a Kilpsch cinema 400 soundbar and I also see that the optical port sounds slightly lower than the hdmi port. Is it possible that the problem is with the digital converters that take a little power in the source outputs in the conversion?
Thanks!!!!
To be honest I have not tested that. Any additional conversion D to A usually has an impact on gain to a degree. This is quite normal. It's not usually an issue because as long as you have enough gain, does it matter? All devices have different levels, even CDs or records are all recorded at different levels. Provided it's within reasonable paramotors, it really does not matter. It's not a question of one using more of the power, that does not happen.
Amazing review, thank you sir.
Thank you, Mr Beeny for the wonderful review. It really helped me make up mind.
Great review. 👍
Just two quest. Do these speakers produce clear mids? Also how do instruments like the guitar and the accordion sound on these speakers?
Great video. Is there a difference between either the PC or AUX inputs? I think you said something about the gain being different or one? Which one should I use to avoid a bottleneck? Thanks.
Not that much different really. I would try both, which ever give you a sensible range on the volume control will be fine. I doubt you will overload either. Suck it and see!!
Thanks for the review. I'll be replacing my Roland MA-8's with these. I'll probably just be using these as something fun and for anything serious I'll stick to my HD800 headphones.
I hope you do more videos like this. Very informative. Been thinking of getting serious to Audiophile, Monitor Audio is my first and only choice. But for practicality sake, seems like Edifier is a good brand.
Hi Glenn. I think Monitor Audio will give you a more faithful sound, not really any comparison at all, if you are looking for clean true sound with no dreadful processing but you do pay for quality.
Great explanation about the not flat response and its use cases (movies and games).
Do you know if a Pioneer audio system is HI-FI or if it is pure marketing? (talking about the Pioneer X-CM56W).
I was thinking to buy that one specially because is white and it will look good with my computer setup color. However, it is more expensive than this pair of Edifier speakers. I would like to know your opinion on this.
Cheap is cheap. No matter the brand. They can't bend physics neither economics. Good amp & speakers is min. 400$
What a great review giving us a lot of useful information. Thank You!
Thank you Vahan, most appreciated.
I was really torn from the R1280T to the R1280DBS. After so many youtube video's I found the T to sound more crisp and clean compared to the DBS accept I went with the DBS only because it was only 25 dollars more and has bluetooth as well as the option to connect a sub too it. I was thinking that if I turned up the terrble really high it would copy or near to copy the same sound from the T hope i am right. Ty for the in depth review. Oh btw how have they been holding up for the passed 4 years, are you still using them?
To be perfectly honest I would never use any Edifier speaker in any HiFi application. They produce a very un-natural sound due to the use of extensive built in EQ. It is not possible to disable this function and in consequence you cannot get a flat frequency response from it.
On the plus side, you get a lot for your money, built in amplifiers. What you don't get colour free sound, very equalized, voice sounds dreadful with excessive boom and sibilance.
Saying that it's very low cost, you get what you pay for.
Many people buy these as a first loudspeaker. After a while they begin to find the speakers faults, then they up grade.
If you like electronic type of music, you might like these, lots of one note, boomy bass, no midrange and lots of tizzy treble. Just the thought of listening to these gives me a headache. lol
feels like im listening to some kind of lab experimental video done by english scientist......simple, elegant
Well, I am British!! Thanks for watching, I appreciate it.
You remind me of my grandpa :) thanks so much for the informative video sir!
Hello, you can be the one of few nice people left on this planet, i really admire people who speak kindly like you. Also it was great to watch a review from a professional like you and i learnt some good tips. Thank you. But i have an issue about one point that you have mentioned. You said that "these speakers sound better with open air under the cabinet" I am wondering, if speaker stands can help in this situation and solve this problem? I have these speakers and i am thinking to buy speaker stands nowadays. Greetings! (TH-cam has deleted my last comment automatically, because i didn't know that it is not allowed to add any product link here)
Hi Selim, thank you for your kind words, most appreciated. Regarding stands you can test the idea before you buy. Try putting them on a chair or small table and listen to them. It should open up the sound quite abit. Try it first.
@@MichaelBeeny First i have tested with playing a song, but i couldn't make a clear decision. Then i decided to try white noise like you - by the way i realized that i forgot how relaxing white noise was, i am still listening lol - This time the difference was prominent and it acted just like your speakers in the video and i can't say i have enough background in this area to talk confidently, but this result make me think i should try these stands. Anyway thank you sir, hope you have a nice day.
Edifier actually sent me two pairs for the price of one by mistake, so I was able to demo the passive speakers as a pair together on my receiver. To put things delicately as possible, I think that built-in EQ on the powered speakers does a lot to wow people with the sound these put out. On their own, at around 85dB listening volume in a small room, lower bass wasn't so much dropped off as much as chewed up and spit out. I use a track by Peter Gabriel from his album Passion called "The Promise of Shadows" which has lots of sub bass I like for stressing out speakers, and these Edifiers sounded like they would literally fall apart. The woofers would crackle from the bass unless I put a finger on them.
2 pairs for the price of one sounds like a good deal. I still think for what they cost they are not bad, no really HiFi but what should anyone expect for the price?
I'd say for under $100 bucks, on a desk and about 2 feet from you maximum, they're perfectly fine for the job. I was able to sell both my pairs a month later and hopefully those folks have a better time with them.
I think the guy below is right...these are brilliant as PC speakers
Hi, thanks for the very detailed review. I would like to know according to your expertise, do you think we can get rid of the tizzy sound? By adding a crossover to the tweeter? Rather than only single a capacitor there.
I think it's the tweeter itself, it's a low cost loudspeaker. For what you get it is value for money. If you wont better, you need to spend more money,
Thanks for your opinion,you are an exception in youtube.Sadly to be honest is strange in this world for that I would like to launch you a question.
Do you recomend these to watch films? Do you know any other which are good for films for this price?.
Love your review, you can probably try their airpluse series, probably will surprise you :)
Thx for the vid. How long is the wire connecting the 2 speakers pls?
Sorry, not sure as a guess about 10ft but I no longer have the original cable, replaced with a little thicker wire.