The new Edifier D32 wireless speaker offers a lot for the money. Most people will love it because of the … [+]
Today’s design seems to be very minimalist. The time when audio equipment was also something beautiful to look at and listen to seems long gone. However, a recent launch by Edifier International sees a splash of retro style that harkens back to the 1950s and the golden age of radio. The new retro-inspired D32 wireless tabletop speaker looks as good as it sounds.
With its handcrafted wooden housing, the new Edifier D32 wireless speaker is acoustically treated to eliminate excess resonance and distortion. Dual bass reflex ports have been used to boost the low frequencies without crushing the mids and highs.
To add definition to the D32’s sound, Edifier used a pair of one-inch silk dome tweeters. These high-frequency speakers provide the directivity and focus for the compact speaker, while a long-throw mid-low driver handles the frequency range from 52 Hz to 40 kHz. The combination of drivers allowed the D32 to achieve Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certifications.
Edifier’s D32 wireless speaker looks suitably retro with its array of piano-style controls. … [+]
To drive those speakers, the D32 uses two Class-D audio amplifiers from Texas Instruments with a combined power of 60W. A two-way active crossover separates the audio signal during processing, while dynamic range control reduces the difference between the loudest and quietest aspects of an audio signal. The overall result is a pleasantly balanced sound with enough detail to make the D32 at home in a wide range of music genres.
Unlike regular Bluetooth speakers, the Edifier D32 also supports Apple AirPlay 2, meaning it can stream wireless audio at 16-bit/48kHz. That is CD quality and more than sufficient for these types of speakers. 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 process audio files up to 24-bit/96kHz, making it ideal for H-Res streaming from Apple, Tidal, Qobuz and others .
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 WiFi network. Even better, AirPlay 2 lets you stream to more than one device at the same time. Another nice feature is support for Spotify and Tidal Connect, so you can stream from those services without having to keep your phone within wireless range.
The Edifier D32’s main driver is a long-throw woofer that covers 52 Hz to 40 kHz. It also has two … [+]
The Edifier D32 not only runs on mains power, but also has a built-in, rechargeable battery, so you can take the speaker into the garden or anywhere where a power source is not available. In addition to 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 computer or Android phone.
At 3kg, the D32 isn’t the lightest speaker, but it’s compact enough that it can sit on a kitchen counter or bedside table without overwhelming everything around it. Best of all, the retro style is so tasteful that the D32 fits into a variety of design situations or decors. There’s a hint of a 1950s jukebox about the design with its row of pressable piano keys.
The sound of this endearing speaker is very good. Edifier’s decision to add dual reflex ports to the rear ensures there’s plenty of bass and the speaker never sounds boxy or restricted. The silk dome tweeters add definition and clarity to the overall soundstage, creating a relatively convincing stereo image for a compact speaker.
Thanks to the addition of Apple AirPlay 2 and USB, the Edifier D32 receives Hi-Res certification … [+]
One thing that annoyed me a little about using the D32 on a daily basis was the emphasis on always booting up in Bluetooth mode. As an Apple user, I would have preferred the input choice to be remembered, but perhaps that is something that could be added in a future firmware update. Furthermore, the speaker performed flawlessly.
With the Edifier ConneX app you can operate the D32 or you can just use those beautiful retro keys. The app has an EQ setting for shaping the speaker’s sound and you can change the source input using your smartphone.
The D32 is available in the colors white and black walnut. It’s classy and a bit classy without being over the top. For anyone who hates the current aesthetic of modern audio trends, the D32 is something different.
The Edifier D32 is available in a white version and in Black Walnut.
Pronunciation: The Edifier D32 is a great little speaker with a big personality, both in terms of warm and engaging sound and pleasant retro style. The addition of AirPlay 2 is welcome and takes the speaker from Bluetooth to Hi-Res playback. If you’re looking for a compact speaker for the kitchen or bedroom and want something that looks a little different, the Edifier D32 might be for you.
Prices and availability: The Edifier D32 is available now and costs a very reasonable $129.99 at Amazon.com.
More information: edifier.com
Technical specifications:
- Total output power of 60W (RMS) with quality sound.
- Dual 1″ silk dome tweeters and a 4″ long throw mid-low driver.
- Fully digital signal processing, two-way active crossover and DRC.
- Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certified.
- Works with Apple AirPlay2 via the 5GHz and 2.4GHz dual-band Wi-Fi connection.
- Bluetooth V5.3, USB and AUX inputs.
- Supports SBC, AAC, LDAC and ALAC codecs (AirPlay mode only).
- 11 hours of playing time due to the built-in battery pack.
- Works with EDIFIER ConneX mobile app.