Bookshelf Speakers — Edifier S880DB

The S880DB is a compact powered bookshelf pair from Edifier with a titanium dome tweeter, an aluminium mid-bass cone and its own digital inputs. Edifier listed it at USD 269.99 in the US, and the S880DB MKII later took its place in the range. The Japan Audio Society certified it for Hi-Res Audio, and in Europe it sold at EUR 279.99 with a white front and light brown sides.

Key specs that matter

A 3/4 inch (19 mm) titanium laminated dome tweeter is paired in each cabinet with a 3.75 inch (94 mm) mid-bass unit using an aluminium diaphragm. Amplification totals 88 W RMS - 32 W x 2 for the mid-bass drivers and 12 W x 2 for the treble. Edifier states 55 Hz to 40 kHz, at least 85 dB(A) signal-to-noise, residual noise of no more than 25 dB(A) and a delta frequency response of 1 dB or less. The published size is 138 x 168 x 230 mm per speaker, with a net weight of 7.5 kg.

Engineering and use context

Edifier uses an all-digital amplifier stage, and a DSP takes care of the crossover between the two drivers as well as dynamic range control. An XMOS digital audio processor handles the USB input, and the USB, optical and coaxial connections accept signals sampled at up to 192 kHz. Two analogue inputs are provided, labelled AUX and PC, along with Bluetooth for phones and tablets. Rated input sensitivity is 600 mV on AUX and 800 mV on the PC input. The enclosure is made of wood, which the maker chose to reduce cabinet resonance. The rear panel carries knobs for volume, bass and treble, four preset EQ curves can be selected, and the wireless remote handles volume, input selection and track playback.

Pairing

With direct USB, optical and coaxial inputs the S880DB works as a complete desktop system for a computer, a television or a CD transport without any extra DAC. The two analogue inputs let a turntable with a phono preamplifier and a second line-level source remain plugged in together, and Bluetooth covers portable devices. The small cabinet and modest mid-bass cone make it a nearfield design for desktop listening or a compact bedroom, rather than a pair meant to fill a large living space.

Alternatives

The Edifier S880DB MKII keeps the same amplification but moves to a 1.25 inch tweeter, extends the quoted low end to 50 Hz and adds LDAC Bluetooth and a subwoofer output.