The new Edifier D32 wireless speaker really offers a lot for the money. Most people will love it … [+]
Today’s design seems to be very minimalistic. The days when audio equipment was also something beautiful to look at and listen to seem long gone. However, Edifier International’s recent launch shows a glimpse of retro style that harkens back to the 1950s and the golden age of radio. The new retro-inspired D32 wireless desktop speaker looks as good as it sounds.
Featuring a handcrafted wooden enclosure, the new Edifier D32 wireless speaker has been acoustically treated to reduce excessive 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, the Edifier used multiple one-inch silk dome tweeters. These high-frequency drivers provide the directivity and focus of a compact speaker, while the 52Hz to 40kHz frequency range is handled by a midrange high-frequency driver. The combination of drivers has resulted in the D32 being Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certified.
Edifier’s D32 wireless speaker looks suitably retro with its array of piano-style controls. … [+]
To drive these speakers, the D32 uses two Class D audio amplifiers from Texas Instruments with a combined output of 60W. A two-way active crossover separates the audio signal during processing, while the dynamic range control reduces the difference between the loudest and 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 stream wireless audio at 16-bit / 48kHz. This is CD quality and more than adequate for this kind of speaker. For devices that do not support AirPlay 2, Bluetooth is available with SBC, AAC and LDAC codec support. Alternatively, the D32 can be connected to a computer or other source via a USB-C cable and then process audio files up to 24-bit/96kHz, making it ideal for H-Res streaming from Apple, Tidal, Qobuz and more. .
The Bluetooth streaming limitation is a 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 hold your phone within wireless range.
The main driver on the Edifier D32 is a long-range woofer covering 52Hz to 40kHz. She also has two … [+]
In addition to mains power, the Edifier D32 has a built-in rechargeable battery, so you can take the speaker to 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 of speakers, but it’s compact enough to sit on a kitchen counter or bedside table without drowning out everything around it. Best of all, the retro styling is tasteful enough that the D32 can fit into a variety of design situations or decors. There’s a hint of a 1950s jukebox design with a row of push-down piano keys.
The sound of this cute speaker is very good. Edifier’s decision to add dual reflex ports on the back ensures 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.
With the inclusion of Apple AirPlay 2 and USB, the Edifier D32 gains Hi-Res certification … [+]
One thing that annoyed me a little about daily use of the D32 was its insistence on always booting into Bluetooth mode. As an Apple user, I’d prefer the input choice to be remembered, but maybe that’s something that could be added in a future firmware update. Other than that, the presenter worked flawlessly.
The Edifier ConneX app can be used to control the D32, or you can simply use those beautiful retro keys. The app has EQ settings to shape the speaker sound and you can change the source input using your smartphone.
The D32 is available in white and black walnut. It’s stylish and a bit elegant without being over the top. For anyone who doesn’t like the current aesthetics of modern audio trends, the D32 is something a little different.
The Edifier D32 is available in a white version and also in black walnut.
Statement: The Edifier D32 is a great little speaker with a big personality, both with 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 would like something that looks a little different, the Edifier D32 could be the one for you.
Price and Availability: The Edifier D32 is available now for a very reasonable $129.99 from Amazon.com.
More information: edifier.com
Technical Specifications:
- Total output power 60W (RMS) with quality sound.
- Two 1″ silk dome tweeters and one 4″ long-throw woofer.
- Fully digital signal processing, two-way active crossover and DRC.
- Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification.
- Works with Apple AirPlay2 via dual-band 5GHz and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi.
- Bluetooth V5.3, USB and AUX inputs.
- Supports SBC, AAC, LDAC and ALAC codecs (AirPlay mode only).
- 11 hours of playback thanks to the built-in battery.
- Works with the EDIFIER ConneX mobile application.