I remember a time when my home audio setup was just… lacking. Whether it was watching a movie, diving into a game, or simply trying to enjoy my favourite music, the sound felt flat, unengaging, and frankly, disappointing. The dialogue in films would get lost in the action, music lacked any real depth, and the overall experience was far from immersive. This persistent issue made me realise I needed a serious upgrade to a proper speaker system. Leaving this problem unresolved would mean continuing to miss out on the rich, dynamic audio experiences that truly bring media to life, and that simply wasn’t an option for a self-professed audiophile.
Essential Considerations Before Investing in a New Speaker System
For anyone looking to dramatically enhance their audio experience, a quality speaker system is paramount. These systems are designed to transform mundane sound into a rich, vibrant soundstage, making movies more cinematic, music more engaging, and games incredibly immersive. You’d seek to buy one if your current setup, often built-in TV speakers or basic desktop audio, falls short in delivering clarity, depth, and power.
The ideal customer for a high-fidelity 2.1 speaker system is someone who values a balanced audio profile with strong, defined bass, clear mids, and crisp highs. They might be a film enthusiast, a gamer, or a music lover who wants to truly feel their content. This person likely has a dedicated space – be it a computer room, living room, or den – where they can appreciate the sound without excessive interference.
However, if you’re looking for a system primarily for background noise, rarely listen at anything beyond low volumes, or have a very small, open-plan space where precise audio direction isn’t possible, a simpler, more compact solution like a single Bluetooth speaker might be more suitable. Those who are strict audiophiles seeking a perfectly flat studio monitor sound for professional mixing might also find a 2.1 system less ideal, often preferring dedicated passive monitors with a separate, precisely tuned subwoofer or even going without one for critical listening. But for anyone wanting a significant upgrade in dynamic, enjoyable sound for everyday entertainment, a system like the Edifier S350DB is a fantastic choice. Before buying, consider room size, primary use (music, movies, gaming), connectivity needs, and your budget for a comprehensive audio solution.
Introducing the Edifier S350DB: A Detailed Overview
The Edifier S350DB is a powerful 2.1 speaker system comprising a pair of fully-featured bookshelf speakers and a robust 8-inch subwoofer. It promises a superior audio experience with deep, impactful bass and clear, articulate highs and mids, designed to elevate sound in computer rooms, living rooms, and dens. When you purchase the Edifier S350DB, you get the two satellite speakers, the powerful subwoofer, a wireless remote control, and all necessary connection cables, including optical.
Compared to many market leaders in the 2.1 category, the S350DB stands out by not compromising on the satellite speakers. Many 2.1 systems use tiny, underpowered satellites, relying heavily on the subwoofer to fill the sound. The S350DB, however, provides substantial bookshelf speakers that deliver a rich mid-range and crisp treble, complementing the deep bass from its dedicated 8-inch sub. This creates a much more balanced and “full” sound than many competitors or even previous Edifier models which might have had smaller satellite drivers.
This specific Edifier speaker system is ideal for anyone seeking an immersive, high-fidelity sound for entertainment purposes, particularly those who appreciate strong bass without it overpowering other frequencies. It’s perfect for home cinema setups, serious PC gaming, or simply enjoying music with remarkable clarity and punch. It might not be for someone who desires a completely transparent, analytical sound often found in studio monitors, or those with very limited space who cannot accommodate an 8-inch subwoofer.
Here’s a quick rundown of its advantages and disadvantages:
Pros:
* Exceptional sound quality with clear separation and deep, controlled bass.
* Premium build quality with wooden enclosures and robust components.
* Versatile connectivity options including Bluetooth v4.1 aptX, Optical, Coaxial, AUX, and RCA.
* Powerful 8-inch subwoofer delivers impactful low-end without muddiness.
* Convenient on-board EQ controls for bass, treble, and volume.
Cons:
* Wireless remote control can be a bit finicky and requires line-of-sight.
* Noticeable hiss can sometimes be present over Bluetooth connections, though often manageable.
* Power cable for the subwoofer is relatively short, potentially limiting placement options.
* Bass and treble cannot be adjusted directly via the wireless remote.
* No protective grills for the speaker drivers, requiring careful handling.
Diving Deep into the Edifier S350DB’s Capabilities and Advantages
Total Power Output and Dynamic Range
The Edifier S350DB boasts a formidable total power output of 150 Watts R.M.S. This is distributed intelligently with 15W x2 for the treble, 25W x2 for the bass and midrange from the satellite speakers, and a hefty 70W dedicated to the subwoofer. This isn’t just a number; it translates into an incredibly dynamic and room-filling sound. The benefit here is that you’re not getting a system that just gets “loud,” but one that maintains clarity and depth across the entire frequency spectrum, even at higher volumes. For movies, this means explosions feel impactful without dialogue being drowned out. For music, every instrument has its space, and the overall presentation is vibrant and lively. The Digital Signal Processing (DSP) ensures that these power levels are managed effectively, delivering consistent, high-quality audio.
Bluetooth V4.1 with aptX Wireless Sound
One of the most practical features for modern users is the Bluetooth V4.1 pairing capability, enhanced with aptX technology. This allows for true lossless sound transmission from compatible devices like phones, tablets, and laptops. The convenience of wirelessly connecting your audio source cannot be overstated. I’ve found myself seamlessly switching between my phone for music playback and my PC for gaming, all without fumbling with cables. The aptX codec is crucial here, as it significantly improves the sound quality over standard Bluetooth, bringing it much closer to a wired connection. This means you can enjoy your high-resolution audio files with minimal compression, preserving the detail and fidelity that the S350DB is capable of producing. The stability of the Bluetooth connection has also been rock-solid in my experience, a stark contrast to some other wireless audio systems I’ve tried. While some users reported a slight hiss on Bluetooth, adjusting the speaker volume rather than the source volume typically resolves this, indicating it’s often more about gain staging than a fundamental flaw.
Versatile Input Connections
The Edifier S350DB is designed to be the central hub for your audio, offering a wide array of input connections: Bluetooth, AUX, RCA, Optical, and Coaxial. This versatility makes it perfect for virtually any home setup. I can connect my TV via the optical input for cinematic sound, my PC through RCA for high-quality desktop audio, and my turntable via AUX for analogue richness. The coaxial input is another excellent addition for certain audio devices. This extensive connectivity ensures that whether you’re hooking up a game console, a CD player, or a streaming device, the S350DB has you covered. It future-proofs your investment, allowing it to integrate seamlessly into evolving entertainment systems without the need for additional adapters or converters.
The Mighty 8-Inch Subwoofer
The heart of the 2.1 system’s low-end prowess is its 8-inch subwoofer. This isn’t just any subwoofer; it’s designed to add significant depth and power, achieving a massive booming sound that you can truly feel. The deep, rumbling lows it produces bring movies, music, and games to life in a way that smaller subwoofers simply cannot. What’s impressive is that despite its power, the bass remains tight and controlled, never becoming muddy or overpowering the mids and highs. The side panel bass reflex port further enhances the listening experience, allowing for even deeper, more resonant lows. This feature is a game-changer for those who crave impactful bass for action-packed movies or bass-heavy music genres. It transforms the listening experience from merely hearing sound to truly feeling it vibrate through the room.
Full-Featured Bookshelf Satellite Speakers
Unlike many 2.1 systems that skimp on their satellite speakers, the Edifier S350DB comes with genuinely robust bookshelf speakers. These aren’t tiny, tinny units; they are substantial enough to provide a rich and detailed soundstage on their own, especially for the mid-range and treble frequencies. The separate drivers for bass/midrange and dedicated titanium dome tweeters ensure excellent frequency separation and clarity. This means that vocal tracks are crisp and distinct, musical instruments are well-defined, and the overall sound signature is balanced. The strong satellite speakers work in harmony with the powerful subwoofer, rather than being overshadowed by it, leading to a much more cohesive and high-fidelity audio experience across the board. The distinction between speech and background noise in films is remarkably clear, which is a common failing of lesser systems.
Convenient Wireless Remote Control and On-Board EQ
Controlling your sound remotely is a must for any modern speaker system, and the Edifier S350DB includes a wireless remote for this purpose. It allows you to switch between various inputs (optical, coaxial, auxiliary, and Bluetooth), control the overall volume, and even power the speakers on or off from a comfortable distance. This adds a layer of convenience to your listening experience, allowing you to fine-tune your setup without leaving your couch. In addition to the remote, the on-board EQ controls located on the side panel of one of the bookshelf speakers provide further control to tweak your sound. Three knobs allow for direct adjustment of bass, treble, and the master volume. While the remote doesn’t offer direct bass/treble control (a minor drawback), these physical knobs allow for precise calibration to match your room’s acoustics and personal preferences. This level of granular control ensures that you can always achieve the optimal sound profile for any content.
Premium Build Quality and Aesthetics
The Edifier S350DB doesn’t just sound good; it looks good too. Constructed from high-quality wood, both the bookshelf speakers and the subwoofer exude a premium feel and robust build quality. The wooden enclosures are not just for aesthetics; they play a crucial role in sound reproduction, helping to minimise resonance and deliver a warmer, more natural sound compared to plastic alternatives. The speakers are substantial and heavy, further indicating the quality of materials used. The design is classic and understated, making them fit seamlessly into various home décor styles. The dexterity of the control knobs on the side panel is also noteworthy, offering a satisfying tactile experience. This attention to detail in construction ensures durability and contributes to the overall excellent audio performance.
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and Amplification
The S350DB incorporates a built-in amplifier that powers and drives the speakers, utilising digital signal processing (DSP). This advanced technology ensures that the speakers provide clear and standardised levels when processing digital signals. DSP helps in optimising the sound output, preventing distortion, and ensuring that the audio is consistently balanced and detailed across different volume levels and input types. This internal processing is a key factor in the S350DB’s ability to deliver such a high-fidelity and fatigue-free listening experience, even during long sessions. It contributes significantly to the system’s clarity, definition in mids and highs, and the overall enjoyable sound signature.
What Others Are Saying: Real User Experiences
Having scoured the internet, I found that user reviews for the Edifier S350DB are overwhelmingly positive, echoing many of my own sentiments. Many users praise the solid build quality and attractive aesthetics, noting that the speakers look and feel premium. The sound quality is frequently highlighted, with particular commendation for the clear treble, well-defined mids (especially for dialogue), and the deep, impactful bass delivered by the 8-inch subwoofer. People often mention how music truly comes alive and how much films benefit from the enhanced audio, providing an immersive experience often compared favorably to more expensive setups.
Some consistent observations included the versatility of connectivity options, making it easy to integrate with various devices. However, a few users did point out minor drawbacks, such as the remote control’s need for direct line-of-sight and its somewhat basic functionality (like not having direct bass/treble controls). A subtle hiss over Bluetooth was occasionally noted, though many found it manageable by adjusting speaker volume. The relatively short power cable for the subwoofer was another minor inconvenience for some. Despite these small issues, the consensus remains that for its price point, the Edifier S350DB offers exceptional value and a performance that often exceeds expectations, making it a highly recommended choice for a wide range of audio enthusiasts.
Final Thoughts: Elevating Your Audio Experience
The persistent problem of underwhelming audio can significantly diminish the enjoyment of your favourite entertainment. Flat sound, lost dialogue, and a lack of depth create a disconnected experience, making it hard to truly immerse yourself. This isn’t just about volume; it’s about clarity, detail, and emotional impact, and resolving it is crucial for anyone who values their media consumption.
The Edifier S350DB Bookshelf Speaker and Subwoofer 2.1 Speaker System is an excellent fit to solve this very problem. Firstly, its combination of powerful bookshelf speakers and an 8-inch subwoofer delivers a truly full-range, dynamic sound with articulate highs, clear mids, and profound bass. Secondly, the extensive connectivity options, including Bluetooth v4.1 aptX, ensure seamless integration with all your devices, from TVs to PCs and smartphones. Finally, the premium build quality and on-board EQ controls allow for both a visually appealing setup and fine-tuned audio that perfectly suits your preferences and environment. To experience this transformative audio for yourself, click here to check out the product!