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You are here: Home / Archives for speakers

Edifier S880DB Bookshelf Speakers Review

03/19/2019 By Hakan Can

Edifier S880DB Bookshelf Speakers Review

Best Bookshelf Speakers Under $300?

Having a portable speaker and headphones at-and-around my home office desk has been a blessing all these years. Yet, for over a decade there’s been something missing, and that’s a pair of bookshelf speakers. I’m not talking about a sub-$100 pair from the likes of Logitech or Cambridge Sound Works. I mean a good or great pair of bookshelf speakers; something to be proud of and to impress house guests with. This is where Edifier comes in with 16 pairs to choose from.  So without further delay, let’s take a closer look at one of these in this Edifier S880DB Bookshelf Speakers review.

Edifier S880DB Bookshelf Speakers Review

Pros:
• High-quality audio
• Multiple inputs and controls
• Multiple cables included
• A futuristic remote control
• Two-year warranty

Cons:
• Bass is limited to 55 Hz
• $300 price may be an issue to some

Read:   JBL Unveils New Wireless Headphones and Speakers at CES 2019

Edifier S880DB Bookshelf Speakers Review

Design and Features

As you can all see, the Edifier S880DB speakers are one attractively designed pair of speakers. And they’re feature rich too.

Now think about this for a moment. When was the last time you saw a pair of white-and-tan bookshelf speakers?

For the past month or so, I’ve been testing the S880DB to much delight. How could I not when there are so many different audio sources that I could connect to.

Edifier S880DB Bookshelf Speakers Review

Per the Edifier website, “The S880DB has a range of inputs including RCA, AUX, USB, optical, coaxial, and Bluetooth. The USB, optical and coaxial inputs have a sample signal rate of up to 192 kHz. Adjust volume, bass, and treble controls with knobs located on the back of the speaker with a built-in amplifier.” I couldn’t have written that better myself.

Using the RC600B remote control, going wireless is a piece of cake. On the remote, there are the standard Play/Pause, Forward Track, Previous Track, and Volume Increase and Decrease buttons in addition to Power and Source. This latter button takes us to the aforementioned audio sources: RCA, AUX, USB, optical, coaxial, and Bluetooth.

Then there are the four equalization modes: Monitor, Classic, Vocal, and Dynamic. Each method subtlety alters the audio to your preferred preference. See the User Manual for more information.

Note: Don’t strike the Source or Mode buttons too quickly in succession as they won’t change as quickly as you would like. Wait a second or two before hitting the next one.

Edifier S880DB Bookshelf Speakers Review
Edifier S880DB Bookshelf Speakers Review

On the reverse side of the active speaker are all the numerous inputs and controls. See the images above. All except for the optical input method were tried. You can even adjust the Treble, Bass, and Volume using the dials on the rear of the active speaker.

Want to listen to gaming audio from your desktop computer? You can do that.

How about listening to some jazz from your turntable? You can do that too.

Then there’s listening to Amazon Music from your mobile phone or Kindle. You can do both via Bluetooth. Pairing to both was easy.

All of the above sources were tried, and they worked just fine.

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Specifications

• List pricing of $299.99
• 3.75″ (94 mm) mid-range speaker
• 0.75″ (19 mm) tweeter
• Frequency Response: 55 Hz – 20 kHz
• Bluetooth Version: 4.1
• Power Input: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz, 1.5A

• Operating Temp: 0 – 35°C
• R/L Mid Range: 32 + 32 Watts
• R/L Treble: 12 + 12 Watts
• XMOS digital processor
• Built-in amplifier
• Noise Level: ≤ 25 dBA

What’s In The Box?

• Pair of S880DB Speakers
• RC600B Remote Control
• Power Adapter and Cable
• User Manual

• RCA Audio Cable
• RCA to RCA Audio Cable
• Fiber Optic Input Cable
• Speaker Connecting Cable
• USB Connecting Cable

Read:   Moshi Avanti Headphones Review

Amazon Music Playlist

• Halsey – hopeless fountain kingdom
• Halsey – Badlands
• Ellie Goulding – Halcyon
•
Lorde – Pure Heroine
• Zedd – Clarity

• Mumford & Sons – Babel
• The Black Keys – El Camino
• The Smashing Pumpkins – Siamese Dream
• Rush – Clockwork Angels
•
Imagine Dragons – Night Visions

Audio Performance

As I almost always state, the most critical factor regarding headphones and speakers is sound quality. The Edifier S880DB powered bookshelf speakers were tested across a wide range of music including these from the artists and playlists listed above.

The first thing I noticed was how clear and strong the mid-range and upper-frequency sounds were with the Edifier S880DB. Whether it be vocals, acoustic guitar, or some other instrument, they sounded terrific across the albums tested. There’s a dedicated 0.75″ tweeter and 3.75″ mid-range per speaker to target these ranges.

Conversely, bass audio was in the fair – good range as there’s no dedicated bass driver. But, I suppose that’s what a subwoofer is for. The speakers couldn’t produce below 55 Hz which is the lower half of the bass range, and that’s a shame. I missed out on that great bass audio in the 20 – 55 Hz range. If I were listening to music from the likes of The Prodigy or Massive Attack, I’d feel slightly let down as everything short of the deepest bass sounds are present.

Edifier S880DB Bookshelf Speakers Review

I would have been remiss if I didn’t listen to either of Halsey’s albums listed above. The first time I heard Halsey through Edifier speakers took place at a Las Vegas listening party a few months back. I’m pretty sure everyone in the suite was impressed by the quality audio.

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The first thing I noticed was how clear and strong the mid-range and upper-frequency sounds were with the Edifier S880DB. Click To Tweet

Conclusion

Whether it be from a sight or sound perspective, the Edifier S880DB powered bookshelf speakers are impressive. The size and shape of the speakers were an excellent fit for my desktop arrangement. Mid-range and high-frequency audio terrific. However, the bass languished a bit as the S880DB is unable to produce audio below 55 Hz. I just wish the bass sounds had been deeper and more pronounced.

When compared to its competition, the S880DB definitely stands out. The same can be said with respect to the other 15 bookshelf speaker models offered by Edifier. With its lighter color design, none look quite like this one.

At a list price of a hair under $300, the S880DB offers much to the buyer. Even an audiophile would be impressed. My only complaint with these speakers is now that they’re no longer here, they’re missed, and my desk appears empty without them. I suppose it’s time I start saving for a pair.

• Design – 4.75
• Features – 4.75

• Sound – 4.25
• Value – 4.25

What do you think of this Edifier S880DB bookshelf speakers review? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Edifier’s social media pages to see their latest announcements. To learn more about warranties, click this Warranty Terms link for information. These headphones come with a two-year limited warranty. To learn about returns, click this Returns Policy link for more information.

FTC Disclosure: Edifier provided Beantown with one (1) set of Edifier S880DB bookshelf speakers as a loaner for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Beantown LLC © 2019.

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Filed Under: Speakers Tagged With: bluetooth, bookshelf speakers, Edifier, powered speakers, speakers, wireless bluetooth speakers 03/25/2019

Review: Antec’s SugarCube Portable Mini Bluetooth Speaker

12/31/2015 By Tom McLaughlin

AMP SugarCube mini bluetooth speaker review

Introducing The SugarCube From Antec Mobile Products

AMP SugarCube mini bluetooth speaker review
AMP SugarCube mini bluetooth speaker review

A First Glance At The Powerful Mini Bluetooth Speaker

Antec is a big player in the PC Hardware space. Their mobile products branch, A.M.P., has made a name for itself throughout 2015 by introducing quality accessories for your mobile devices. One of this year’s additions to their catalog is the SugarCube, a portable Bluetooth mini speaker that can be taken with you anywhere. In addition to being powered with a 40mm driver, the SugarCube happens to look great with its compact design. But, does it deserve all the attention?

A Closer Look At The SugarCube

For the last week, I carried the mini speaker everywhere around Boston. I slipped it into my jacket and backpack and kept it nearby for any occasion. The portability of the SugarCube is definitely one of it’s best features. At 3.2 ounces, the added weight isn’t noticeable. And with a dimensional volume of 2 x 2 x 2-Inches, it can fit nearly anywhere. With that said, it does need a break to recharge after 6-8 hours of use, with a charging time of between 3-4 hours.

Upon unboxing, the SugarCube is immediately ready for use. All you have to do is 1) flip on the power switch located at the bottom of the mini speaker, and 2) connect your device to the mini speaker via Bluetooth sync or by using the included 3.5mm auxiliary cable. The case also comes with a micro USB cord for recharging the mini speaker when the juice runs out.

The SugarCube is compatible with all major operating systems: Windows 10, Apple iOS, and Android, as well as any laptop, tablet, phone, and mp3 player with Bluetooth capability. And if the music gets interrupted by a call, the mini speaker comes with a built-in microphone so that you don’t have to switch over to your phone to talk.

The smooth compact design is complemented by its rubberized outer layer and rounded edges. The mini speaker is small enough to fit on any desk or shelf. It comes in a variety of colors to fit gracefully into any environment.

AMP SugarCube mini bluetooth speaker review
AMP SugarCube mini bluetooth speaker review
AMP SugarCube mini bluetooth speaker review
AMP SugarCube mini bluetooth speaker review
AMP SugarCube mini bluetooth speaker review
AMP SugarCube mini bluetooth speaker review

Image Credit: Antec Mobile Products

If you do put the SugarCube down for a bit, the Bluetooth has a range of 10 meters (about 30 feet). In my little apartment, this was perfect. I could leave it in one room, take my iPhone 5s with me to another, and never hear any bumps in the sound, even from across the apartment.

That brings me to the real issue.

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The Sound Quality

To test out the sound quality of the SugarCube, I used a playlist put together by Jam Audio. If you want to see the songs I used, check them out here.

The first thing I noticed with the SugarCube was how loud it could get. The output power is just 3 Watts. Unfortunately, the second thing I noticed was the distortion at high volumes. When it comes to bass, the speaker is great in regards to its size, but it’s important to remember that this is a small device, so it won’t be able to produce the kind of bass that will envelop you. After having turned the volume up, the mini speaker struggled with its range although sound had filled the room. With one of the songs on the playlist, Brass Monkey by the Beasty Boys, the SugarCube had difficulty with some of the deeper bass sounds. I noticed this with other songs that were punctuated with low-frequency bass as well. Even when I turned the volume down, it didn’t make a huge difference–the distortion still lingered.

In most situations, keeping the SugarCube just below the maximum volume solves the problem. It is a little disappointing that the mini speaker can’t fully perform at the highest volume.

In my review, the SugarCube was best used in an environment where you want music to be playing, but not having to fill the whole room. Studying, reading, cooking, relaxing, hanging out with friends any calm activities that beg for ambiance, but not filled with noise are ideal uses for this product. It’s better than built-in speakers in terms of sound quality, but it won’t surpass them in volume.

AMP SugarCube mini bluetooth speaker review
AMP SugarCube mini bluetooth speaker review
AMP SugarCube mini bluetooth speaker review

[Tweet “Antec is offering 30% off on all their products until January 10th. Just use the Code: NEWYEAR30”]

The Verdict

Overall, I’m pleased with the SugarCube. The physical design looks great, the portability is fabulous, and the sound isn’t too bad. But, if you’re looking for something with a rich, powerful sound, this mini Bluetooth speaker may not be for you.

At a retail price of $45, it’s a good buy! And at that price, it’s on par with other quality portable Bluetooth mini speakers. With an Amazon.com price of around $25, it’s an even better buy.

If you act now, Antec is offering 30% off on all their products until January 10th. Just use the Code: NEWYEAR30. That’s a pretty sweet deal! You don’t have to follow them on social media to get that discount. If you want to keep up with the latest from Antec or AMP, feel free to follow them on Twitter and Facebook.

Do you think the portability of the AMP SugarCube mini speaker makes it a worthwhile buy? Do you already own one and if so, what do you think of it? Did I get it this mini Bluetooth speaker review right? Feel free to tell me what you think in the comments section. Or better yet, reach out on social media.

FTC Disclosure: Antec Inc. provided Beantown with one SugarCube mini speaker sample for review purposes. We’re not paid ambassadors. Our opinions are purely our own.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Antec Inc. and/or Beantown LLC.

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Filed Under: Speakers Tagged With: AMP, Antec, bluetooth, Portable, review, Speaker, speakers, SugarCube 01/02/2016

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