STEREO GUIDE verdict
The Edifier D32 manages the balancing act between nostalgic design and hi-res audio playback. Despite its rechargeable battery, its mobility is limited by the lack of protection against water and dust, not to mention the furniture-style surfaces. But it sounds great with natural tuning, rich bass and decent level reserves.
Pros
- Very dynamic, level stable reproduction with rich bass
- Very natural mids and highs for the price
- High-Res playback
- Practical recessed grip for transportation within the house
Cons
- Not protected against water and dust
- Limited functionality for USB playback
- The retro design is likely to divide opinion
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Tonal balance / transparency7.9
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Bass / Dynamics7.9
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Usability / Connectivity8.7
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Price/Performance9.3
The Edifier D32 is a little out of line. This is especially true with regard to the last two speaker solutions from the manufacturer that we reviewed. The MR3 and MR60 are modern-styled small stereo monitor speakers for desktop use. The D32, on the other hand, is reminiscent of a classic desktop radio with its retro look. However, like hi-fi speakers made from low-resonance MDF, the housing also contains a whole host of modern audio technology. Instead of radio transmission, however, the programs are transmitted to the Bluetooth speaker via streaming. What looks like a stylish decorative speaker at first glance turns out to be a serious sound solution for price-conscious but demanding listeners in our review.
Discreetly packaged power play
With 60 watts RMS, the Edifier D32 provides plenty of power for its compact size. The speaker combines two silk dome tweeters (1 inch and 2.5 cm respectively) with a centrally positioned 4-inch long-throw bass-midrange driver (10.2 cm). This somewhat unconventional 2.1 setup promises a well-resolved sound with clear highs and powerful bass. Of course, the principle of stereo playback is one thing. On the one hand, with a cabinet width of 25.2 centimeters, the Edifier is too narrow for a stereophonic stage presentation in which you can clearly distinguish left from right. On the other hand, the mid frequencies, in which the human voice also lies, come from the centrally positioned mono bass/midrange driver. However, such solutions promise a larger sound field in which the sounds can detach themselves better from the cabinet than with pure mono reproduction.
Inside the one-box Bluetooth speaker, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) in conjunction with dynamic compression (Dynamic Range Control, DRC for short) ensures that the D32 remains clean even at higher levels and does not start to overdrive. Thanks to the active two-way digital crossover, the frequency spectrum is optimally distributed across the different drivers. The bass-midrange driver alone is driven with 30 watts, while 15 watts are available for each of the two dome tweeters. The Class D amplifiers used come from chip specialist Texas Instruments.
Hi-Res also wireless
The dual Hi-Res certification is particularly exciting: the Edifier D32 supports both “Hi-Res Audio” and “Hi-Res Audio Wireless”. This means that it can stream lossless music files with high resolution not only via cable, but also via Bluetooth. In addition to the usual standards such as SBC and AAC, LDAC (for Android) and Apple’s ALAC via AirPlay 2 are also supported. AirPlay is played back via dual-band WLAN (2.4 and 5 GHz). This allows a maximum resolution of up to 24 bit/96 kHz to be achieved.
Wide range of connection options
The D32 can also be used in a variety of ways outside of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It has a USB port as well as a classic AUX input to connect sources such as record players (provided they have a high-level output like the Cambridge Audio Alva ST ), televisions or older MP3 players. This keeps the speaker flexible – for both wireless and wired setups. USB audio works smoothly with Windows 7, 8, 10 and 11. Important to know: In USB mode, the volume is not synchronized between the speaker and computer. So if you want it louder or quieter, you have to adjust the volume on the device itself as well as on the speaker.
Conditionally mobile – with style
Unlike many outdoor speakers, the D32 is not designed for maximum robustness for tough outdoor use. It does have an integrated rechargeable battery that lasts up to 11 hours. That’s easily enough for an afternoon on the balcony or an evening in the living room. A recessed grip on the back makes transportation easier. However, with the protruding buttons, the delicate, elegant finish and the lack of protection against water or dust, it’s better to leave it inside. However, you can use the speaker comfortably in different rooms and take it out onto the terrace when the weather is nice.
Control via app
With the Edifier ConneX app (for iOS and Android), the D32 can be fine-tuned. Users can adjust sound profiles, update firmware or change inputs – all from the comfort of their smartphone. The app is clearly laid out and functional and ran stably in the review without any problems, as long as you pay attention to a few peculiarities. You always have to select Bluetooth as the source first in order to connect to the D32, then you can also use the useful app with USB or AirPlay playback. Another small flaw: the device control (start, stop or skip) does not work with USB streaming.
Sound: Big, clean, mature
What is immediately noticeable when listening is that the D32 sounds much more voluminous than it looks. The treble is finely resolved, the mid-range is balanced and voices sound pleasantly natural. The bass not only has substance. It also reaches deep down for this weight class and remains controlled even at higher volumes. Unlike many compact Bluetooth speakers, the bass is not cut off prematurely. The result is a sound that will surprise even those who have certain hi-fi expectations.
In my review “The best Bluetooth speakers” for the F.A.Z. Kaufkompass, on the other hand, I got carried away with my way of describing glasses as half empty rather than half full and made the following comment: “In terms of sound, the Edifier D32 can confidently be described as a hammer. Both in terms of size and price.”
Despite its compact design, the speaker delivers an amazingly dynamic and finely resolved sound. Voices sound clear and present, with a naturalness that you don’t get from the usual “cola cans” among Bluetooth speakers in this price range. Even if true stereo is missing, the sound manages to detach itself from the housing and evenly fill the room with sound. This makes the playback almost seem as if there is a much larger system in the room. The bass scores with depth and volume, without thinning out significantly at higher volumes or slipping into shrillness.
Spoilt for choice of source
Interestingly, the only noticeable difference between Bluetooth and wired USB transmission from my iPhone 16 Pro in terms of sound was that it became quieter at first. As already mentioned, the volume control is not synchronized between the source device and the speaker when using the USB connection, which I find impractical. To use the full volume range and achieve maximum sound quality, you should therefore first turn the volume of the smartphone or computer all the way up. Then you can adjust the desired level directly using the two corresponding buttons on the D32 or the volume menu in the ConneX app.
However, since Bluetooth also sounded very differentiated and dynamic with the hi-res audio tracks from my Qobuz app, using the cable only makes sense if you want to use the Edifier D32 with a Mac or PC on the desktop. Another tip: To use the Edifier ConneX app during USB playback or AirPlay streaming via WLAN, you must first connect your smartphone to the D32. You can then switch from Bluetooth to “USB audio streaming” in the “Source” dialog box and continue to have access to functions such as the equalizer or sound presets via the app. Speaking of which: “Classic” actually meets all expectations, but the others don’t do anything so fundamentally different that you won’t recognize the sound of the Edifier D32. Whether you use the “Monitor”, “Dynamic” or “Vocal” sound effects instead ultimately depends on your taste and the recording in question
It is only suitable for mobile use to a limited extent. However, the Edifier D32 is all the more impressive as a compact Bluetooth speaker for the home. If you don’t want to do without rich sound in a small space and on a tight budget, this is a real recommendation.
Edifier D32: Conclusion and alternatives
The Edifier D32 is not your typical Bluetooth speaker for on the go. It is more of a mini hi-fi system in a retro coat. Ideal for anyone who has little space but high demands on sound. Anyone who can do without outdoor suitability and values sound, design and streaming quality will find a really powerful all-in-one solution for home audio here – and at a very fair price. For desktop use, however, the M60 active stereo speakers from the same company prove to be a better solution than the one-box speaker.
Technical data: Edifier D32
- Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: 150 Euro
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 25.2 x 16.4 x 18.1 cm
- Weight: 3 kg
- Special features: analogue 3.5 mm jack AUX input, USB-C audio input, Bluetooth 5.3, app with 6-band equalizer
