The vintage look is currently very fashionable again. Now Edifier is also jumping on the retro bandwagon and launching the D32, an elegant multi-room speaker that communicateswith Apple AirPlay 2via Wi-Fi and promises high-resolution, rich sound via Bluetooth 5.3. Our test clarifies whether the Bluetooth speaker only looks good or also has something to offer in terms of sound at an RRP of around 130 euros.
Technical data
| The product | D32 |
| Audio power | 60 watts |
| Drivers | 2x tweeter (15 watts) 1x mid-woofer (30 watts) |
| Bluetooth version | 5.3 |
| Bluetooth codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC and ALAC (only via AirPlay) |
| Connectivity | USB-C; AUX; Wi-Fi; Bluetooth |
| Battery capacity | 5.200 mAh |
| Battery life | up to 11 hours |
| Special features | Digital sound processor; Apple AirPlay 2 support |
| Size | 250mm x 162 mm x 180.5 mm |
| Weight | 3.047 grams |
| Colors | Black Walnut, White |
| Scope of delivery | Edifier D32; power cable; USB-C to USB-C cable; manual |
| Price | € 199.99 * |
Edifier D32 Review: A high-quality touch of nostalgia
- elegant retro look
- high-quality workmanship; only the controls are a little fragile
- practical carrying handle
With its look reminiscent of the 1960s and 1970s and its dignified colors, the Edifier D32 is virtually predestined for use in the living room, where it cuts an excellent figure on the shelf.
the Bluetooth speaker is 250 mm wide, 162 mm high and 180.5 mm deep, so it doesn’t take up too much space. The robust speaker rests on four generous rubber feet that give it a secure hold.
Edifier has chosen a combination of wood, metal, plastic and a synthetic leather cover for our test model in the color white, while the black walnut wood model dispenses with the textured leather cover and features a textured grain.
Both versions have one thing in common: they not only look extremely classy, they also feel that way. Compared to the smaller Klipsch Heritage Groove (our test), which also strives for a historic look, the D32 appears much more robust and valuable – just as we are used to from Edifier.
The speaker section at the front is covered in a pleasant fabric and surrounded by a golden metal frame, which creates a harmonious look.
Underneath are the controls in the form of a total of five plastic switches, which, however, have quite a lot of play and are somewhat inferior to the rest of the speaker in terms of build quality. They appear relatively fragile and it is probably better not to press the buttons too hard.
The Edifier D32 has a practical handle on the back that can be used to quickly grab the speaker and move it to another location. Two large openings are also designed to improve the bass response, while an AUX and USB-C port round off the wired connectivity.
Operation, battery life and range
- intuitive operation
- quick to set up
- practical app control
The Edifier D32 is operated using the aforementioned switches on the front of the speaker. One button switches the device on, one is used for Bluetooth pairing, one pauses or resumes playback and the other two reduce or increase the volume. The audio source is changed by briefly pressing the power button.
It couldn’t be simpler, which also applies to setting up the D32. Switch on, pair Bluetooth and you’re ready to go. Alternatively, the Edifier Connex smartphone app can be used for operation.
The app is clearly structured, but uses the English language. Among other things, you can switch between the various input sources, while you can use the equalizer to influence the sound.
There are four EQ presets to choose from (Classic, Monitor, Dynamic and Vocal), and you can also create an individualized preset using a 6-band equalizer.
The HD audio codec can also be activated in the app via Bluetooth, as the D32 even supports 96 kHz playback at 24-bit depth thanks to LDAC. The “dual-device connection”, i.e. Bluetooth multipoint, can also be switched on and off in the app. However, if multipoint is active, the LDAC codec is not available for selection.
Edifier equips the D32 with a 5,200 mAh battery, which should provide a runtime of up to 11 hours. Unlike many other manufacturers, however, this does not apply to a volume of around 50 percent, but can also be achieved at 70 percent volume.
However, it must be said that the D32 really does get extremely loud and even 50 percent is more than enough to fill a large room with sound. The wireless range is also impressive. The speaker can easily cope with a distance of around 12 meters to the audio source without any sound dropouts or problems.
Sound quality and performance
- 2.1 sound with 60 watts of power
- 52 Hz to 40,000 Hz frequency response
- powerful, full and detailed sound
The Edifier D32 has a total of three drivers: two 1-inch silk dome tweeters and a 4-inch mid-woofer are installed, which provide a total of 60 watts of power and form a 2.1 sound stage.
In terms of power, the D32 is on a par with the soundcore Boom 2 (our test), which uses a similar driver arrangement and is also priced in the same region.
From a sound perspective, the Edifier model is also almost on a par and impresses with a pleasantly voluminous, detailed and rich sound, which is particularly strong in the mid-range. The frequency response extends up to 40,000 Hz and presents the treble quite broadly, although the top frequencies can be a little sharp, which can make the sound a little tiring at times. In general, however, the sound is somewhat narrow, so that there is a lack of airiness and spaciousness towards the top.
The bass reproduction is also impressive, although the frequency range here only starts from 52 Hz and is therefore hardly able to reproduce low bass. But don’t get the wrong idea: The D32 also performs strongly in the bass segment, so fans of hip-hop and electro music will undoubtedly be well served here. However, the counterpart from soundcore delivers a little more in this area.
However, the Edifier D32 needs to be turned up a little in order for the sound to really come into its own. At lower volume levels, the mids in particular are somewhat muted, making the instrumentalization and vocals sound muffled. However, this changes as soon as the volume is set to 40 percent or higher.
Basically, the Bluetooth speaker copes very well with most genres. However, it falls a little short when it comes to classical music (with strings). However, pop, hip-hop/electro and rock fans in particular get a really good-sounding speaker here.
Due to the design, the positioning also plays an important role. While the sound is richest and most balanced directly at the front, the dynamics decrease noticeably towards the sides.
Edifier D32 Review: Conclusion
With the Edifier D32, the manufacturer delivers a really attractive and pleasantly handy Bluetooth speaker that also impresses with its workmanship and choice of connections. The fact that the D32 feels particularly at home in the more dignified living room and is not intended for on the go is also noticeable in the sound.
This is particularly convincing in the mid-range and generally with a very round sound, although it is very tight and lacks a little airiness. With the exception of the low bass segment, the bass reproduction is also really impressive.
The high-resolution LDAC codec for playback via Bluetooth and the multipoint connectivity, which allows simultaneous pairing with two end devices, are also positive features. The battery life of around 11 hours is fine, although some competitors offer more.
Due to its lack of IP certification, the D32 is naturally only suitable for indoor use, where it feels particularly at home on the living room, kitchen or desk, as the positioning in relation to the listener plays an important role.
So if you are looking for a Bluetooth speaker for your home and attach great importance to an attractive design, you are guaranteed to be happy with the Edifier D32. In terms of sound and flexibility, however, the comparably priced soundcore Boom 2 is slightly ahead.
Building D32
Workmanship
Usability
Sound Quality
Features
Value For Money
89/100
Handy Bluetooth multi-room speaker with a classy retro look that scores points for its high-quality workmanship and many connections. Plus points for the LDAC codec, while the sound quality falls slightly short of the competition.
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