The manufacturer has already proven several times that not only the price but also the sound of Edifier speakers is right. For example, in the case of the impressive Edifier S1000W, which we were able to present with the Gold Award in our test. Although the new active speakers are somewhat more compact, they also offer first-class value for money and combine this with cool Infinity Mirror RGB lighting and a GaN charger. Our Edifier QR65 review reveals what the speakers have to offer
Technical data
| The product | QR65 |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 213 mm x 212 mm x 130 mm |
| Weight | 5.2 kg (2,409 g left; 2,795 g right) |
| Frequency range | 55 Hz – 40,000 Hz |
| Signal-to-noise ratio: | > 85 dB(A) |
| Amplifier: | Dual TI Class-D |
| Tweeter: | 32 mm |
| Mid-woofer: | 70 mm |
| Power output: | 70 watts total power |
| Connectivity: | Bluetooth 5.3 (codec: SBC, AAC, LDAC); USB-A; RCA |
| Special features: | RGB lighting; GaN charger (up to 65 watts); App control |
| Price: | € 299.99 * |
Edifier QR65 Review: Design and workmanship
- elegant, unusual design
- compact, fairly lightweight construction
- Metal feet included
Unusual, unconventional and extremely stylish. These are all attributes that apply to the design of the Edifier QR65. In my opinion, the design of the new active speakers is quite unique.
The manufacturer combines an elegant look with a textured faux leather finish (optionally in black or white) with impressive Infinity Mirror RGB lighting. I was absolutely thrilled with the look during the test, but the sound of the QR65s is in no way inferior.
Let’s start with the general design, somewhat soberly. The two speakers are around 13 cm wide and 21 cm high and deep respectively. On the front of both speakers we see a 32 mm tweeter and a 70 mm mid-woofer, surrounded by a silver frame. This is adorned with the manufacturer’s logo.
On the side we find the inscription “A Passion For Sound”, set off on a metal plate. The right speaker is active, the left passive. This means that all connections can be found on the right.
The active speaker also has controls on the side, which are divided into a power button with mode change, a volume dial with play/pause function and a dial for adjusting the RGB lighting.
The design is rounded off by rubberized feet on the underside, which ensure a secure stand. Another practical feature is that the Edifier QR65s are supplied with two metal feet that allow the speakers to be positioned at an angle of 10° – so the sound reaches our ears directly.
Connections and workmanship
- Bluetooth connection
- Good selection of connections
- GaN charger with 65 watts of power
In terms of connectivity, the Edifier QR65 is well positioned despite its compact dimensions. It can be connected either via RCA cable, USB-A or wirelessly using the Bluetooth 5.3 standard. Only an analog jack connection would have been nice.
It is also possible to connect an additional subwoofer via the Sub Out port to improve the bass reproduction.
An additional special feature of the QR65 can be found at the bottom right of the back of the active speaker. This is where we find a GaN charger with 65 watts of power, which consists of one USB-A and two USB-C ports. We already know this in a similar form from the Edifier QD35 Bluetooth speaker (our test), which provides 35 watts of power.
As is typical for GaN, the more ports are used, the more power is divided between them. USB-C 1 and 2 each deliver 65 watts individually, with the second port also being the most powerful at up to 45 watts. I quickly learned to love the charger in the Edifier QR65 test, as the position at the bottom edge is ideal in my eyes and the GaN charger also delivers impeccable performance.
There is also not much to complain about in terms of workmanship. The manufacturer relies on a robust MDF body with aluminum elements and a fine, textured artificial leather finish. The fact that this is apparently glued together from two parts and the transition between the two parts is clearly visible on the underside is hardly disturbing.
RGB lighting and effects
- harmonious Infinity Mirror RGB lighting
- numerous effects
- can also be deactivated on request
Another unique feature of the Edifier QR65 is the RGB lighting of the speakers. Instead of the typical light strips or underbody lighting, the QR65 features an Infinity Mirror design on the front.
This means that the inner, glossy frame around the driver units is fitted with several rows of LEDs in a row. This results in a feeling of spatial depth in the speakers and looks absolutely classy.
A total of 11 lighting effects can be set via the dedicated button and adjusted in terms of brightness. In conjunction with the companion app, these effects can also be customized almost infinitely.
In addition to the typical static colors, there are of course also moving effects such as breathing, rotation or light-flow, in which the lighting flows in a circle around the frame. There is also a choice of effects, such as “Magnetic”, in which the lighting reacts to the music or sound from films, series or games and adapts accordingly.
However, if you prefer, you can also deactivate the lighting completely or dim it down to a minimum.
Operation and setup
- quick and easy to set up
- Operation on the speaker or via app
- unfortunately no remote control
Operating and setting up the Edifier QR65 is absolutely simple. Simply connect both speakers using the supplied cable, plug them into the power supply and you’re ready for Bluetooth operation. The USB-A or RCA cable, which the manufacturer includes in the scope of delivery, then needs to be plugged in.
Operation is either via the buttons on the side panel and is self-explanatory. The power button allows you to switch between different sources, while the volume dial also plays or pauses music.
Of course, it would have been nice if Edifier had also supplied the QR65 with a small remote control. However, I didn’t really miss it during the test. The control panel is also easy to reach on the outside right of the active speaker.
Alternatively, it can be operated via the Edifier Connex app – assuming an active Bluetooth connection. In addition to media control, it is also possible to change the input source and adjust the volume.
You can also adjust the sound in four different presets (Classic, Monitor, Game or Vocal) or influence the acoustics yourself using a 6-band EQ.
Edifier QR65 test: The sound quality
- Hi-Res audio via cable or wireless (LDAC)
- Convincing, round sound image
- Slight weaknesses in the upper mids
The Edifier QR65 also has a lot to offer from a sound perspective. For example, the speakers have Hi-Res certification for playback in 24-bit depth at 96 kHz, not only wired via USB or RCA, but even wirelessly via Bluetooth.
However, this is only possible in conjunction with the LDAC codec, which is not supported by every smartphone. It’s a shame that high-resolution aptX codecs are conspicuous by their absence.
Apart from that, however, the QR65s definitely have a convincing sound, although I don’t find the standard equalizer preset to be quite as smooth. When listening to music, I found the “Monitor” setting much more appealing, as the bass is slightly reduced and the treble is a little more airy. But that is certainly a matter of taste.
In general, however, the speakers score points with a clear and detailed sound, in which the mids and highs in particular can be heard and offer a convincing spatiality.
The result is an airy and lively sound image with a really good bass response considering the size, which is able to reproduce even the fine details of individual arrangements. Compared to larger speakers, however, the upper mids lack a little clarity and brilliance, making it somewhat difficult to differentiate between vocals and instruments.
However, the equalizer can also be used to counteract this somewhat. Especially as the sound quality is hard to beat considering the size. In any case, I have not yet been able to try out any speakers in these compact dimensions that deliver a better and rounder sound.
Edifier QR65 Review: Conclusion
Where it says Edifier on it, there’s quality inside. This also applies to the new Edifier QR65, which impressed me above all with their elegant and unusual design. You have to like the artificial leather look, no question. But I think it makes the design look warmer and more homely than the usual clear lacquer finishes we’re used to.
In combination with the RGB lighting, this creates a unique look that is equally suitable for the office, gaming room and living room. The whole thing is combined with a practical and well-positioned GaN charger and high-resolution Bluetooth sound.
In terms of sound, the QR65s don’t offer much cause for criticism either. The sound is almost completely pleasing, especially with a little fine-tuning. The bass is also more than decent, but the upper mids lack a little precision. But that’s complaining at a very high level. In any case, the Edifier QR65s deliver a convincing performance for their size and price range.
Edifier QR65
Design & workmanship
Features
Usability
Sound quality
Value for money
91/100
The QR65 are visually appealing and innovative active speakers that score points with attractive RGB lighting and convincing sound.
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