Edifier is a speaker brand that’s rapidly building a reputation for producing premium mid-range speakers that sell for very affordable prices. Edifier has just announced the launch of the S880DB MKII, its fully upgraded successor to the brand’s acclaimed S880DB model. This latest version features enhanced acoustic performance, redesigned circuitry and an improved user experience.
The S880DB MKII speakers now feature a completely upgraded driver system that can produce a richer and more precise sound. The tweeters have been upgraded to a 1.25-inch titanium dome model with a 25mm voice coil and neodymium magnet. The output through the tweeters is 12W per channel. The previous model used a 1-inch tweeter, so the improvements deliver clearer and more transparent highs that offer more accuracy and detail.
Complementing the upgraded tweeters are a pair of redesigned 3.75-inch mid-bass drivers with an output of 32W per channel for a clearer sound across the entire mid-range. The woofers also provide an extended low-frequency response that goes as low as 50Hz for a fuller and richer bass response. The overall sound of the upgraded drivers is a more solid and balanced soundstage.
High-Quality Sound
At the heart of the new S880DB MKII speakers are high-performance chipsets sourced from Texas Instruments. Edifier has used the powerful XMOS XU216 onboard processor, which provides advanced digital audio processing and can support high-resolution audio playback up to 24-bit/96kHz, for clearer sound and ultra-low distortion.
The S880DB MKII speakers are designed to meet and exceed the specifications required to gain Hi-Res Audio certification. The speaker’s digital interfaces support resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz, while the Texas Instruments analog front end operates at 24-bit/96kHz, for precise signal handling and clarity across the entire frequency range.
At the rear of the S880DB MKII’s primary speaker unit are all the inputs for connecting the speakers to a digital or analog source. Users can choose from two RCA line-in connectors, a digital coax and optical inputs, plus a USB-C port, which is ideal for connecting these speakers to a computer so they can be used on a desk setup. There’s no 3.5mm input, but a cable is provided that goes from 3.5mm to RCA.
Bluetooth Connectivity
Finally, these speakers also include a Bluetooth 5.3 receiver for wireless input. The S880DB MKII speakers support the LDAC audio codec with transmission rates up to 990kbps, which means high-resolution wireless audio streaming up to 24-bit/96kHz.
Using the LDAC codec ensures audiophile-grade sound quality over Bluetooth from compatible Android devices running Android 8.0 and higher. Anyone using the speakers with a Mac or iPhone could use a Bluetooth dongle that supports LDAC. In addition, the speakers also support the vanilla SBC codec, but not AAC. The sound of these speakers can be shaped using the three rotary controls at the rear of the primary unit. The three knobs control volume, treble and bass.
The S880DB MKII also includes a dedicated SUB OUT port for the connection of an external subwoofer — like Edifier’s recently announced T5S model — and an even deeper bass response. This feature provides a fuller and more immersive low-end that’s suitable for music, movies and gaming. The one thing missing is a front-mounted headphone jack, which a lot of people use for private listening when seated at their computer.
User-Friendly Controls
Controlling the speakers is easy using the included puck-shaped remote control, which is just as well because those rear-mounted controls aren’t particularly convenient to reach. The S880DB MKII speakers come with a newly designed and rechargeable 2.4GHz remote control for quick access to playback and volume levels.
On the front of the primary speaker is an integrated OLED display featuring auto-dimming and providing clear and real-time feedback without too much glare. The speakers are also fully compatible with Edifier’s ConneX smartphone app, which can be used to fine-tune settings and manage the source inputs directly from a smartphone’s screen.
Pricing and Availability:
The Edifier S880DB MKII speakers are available now for $399.99 from Amazon.com.
Tech Specs:
- Total output power (RMS): Treble: 12W x 2 / Mid-low: 32W x 2.
- Drivers: 3.75″ long-throw aluminum diaphragm / 1.25″ titanium diaphragm dome tweeters.
- Frequency response: 50Hz – 40kHz.
- Signal-to-Noise ratio: ≥ 85dB(A).
- Audio inputs: USB-C, Optical, Coaxial, Line In 1, Line In 2, Bluetooth.
- Input sensitivity: USB-C: 500 ± 50mFFS OPT: 500 ± 50mFFS, COAX: 500 ± 50mFFS, Bluetooth: 500 ± 50mFFS, Line In 1: 500 ± 50mV, Line In 2: 700 ± 50mV.
- Bluetooth: V5.3.
- Supported audio codecs: SBC, LDAC.
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 145 x 237 x 207mm (Primary speaker) /145 x 237 x 192mm (Passive speaker).
- Weight: 6.27kg.
