Retro Styling, Hi-Res Audio And Apple AirPlay… Edifier’s D32 Has Everything

Today’s design seems to be very minimalist. The days when audio gear was also something gorgeous to look at as well as to listen to seem long gone. However, a recent launch by Edifier International sees a glimmer of retro styling harking back to the 1950s and the golden age of radio. The new retro-inspired D32 Tabletop Wireless Speaker looks as good as it sounds.

With its hand-made wooden housing, the new Edifier D32 wireless speaker has been acoustically treated to curb excess resonance and distortion. Dual bass reflex ports have been used to boost the low frequencies without crushing the midrange and treble.

To add definition to the D32’s sound, Edifier has used a couple of one-inch, silk-dome tweeters. These high-frequency speakers provide the directionality and focus for the compact speaker while a long-throw mid-low driver takes care of the 52Hz to 40kHz range of frequencies. The combination of drivers resulted in the D32 earning Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certifications.

To drive those speakers, the D32 uses two Class-D audio amplifiers from Texas Instruments with a combined output of 60W. A two-way active crossover separates the audio signal during processing, while dynamic range control reduces the difference between the loudest and quietest aspects of an audio signal. The overall result is a pleasantly balanced tone with sufficient detail to make the D32 at home with a wide range of musical genres.

Unlike regular Bluetooth speakers, the Edifier D32 also supports Apple AirPlay 2, which means it can stream wireless audio at 16-bit / 48kHz. That’s CD quality and more than enough for this kind of speaker. For devices that don’t support AirPlay 2, there is Bluetooth with support for SBC, AAC and LDAC codecs. Alternatively, the D32 can be connected to a computer or other source using a USB-C cable and then it can handle audio files up to 24-bit/96kHz, making it ideal for H-Res streaming from Apple, Tidal, Qobuz and others.

The limitation of Bluetooth streaming is the range limit of 10 meters. With AirPlay 2 you can stream music for as long as your smartphone, tablet or computer is within range of your home Wi-Fi network. Even better, with AirPlay 2 you can stream to more than one device at the same time. Another great feature is the support for Spotify and Tidal Connect, so you can stream from those services without having to keep your phone in wireless range.

As well as operating on mains power, the Edifier D32 includes a built-in, rechargeable battery so you can take the speaker out into the garden or anywhere that doesn’t have an available power source. As well as offering wireless streaming via AirPlay or Bluetooth, the D32 also has a USB and 3.5mm stereo AUX input for playing audio from other devices including a computer or Android phone.

At 3kg, the D32 isn’t the lightest of speakers but it’s sufficiently compact that it can sit on a kitchen countertop or nightstand without overwhelming everything around it. Best of all, the retro styling is sufficiently tasteful that the D32 can slot into a variety of design situations or décor. There’s the hint of a 1950s jukebox about the design with its row of pressable piano key buttons.

The sound of this endearing speaker is very good. Edifier’s decision to add dual reflex ports at the rear ensures there’s enough bass and the speaker never sounds boxy or restricted. The silk-dome tweeters add definition and clarity to the overall soundstage, producing a relatively convincing stereo image for a compact speaker.

One thing that irked me a little about the everyday use of the D32 was its insistence on always starting up in Bluetooth mode. As an Apple user, I would have preferred it if the input choice was remembered, but perhaps that’s something that could be added in a future firmware update. Other than that, the speaker performed flawlessly.

The Edifier ConneX app can be used to control the D32 or you can simply use those beautiful retro keys. The app has an EQ setting for sculpting the speaker’s sound and you can change the source input using your smartphone.

The D32 is available in both white and black walnut color ways. It’s stylish and a little bit classy without being over the top. For anyone who dislikes the current aesthetic of modern audio trends, the D32 is something a little bit different.

Verdict: The Edifier D32 is a great little speaker with a big personality, both in terms of its warm and engaging sound as well as its pleasant retro styling. The inclusion of AirPlay 2 is welcome and elevates the speaker from Bluetooth to Hi-Res playback. If you want a compact speaker for the kitchen or bedroom and would like something that looks a bit different, the Edifier D32 could be the one for you.

Pricing & Availability: The Edifier D32 is available now and costs a very reasonable $129.99 from Amazon.com.

More info: edifier.com

Tech Specs:

• 60W (RMS) total output power with quality sound.
• Dual 1″ silk dome tweeters and one 4″ long-throw mid-low driver.
• Full digital signal processing, two-way active crossover and DRC.
• Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certified.
• Works with Apple AirPlay2 via the 5GHz and 2.4GHz dual-band Wi-Fi connection.
• Bluetooth V5.3, USB, and AUX inputs.
• Supports SBC, AAC, LDAC, and ALAC (AirPlay mode only) codecs
• 11 hours playtime by the built-in battery pack.
• Works with EDIFIER ConneX mobile app.