Edifier R1850DB
Angled, rear-ported powered 2.0 with optical/coaxial digital inputs, Bluetooth and a true sub-out; expectations rely on official specs due to scarce third-party measurements.
Overview
The R1850DB is a compact, angled-baffle, rear-ported powered 2.0 speaker system using a 4-inch mid-bass (Nomex) and 0.75-inch silk-dome tweeter. It integrates analog line-in, optical and coaxial digital inputs, Bluetooth, and a dedicated subwoofer output. Official specs list 70 W RMS total power, frequency response 60 Hz–20 kHz, SNR ≥85 dB(A), and THD+N ≤0.5% [1].
Scientific Validity
\[\Large \text{0.5}\]No credible third-party acoustic measurements (on/off-axis response, acoustic THD vs SPL, directivity) were identified at the time of writing. In accordance with the policy, we start at 0.5. We document manufacturer data relevant to audibility: 60 Hz–20 kHz bandwidth, SNR ≥85 dB(A), THD+N ≤0.5% (test conditions not fully stated) and 70 W RMS system power [1]. Independent data will be reflected once available.
Technology Level
\[\Large \text{0.5}\]Conventional active 2-way with integrated amplification and basic DSP; adds practical digital I/O (optical/coaxial) and a sub-out within a rear-ported MDF cabinet. Useful engineering choices for desks/TVs, but no proprietary tech or notable innovation beyond class norms is disclosed [1].
Cost-Performance
\[\Large \text{0.7}\]Current market price (review target): 269.99 USD (Edifier USA store) [2].
Comparator (cheapest equal-or-better): Edifier R1280DBs — optical & coaxial inputs, Bluetooth, sub-out, SNR ≥85 dB(A), 51 Hz–20 kHz (broader LF reach) [3]; 199.99 USD at Edifier USA store [4].
Equivalence note: Equipped with the same key functions (optical/coaxial/Bluetooth/sub-out); bandwidth (51–20 kHz) and SNR are equivalent-or-better [3].
Calculation: 199.99 USD ÷ 269.99 USD = 0.7407 → 0.7.
Reliability & Support
\[\Large \text{0.7}\]Two-year warranty is stated on the USA store; Edifier operates a global channel presence. The design (active electronics, MDF enclosure, few moving parts beyond drivers) is inherently robust. No evidence of widespread failure issues was found. (+0.1 warranty/+0.1 construction over a 0.5 base) [2].
Rationality of Design Philosophy
\[\Large \text{0.7}\]The approach prioritizes measurable, user-facing utility: digital inputs to bypass noisy TV/PC outputs, sub-out for 2.1 expandability, and modest DSP. It avoids non-scientific claims and invests cost into connection flexibility and integration. Innovation is moderate but rational for the target use [1].
Advice
Prioritize placement: the rear bass-reflex port can over-energize the low-bass near walls; leave 10–20 cm clearance or hand off lows to a sub via the sub-out. For buyers who value verified measurements, note that expectations should be set by official specs until independent data appears. If both are available near the same price, the R1280DBs’ similar feature set with deeper rated LF makes it the stronger value [3][4].
References
- Edifier — “R1850DB” official product page/specifications. https://www.edifier.com/global/p/bookshelf-speakers/r1850db (accessed 2025-09-01).
- Edifier USA Store — “R1850DB Bookshelf Speakers” product page (price, warranty). https://edifier-online.com/products/edifier-r1850db (accessed 2025-09-01).
- Edifier — “R1280DBs” official product page/specifications. https://www.edifier.com/global/p/bookshelf-speakers/r1280dbs (accessed 2025-09-01).
- Edifier USA Store — “R1280DBs Powered Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers” (price/specs). https://edifier-online.com/products/edifier-r1280dbs (accessed 2025-09-01).
- Amazon Japan — “Edifier R1850DB” listing (market price example, JP). https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0D47B8795 (accessed 2025-09-01).
- Amazon Japan — “Edifier R1280DBs” listing (market price example, JP). https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B087CP66WB (accessed 2025-09-01).
(2025.9.2)