Using a time machine, the new Edifier D32 Tabletop Speaker could show up in the 1950s without raising an eyebrow, given its retro-cool design. But it sure would surprise everyone, not being a radio and failing to do anything at all because the necessary audio technology didn’t exist yet. But in the here and now, those who like the old-school look will find the box packs a sonic punch and connects to practically anything that streams audio.
So whether you’re a Mac user seeking a stylish addition to your desktop setup or someone with a space that needs a substantial audio source — even the living room of a small house or apartment — the D32 is poised to impress, especially for its very reasonable price. I can’t say it’s perfect, given some connectivity struggles, but it’s great.
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Edifier D32 Tabletop Speaker review
Unboxing and setup: Easy elegance
Edifier released the D32 in June. Unboxing it is somewhat of a delight because the retro speaker gives off a weighty sense of premium quality the moment you see it. Edifier sent to me the one with a black walnut cabinet and silver trim. You can also get it in brown and white variations, with different grill and accent colors.
The handsome wood grain finish and sleek metal trim worked their charm, making me wonder how people over age 80 who just woke up from a lengthy coma would marvel that someone made a radio this small. And yet beneath its retro exterior lies a thoroughly modern streaming audio machine.
Setting up the D32 is simple. With just a few taps, you can establish a Bluetooth or AirPlay 2 wireless connection with your Mac or iOS device. And within moments, the speaker will fill a decent-sized room with sound. For those seeking wired connectivity, the D32 also offers a 3.5mm AUX input and a USB-C port, ensuring compatibility with a variety of devices.
Charming retro design
Photo: Edifier
In a world where technology often prioritizes function over form, the Edifier D32 strikes a good balance. This speaker is elegant, with its sleek, retro-inspired design evoking a sense of nostalgia. The wood grain finish and metal accents lend the D32 a warm look suitable for various spots in homes or office. I stuck it on a wooden dresser in my bedroom in between two Edifier AS50A smart bookshelf speakers that happen to match the D32’s look reasonably well.
But the D32’s beauty isn’t just skin-deep. Its solid construction and reassuring heft speak to the attention to detail and craftsmanship that went into its creation. The robust cabinet and presence of metal give a sense quality and longevity. One of the cool retro aspects, the buttons that look the part of a 1950s car radio, appear to be plastic fashioned to look metallic, however.
Surprising sound quality
Like so many Edifier products, the D32 sounds better than the price suggests it should. Despite its compact form factor, the speaker delivers a sound that pretty much fills a good-sized bedroom or smallish living room. The sound packs clarity and detail. The dual 1-inch silk dome tweeters and 4-inch long-throw mid-woofer work in harmony, producing a well-balanced soundstage that captures musical nuances. Bass ports on the back support of robust and pretty punchy low end.
That said, however, it’s not a huge device. And it directs sound mostly in the direction the speakers face, of course. I noticed its position on the dresser pumped the most volume and clarity my way when I happened to lie down on the bed right across from it, as opposed to when I sat at a nearby desk or stood by windows on the far side of the room.
When I switched between the pair of Edifier speakers on either end of the dresser and the D32 in the middle, I found the bookshelf speakers better for most music and the D32 better for voice, like streaming radio or a podcast (but still good for music; just don’t expect this charming speaker to replace an audio arsenal if that’s what you’ve already got). The reason for the difference is simple. The D32 simply can’t produce the stereo separation two speakers about five feet apart can, but it’s excellent for focused voices.
Versatile connectivity, but with AirPlay hiccup
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
The Edifier D32 excels excels at all-important connectivity. With its support for Bluetooth 5.3, I found I could pair my MacBook Pro, iPad Air or iPhone 13 Pro with it easily. But that’s not all. The speaker’s Wi-Fi connectivity and Apple AirPlay 2 compatibility are designed to make it simple enough to integrate D32 into an existing home audio setup over the more stable AirPlay Wi-Fi connection.
And if you’ve never noticed, AirPlay 2 connectivity over Wi-Fi tends to be more stable than Bluetooth connectivity. Virtually every Bluetooth device I’ve used has had its moments of disrupted, glitchy audio.
With AirPlay, I found I could use the Edifier ConneX app to switch from Bluetooth to AirPlay and run audio from my Mac using the more stable Wi-Fi connection. Unfortunately, I ran into a little trouble connecting the Edifier D32 Tabletop Speaker over AirPlay when I tried to use it with other speakers or from my mobile devices.
Working with the Edifier ConneX app for AirPlay with iPad, iPhone
The Edifier ConneX enables AirPlay use. The app is not recommended for macOS. So I made sure I had the app on my iPad and iPhone. Following the instructions, I connected via Bluetooth and then used the app to switch to AirPlay. But the app seemed to say it was not connected to the Wi-Fi network (even though each Apple device I tried was). It let me select my network from a list and enter a password. But then there was no way to complete the entry except hitting “return” on the virtual keyboard, and nothing appeared to happen.
Finally, after some irritated futzing around on my part, the speaker finally came up on iPad, so I thought I had that AirPlay connection going. But then I saw that it had switched back to Bluetooth. Then I reconnected on AirPlay but the sound only came through the iPad speakers, not the D32. Not sure what happened there.
Anyway, D32 supports a wide range of audio codecs, including SBC, AAC, LDAC, and ALAC (in AirPlay mode), ensuring that you can enjoy high-resolution audio. Whether you’re streaming from your favorite music service or playing back lossless files from your personal library, the D32 (and speakers connected to it) delivers an immersive listening experience, if you can manage to connect it appropriately.
Decent battery life, limited portability
While many tabletop speakers are tethered to a power source, the Edifier D32 breaks free of that constraint. It offers up to 11 hours of playtime on one charge. The built-in battery pack means you can take your music with you. Personally, I doubt I’d try to take the D32 very far because of its size and heft. It’s not huge or overly heavy, but it’s not something you toss in a knapsack. I might use it in the kitchen or carry it out onto a patio or balcony.
Of course, portability isn’t the only advantage of the D32’s battery power. It also serves as a convenient backup solution, ensuring your music or streaming radio plays even during a power outage, as long as the battery lasts.
Easy to operate, like the radio on a 1950s Cadillac
In a world where technology can overwhelm users with complexity, the Edifier D32 probably wouldn’t confuse your most tech-phobic relatives, outside of some of the wireless networking, perhaps. This speaker is designed with simplicity in mind, offering a mostly intuitive user experience.
The D32’s straightforward controls sit on a minimalist panel, putting essential functions at your fingertips. Whether you’re adjusting the volume, switching between input sources or pairing with a new device, every action is straightforward.
And if you want more control, the Edifier ConneX mobile app provides customization options. It allows you to fine-tune the sound to your personal preferences. From adjusting equalizer settings to creating custom presets, the app helps you tailor the sound to your tastes and your space.
Edifier D32 Tabletop Speaker: An excellent value
Photo: Edifier
When it comes to value for money, D32 joins Edifier’s typical high standard across products. With its affordable price point and mostly excellent performance, this speaker delivers an audio experience that punches well above its weight class.
For Mac users and others seeking a stylish and powerful audio companion that is somewhat portable, the Edifier D32 is a compelling choice that delivers exceptional value.
D32 features and specs:
- 60W (RMS) total output power
- Dual 1-inch silk dome tweeters and one 4-inch 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.
- Price: $199 (redeem coupon for 15% off)
Where to buy: Amazon
Edifier provided Cult of Mac with a review unit for this article. See our reviews policy, and check out other in-depth reviews of Apple-related items.
★★★★☆
This wireless speaker with a retro design features hi-res audio, LDAC, AAC and ALAC codecs via Bluetooth V5.3, 60-watt (RMS) power, 2.1 acoustic architecture, a full digital signal process, 11 hours of playtime on a charge and control via app. Comes in black walnut (shown) or white finishes.
