What are bookshelf speakers? A pair of proper bookshelf speakers will improve the sound when listening to music or movies. The experience of using a tiny smart speaker or even headphones doesn’t compare. We’re assuming you’ve arrived at this Edifier R1850DB review because you know that and want to consider a quality option. The best bookshelf speakers produce much better sound and create an immersive, unique listening experience. With so many speakers available to choose from, it can be confusing to know which one is the best. In our Edifier R1850DB review, we help you to decide whether they are suitable for your specific needs.
Table of Contents
Edifier R1850DB Active Bookshelf Speakers
Specifications
| Dimensions (Per Speaker) | 10” H x 6.1″ W x 8.8” D |
| Weight | 16.8 pounds |
| Type | Active Bookshelf Speakers |
| Power | 140 Watts Total (Peak) – 70W Per Channel |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz~20KHz |
| Drivers | 2 – 4″ Bass/Mid-Range Woofer and 19mm Silk Dome Tweeter |
| Connectivity Options | Bluetooth 4.0, Dual RCA input, RCA to AUX, Optical, Subwoofer Output |
| Warranty | 2 Years |
| Other Features | wireless remote control, tuning/volume dials, and included cables |
Edifier R1850DB Highlights
- Stylish Modern Speakers
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- 2 Year Guarantee
- Lots of Connectivity Options
- Remote Control
Stylish Modern Speakers
Unlike most other bookshelf speakers which have a wooden case, these have a very modern and stylish piano gloss black finish. The speakers look stunning and will fit perfectly next to a turntable, television, and more. Wherever you put them in your home, they will be a real focal point.
Bluetooth Connectivity
Everyone uses their phones for everything these days. This includes streaming music from various platforms. However, listening to music through the miniature phone speaker won’t sound very good at all. The nice thing about these speakers is that they have built-in Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity. You can pair your phone or another Bluetooth device to the speakers without any additional hardware. Then you can enjoy streaming music on much better speakers. It’s also very simple to switch inputs on the speaker or by using the wireless remote.
2 Year Guarantee
One great sign of a good quality product is a long manufacturer’s warranty. This pair of Edifier R1850DB speakers come with a very generous 2-year guarantee from Edifier. Should anything go wrong with this set of speakers during the first 2 years of use, they will be repaired or replaced free of charge. Edifier customer service also has a great reputation. Warranty repairs shouldn’t be an issue. Edifier also sells spare parts for all of their speakers so you can replace any missing or damaged parts.
Lots of Connectivity Options
A good active bookshelf speaker has numerous options for audio playback. The Edifier R1850DB speakers are no different. There is a wide range of different connectivity options on the back of the speaker. The rear connections make it possible for the speaker to be connected to virtually any sound output. The RCA inputs provide a great option when connecting to an analog source. The speaker also comes with an RCA to 3.5mm (AUX) adaptor which can be used to connect a device with a standard headphone socket. The speaker also has digital connections including COAX and Optical which is perfect for home cinema equipment. More than enough input options are available when planning your speaker setup.
Wireless Remote Control
The Edifier R1850DB speakers come with a very nice small wireless remote control. The remote makes controlling your simple easily without even needing to stand up. The remote has buttons for turning the speakers on and off, muting audio, setting inputs, and volume control. The Bluetooth controls also make it possible to pause, play, and skip tracks without having to touch the actual device. This is a really nice feature that makes it easy to interact with this set of speakers.
Product Summary
These Edifier R1850DB are a pair of modern powered bookshelf speakers. They are a very attractive black gloss finish that looks great next to a turntable, or as part of your home cinema system. Build quality is impressive, which is expected with Edifier. It’s not expected that a set of speakers can hit this price point with so many connectivity options and great sound quality. The Edifier R1850 bookshelf speakers feature connectivity via Bluetooth connectivity, RCA/AUX ports, coaxial cable, and optical cable. There’s also a subwoofer output connection which makes it very easy to pair these two speakers with a subwoofer. Many people go this route to add more bass with a 2.1 system.
These bookshelf speakers are also ideal for use with your home theater or as desktop speakers next to a computer monitor. They can also be connected to analog equipment like turntables, or anything else which connects using an RCA cable. Like all active speakers, you don’t have to worry about power output. They have 70 Watts of power onboard. That means no amplifier is needed to power these two speakers. There are also tuning dials on the rear of the speaker. You can adjust treble, bass, and volume directly from the speaker. You’ll find a 4-inch bass driver and a 19mm silk film tweeter to handle the trouble. The result is full and clear audio in a compact footprint.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Gloss Black Finish – These speakers have a very modern and attractive gloss black finish. This is very different from the typical wooden design in Edifier speakers. If you want something a bit different then these have are a unique and distinct design.
- Perfect PC Speakers – These speakers are small enough to be placed on a desk next to a computer monitor. They will fully immerse you in any game you are playing or film you are watching on your computer.
- Beautiful Speakers – The speaker grills are removable so that you can see the beauty of the tweeters and drivers under the cover. Or you can leave the covers on for a simpler look.
- Bluetooth 4.0 Connectivity – This makes it possible to connect a mobile phone or laptop to wirelessly to stream your music.
- Lots of connection options – As well as Bluetooth, these speakers also feature other connection options including Optical, Coaxial, and RCA connections.
- Accessories in the box – The speakers come with everything you need to get started. Included cables are RCA to RCA, RCA to 3.5mm, and an optical cable. This means you will be able to connect to multiple inputs without needing to buy any extra cables.
- Fantastic Sound Quality – The speakers achieve quality sound you can’t always expect for a purchase in this price range.
- Ease of Use – The speakers have dials on the back to control the bass, treble, and volume. The remote control can also be used to control the speaker.
- Amazing value – No Edifier R1850DB review is complete without highlight the superb value here. Good sound quality, several connectivity options, onboard amplification and tuining dials, wireless remote control, and more. There are so many boxes checked here.
Cons
- Smaller Size – These speakers are best suited when you sit fairly close to them, they are ideal for use on a desk next to a computer. They will work well for home theater, as long as they aren’t used alone in a 2.0 setup. They will work well providing sound in a larger speaker setup. If you are looking to fill a very large room with sound then these might not have enough power.
- Lack of Bass – This is always caveat with bookshelf speakers, especially w ith a pair of speakers this size. Don’t expect room shaking bass from these 4-inch drivers in this small speaker cabinet.
Edifier R1850DB: Final Verdict and Alternatives
Bookshelf speakers sound much better than a small smart speaker or cell phone speaker. Whether you are listening to music or watching movies, bookshelf speakers will make a big difference. Edifier has an excellent name for producing some of the best speakers at reasonable prices. If you want a pair of quality speakers with a modern appearance and Bluetooth then you really can’t go wrong with the Edifier R1850DB active bookshelf speakers.
Other Options and Alternatives
Looking for alternatives? We have several in our guide for the best bookshelf speakers under $200. It’s no surprise based on our review, you’ll find the Edifier R1850DB near the top of the list. If you prefer a passive speaker, we really like the Klipsch R-15M speakers. They have a dynamic EQ along with more bass and peak power (340W combined) than the Edifier R1850DB. These Klipsch speakers are a better fit for larger rooms. Just remember you’ll need an amplifier to drive them. The JAMO S 803 passive bookshelf speakers also deserve a look. They boast a unique design and a cleaner sound signature. Check out all our guides and reviews for more information on the best options.
Keith Collins has been writing for over 15 years for various publications. He’s a lover of music, home theater, and excellent sound quality. His fondness for technology in addition to his non-stop curiosity fuels his writing ventures.