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Introduction: The Gateway to 2.1 Audio
The budget bookshelf speaker market is crowded. Between Edifier’s own vast lineup and competitors like PreSonus and Mackie, choosing the right set for a desktop or small living room is often confusing. Most buyers face a common dilemma: they want a compact 2.0 system now to save space, but they worry about missing out on deep bass later. Buying a full 2.1 system (with a massive subwoofer box) upfront isn’t always feasible for small apartments or dorms.
The Edifier R1850DB is designed specifically to solve this problem. It sits in a unique “middle ground” in the Edifier hierarchy. It offers the connectivity of a soundbar (Optical input), the convenience of a Bluetooth speaker, and—crucially—a dedicated Subwoofer Line Out. This single port transforms the product from a static purchase into an expandable audio system. In this review, we analyze whether the R1850DB is a jack-of-all-trades that masters none, or if it is the smartest starter system on the market today.
Feature Analysis: Connectivity is King
The Sub-Out Advantage
The defining feature of the R1850DB is the “Sub Line Out” on the rear panel. Most active speakers in this price bracket are closed systems; what you buy is what you get forever. The R1850DB allows you to connect any powered subwoofer via a standard RCA cable. This is a game-changer for longevity. You can start with just the bookshelf speakers for a clean, minimalist desk, and if you later move to a larger room or crave more rumble for movies, you can integrate a sub without replacing your main speakers.
Digital and Analog Flexibility
Unlike the cheaper R1280T which is analog-only, the R1850DB is equipped for the modern digital era. It features an Optical (Toslink) input and a Coaxial input. This is vital for connecting to modern TVs, gaming consoles (like the PlayStation or Xbox), and TV boxes that often lack analog headphone jacks. By using Optical, you utilize the speaker’s internal DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter), which is often cleaner and less prone to interference than the cheap sound cards found in laptops or TVs.
Design and Acoustics
Visually, the R1850DB departs from the classic wood-grain look of the R1280T/R1700BT series, opting for a satin black finish. It looks more modern and “tech-focused,” blending well with gaming setups and black TV stands. Acoustically, the cabinet retains the 10-degree angled design. This near-field ergonomic choice directs the tweeter sound upwards towards the listener’s ears rather than their chest, significantly improving high-frequency clarity when sitting at a desk.
Hands-On Experience: Sound and Usability
The Listening Experience (2.0 Mode)
Out of the box, without a subwoofer attached, the R1850DB delivers a sound signature that is “fun” rather than strictly analytical. The 19mm silk dome tweeters provide crisp highs that bring out the detail in hi-hats and vocals. The 4-inch mid-range drivers offer a warm, punchy sound typical of Edifier.
However, physics has limits. With 4-inch drivers, the bass extension is audible but not chest-thumping. It handles pop music and jazz beautifully, but if you listen to heavy EDM or watch action movies, you will notice the drop-off in the sub-bass frequencies (below 60Hz). This is exactly why the Sub-Out feature is so critical.
Usability and Control
Edifier includes a wireless remote, which is essential for living room use. It allows you to toggle inputs, adjust volume, and control Bluetooth playback. However, the physical controls on the speaker itself are located on the rear panel. This is a step back from the R1700BT, which has side-panel controls. Reaching behind the speaker to tweak the bass or treble knobs can be annoying if you have them placed against a wall or in a bookshelf.
Bluetooth Performance
The unit uses Bluetooth v4.0. While stable, this is an older standard compared to the 5.0+ found in newer devices. In testing, the range is adequate for a standard room (about 30 feet), and connection stability is fine for streaming Spotify or YouTube. However, audiophiles looking for high-bitrate codecs (like aptX HD or LDAC) will find this lacking.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Subwoofer Output: Provides an upgrade path to a 2.1 system. | Rear Controls: Volume/EQ knobs are hard to reach. |
| Optical Input: Perfect for connecting to TVs and Consoles. | Fingerprint Magnet: The finish shows dust and prints easily. |
| Angled Design: Great for desktop near-field listening. | Bluetooth 4.0: Dated standard compared to modern competitors. |
| Sound Quality: Clear highs and punchy mids. | No HDMI ARC: Optical is good, but ARC would be better for TV. |
Product Comparison
How does the R1850DB stack up against its siblings?
| Feature | Edifier R1850DB (Main) | Edifier R1700BT (Competitor) | Edifier R1280T (Budget) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sub Output 🔊 | Yes (Upgrade Ready) | No (Closed System) | No |
| Inputs 🔌 | Optical, Coax, RCA, BT | RCA, BT | RCA Only |
| Controls 🎛️ | Rear Panel (Harder) | Side Panel (Easier) | Side Panel |
| Finish 🎨 | Satin Black | Walnut Wood / Black | Wood Grain |
| Best Use 🏠 | TV / Gaming / 2.1 Setup | Music / Desktop | Basic PC Audio |
Verdict: The Smartest “Starter” Speaker
The Edifier R1850DB is arguably the most versatile speaker in the sub-$200 category. While the R1700BT might have slightly easier-to-reach controls and a warmer wood aesthetic, the R1850DB wins on pure utility. The inclusion of the Optical input makes it viable for living room TV setups, and the Subwoofer Line Out ensures that you won’t outgrow these speakers in a year.
If you are looking for a standalone music system and never plan to add more bass, the R1700BT might be a slightly cheaper alternative. However, if you want a system that can evolve with your needs—transforming from a simple desktop stereo into a rumbling 2.1 home theater system—the R1850DB is the definitive choice. It is the perfect bridge between budget audio and serious sound.
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