The Edifier QR65 desktop speakers are available in a choice of black or white finishes and are priced at $369, positioning them as a premium yet attainable addition to any home or office audio setup. These compact Bluetooth-enabled speakers combine aesthetic sophistication with practical ease of use, presenting a minimalist design that complements modern interiors while also delivering a rich and well-balanced sound profile. Although their integrated, all-in-one configuration contributes to their simplicity and convenience, it inevitably introduces certain constraints that make them less optimal for specialized setups such as vinyl playback systems or high-fidelity audio environments where modular components tend to perform better.
When I sit down at my desk to work, music becomes an integral part of maintaining focus and rhythm. I often stream playlists to help avoid distractions, relying on quality sound equipment to preserve both clarity and immersion. For deeper engagement, I usually turn to a reliable set of headphones such as the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, Sony Ult Wear, or Sennheiser HD 660S2, each chosen for its unique balance of comfort and fidelity. Yet, living in Georgia brings with it the region’s trademark climate extremes—alternating between heavy humidity and bone-dry air—which makes wearing large, padded headphones for extended periods uncomfortable, transforming the soft ear cushions into miniature saunas. When Edifier sent the QR65 speakers for testing, I hoped they would provide the solution: freeing me from the heat and discomfort of over-ear headphones while allowing the music to energize my workspace all day long without physical strain.
The QR65s feature a well-engineered acoustic construction highlighted by 1.25-inch silk dome tweeters and 2.75-inch mid-low drivers equipped with lightweight aluminum diaphragms. These components collaborate to produce a dynamic range of frequencies—with the tweeters focusing on clean, articulate high notes, and the drivers ensuring smooth midrange and low-end performance. To evaluate the balance, I paired the QR65 to my iPhone via Bluetooth and streamed Majid Jordan’s “Gave Your Love Away.” The lower frequencies struck with considerable presence, leaning toward a bass-forward signature that occasionally verged on excessive resonance but remained within acceptable tonal limits. Despite this, the upper harmonies and instrumental textures remained well-defined, with a transparency and crispness that far exceeded that of the typical portable Bluetooth speaker.
When compared to other speakers in its category—such as the Sonos Era 300, known for high-end wireless soundstage reproduction—the QR65 demonstrates a different design philosophy. It favors permanence over portability, making it ideally suited for home or office environments where consistent placement enhances audio performance. Fortunately, their relatively small footprint and uncomplicated setup process still make it easy to relocate them between different rooms if desired. As active monitors, the QR65s contain built-in amplifiers, which simplifies the user experience by eliminating any need for additional external amplification equipment. This self-contained architecture allows users to directly connect a smartphone, tablet, or computer and enjoy powerful sound reproduction immediately.
Equipped with Bluetooth 5.3 technology, the connection between these speakers and my phone proved remarkably stable. Even when I stepped out of my office and temporarily moved out of range, the speakers automatically reconnected without requiring any manual adjustments. This reliability underscores Edifier’s attention to seamless user interaction.
Connectivity options extend beyond Bluetooth, providing flexibility for a variety of setups. The rear panel of the right speaker houses a USB port, a ¼-inch line-in input, and a sub-out connection. These inputs accommodate an array of devices, from CD players and samplers to equalizers or other analog equipment that doesn’t need its own amplifier. Although a subwoofer connection is possible, I found the bass levels from the QR65s sufficiently full-bodied. With the ability to further adjust low-frequency output through the Edifier Connex app, adding an external subwoofer would likely overemphasize the bass, resulting in muddier, less precise sound.
For those interested in higher-resolution playback, using the RCA or USB ports allows access to audio files in up to 24-bit/96kHz quality—an appreciable standard that produces extraordinary clarity and depth, even when listening at moderate volumes suitable for shared domestic spaces. The listening experience thus remains both detailed and considerate of others nearby.
Aesthetics are clearly at the heart of Edifier’s design philosophy, and the QR65 visually exemplifies this commitment. The modern speaker casing is accentuated by ambient LED lighting that outlines the front baffle, creating a glowing aesthetic enhanced by a mirrored surface behind the lights. This optical layering gives off a subtle illusion of depth, making the illumination appear multidimensional and visually striking. Users can select from eleven preset color patterns directly using the right-hand control knob and can explore additional customizable options through the companion mobile application.
Despite their small stature, these speakers are anything but timid in output. They can easily fill a mid-sized room with lively, distortion-free sound, making them suitable not just for personal productivity but for casual gatherings and evening entertainment as well. The lighting design contributes to the atmosphere, adapting seamlessly between the energetic tones of a party and the relaxed ambiance of a quiet evening. Moreover, as the QR65 units connect to a continuous power source, users benefit from uninterrupted playback without the anxiety of battery depletion.
While the QR65 speakers may not claim the title of best-in-class audiophile equipment, their value lies in their impressive balance of performance, design, and price. One need not invest thousands of dollars to attain an enjoyable listening experience; what matters most is how a device meets one’s personal audio preferences rather than its monetary label. Admittedly, these speakers emphasize the lower frequencies, and that robust bass can sometimes overshadow the higher range. Even so, for the vast majority of users upgrading from compact $20–$100 Bluetooth speakers, the QR65 represents a dramatic improvement. To surpass their performance, one would have to consider far more expensive alternatives costing several hundred—or even several thousand—dollars more. For listeners seeking refined yet approachable desktop speakers that enhance both productivity and enjoyment, the Edifier QR65 stands out as a compelling, stylish, and intelligently engineered choice.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/edifier-qr65-desktop-speakers-review/
