The Edifier S260 drops in China with a $156 price tag, pitching a vintage desktop speaker look loaded with modern wireless features. This matters because nostalgia sells, but does the tech keep up?
- Retro MDF cabinet with aluminum mechanical controls
- 4″ mid-bass driver and dual titanium dome tweeters
- Supports Bluetooth 5.4 with LDAC and Apple AirPlay 2
- 65W RMS power, dual TI digital amplifiers
Flagship Power, Mid-range Compromises
On paper, the S260 sounds like a balanced setup. Edifier opts for a 4-inch aluminum diaphragm mid-bass driver alongside two 25-core titanium dome tweeters. The tweeters reportedly stretch up to 40kHz, while the woofer hits 50Hz bass. Two Texas Instruments TAS5805 amps pump out 65W RMS and peak at 130W. Low distortion is claimed at 0.03%, with a signal-to-noise ratio of 107dB(A). The catch is simple: desktop speakers rarely get this detailed in specs without compromises elsewhere—especially at this price.
Looks Matter: Vintage Style With Modern Controls
The design leans hard into retro with a medium-density fiberboard cabinet and an 18mm front baffle to tame resonance. The CNC-machined aluminum control panel offers actual mechanical toggle switches and metal knobs for volume and playback. It’s a hefty 4.07kg unit, which should help stability but limits portability. Available in Black Walnut, Pearl White, and Warm Brown, it might suit a desktop setup where aesthetics are part of the appeal.
Wireless and Wired: Jack of All Trades, Master of None?
Edifier clearly wants to cover all bases. The S260 supports Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certifications, with Bluetooth 5.4 and LDAC codec for high-bitrate streaming up to 990kbps. Then there’s AirPlay 2 over dual-band Wi-Fi, allowing iPhone and Mac users to stream directly. Dual-device Bluetooth pairing adds convenience for switching between phone and PC. On the wired front, AUX and USB sound card inputs let you connect a turntable or PC. A remote control and mobile app round out the package with EQ tweaks and firmware updates.
Don’t Hold Your Breath for Audiophile Nirvana
The specs sound impressive until you consider the price and form factor. The 4-inch driver limits bass depth, and while 40kHz tweeter response is a nice spec, human hearing tops out around 20kHz. The dual TI amps and DSP chip are solid additions, but real-world soundstage and clarity will depend heavily on tuning. Also, the all-day wireless claim is meaningless here—this is a desktop speaker, so power consumption and heat might be factors for long sessions.
GizmoIndo’s Take
Edifier’s S260 aims to please desktop audiophiles who want a vintage vibe with modern wireless perks. It’s a neat package for $156, especially with AirPlay 2 and LDAC support thrown in. However, the small driver size and mid-tier power mean it won’t rival bigger or pricier bookshelf speakers. Buyers should temper expectations: this is a looker with functional tech, not a home audio game-changer. If you want decent sound for a mid-sized room and appreciate the tactile controls, it’s worth a look. But for pure sound quality or bass impact, you’ll find better elsewhere—just not with this retro charm.
(Via)
