The way I see it, there are two types of speaker-heads out there. The first wants a stylish take on classic designs (think speakers that look like skyscrapers), while the second wants something modern that fits into their current setup.
I’ve been on a quest these last few years to find a set of speakers that match my style. I love the S1000w speakers for the level of clarity they offer, but the standard speakers’ look has always left them feeling out of place next to my AYANEO Mini PC and Nanoleaf setup. And that’s the problem when you go for a modern setup. Everything has to fit or the whole design looks weird.
That’s where the Edifier QR65 comes in. Edifier understands audio, that much is clear. But where the QR65 differs from the competition is through taking some serious risks. Risks that, for the most part, pay off.
A Next-Level Design
I’m someone who cares about style, and the QR65 is so unique that it almost feels futuristic. Rather than whacking some tacky RGB lights on the top or side of the device like most companies do, the QR65 takes a big risk: The lights are inside the actual speakers. The front of each speaker is a thick transparent plastic, meaning you can see inside.
I went with the black version (it’s also available in white) so the lights have a dark background to pop against. It turns out that plan was the right one. The lights look exquisite, especially in darkened rooms. Normally with anything RGB, they end up as almost background noise. With the QR65, I found myself hypnotized by the constant swirling of the lights.
As for the rest of the design, the outer shell mimics a pseudo leather feel, with two dials on the side to control the volume and change the lighting settings. You can also hold in the lights button to reset the Bluetooth option and sync the QR65 up to a new device.
On the back of the left speaker, you’ll find the line in, USB connector, sub out, power supply, and speaker out ports. What’s especially handy here is there are also three USB ports – two USB-Cs and one USB-A – and all of these ports utilize the latest TurboGaN for fast charging.
I mentioned I keep my speakers near my mini PC and having the option of an actual fast charge protocol is a godsend. I always have a phone, controller, or camera that needs charging, so having multiple TurboGaN ports means I never need to fuss for somewhere to plug in and they’ll charge faster than if I plug them into my mini PC.
A Masterclass in Sound
I’ve reviewed several Edifier speakers and even more Edifier headphones. The one constant is that Edifier understands sound and excels in balancing different sound levels, and the QR65 is no different.
With the QR65 you’ll find highs that can be picked out with ease, mids that aren’t middling, and lows that hum with enough vibration to add to the track they’re part of without becoming overbearing.
If you’re after some songs to test the QR65 out, I recommend the following tacks as must-listens:
- Måneskin: Honey Are You Coming?
This song really showcases what the highs are capable of. The guitar twangs are epic.
- September: Earth, Wind & Fire.
This song is a solid choice to hearing vocals along with a nice punchy bassline.
- The Weeknd: The Hills.
This is another one to play around with the bass settings in the Edifier ConnectX app. Bass never engulfs, but it’s got a smack to it, but you’ll need to tweak the settings a little to make it really pop.
The App Is Actually Great!
Normally when it comes to the Edifier app, I’m left disappointed. But the ConnectX app paired with the QR65 is surprisingly great.
For a start, I can connect the app via Bluetooth on my mobile phone and still have the speakers hooked up and working with my PC via the USB cable. That means I can switch at the push of a setting in the app. It’s simple and intuitive, which makes a nice change from a lot of the woeful apps I’ve used.
The app also has a whole section dedicated to those lush lights. It’s detailed as well. Not only can I change the light’s colors, I can change the frequency, load different profiles, and switch between a light color mode where they look more washed out and a dark color mode that makes them more saturated.
Honestly, as someone who loathes app integration, Edifier has made it a worthwhile add-on for audiophiles looking to get the most out of their new speakers.
Verdict
I’ve been after a set of speakers to help finish off my work desk and I’ve finally found the perfect design to compliment my setup. Visually the QR65 stuns in all the right thanks to a stylish design and killer lighting.
However, these speakers aren’t all for show. Inside them is Edifier’s genius-level tuning that results in clean, punchy sound. No matter your choice of music, the QR65 has something for every type of genre.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Price: $369.99/ £329.99
- 70W (RMS) total output power with quality sound
- 1.25-inch silk dome tweeters and 2.75-inch long-throw aluminum diaphragm mid-low drivers
- Full digital signal processing, two-way active crossover, and DRC
- Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certified
- Splendid light effects powered by patented TempoAbyss technology
- 65W TurboGaN fast charging via two USB Type-C ports and one USB Type-A port
- Bluetooth V5.3, USB and line-in inputs; subwoofer output port available
- Works with EDIFIER ConneX mobile app for more functions
- Supporting LDAC, Audio Up To 24bit/96kHz
How I tested
I used the QR65 over the course of a month and listened to multiple different genres of music to get an idea of how different melodies and compositions handled. I also tested it via my mobile device an PC to test for differences across similar devices. Do note, if you want to take advantage of the hi-res nature, you’ll need a device equipped with hi-res codecs and audio that’s been classified as hi-res (you’ll still benefit even if your albums aren’t hi-res certified).
Disclosure: Review provided by Edifier. | To learn more about our review policy click here. | Alternatively, click here to find out why you can trust me.
