Edifier QD35 Review: Sublime Sound Meets Supreme Style

Sound Quality

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Edifier creates some of the best sound profiles out there.

The Edifier QD35 understands the importance of bass. Bass should never rattle to the point of discomfort, nor should it be vapid. Bass is the underline. It’s a form of emphasis that strengthens its surroundings. That’s what Edifier and the QD35 get more than any other company.

Bass is felt in the Edifier QD35, but it punctuates rather than obliterates. Highs and mids can soar freely thanks to the extra oomph afforded by the warming bass. Those finer details aren’t lost. Whether that’s the laser sounds of Eminem’s Rap God or the thumping bass of Ashnikko’s Daisy, nothing feels muted or diluted. What you hear is clear and concise consistently.

What I will say, is Edifier really needs to work on its different listening modes. There are three different modes to change the listening experience of the Edifier QD35 and discerning any difference between them isn’t easy. It’s a similar problem I’ve had with other Edifier products, and you can use the equalizer in the Edifier Connect app to tweak stuff, but, as I say, the default presets aren’t all that.

Look and Feel

There’s no getting around the fact the Edifier QD35 is a slab. It’s as chunky as it is hefty, but it’s all good. The Edifier QD35 has endless style thanks to the pulsating RGB lighting.

You’ve got a host of different profiles to play through, including a pulse, gradient, and music-reactive, as well as several other more advanced options to download that react or drip to the music.

It’s hard to truly capture the supreme style in action. Especially in photo form. But what I’ll say is this: The lights really help make this gaming PC-like set of Hi-res speakers come into their own. They’re unique and more contemporary compared with a generic oblong subwoofer or a boring wood design.

On the right side of the QD35 you’ll find three buttons: One to switch the input, one for the volume, and one for the light intensity. What’s smart here is two of the buttons can be pushed inward to either change the Bluetooth connection or which light preset you want active. It’s simple but effective.

The left side, meanwhile, houses the USB-C and USB-A input ports. So yeah, if you want to charge your phone while streaming music, you can (and should).

Lastly, the rear side of the QD35 is where you’ll find the power in, USB-A in, AUX, and a simple on/off flick switch.

I’ll admit I’m not crazy about the EdiEdifierifer branding across the top of the QD35. When you’ve got the company’s name in stylish LED lights on the front of the device, a dull, stretched logo across the top feels superfluous. Although if that’s the main problem, you know Edifier is doing things right.

Price and Alterntatives

At $199.99, the Edifier QD35 is hard to beat in the tabletop speakers category. If it’s quality you’re after, headphones are always going to be your best option. In which case I’d recommend the Edifer Stax I reviewed for Heavy. If you’re after speakers, though, you’ll struggle to find any that mix this level of sound quality with RGB lighting that aren’t cheap and mass-produced.

Specifications

Verdict

If it’s sound and style you’re after, the Edifier QD35 comes easy to recommend. Its glaring lights are tasteful without feeling tacky, the sound profile is balanced, and the design is solid. If you’re a gamer, the Edifier QD35 really is the gaming PC of speakers.

Sure, the presets aren’t great, and the logo design across the top is an eyesore. But if those are my biggest issues, it’s easy to see the Edifier QD35 as a success.

All photos captured by Wesley Copeland. Review unit provided by PR.