You may be familiar with Edifier through its computer speakers, a field in which the brand is particularly active, offering a variety of models in different formats and at all price points. It’s one of the few companies to use wood in constructing certain models, whereas the competition often opts for plastic. Because of this, Edifier is often associated with wood veneer computer speakers. However, there is one model that doesn’t fit the mould—the only one with Wi-Fi connectivity. The Edifier S1000W is not just a computer speaker; it is a speaker designed for living room Hi-Fi use.
Overview of the Edifier S1000W
The S1000W is in the tradition of Hi-Fi speakers sold as an inseparable pair. As is common in this case, the two have a master-servant relationship. Aesthetically, however, they are identical, except for a small shiny plastic area under the right speaker hiding a status LED. Otherwise, the design features a pleasing combination of faux brown wood veneer and textured black panels.
A closer look at the central part of the cabinet reveals a texture resembling leather, hinting at the inspiration for the S1000W, which seems to come from across the Alps. The same goes for the grille covered with a nearly transparent fabric that clearly reveals the speakers. However, the differences are enough to establish their own unique style.
The front panel is angled backward, a technique found on some classic Hi-Fi speakers to direct the sound waves created by the speakers toward an ideal listening focal point. These speakers, while imposing for bookshelf models yet compact, are often placed on low furniture, making this angled front panel useful. Edifier also offers dedicated stands for the S1000W with a matching finish, but they are hard to find and cost nearly half the price of the speakers alone.
The S1000W’s Hi-Fi purpose is clear. The all-wood construction is solid, with each speaker weighing almost 8 kg. The finish is impeccable, and the golden feet add a touch of style. The grilles integrate the brand’s logo for a more discreet presentation. These grilles are difficult to remove, but that’s not something you’d be doing every day anyway.
Edifier amplifies each speaker individually. The 25 mm tweeters are powered by 25 watts apiece, with 35 for the 14 cm woofers. The woofer’s diameter is decent for a speaker of this size. The internal volume is sufficient, combined with a rear-facing bass reflex port. The S1000W appears sturdy and capable of managing the lowest frequencies to make the most of the woofer and the relatively low power applied to it.
Using the Edifier S1000W
Edifier showcases the S1000W in various environments, including on a desk on either side of a computer screen. However, due to their size, this wouldn’t be their primary use in practice (they also lack a USB input, which is usually essential for computer speakers). If computer functionality does interest you however, Edifier recommends Bluetooth.
The S1000W offers four wired inputs in parallel. There are two distinct stereo RCA inputs. Unfortunately, neither of these is switchable to a phono input for a turntable, which would have been handy. They are accompanied by two digital inputs: one optical and one coaxial. The optical input can be used to connect a TV, as there is no HDMI ARC input on the S1000W. Edifier facilitates wiring with three cords included in the box: one optical, one RCA to RCA, and one RCA to mini-jack.
The supplied infrared remote control provides the usual functions of volume control, source selection, and track navigation in Bluetooth or Wi-Fi mode. It is the wireless network connection that we are particularly interested in. The initial setup is done through the Edifier app, which is only for that purpose. Then, you need to switch to the 4Stream app for music access.
This app is well-known for its use by many connected Hi-Fi equipment manufacturers who share the Linkplay platform. It is robust and fairly comprehensive, though it does not necessarily provide the same advanced features for all. For example, the selection of physical sources is naturally adapted to the inputs of the controlled system. On the app’s home page, you can find these various inputs, as well as streaming services, shared folders on the network, and access to music stored on your smartphone.
Qobuz is natively integrated, providing access to all new releases and other recommendations. You can also be able to find your favorites and playlists, albeit without any textual content. One minor annoyance is that, like with other products that use 4Stream, the speakers disconnect from the network when you turn them off, making it impossible to turn them back on through the app. You have to do it manually, either with the infrared remote or from the multifunction button on the back that controls the volume and source selection.
Listening Experience
We conducted our tests using Qobuz integrated with the 4Stream app. The speakers are compatible with AirPlay 2, so they can be used with Roon. Audio settings are absent from the 4Stream which are controlled instead through two physical bass/treble knobs on the back of the master speaker. Full equalization to customize the sound output is available by using Roon as the player. We spaced the speakers about 2.5 meters apart, for which the connecting proprietary cable is suitably long.
The speakers felt somewhat closed during the initial listening sessions, lacking expressiveness. Increasing the volume brought back some life and dynamics, but going too far risked distortion. There is a noticeable dip in the upper bass, which can be compensated for using the available bass and treble settings. Creating a “physiological curve” on George Benson’s “Give Me the Night” resulted in a more vibrant and engaging signature. The extra presence in the high frequencies does create a more expansive soundstage, and is one of the S1000W’s primary strengths.
We switched to techno with the “Found” compilation to find out what the speakers were packing in the bass and sub-bass: they go deeper rather than hit harder. You can even feel the sub-bass layers, bearing in mind the acoustics of our living room and that these are bookshelf speakers. This is already quite impressive and convincing enough for enjoyment without frustrations. However, it is unfortunate that the speakers can’t really deliver punchy bass, which is somewhat muffled, likely to preserve the woofers’ longevity.
Although everything isn’t placed with exactitude, the soundstage is wide and deep. It’s worth bearing in mind that these speakers are entry-level, so expectations should be moderated accordingly. Still, they already offer good instrument separation and a stable, well-centered voice. Notably, the soundstage barely distorts when you move your head slightly from the focal point—something not all speakers can boast. We found it enhanced the listening experience of Haydn’s Symphony No. 99 by the Danish National Symphony Orchestra. The instruments aren’t always highly defined, sometimes appearing larger than they should be, but the wide and stable stage behind the speakers compensates for the shortcomings in a satisfying way.