Edifier Spinnaker e30 Speakers Review

1. Introduction2. Edifier Spinnaker e30 Speakers3. Testing and Performance4. Closing Thoughts5. View All Pages

Specifications:

*Total RMS Output Power: 10W x2 + 10W x 2 + 25W x 2(THD+N testing level): 10%
*Distortion: (%) ≤0.5
*Signal to Noise ratio dB (A) ≥90dBA
*Frequency range: 50Hz – 23kHz -10dB
*Frequency response: 68Hz – 20kHz +/-3dB on reference axis
*Crossover Frequencies: 135Hz, 3.2kHz
*Channel Separation: (dB) ≥45dBA
*Input sensitivity: 780mV +/-50mV

As we mentioned earlier in the review the Edifier Spinnaker e30 speakers are Bluetooth capable and we primarily tested them with a Nokia Lumia 920, Blackberry 9900, iPad and desktop Windows 7 system featuring high grade Asus Xonar sound card.

Even though the Edifier Spinnaker e30 speakers look unstable I was pleasantly surprised to find out that they are difficult to knock over unintentionally.  The physical footprint is also smaller than other speakers we have tested in recent years, which may help if you are running out of space in your room.

We found that the Bluetooth connection worked well within a distance of around 9-10 meters. When we paired the speakers up with an older bluetooth enabled phone the sound quality was rather poor and I was initially concerned that there was actually something wrong with the drivers as our review sample looked a little worse for wear.

The sound issues were related to the sonic limitations of Bluetooth technology. Edifier have pointed out that some mobile devices will be using low grade audio codec settings which can have a negative impact on the audio reproduction. The iPad worked well with the speakers however and the sound quality was certainly improved over the other mobile devices we tested.

We moved the speakers to the Windows 7 environment and they really did shine. MP3 files did exhibit a little compression, although I have overly sensitive ears when it comes to compressed audio files, and moved to some studio grade FLAC files I have in my collection. If you are growing weary of downloading substandard audio files from the likes of iTunes, then be sure to check out Linn Records online, who offer some stunning quality audio files, often with only a small price premium.

With a high grade source and uncompressed audio files, the Edifier Spinnaker e30 speakers deliver a well balanced sound, quite neutral in their presentation. If I was being critical they are a little on the warm side, although I do actually think this is a wise move as they will be likely dealing with harsh digital files throughout their working life.

We tested the speakers with a mixture of popular music, such as Radiohead, The Killers and Muse. Sound quality was commendable and the volume levels were surprisingly good, able to fill a 12 foot study without too much stress. I also enjoyed that the volume levels didn't clip until close to the limit of the volume.

Moving to classical files did show some limitations of the driver configuration. The light Flute Concerto No.2 in D Major by Mozart was enjoyable, but did suffer from a compressed soundstage and a little softening of some detail. Beethoven's Ninth Symphony exhibited the same compressed soundstage and some minor loss of details. To be fair most PC/MAC oriented speakers deliver similar audio characteristics so it isn't limited to the Spinnaker e30.

The strength of the e30 speakers is the mid range. I listened to female vocals from Norah Jones, Alison Krauss and Diana Krall, and I was pleasantly shocked by how good the cones managed to cope with each singers individual ‘close to mic' vocal characteristics.

Bass response is relatively good, although with some heavy bass tracks such as OutKast Funky Ride or Ice Cube Pushing weight, the limitations again became apparent. Adding a dedicated subwoofer to the mix would significantly enhance e30 lower presence, something Edifier have clearly considered, as there is a ‘sub out' connection on one of the speakers.

While my testing has raised negative traits of the e30 speakers, there are many commendable aspects to the sound quality. The soundstaging field may be quite small, however the e30 speakers rarely suffer from sibilance in the upper frequencies. Many PC speakers I have tested over the years can be rather painful to live with long term, requiring an equaliser roll off around 10hz-12hz. Ex-Wharfedale production manager Phil Jones has clearly had a hand in this taming of the higher registers to ensure audio reproduction is generally a little warm and potentially full bodied.

Obviously this can be tuned further with an equaliser, but it is often best to get the optimal sound quality direct from the speakers before introducing digital compensation.

I also tested the speakers with some current PC games via Windows 7 and an Asus Xonar sound card, such as Far Cry 3 and Tomb Raider. Overall, the experience was very enjoyable, and impressive for a stereo configuration. Hooking them into our television set with BluRay player delivered a great response, enhancing onboard sound of the 55 inch Sony speakers significantly.

The speakers are able to fill a 12foot by 12foot room without problems, ideal for a living room, or bedroom environment. They may have a modest output rating, but they can produce a formidable volume. They also looked great next to the television set, presenting a futuristic visage and demanding a minimal physical footprint.

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