Edifier 1010Bt Studio Monitors: Impressive Audio Performance

The Edifier R1010BT studio monitor speakers are a great option for those seeking an affordable yet powerful audio solution. With a 24W RMS power output, these speakers deliver a rich and immersive listening experience, enhanced by their 2-channel stereo system. The 4-inch mid-range and bass drivers provide deep lows, while the 0.5-inch silk diaphragm treble drivers ensure crisp highs. The classic wooden enclosure not only minimises acoustic resonance and distortion but also complements any home decor. In terms of connectivity, the R1010BT offers Bluetooth 5.1 for seamless audio streaming and dual RCA input ports for easy connection to multiple audio sources.

Design and build quality

The Edifier R1010BT studio monitor speakers are housed in 100% medium-density fibreboard (MDF) and are a reimagining of the Edifier classic, the R1000TCN. The speakers have a bookshelf-inspired design and are compact, making them perfect for a computer/laptop setup. The MDF construction is the same as the R1280T, but the R1010BT has a black wood finish on the side panels, as opposed to the natural wood grain of Edifier's higher model. They are also available in brown.

The main housing of the speakers has a faux leather texture that is subtle and provides extra tactility without being gaudy. The right speaker has a status LED that shines blue when in Bluetooth mode and green when running through a wired connection. The edges of the speakers are rounded and soft, while the angling of the side panels gives them a striking geometric look. Each speaker sits on four foam feet, preventing them from moving during high-volume playback and protecting the surface they are placed on.

The rear of the R1010BT houses the bulk of the interfaces, with a power switch, a basic tone adjustment dial, and an analogue volume control. The volume knob also functions as the source selector, switching between the speaker's two RCA line-in inputs and Bluetooth. The dials are plastic and feel a bit cheap, but they are rarely adjusted beyond the initial setup and are well-hidden at the rear of the speakers.

The R1010BT's support Bluetooth 4.0 and can pair with two devices simultaneously. However, they don't support apt-x, and their implementation is worse than Edifier's higher-priced speakers, with inferior range, occasional dropouts, and noticeable latency. Despite this, they are still usable for movies and videos, and the latency is less of an issue for music streaming.

The speakers utilise a dual driver setup, with a 4-inch woofer driver and a 3/4-inch silk-diaphragm tweeter driver, delivering commanding sound with subtlety and detail. They provide a full sound, especially when placed in front of a wall, and sound rich even at lower volumes, making them perfect for bedroom use.

The R1010BT has a warm low-end with less prominent mids and highs. They don't have the greatest clarity and midrange body, but they are relatively balanced, with a dedicated bass dial for individual tune-ability. The treble is more polite, with the tweeter driver providing a little extra crispness to lower-treble detailing and some sparkle to middle-treble notes without coming off as splashy or unrefined.

Overall, the Edifier R1010BT studio monitor speakers offer a delightful, style-conscious design and an enjoyable sound at a reasonable price. They provide an affordable upgrade to any smaller portable or integrated laptop speakers.

Bluetooth connectivity

The Edifier R1010BT studio monitors have built-in Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to stream audio from smart devices. They feature Bluetooth V5.1, which offers strong resolution, stable transmission, low power consumption, and a wide range of use cases, delivering a high-quality audio experience.

The Bluetooth setup process is straightforward, with the speakers immediately entering pairing mode when switched to Bluetooth mode. They support Bluetooth 4.0 and can pair with two devices at the same time. However, they don't support apt-x, and their implementation is not as good as Edifier's higher-priced speakers. The range is shorter, and there may be occasional dropouts and noticeable latency issues, especially when used for gaming.

Despite these limitations, the Bluetooth functionality on the Edifier R1010BT studio monitors is still adequate for music streaming, where latency is less of an issue. The speakers can be easily connected to a smart device, and the Bluetooth works flawlessly, which is a nice change from some more expensive brands. The volume button on the speakers also doubles as the Bluetooth function button, making it easy to switch between wired and wireless connections.

Sound quality

The Edifier R1010BT studio monitor speakers have received generally positive reviews for their sound quality. Many customers have praised the speakers for their sound quality, noting that they have enough power to overcome a loud environment without distorting the sound output. The speakers have been described as having "good sound" and being "excellent", with some reviewers expressing surprise at the volume of the speakers. The speakers' ability to deliver commanding sound with subtlety and detail has also been commended.

The R1010BT's bass and treble capabilities have been highlighted in several reviews. The bass has been described as rich, deep, and vibrant, with one reviewer noting that the bass is taught and defined with impressive texturing and detailing. However, some reviewers have mentioned that the bass can be a bit heavy or muddy, but this can be adjusted using the bass dial at the back of the speaker.

The treble has been described as crisp and polite, with the dedicated tweeter driver providing convincing balance. The treble is also noted to be more recessed and less prominent compared to the bass.

Some reviewers have commented on the overall tonality of the speakers, describing it as full-bodied and warm, with a slight emphasis on the lower frequencies. The midrange has been characterised as smooth and full-bodied, but lacking in clarity and body. The upper midrange is said to be less warm but retains a fuller tone.

The speakers have also been praised for their ability to handle near-field listening, making them suitable for placement on a desk or bookshelf.

However, some reviewers have noted that the sound quality is not perfect, with some mentioning a lack of clarity and detail in the high frequencies. The speakers have also been described as having a darker tone and a muddled sound, particularly at higher volumes.

Overall, the Edifier R1010BT studio monitor speakers offer a good sound quality for their price range, delivering a balanced and enjoyable listening experience.

Value for money

The Edifier R1010BT studio monitor speakers are highly rated by customers for value for money. At a price point of around $100 AUD, they are described as a "great product for the price", "excellent", and "solid". One customer review states that they are a "brilliant" product and "worth your money".

The speakers are said to deliver "commanding sound" and "quality sound performance", with "broad mids and bass" and "good sound quality". The Bluetooth functionality is also praised, with one customer stating that it works "flawlessly".

The R1010BT's simple setup is also highlighted by customers, with one stating that it is a "simple setup that gets the job done". The speakers are also said to be well-built, with a "solid" and "sturdy" construction.

Overall, the Edifier R1010BT studio monitor speakers are considered a great value-for-money option, offering good sound quality, Bluetooth connectivity, and a simple setup at a reasonable price.

Ease of setup

The Edifier R1010BT studio monitors are simple to set up. They come with an RCA to 3.5mm cable, an RCA to female 3.5mm cable, and a basic interconnect. The speakers support Bluetooth streaming from a smart device, which makes the setup process straightforward. The speakers can also be connected to other analog audio devices via dual integrated line-in jacks, saving users the trouble of plugging and pulling wires.

The R1010BT's rear panel houses the majority of the interfaces, including the bass port and main controls. The speakers have an integrated power cable, which may limit their placement in some setups. The power switch, tone adjustment dial, and analogue volume control are all located on the rear of the right speaker, which also houses a status LED that shines blue in Bluetooth mode and green in wired mode.

The R1010BT's Bluetooth integration is smooth and easy to set up, with no distinct pairing mode, making the connection process more convenient. The speakers support Bluetooth 4.0 and can pair with two devices simultaneously. However, they do not support apt-x, and their implementation is inferior to Edifier's higher-priced speakers in terms of range, occasional dropouts, and latency.

Overall, the Edifier R1010BT studio monitors are easy to set up and provide a convenient wireless connection option via Bluetooth.

Frequently asked questions