Following the undeniable success of the Edifier S2.1D multimedia speaker system, the Company is poised to introduce two new replacement models. The first model, the Edifier S2.1M, is being introduced as a lower powered “Mini” version of the upcoming S2.1D MKII. The sample submitted is said to be a pre-production version, and thus subject to change before final release.
In addition to the subwoofer, the S2.1M system comes with two superbly styled and finished satellites with wall brackets, in a high gloss piano black enamel. The level of craftsmanship of these MDF wood enclosures is exemplary. They are of a two-way configuration, with a 2.5” midrange driver and 1”tweeter. The midrange is equipped with an oversized dustcap, which also acts as a dome transducer to aid dispersion, and is reminiscent of the Dynaudio woofer/midrange in appearance. More unusual, certainly at this price point, is the tweeter which is equipped with an aluminum phase plug, and acts as a waveguide to smooth response and further widen high frequency coverage. Both drivers are attached to the satellites with chrome finished Hex bolts, and add to the appealing high-tech appearance. The supplied grilles are attached by means of four metal pins on the satellite baffle, and rubber grommets mounted in the grille frames. Unfortunately, on this test sample at least, this was problematic. In each instance, the grommets would come unattached from the grille frame, and remain stuck to the satellite’s mounting pins. This necessitated pushing the grommets back into the grille frame by hand each time, to keep the frames in place. Hopefully, a workaround can be found using perhaps a contact adhesive to secure the grommets in the grille frame mounting holes. Another area of concern on the test sample submitted, centers around the defective subwoofer spring clip connectors for the satellite cables. In this case, it was impossible to release one the cables, as the clip was jammed. It was felt a set of binding post terminals instead of these supplied connectors would eliminate this problem entirely.
The extremely well made MDF wood subwoofer is equipped with a long throw 6.5” driver with dual voicecoils. These are in turn fed with a high quality Bridge-Tied-Load (BTL) amplifier. This arrangement is considerably more efficient in power and performance than regular Single Ended (SE) designs. The subwoofer is a bass reflex loaded design, with a side mounted port. The bass level is adjustable with a rear panel mounted control. System power is quoted at 18 Watts RMS X 2 for the satellites, and 40 Watts RMS for the subwoofer at a rated 10%THD.
The same superbly designed and made wired volume controller, fist seen on the Edifier M3400, is supplied with this model, and is equipped with integral headphone jack and auxiliary input for an MP3 player etc. The supplied loudspeaker cables are connected to the satellites and subwoofer via spring clip connectors. All necessary input RCA and 3.5mm jack plug input cables are also supplied as part of the S2.1M package.
With all source material equipment connected, listening tests revealed extremely positive results. Using CD source material with high quality recordings, bass was extended and tuneful, with a slightly recessed midrange and a somewhat bright high end. The presentations were smooth in nature, with fine dynamics and superb imaging. Indeed, the image width was one of the widest heard of any multimedia speaker system to date, regardless of price. This gave Orchestral and Symphonic works a rare ambience and insight in instrument placement in the Concert Hall. Of particular note, was Charles Tomlinson Griffes’s performance of “The Fountain of the Aqua Paola” Bowers & Wilkins Test CD. The Orchestra sounded lush and finely detailed, with particularly smooth violin overtones. Piano works were also very well rendered, as noted with Alfred Brendel’s Schubert’s Impromptu No.3 in G flat (B&W Test CD). Again, definition was well above average, with clearly defined notes and the fullness a Grand Piano should posses.
Jazz and Light Orchestral performances were very well presented, and really came to life with big band orchestras. George Benson’s “Big Boss Band” with the Count Basie Orchestra CD, brought many admiring smiles from the listeners. Vocals had great timbre, and sounded most convincing. Drums, cymbals, and brass instruments had fine attack and decay. Electric and double string bass solos were deep and very tuneful, without the “one note bass” syndrome that plague so many lesser designs.
Rock and Heavy Metal CDs were handled with aplomb, with very loud outputs and low distortion being evident. Porcupine Tree’s “Blackest Eyes by In Abstentia” (B&W Test CD), sounded most dynamic, with the just the right amount of drive and timing. Video Games and Movies didn’t disappoint listeners either, with well above average dynamics and power on hand to handle demanding soundtracks. Such classic Sony PS2 games as “Grand Theft Auto- San Andreas” and “Need for Speed 4” kept listeners entertained for hours with the drama and realism they crave.
Movie soundtracks such as “The Transporter 2” transformed the PC desktop into a veritable mini-cinema, as the S2.1M’s wide and deep imaging extracted vast amounts of ambience from the recording. Vocals were clear and defined, with virtually no coloration. Indeed, the levels of overall coloration and listening fatigue for this system during all musical and vocal tests remained extremely low, and testament to the excellent transducer design parameters.
The following test data will illustrate how the LMS 4.5 and CLIOwin 7 measuring system analyzers assisted in obtaining information to assess the Edifier S2.1M’s system’s performance.
Fig.1 Edifier S2.1M system frequency response taken on axis at 1 meter test distance. System adjusted to 85dB at 1Khz.
The above curve illustrates an excellent system frequency response. Bass extension down to 40Hz at –3dB was measured in the test position. The midrange frequency sweep results illustrate a fine response, with tracking +1dB/-3dB to 6kHz. A gentle +3dB shelf to 10kHz is noted, with an exceptionally smooth response from the tweeter out to 20kHz +/-0.5dB. These results confirm the listener’s comments of a wide and smooth performance, with excellent dynamics and detail.
The following LMS curve data illustrates the S2.1M’s satellite dispersion qualities with the system’s subwoofer control turned to the OFF position.
Fig.2 Edifier S2.1M horizontal satellite dispersion tests taken at 15 degrees, 30degrees, and 45degrees off axis at 1 meter test distance.
The above curve data illustrates the excellent S2.1M horizontal tweeter dispersion characteristics taken at 0 degrees (on axis), 15 degrees, 30 degrees, and 45 degrees off axis. Results are very linear, and free from phase notching. At 12kHz, output is down by only –4dB at 45 degrees off axis. These results are one of the main contributing factors confirming the wide and exceptional imaging detail qualities witnessed during the listening tests.
The following charts were obtained with the CLIOwin 7 test analyzer in Waterfall Plot measurement mode.
Fig.3 Edifier S2.1M Waterfall Plot measured at 1 meter test distance on true satellite axis. Start frequency 400Hz. Stop frequency 20kHz.
The above Waterfall Plot indicates decaying resonances over a preset period of time (3.8ms). The midrange resonances from 700Hz –2.2kHz are about average with good damping. A slight to moderate amount of resonance activity from the satellite tweeter driver is noted from 4kHz –10kHz, but again, is quite well damped. The high frequency performance from 10kHz –20kHz is excellent, with cessation of activity after 1.8ms in time.
Fig.4 Edifier S2.1M satellite performance using color Waterfall Plot graphic analysis. Start frequency 400Hz. Stop frequency 20kHz. Measurements taken on true axis at 1 meter test distance.
The above chart illustrates the S2.1M satellite’s performance, using color Waterfall Plot graphic analysis. Red, green, and yellow colors indicate the most energy, whilst light blue, dark blue, and black indicate the least. Results are very good and linear, with no serious initial activity between 0–5dB leaking down into the –10dB-20dB region.
In general, the Edifier S2.1M system performed exceptionally well during testing, with excellent results for a multimedia loudspeaker system at this price point.
The following chart illustrates the Edifier S2.1M’s tonality score sheet, compiled from the listening panel on a wide variety of test material including gaming and movie sources.
| Tonal Balance |
9.0 |
| Sub-bass (30 Hz - 60 Hz) |
8.8 |
| Mid-bass (60 Hz - 200 Hz) |
8.9 |
| Midrange (200 Hz - 3,000 Hz) |
8.7 |
| High-frequencies (3,000 Hz on up) |
9.1 |
| Transient Attack and Dynamics |
8.8 |
| Decay |
8.7 |
| Inner Resolution |
9.0 |
| Soundstage width front |
9.4 |
| Soundstage width rear |
9.0 |
| Listening Fatigue |
8.7 |
| Ambiance |
8.9 |
| Imaging |
9.6 |
| Fit and Finish |
9.6 |
| Value for Money |
8.9 |
| Overall Score - Not an Average |
9.4 |
Conclusion and Summary
The Edifier S2.1M introduces a brand new look, brand new technology, and brings forth a brand new splendid sound to match. The piano black finished satellites look stunning at this price point, and the wired controller adds even more panache to the air of quality. The all important area of sound quality can be categorized as bright, vibrant, and just plain fun to listen to, with a tuneful deep bass. The Edifier S2.1M is clearly serious competition for the higher end models from Logitech, Creative, Altec Lansing, and the Klipsch Promedia series. In a market where many of the new products being introduced of late are quite plain and humdrum, the advanced Edifier S2.1M adds a much needed passion for perfection that results in amazing sound for the price.
Positives:
- Excellent tuneful bass
- Clean detailed midrange
- Excellent high frequency detail
- Superb imaging with wide soundstage
- Dynamic and exciting sound
- Superb fit and finish
- Excellent wired volume controller
- Remarkably good value for money
Negatives:
- Satellite grilles had tendency to fall off with rubber retainer problems
- Subwoofer spring clip connectors for satellites defective on test sample.
Overall Score out of 5 Stars：
★★★★★ |
