I remember the moment vividly. I was trying to create a dedicated listening space in my home office, a sanctuary where I could truly immerse myself in music after a long day. The problem? Space. My desk was already occupied by a monitor and laptop, and the idea of cramming in a separate amplifier, a DAC, a streamer, and then finding room for passive speakers and their labyrinth of cables felt completely overwhelming. I craved the expansive, detailed sound of a proper hi-fi system but was stuck in the frustrating middle ground between tinny computer speakers and single-unit Bluetooth speakers that, while convenient, lacked true stereo separation and depth. It’s a common dilemma: wanting premium audio without the complexity and spatial footprint of a traditional component setup. Failing to solve this means compromising on the very experience of listening to music, missing the subtle details and emotional impact the artists intended.
- WORKS WITH ALEXA, SUPPORTS AIRPLAY 2, SPOTIFY CONNECT – Connect speakers to your home Wi-Fi network, control them with voice commands via third-party voice interaction, and stream Hi-Res audio from...
- HI-RES AUDIO TECHNOLOGY - Experience the best sound quality with an audio signal sample rate of up to 24bit/192kHz. Hi-Res quality tunes listening at home.
- ENJOY MULTI-ROOM MUSIC - Group two or more speakers together to play music in multiple rooms, create stereo sound, or fill your entire home with music (app support required).
What to Consider Before Buying Active Bookshelf Speakers
An active bookshelf speaker system is more than just a pair of speakers; it’s a key solution for achieving high-fidelity sound with minimalist simplicity. By integrating the amplification directly into the speaker cabinets, they eliminate the need for an external receiver or amp, saving space and simplifying setup. This all-in-one design solves the complex problem of component matching, ensuring that the amplifier is perfectly tuned to the drivers. The main benefits are superior sound quality compared to most all-in-one smart speakers, true stereo imaging for an immersive soundstage, and versatile connectivity that can accommodate everything from a turntable to a television to wireless streaming from your phone.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who deeply appreciates music and wants a significant upgrade from basic audio solutions. This includes vinyl enthusiasts looking for a simple, high-quality setup, digital music streamers wanting to leverage Hi-Res audio services, or anyone building a compact home theater or gaming station. They value both performance and convenience. However, this might not be the best choice for the die-hard audiophile who enjoys the process of experimenting with different amplifiers and DACs to fine-tune their sound. It’s also likely overkill for someone who just needs a portable speaker for casual listening in different rooms. For them, a high-end portable Bluetooth speaker might be a more suitable alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Active bookshelf speakers, especially powerful ones, are not small. The Edifier S1000W Active Bookshelf Speakers 120W, for example, are substantial at 14.5 inches tall and weighing a combined 37 pounds. You must measure your desk, media console, or shelves to ensure you have adequate space, not just for the speakers themselves but also for them to breathe and perform optimally.
- Power & Performance: Look at the RMS wattage, which indicates continuous power output. The 120W RMS of the S1000W is more than enough to fill a medium to large-sized room with clean, distortion-free sound. Also consider driver size; the 5.5-inch mid-bass drivers in these speakers suggest a capacity for rich, full-bodied bass that smaller speakers can’t replicate. Hi-Res Audio certification is another key indicator of performance, promising support for high-bitrate audio formats.
- Connectivity & Features: Your speakers should match your listening habits. If you stream from Apple devices, AirPlay 2 is essential. If you use Spotify or Tidal, native Connect features offer the best experience. For physical sources, look for a variety of inputs like Optical for a TV, Coaxial, and RCA for turntables or other analog gear. Bluetooth is a great convenience, but Wi-Fi is superior for sound quality.
- Materials & Durability: The cabinet construction significantly impacts sound. MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) is a preferred material for its acoustic properties, as it reduces unwanted resonance and vibration. A solid build, like the S1000W’s wood-paneled enclosure, not only looks premium but also contributes to better, cleaner sound and ensures the speakers will last for years.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Edifier S1000W Active Bookshelf Speakers 120W stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the Edifier S1000W Active Bookshelf Speakers 120W is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- 2 x AUX INPUT - Convenient connection to any device that has a 3.5mm headphone output or dual RCA output. Play from two devices via AUX at the same time, no plugging and switching needed
- EXPERIENCE AMAZING HOME THEATER SOUND WITH RICH, IMMERSIVE AUDIO – Featuring a 0.75" tweeter and a 5.25" Dynamic Balance driver, these passive bookshelf speakers deliver clear, balanced sound with...
- Each speaker in the Stage 2 series features Polycellulose ribbed cone woofers
Unboxing the Edifier S1000W: First Impressions and Standout Features
From the moment the courier dropped off the box, it was clear the Edifier S1000W Active Bookshelf Speakers 120W mean business. The sheer weight of the package, at over 37 pounds, hints at the quality of the components within. Unboxing them revealed two beautifully crafted speakers, securely encased in protective foam. The first thing we noticed was the classic, sophisticated aesthetic. The cherry wood side panels have a rich, warm finish that contrasts beautifully with the matte black front and top. They feel dense, solid, and impeccably assembled. Each speaker is angled slightly upward, a thoughtful design choice for desktop or low-stand placement, directing the sound towards the listener’s ears.
The package includes everything needed to get started: a functional remote control, a lengthy and thick speaker-interconnect cable, an optical cable, and an RCA-to-3.5mm cable. Setting them up on our media console, their physical presence was undeniable—they look and feel like premium hi-fi equipment, far removed from the plastic shells of many competitors. The ‘W’ in the model name is the star feature here, signifying the addition of Wi-Fi connectivity, including AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect, which elevates them from a simple powered speaker to a modern, smart audio hub.
Advantages
- Exceptional, room-filling sound with Hi-Res Audio certification
- Comprehensive wireless connectivity including Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, and Spotify/Tidal Connect
- Multiple physical inputs (Optical, Coaxial, 2x RCA) for versatile use
- Superb build quality with elegant wood side panels
- Powerful 120W RMS output delivers deep bass without a separate subwoofer
Limitations
- Large and heavy, requiring significant space
- Included remote control is functional but feels basic compared to the speakers
Putting the Edifier S1000W to the Test: A Deep Dive into Sound and Connectivity
A spec sheet can only tell you so much. To truly understand a speaker, you have to live with it, to throw your entire music library at it and see how it responds. We spent weeks with the Edifier S1000W Active Bookshelf Speakers 120W, using them as our primary audio source for everything from critical music listening and background work playlists to late-night movie sessions. They didn’t just meet our expectations; in many ways, they redefined what we thought was possible from an all-in-one system in this price category.
Audiophile-Grade Sound Performance: More Than Just Loud
The heart of any speaker is its sound, and this is where the S1000W truly shines. Each speaker houses a 5.5-inch aluminum mid-bass driver and a 1-inch titanium dome tweeter. This combination, powered by a robust 120 watts of total RMS power, creates a sound signature that is both powerful and refined. During our testing, we were immediately struck by the clarity and balance. We started with some vocal-centric tracks, like Adele’s “Easy on Me.” The speakers rendered her voice with a warmth and presence that was captivating. As one user noted, “If you love listening to singers and want every detail of the voice to shine through, these speakers deliver beautifully.” We can wholeheartedly confirm this; there was no harshness or sibilance, just pure, detailed vocal performance.
Moving on to more complex arrangements, like Steely Dan’s “Aja,” the S1000W demonstrated its impressive stereo imaging and instrument separation. Each element of the intricate mix—the crisp cymbals, the tight bassline, the layers of keyboards—occupied its own distinct space in the soundstage, creating a wide, immersive listening experience. The bass response is particularly noteworthy. Many bookshelf speakers in this class either sound thin or have bloated, muddy bass. The S1000W, however, delivers a low end that is tight, punchy, and surprisingly deep for its size. For most music genres, and even for cinematic content in a medium-sized room, we felt no immediate need to add a separate subwoofer, a sentiment echoed by many users who found the “bottom end” more than sufficient.
The Hi-Res Audio certification isn’t just a sticker on the box. When streaming 24bit/192kHz tracks via Tidal Connect, the difference was palpable. We found ourselves hearing subtle details in songs we’ve known for years, just as another reviewer happily discovered: “Im hearing new things in my music I havent heard before, and thats a good thing.” The dynamic range is excellent, handling the quietest passages and the most explosive crescendos with equal composure. This level of sonic fidelity and musicality is what truly sets the Edifier S1000W apart from the crowded speaker market.
The ‘W’ Stands for Wireless Freedom: Wi-Fi and Smart Integration
While the sound quality is rooted in classic hi-fi principles, the connectivity is thoroughly modern. The addition of Wi-Fi is the single biggest upgrade in the S1000W, and it transforms the user experience. Unlike Bluetooth, which compresses audio and is susceptible to interruptions from calls and notifications on your phone, Wi-Fi streaming allows for a direct, stable, and high-resolution connection to your music services. Setting up the speakers on our network using the Edifier Home app was straightforward.
Once connected, the magic happens. Using AirPlay 2 from an iPhone was seamless; the speakers appeared instantly as an audio output, and streaming was flawless. For Spotify and Tidal users, the experience is even better. With Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect, your phone simply acts as a remote control, telling the speakers to pull the music directly from the internet. This means you can start a playlist, walk out of the room, or even turn your phone off, and the music will continue to play uninterrupted. This is a level of convenience that, once experienced, is hard to live without.
The “Works with Alexa” functionality further enhances its smart capabilities. By linking the speakers in the Alexa app, we were able to control music playback with voice commands via a nearby Echo Dot. Saying “Alexa, play my morning playlist in the office” and having the rich sound of the S1000W fill the room is a simple but profound luxury. It also allows the speakers to be included in Alexa’s multi-room music groups, syncing playback with other Echo devices throughout the home.
Connectivity for Every Device: A Hub for Your Audio
Beyond its excellent wireless features, the Edifier S1000W Active Bookshelf Speakers 120W serves as a versatile central hub for all your audio sources. The back of the active speaker features a comprehensive input panel, including two sets of stereo RCA inputs, an optical input, and a coaxial input. This array covers nearly every conceivable use case. We connected our Rega turntable to one of the RCA inputs and were rewarded with a warm, rich, and detailed vinyl playback experience. The second RCA input is perfect for a CD player or an external DAC.
We used the optical input to connect the speakers to our TV, and they provided a massive upgrade over the TV’s built-in speakers. Dialogue in movies was crystal clear, and action scenes had a weight and impact that a soundbar in the same price range would struggle to match. We noted one user had initial trouble with their computer’s optical out but confirmed it worked perfectly with a gaming console. In our testing with a TV and a PlayStation 5, the optical connection was plug-and-play and worked flawlessly, delivering pristine digital audio.
Finally, Bluetooth V5.0 with aptX support is included as a reliable and convenient fallback. Pairing a device is quick and easy, and while Wi-Fi is our preferred method for critical listening, the Bluetooth connection is stable and sounds excellent for casual streaming from a guest’s phone or a quick podcast. The sheer number of ways to get audio into these speakers makes them an incredibly flexible and future-proof investment.
Real-World Feedback: What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, user feedback strongly aligns with our own findings, particularly regarding the stellar sound quality. Many, including seasoned audiophiles, express genuine surprise at the level of performance offered for the price. One 68-year-old user with a lifetime of experience in high-end audio declared, “I can honestly say this is the best money I’ve ever spent on sound.” Another self-proclaimed “audiophile and sound snob” was simply blown away, stating, “For the price there is no humanly way to make these on this quality level!!” This sentiment of exceeding expectations is a common thread.
The praise isn’t just from experts. Users stepping up from basic computer speakers or soundbars describe the upgrade as monumental. One reviewer noted the transition from their Chromebook speakers was a “HUGE upgrade,” allowing them to “hear each individual instrument, background vocal and so much more.”
On the constructive side, the most frequently mentioned point is the speakers’ physical size and weight. As one person warned, “Keep size in mind. I’m using a small desk and almost don’t have room for them.” This is a crucial and valid point for potential buyers. A more isolated complaint came from a user whose remote arrived with a “broken/chipped” part. While their speakers worked perfectly, it highlights a potential weak point in the packaging or the remote’s plastic construction, which feels less premium than the speakers themselves.
How Does the Edifier S1000W Compare to the Competition?
While the Edifier S1000W Active Bookshelf Speakers 120W is a formidable contender, the market offers other excellent options that might better suit different needs or preferences. Here’s how it stacks up against three popular alternatives.
1. Edifier R2000DB Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
- BLUETOOTH CONNECTION - Pair your phone, tablet or computer for a true hassle free wireless experience, perfect for any iOS, Android, MacOS or Windows device.
- OPTICAL INPUT - Enjoy lossless digital connection from your TV, TV Box, DVD/blu-ray player, receiver, HTPC, computer or gaming consoles.
- 2 X LINE-IN INPUT - Convenient connection to any device that has a 3.5mm headphone output or dual RCA output. Connect to two devices via Line-in at the same time, no plugging and switching needed.
For those who love the Edifier sound but don’t need the advanced Wi-Fi and smart features of the S1000W, the R2000DB is a fantastic choice. It offers the same total power output of 120W RMS and a similar high-quality build, but in a slightly more compact and glossy package. Its primary connectivity is through Bluetooth and physical inputs like optical. The sound is often described as being slightly more forward or “exciting” than the S1000 series. This is the ideal alternative for someone who wants a premium powered speaker primarily for a TV or Bluetooth streaming and wishes to save some money by forgoing the network-connected features.
2. Klipsch R-41PM Powered Bookshelf Speaker
- Powered monitor
- Bluetooth wireless technology
- Phono/line analog (with switch and ground screw terminal)
Klipsch brings its legendary horn-loaded technology to the powered speaker market with the R-41PM. These speakers are known for their high efficiency and dynamic, lively sound signature, which is often preferred for rock music and home theater. They offer a different flavor of audio compared to the Edifier’s more balanced and warm profile. A user comparing the Edifier S1000DB (the predecessor to the S1000W) to a Klipsch model noted that the Edifiers had a better low-end, potentially saving you the cost of a subwoofer. The Klipsch R-41PM is the perfect choice for listeners who crave that energetic, “live concert” feel and appreciate the iconic copper-spun woofer aesthetic.
3. Amazon Echo Studio (1st gen) Smart Speaker
The Echo Studio represents a completely different approach to home audio. It’s a single, 360-degree smart speaker designed to be the ultimate hub for Alexa and spatial audio formats like Dolby Atmos. Its biggest strengths are its deep smart home integration, voice control, and ability to create an immersive, room-filling sound from a single point. However, as a single unit, it cannot provide the true, wide stereo separation that you get from a pair of speakers like the Edifier S1000W. The Echo Studio is the best choice for someone who prioritizes smart features and spatial audio above all else, while the Edifier is for the listener who prioritizes a traditional, high-fidelity stereo soundstage.
Final Verdict: Are the Edifier S1000W Active Bookshelf Speakers Worth Your Money?
After extensive testing, we can say with confidence that the Edifier S1000W Active Bookshelf Speakers 120W are an absolute triumph. They masterfully bridge the gap between traditional hi-fi sound and modern smart-home convenience. The audio performance is exceptional for this price point, delivering a rich, detailed, and balanced sound that will make you fall in love with your music all over again. The addition of Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, and Spotify/Tidal Connect elevates the user experience, making high-resolution streaming effortless.
Their only significant drawback is their considerable size and weight, which demands dedicated space. But if you have the room for them, what you get in return is a powerful, versatile, and beautiful-sounding audio system that eliminates the need for a separate amplifier and streamer. They are the perfect all-in-one solution for the discerning music lover in the digital age. For anyone looking to seriously upgrade their home audio without diving into the complex world of separate components, the Edifier S1000W receives our highest recommendation.
If you’ve decided the Edifier S1000W Active Bookshelf Speakers 120W is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API