Introduction
Before buying acoustics, many people cannot decide on the choice of a stereo system format. As you know, there are a lot of them: 2.0, 2.1, 3.1, 4.1, 5.1, 6.1, 7.1, etc. In fact, the differences between the types of sets presented are in the presence of a subwoofer and the number of satellites. All of these types of stereos have a different structure, they perform different functions, so there is no point in comparing them with each other. But despite this, most buyers opt for a 2.1 type speaker system. This is quite understandable, because thanks to the subwoofer, the stereo system will be able to densely and richly reproduce the bass parts. Even a good 2.0 system (like the Edifier R2000T) can rarely match the bass output of a subwoofer. As for the satellites, they are designed to reproduce only mid and high frequencies. The distribution of frequency bands between the subwoofer and the satellites creates harmony and consistency in the sound. Today we are going to talk about the type 2.1 Edifier C2 stereo system.
Specifications
Edifier C2 is a 2.1 speaker system that consists of a subwoofer, two satellites and an external amplifier. I must say right away that the power of the stereo system is not very high, together with the amplifier it is 34 watts. For comparison, we can offer Genius SW G 2.1 3000 Black, which has almost twice the power output. If we consider the satellites separately, then the power of one speaker is 8 watts. The frequency range is 48-20000 Hz. To be honest, it's strange to see a starting frequency of 48 Hz, because with a subwoofer, the frequency range usually starts around 20 Hz, for example, like in the Hardity SP-340.
But let's not jump to conclusions, because testing will show what the Edifier C2 is capable of. The subwoofer has a power of 18 watts. This is not a very high figure, but if the stereo system is used in a small room, then this power will be enough. You should also consider an equally important parameter - the signal-to-noise ratio. It cannot be ignored, since this ratio shows how high-quality and clear sound will be reproduced by the speaker system. In Edifier C2, the ratio is 85 dB. The harmonic distortion percentage is 0.5%, which is quite acceptable.
Subjective listening
As practice shows, the sound capabilities of a stereo system do not always coincide with the technical characteristics presented by the manufacturer. It happens that a speaker system performs better than the developers rated it. And some models of well-known companies do not even deserve to be called acoustic systems. No such inconsistencies were noticed for Edifier. This manufacturer never exaggerates the capabilities of its equipment, and therefore buyers are always satisfied with the purchase they have purchased. But despite the credibility of this firm, we still have to test the Edifier C2.
Before evaluating the sound of a stereo system, we will test how deeply the bass and treble levels are adjusted. Let's start with the most interesting thing - check the subwoofer volume control range.
In the image we see 2 graphs. The black line is the subwoofer's zero volume and the red line is the maximum level. Having considered the presented figures, we see that the depth of the bass boost is about 7 dB. This is far from an ideal result, but quite acceptable for the acoustics of this price category.
Now let's test the satellites. In them, we will check the depth of the treble adjustment.
Unlike the previous experiment, now we will measure the adjustment range for both up and down. Therefore, we see three graphs in the picture.Red line - the treble control is set to maximum. Black line - treble control is in neutral position. Blue line - treble knob set to low. By raising the level, we can get a maximum of +10 dB. If we lower the level, then the treble knob changes the level by 12.5 dB. As you can see, the treble control is more sensitive to lower the level. This difference is not very significant, but it is present. Generally speaking, we can manipulate the high frequencies in the 32 dB range, which is quite good.
And now we will analyze the frequency response graph of the satellites.
Since the frequency range of the satellites is 200-18000 Hz, we will start analyzing the graph from a value of 200 Hz. In general, the graph does not look very attractive. The level of the high frequency band is greatly omitted. Therefore, to compensate for the level, you need to increase the high frequencies by about 8.5 dB. But the lowered high frequencies are only half the problem. At least it can be fixed. But the cliffs that are formed in the region of 1.2 Hz and 8-9 Hz can negatively affect the sound quality. This can especially affect the sound of vocals and percussion.
If you evaluate the sound quality by ear, then it is pretty good. With the treble control, it is advisable to immediately increase the level of high frequencies by 8.5-9 dB. This makes the sound clearer and more transparent. As for the depressions that we observed on the graph, they are not felt when listening. Despite all the misgivings, vocals and percussion sound pretty natural.
We listened to compositions of different styles on Edifier C2. When playing classical music, violins, pianos and wind instruments sound quite rich. But it is rather difficult for a subwoofer to reproduce the sounds of a double bass. The bass comes out too artificial and unrealistic. Seemingly unnatural bass reproduction is perfect for listening to electronic music. But it was not there, because the subwoofer simply does not keep up with the fast bass part. Therefore, the bass sounds with various defects. Although when listening to rock or hip-hop songs, the subwoofer does give out pretty good bass.
If we talk about the soundtrack of films, then the situation is not bad here. Edifier C2 perfectly reproduces sound in dynamic and epic scenes. Of course, it should not be denied that the sound volume is a little lacking. But this is not surprising, because if Edifier C2 was created for home theaters, it would have at least 5 satellites.
When dubbing games, the presented stereo system proved to be very worthy. If you choose acoustics for such a purpose, then you can stop at the Edifier C2.
Connection and management
Edifier C2 has a special feature - an external amplifier. It is through it that the stereo system is connected. But do not be afraid of this, because there is nothing complicated in the process of connecting Edifier C2. Consider the rear panel of the amplifier block.
So what do we have. At the top there are a pair of connectors for connecting a sound source. Below from the stereo inputs, you can find the line-level AUX input. It exists in order to use an MP3 player, telephone, etc. as a sound source. Closer to the middle, we see three entrances. With their help, a subwoofer and a pair of satellites are connected to the amplifier. Finding the right input is very simple: the right satellite plugs into the red connector, which is marked with the letter "R" (Right). The left satellite is connected in the same way, into the white connector, which is labeled with the letter "L" (Left). The subwoofer cable connects to the yellow input. It is abbreviated as "SW". The mains cable is built into the amplifier unit. There is a headphone jack on the front surface.
As far as control is concerned, the developers have given the user a choice. You can adjust the sound parameters using the external amplifier unit or the remote control. First of all, consider the control panel on an external amplifier.
After turning on the onoff button, the amplifier is in standby mode. To switch the amplifier to the operating mode, use the switch "operating mode standby", which is located at the top of the control panel. When working with Edifier C2, the user has the ability to adjust three parameters: the overall volume level, the subwoofer volume, and the treble volume level. Regulation is carried out with the volume knob. It is very convenient to use it, since it has no limiting position. It can be twisted "endlessly" in different directions. Thus, when changing a parameter, it is not necessary to return the regulator to its original position. To change the parameter, you need to press the "Function" button. For convenience, the developers have equipped the control panel with special indicators that display the current level of the active parameter. The AUX button allows you to change the audio source (PCAUX).
Now let's look at the remote control. It performs the same functions as the control panel. But control using the remote control is carried out in a slightly different way.
On the right there is a button for switching modes Power on / stand-by button, on the left - a button "Mute". The functions of these buttons are well known to everyone, so we will not dwell on them. Looking a little below, we can see 2 pairs of buttons for changing the master volume level. Unlike the control panel, the remote control has buttons for adjusting each parameter. As we can see, the level of high frequencies and the volume of the subwoofer are increased and decreased by separate buttons. This makes working with the stereo system more convenient.
Enclosure, speakers amplifier
Edifier C2 is made of MDF material. The wooden walls are 9mm thick. In the manufacture of speakers, plates are most often used, the thickness of which is 12 mm. This makes the case durable and reliable. In this case, the walls are slightly thinner. But when listening, we made sure that this does not affect the sound in any way. The mid-range speaker is normally screwed to the front wooden wall. The woofer is made of paper and is magnetically shielded.
At first glance, fastening twitter does not inspire confidence. It is glued to a plastic acoustic mesh panel. To be honest, this method of fixing is not very reliable. The speaker should be fixed to a wooden base with self-tapping screws. Sometimes you can use glue to fix the tweeter, but only if the speaker is attached to a wooden wall.
As you know, a subwoofer emits more vibrations than small satellites. Therefore, its body should be more massive. But in the Edifier C2 subwoofer, all walls are 9 mm thick. And only the front wall consists of two slabs, which adds up to a thickness of 21 mm. This is not surprising, since the woofer is 8 inches in diameter, and its power is quite high. Therefore, it needs a secure fixation. The bass reflex is located on the right side, this must be taken into account when installing the subwoofer.
The amplifier block consists of an amplifier, a transformer and three microcircuits.
The amplifier has a power of 13 watts. It is assembled very efficiently and conscientiously. The power of the transformer is 39 VA. The amplifier unit has a built-in radiator to cool the parts.
The satellites are quite compact. They can be placed on the desktop without any problems. The dimensions of the speakers are equal: 90x181x137 mm. The amplifier also has small dimensions: 72x223x213 mm. It can be placed in any convenient place. As for the subwoofer, it is worth noting that more space will need to be allocated for it. Most often, users prefer to install it on the floor. The dimensions of the subwoofer are 246x252x271 mm. The weight of the set is 9.2 kg.
Appearance
Edifier C2 is made in a classic style. All components of the kit are in harmony with each other.
The satellites are completely covered with an acoustic mesh made of dense fabric. It covers almost the entire front surface of the satellite and leaves only the tweeter in sight.This design gives the speakers a certain minimalism and originality. Usually, developers try to highlight a more massive speaker - a woofer. But the designers of Edifier C2 did just the opposite.
The subwoofer is cubic in shape. Its acoustic grid is different from the satellite one. It is made of metal and does not completely cover the front surface of the subwoofer housing, but only the speaker. The grid is structured so that the woofer can be clearly seen through it. This is a very smart decision, because the powerful 8-inch speaker looks very impressive.
The body of the amplifier is made in gray shades. The front surface has a silver edging. The knob and buttons are also silver. The amplifier block looks very elegant when it is in an upright position next to the speakers. In general, the appearance of Edifier C2 can be called elegant and serious. Compared to the Defender Avante X55, the presented model has a more noble and aristocratic appearance.
As for the color of the speakers and the subwoofer, the buyer has the opportunity to choose it depending on his taste. Edifier C2 is available in three colors: black, beige and silver. This makes the design of the stereo system versatile.
The kit includes
Satellites - 2 pcs.
Subwoofer - 1 pc.
External amplifier - 1 pc.
Remote control with battery - 1 pc.
Audio source cable (RCA mini Jack) -1 pc.
Manual.
conclusions
The Edifier C2 is an excellent type 2.1 speaker system. All the technical properties presented by the manufacturer were justified during subjective testing. This indicates that Edifier treats customers with respect and provides truthful information about its products. Some flaws were noticed when listening. The subwoofer is unable to reproduce complex and fast bass lines. In addition, the high frequencies are slightly understated. Therefore, when using a stereo system, they must be manually corrected. The speakers of the Edifier C2 kit have a very high quality assembly. The woofer is fixed to a wooden base, but the tweeter is glued to a plastic panel, which casts doubt on the reliability of this speaker. The speaker system has a very attractive design. The presence of several color modifications allows you to choose a set in accordance with the interior of the room. Of course, Edifier C2 has some drawbacks, but the manufacturer does not hide them. The developers are confident that the buyer must know all the information about the purchased product. Now you know all the advantages and disadvantages of Edifier C2. Whether to purchase this acoustics or not is up to you. But it is worth saying that Edifier C2 fully justifies its cost!
