Edifier R1855DB Active Bookshelf Speakers — 2.0 Powered Monitors

Reviews

1. R Ross 5/5

   Punches Above Its Size: Detail and Imaging That Surprise

   I have several high-end systems around the house and didn’t expect much from these compact actives — but they changed my mind. Hooked to a laptop and streamer, the speakers produced an expansive soundstage and sharp transient attack. During a quiet passage I even picked up subtle, distant ambience I hadn’t noticed before. For smaller rooms or as a desktop rig they deliver resolution and imaging that belie their size.

2. V Vine Voice 5/5

   Noticeable Upgrade from Entry Models

   Moving up from smaller Edifier models, I found these a clear step forward. They fill a mid-sized room cleanly and offer balanced sound for music, gaming and movies. The variety of connections — Bluetooth, 3.5mm and optical — makes integration easy, and the sub out lets you expand when you want more bass. Overall build and audio quality feel like a meaningful upgrade.

3. N Nikkabunni 5/5

   Compact Desktop Speakers with Lots of Inputs

   I wanted better sound than my laptop’s speakers without a huge footprint and these fit the bill. The built-in amp keeps things neat and Bluetooth is handy for phone streaming. Optical input is great for TV hookup and the range of connection options makes the pair versatile for desktop, shelf or entertainment setups. Sound has more depth than typical computer speakers.

4. K KOz 5/5

   Room-Filling Stereo, but Add a Sub for Real Low-End

   These give a satisfying, immersive stereo image without taking up much space. Mids and highs are convincing, and placed with enough separation they fill a room nicely. The limit is the lowest bass: push them for deep sub-bass and the midrange begins to lose focus. They can thump adequately for many listeners, but if you crave chest‑pounding lows a powered subwoofer is the obvious upgrade.

5. M MonsterTweak 5/5

   V-Shaped Tuning with Notable Bass Presence

   If you like a lively, V-shaped presentation, these speakers will appeal. They deliver punchy, resonant bass that can sound fuller than competitors at typical listening levels. The overall presentation works particularly well at low to medium volumes where most users operate. They’ve been reliable over time and stand out for their bass presence among similarly sized models.

6. H Harry 5/5

   Perfect If You Need a Sub-Out

   I chose these mainly for the dedicated subwoofer output and they delivered. Setup via Bluetooth and optical was painless, and the cabinets feel sturdy. Adding a sub transformed the low end into serious room‑moving bass, exactly what I wanted for a small space. The speakers stay balanced at moderate levels but can get a touch bright when pushed hard.

7. S Seth 5/5

   A Strong Entry-Level Option with Flexible Connectivity

   These are a solid value for entry-level listeners, especially for desktop or small rooms. You get RCA, optical and coaxial inputs alongside Bluetooth — I’d favour wired connections or an external DAC for higher fidelity. The included remote, rear tone controls and sub out are practical touches that let you tailor the sound and upgrade to a 2.1 system later.

8. K KB 5/5

   Converted Me to Powered Speakers

   I bought these to replace a kitchen soundbar and ended up impressed. Packaging and setup were straightforward. I tested them on a desktop with an external DAC and they surprised me with clarity and punch. I also tried them in a main listening room alongside larger equipment; with careful positioning they performed admirably. If you’re debating powered speakers, these are worth considering.

9. B B Wallace 5/5

   Loud, Lively and Visually Appealing

   I’ve tried many Edifier models and these feel like winners. They produce lively, accurate sound and enough volume to fill a large living area. You’ll want a sub to handle frequencies below about 100 Hz, but the sub-out makes that simple. They’re solidly built and heavier than they look, with a remote that works at distance. Overall they’re attractive and sonically honest.