Edifier QR65 Desktop Speakers — 70W Hi-Res with LDAC
Our take: compact, punchy near-field monitors with LDAC hi-res, dual 65W USB-C charging, app-controlled lights, and included tilt stands.
- 70W Class-D power with 1.25″ silk-dome + 2.75″ long-throw drivers
- Bluetooth 5.3 (LDAC 24-bit/96 kHz) plus USB digital & RCA line-in
- Dual 65W USB-C charging, ConneX app EQ & 16M light effects, sub-out
- Power
- 70W RMS total
- Wireless
- BT 5.3 + LDAC
- Inputs
- USB-A & RCA
- Drivers
- 1.25″ + 2.75″
The Edifier QR65 are the rare desktop speakers that tick both the “serious audio” and “seriously convenient” boxes. They’re compact two-way active monitors built for near-field listening at a desk, yet they don’t behave like typical computer speakers. Inside each cabinet you’ll find a 1.25-inch silk-dome tweeter mated to a 2.75-inch long-throw aluminum mid-bass driver, powered by Class-D amplification and tuned with a genuine two-way active crossover. Translation: clarity, dynamics, and control that sounds far bigger than the cabinets look.
Edifier layered in modern quality-of-life features that make the QR65 unusually practical day to day. Wireless listening supports Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC for high-resolution streaming up to 24-bit/96 kHz. Prefer wires? There’s a high-res USB digital input and an analog RCA line-in. A subwoofer output invites you to add low-end muscle later. And because this is meant for the desk, each speaker includes an aluminum stand angled 10° to fire straight at your ears, plus dual USB-C fast-charging (TurboGaN) ports that can top up phones and laptops at up to 65 W per port.
Styling is unapologetically modern. The baffle’s “light ribbon” effect (customizable in the Edifier ConneX app) gives the speakers a visual identity you can either showcase or dial down. Launched in the current generation of Edifier’s designer desktop line, the QR65 sit above commodity computer speakers and below large bookshelf monitors—squarely in the enthusiast sweet spot where fidelity and everyday usability meet.
Is the Edifier QR65 for you?
The QR65 solve a classic desk-audio problem: how to enjoy clear, full-bodied sound without devoting half your workspace to speakers or juggling separate DACs and amps. They’re purpose-built for the near-field “triangle” at a desk, so you can work, watch, and listen at realistic levels with impressive detail and imaging.
They’re for listeners who want a step up from plastic satellite sets or soundbars: music fans who stream lossless libraries, creators who edit audio/video and need honest midrange, and desk-bound professionals who want hi-fi sound with minimal fuss. They’re also for Android/Sony users who can leverage LDAC’s higher wireless bitrates; iPhone owners will still get excellent AAC Bluetooth, but won’t tap LDAC’s ceiling.
They’re not for bass maximalists who expect couch-shaking sub-bass from two small cabinets, or for users who dislike any lighting on electronics (you can dim/disable the effects, but the aesthetic skews modern). They’re also not the obvious pick if you sit far away—these shine within arm’s length to a couple meters. In terms of budget, the QR65 live in the mid-to-premium bracket for desktop speakers: you’re paying for real drivers, real power, and real convenience rather than a bargain-bin price tag. As for approachability, they’re absolutely beginner-friendly—plug in, pair, pick a preset—and they’ll scale with you if you add a sub or explore app-based tuning.
What We Like About the Edifier QR65
First and foremost: the sound. The 1.25″ silk-dome tweeters are fast and clean without turning brittle; cymbals and strings carry air and sparkle, while vocal sibilance stays in check. The long-throw 2.75″ mid-bass drivers punch above their size, producing a surprisingly authoritative low-mid foundation that makes kick drums and bass guitars feel taut rather than boomy. Edifier’s active crossover and Class-D amplification keep the drivers in their lane—transients hit with snap, and busy mixes hold together instead of smearing.
Imaging is excellent in the near field. Sit at a typical workstation distance and the speakers “disappear,” projecting a stable phantom center and convincing stage width. That makes long editing sessions less fatiguing and movies more immersive than you’d expect from boxes this small. The supplied aluminum stands aren’t an afterthought; by tilting the speakers 10° to ear height and reducing desk reflections, they audibly sharpen focus and midrange presence.
Convenience is the other headline. Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC means you can stream true hi-res wirelessly from compatible devices, yet you’re not boxed into wireless: the USB digital input supports up to 24-bit/96 kHz, while the RCA line-in plays nice with turntables (via phono pre), game consoles, or older sources. The subwoofer output is a smart safety valve—if you ever crave deeper extension, adding a compact sub is painless.
Daily life perks make a bigger difference than you’d think. Dual TurboGaN USB-C ports are basically a built-in fast charger for your phone, tablet, or even many laptops; fewer wall-warts, fewer cables, cleaner desk. The ConneX app lets you switch inputs, tweak EQ, and program lighting quickly, and the lighting itself can be subtle or celebratory depending on mood. Build quality also impresses: dense cabinets, tidy seams, and smooth side-panel controls communicate that this is a long-term desk companion rather than disposable gear.
What We Don’t Like About the Edifier QR65
No small speaker can cheat physics. The QR65 dig respectably low for their size (think confident mid-bass, not sub-bass), but if your playlists live on EDM drops or organ pedal notes you will want a sub. That’s not a flaw so much as a reality check—and the presence of a sub-out acknowledges it.
While the USB digital input is welcome, its physical implementation leans unconventional for some setups, and there’s no traditional IR remote in the box. In practice you’ll control volume via your computer/phone, the side-panel knobs, or the ConneX app. I never missed a clicker at a desk, but couch listeners might. Speaking of the app, its EQ options are handy yet fairly light compared with full-fledged room-correction suites; power users will wish for deeper parametric control.
Wireless latency is perfectly fine for streaming and casual gaming, but if you’re sensitive to lip-sync or you edit video, wired USB remains the safest path. Finally, the light ribbon design is polarizing. I like it (and you can dim/disable it), yet minimalists might prefer a stealthier façade. None of these are deal-breakers in the intended use case, but they’re useful context if you’re choosing once and living with the speakers every day.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Clear, lively sound with honest mids and crisp yet smooth treble | Sub-bass extension limited by size; best with optional sub |
| Surprising punch and dynamics for compact cabinets | No traditional IR remote; rely on app/side panel |
| Excellent near-field imaging; included stands improve focus | Wireless latency not ideal for twitch gaming/video editing |
| Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC plus USB digital and RCA analog inputs | Lighting aesthetic isn’t for everyone (can be disabled) |
| Subwoofer output for easy future upgrade | App EQ is useful but not deep-dive parametric |
| Dual 65 W TurboGaN USB-C charging cleans up desk clutter | Wired digital input form factor may not be every setup’s favorite |
| Solid build, refined controls, two-year warranty |
What’s Included?
- Pair of Edifier QR65 active desktop speakers
- Two aluminum desk stands with 10° tilt
- AC power cable/adapter
- USB cable for digital audio (region-dependent)
- Analog audio cable (RCA or 3.5 mm-to-RCA, region-dependent)
- Quick-start guide & safety information
- Warranty documentation (two-year coverage)
Packaging & contents impression: Nothing felt like filler. The stands are real, not flimsy plastic risers, and they noticeably improve both ergonomics and sound. I would have loved a universally useful cable set (for example, both USB and 3.5 mm-to-RCA in every box) so first-time buyers never have to rummage for a cable, but the essentials are present. The lack of a handheld remote is a conscious design call; at a desk, I found the side dials and app quicker than hunting for another gadget.
Technical Specifications
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| System type | 2-way active desktop monitor (near-field) |
| Drivers | 1.25″ silk-dome tweeter (neodymium magnet); 2.75″ long-throw aluminum diaphragm mid-low driver |
| Amplification | Class-D (TI chips), active crossover |
| Rated output | 70 W RMS (total) |
| Frequency handling | Extends confidently through mid-bass; designed for near-field response down to ~55 Hz before roll-off |
| Wireless | Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC (up to 24-bit/96 kHz, ~990 kbps on supported devices) |
| Wired inputs | USB digital (hi-res up to 24-bit/96 kHz), RCA line-in |
| Output | Subwoofer out (mono) |
| App | Edifier ConneX (input selection, EQ presets/custom, lighting control) |
| Lighting | “TempoAbyss” light effects; 16+ million colors, multiple presets, on/off/dim |
| Included stands | Aluminum, ~10° upward tilt; reduces desk reflections |
| Charging | Dual USB-C TurboGaN fast-charging ports, up to 65 W each (device-dependent protocols) |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Features
- 70 W RMS total system power for strong near-field dynamics
- 1.25″ silk-dome tweeters for airy, non-fatiguing treble
- 2.75″ long-throw aluminum mid-bass drivers for tight, punchy low-end
- Two-way active crossover & Class-D amps for cleaner driver control
- Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC for wireless hi-res up to 24-bit/96 kHz
- USB digital & RCA analog inputs to suit modern and legacy sources
- Subwoofer output to extend low-end with an external sub later
- Dual USB-C TurboGaN fast-charging (up to 65 W per port) for phones/laptops
- Edifier ConneX app with EQ, input switching, and lighting customization
- “TempoAbyss” lighting with 16M+ color possibilities; dimmable and switchable
- Aluminum 10° stands included to angle tweeters to ear height and reduce desk reflections
- Solid, compact cabinets that fit cleanly under monitors or on shelves
- Two-year warranty for peace of mind
Feature verdict: The QR65 read like a wish list for desk listening in 2025. The audio foundation—proper two-way drivers with real power—anchors the design, while the usability layer (LDAC, USB, fast-charging, app, stands) removes friction you feel every single day. I especially appreciate the sub-out, which future-proofs the system if your room or tastes evolve. The only “nice to have” would be deeper app EQ and, for some people, a handheld remote; neither changes the core value proposition.
Real-World Listening Notes
Desk setup & positioning. I placed the QR65 on their supplied stands about 80 cm apart, tweeters roughly ear-level and angled slightly inward to meet about 30 cm behind my head. That produced the most coherent center image and let the mid-bass breathe without over-energizing the desk surface. A quick experiment with and without the stands confirmed how much they help; with the stands removed the mids lost some bite, and snare drums softened.
Tonal balance. Out of the box the QR65 walk a neutral-with-a-wink line: bass is disciplined and quick, mids are open and intelligible, treble is smooth but vivid. On well-recorded pop and acoustic tracks, vocals sit forward without nasal edge; on complex orchestral passages, strings retain sheen without turning sandy. These are the sort of speakers you can listen to for eight hours of work and then keep listening for fun.
Dynamics & scale. A common small-speaker sin is collapsing dynamics at modest volume. The QR65 avoid that. On modern R&B and rock they convey drum impact and bass lines with satisfying punch at sane desk levels, and they scale cleanly for a brief after-hours jam without sounding strained. They won’t replace floorstanders, but they also won’t fold when you nudge the volume for a Friday afternoon pick-me-up.
Imaging & detail. Near-field listening is where these shine. Panned guitars occupy discrete pockets; room reverb cues are easy to follow; hard-panned percussion no longer sounds “stuck to the box.” That’s the magic of a controlled crossover and consistent off-axis response at close distance.
Wireless vs wired. With an LDAC-capable Android device, wireless streams sound wonderfully close to wired USB—open top end, intact micro-detail, and minimal “Bluetooth glaze.” On iPhone (AAC), quality is still excellent but not quite as airy; for lossless libraries and editing I defaulted to the USB input. Gaming over Bluetooth worked fine for casual single-player titles, but when I jumped into rhythm games and cut tight video edits, I switched to USB to eliminate perceivable latency.
EQ & lighting. The ConneX app’s “Music/Movie/Game” presets are well judged; “Music” was my daily driver, with a slight custom tweak adding 1–2 dB around the lower mids for old indie records. Lighting is sillier in theory than in practice—I settled on a single-color low-brightness glow that simply made the desk feel intentional. And for focus sessions, a tap in the app turns lighting off entirely.
With a subwoofer. Plugging in a compact 8-inch sub crossed at ~80 Hz transforms the system from “shockingly capable mini monitors” into “why would I ever buy a soundbar?” territory. The QR65 hand off to a sub cleanly, maintaining their strengths while granting movie night the slam it deserves. It’s great that you don’t need a sub; it’s better that you can add one seamlessly.
Workflow & Everyday Convenience
The QR65 feel designed by people who actually sit at desks. Those dual USB-C TurboGaN charging ports become addictive—my phone lives on a short USB-C cable that now hides behind a speaker, and I retired a bulky laptop brick because the speaker kept my ultraportable topped up between meetings. Fewer cables, fewer decisions.
The right-speaker side panel puts volume, input, and lighting controls under your fingers without standing up. The app lets you hand the reins to your phone if the speakers sit just out of reach. And the tilt stands aim the tweeters exactly where they should be, so you’re optimizing acoustics without buying third-party risers or stacking books.
Where They Fit in the Landscape
Edifier has a history of making approachable desktop speakers that punch above their price—these are that ethos with a premium twist. Compared with basic powered speakers, the QR65 deliver cleaner drivers, a more serious crossover, hi-res wireless, and the convenience trifecta of app, stands, and fast-charging.
Compared with large bookshelf monitors, they’re easier to live with at a desk and don’t demand a separate DAC/amp. They’re not the cheapest path to “sound comes out,” but they are one of the most complete desk-audio packages you can buy right now without building a system piece by piece.
Setup Tips (to get the best from them)
- Use the stands and keep the front baffle a few centimeters off the desk to reduce early reflections.
- Form a near-field triangle: speakers as far apart as they are from your ears; toe-in until the phantom center locks.
- Start wired for critical work. Use the USB input for editing, rhythm gaming, or when you want guaranteed lip-sync.
- Experiment with EQ sparingly. The stock tuning is balanced; small, broad adjustments work better than heavy boosts.
- Consider a compact sub if you regularly watch movies or listen to bass-centric genres; the sub-out is there for a reason.
- Tame the lighting to taste; a subdued single color at low brightness keeps focus while preserving the design flair.
Final Breakdown
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Edifier QR65 Desktop Active Monitor with 2.75″ Long-Throw Aluminum Diaphragm mid-Low Drivers, Hi-Res… |
$369.99 |
View on Amazon |
9.2 / 10
Edifier built the QR65 for the way we actually use desks in 2025: part studio, part cinema, part charging station. They sound genuinely hi-fi for their size, with crisp treble, articulate mids, and a tight, punchy low-end that stays musical instead of becoming mushy. Imaging in the near field is excellent, and the included stands are a real acoustic upgrade, not window dressing.
Around that audio core, Edifier added features that remove friction instead of adding complexity. LDAC for easy hi-res streaming. USB and RCA for flexibility. A sub-out for future growth. Dual 65 W USB-C charging that quietly simplifies your workspace. Lighting you can show off or shut off. The few compromises—no handheld remote, app EQ that’s good not pro-grade, physics-limited deep bass—are reasonable in context and easy to work around.
If you want a single purchase that elevates music, movies, and daily workflow without the clutter of separates, the QR65 are an unequivocal recommendation. Treat them right in the near field, and they’ll repay you with clear, confident sound and the kind of convenience that makes you smile every time you sit down.
