If you don’t have big bucks to spend on high-end, audiophile-worthy speakers and headphones to use in your computer setup, you can’t really go wrong with uber-affordable Edifier audio gear. Today’s featured M2 MacBook Pro setup — an exotic entry from Nepal, no less — keeps the tunes flowing through a nice set of Edifier bookshelf speakers and a comfortable pair of over-ear noise-canceling headphones. They simply get the job done well — without breaking the bank.
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MacBook Pro user loves Edifier audio gear
These 4-inch near field-monitor speakers offer optical and coaxial inputs, 42 watts per each wood-framed speaker and Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connectivity.
- Lossless connectivity
- Subwoofer output
- Side panel controls
- Bluetooth 5.0 (not the latest)
Redditor SammyTuladhar showcased the neat-as-a-pin setup in a post entitled, “Macbook Pro M2 with Benq PD3225u setup – Mainly for photo editing.” He runs an M2 Pro MacBook Pro in clamshell mode (closed) on a stand with a 32-inch BenQ 4K display that he makes the most of using specialized software. Last week I discussed the BenQ display, made for Mac designers with Thunderbolt 3 ports and color calibration. And I mentioned the fact that several commenters wrongly thought the whole setup was AI-generated, but only the wallpaper on the display is. This week I’ll focus on the affordable and excellent Edifier audio gear — bookshelf speakers and noise-canceling headphones.
Edifier audio gear: Bookshelf speakers and noise-canceling headphones
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
Edifier R1280DBS Active Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
These bookshelf speakers, shown at the top of this page, are well-regarded. They’re well-reviewed and boast a 4.6-star rating on Amazon on more than 3,700 reviews. They can really jack up audio in a setup compared to speakers you might have in a laptop or monitor. And they go for just $160 — an affordable investment in high-quality sound.
- 42 watts of continuous undistorted power per speaker.
- Each speaker includes a 13mm silk dome tweeter unit and a 4-inch sub-woofer unit.
- Soundfield Spatializer enhances audio.
- Pair speakers wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.0 with smartphone, tablet, Mac or laptop to play music.
- Subwoofer output with automatic detection and built-in crossover. Optical and coaxial inputs ensure a lossless connection to TVs and computers.
- Wireless remote for easy control of volume, mute/unmute, switch to OPT/COAX mode, line-in and Bluetooth modes. Bass, treble, and volume control located on the side panel.
- Side panel knobs on the active/powered speaker adjust the EQ to your liking.
Edifier WH950NB over-ear headphones
This pair of solid over-ear cans brings plenty of quality at a low price. I have a set in my stable of headphones, and they compete favorably with good ANC headphone offerings from Soundcore and EarFun. And they go for just $120, a far cry from various $250 to $300 headphones that may only be a smidge better.
- Hi-Res Audio wireless with LDAC certification gives you a wide range of audio details and clarity.
- Active Noise Cancellation with Ambient Sound: Two active noise cancellation modes let users could choose ambient sound or wind reduction.
- Clear voice calls from 4 built-in microphones integrated with the audio signal processor to direct your voice.
- 40mm dynamic composite titanium film drivers deliver natural and balanced exceptional sound.
- 55 hours playtime with fast charging and up to 34 hours of playback time with ANC on. Charge of 10 minutes allows 7 hours of listening.
- 1-year warranty
Logitech input devices, Wacom drawing tablet
Photo: SammyTuladhar-Reddit.com
As far as input devices go, Sammy uses somewhat-unusual Logitech entries. Rather than the ubiquitous MX Master 3S mouse seen in so many setups, he grips an ergonomic Logitech MX Vertical wireless mouse. And he uses a Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s wireless keyboard, which he said “works perfectly with Macs.”
And rather than rocking an iPad, Sammy uses a Wacom drawing tablet with Bluetooth or wired connectivity. But he doesn’t seem all that delighted with it. He finds the Bluetooth “laggy” so he mostly uses it with a cable.
And the setup’s desk mat looks cool, doesn’t it? “It’s one of these,” Sammy noted.
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These solid over-ear cans feature Bluetooth 5.3 wireless connectivity, LDAC Hi-Res Audio, 55 hours of playtime (without noise cancellation), Google Fast Pairing for Android, dual device connection and app control.
- Stable connection with Bluetooth 5.3
- Good audio quality for music and calls
- App control
- Apple users don't benefit from LDAC codec
Audio including Edifier audio gear:
- Edifier R1280DBS Active Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
- Edifier WH950NB over-ear noise canceling headphones
- Headphone stand
Computer and stand:
Display:
Input device:
If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to [email protected] (iPhone pics usually work fine). Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches, challenges and plans for new additions.
