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.
Shop these items now:
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.
David Snow, an expert on Apple hardware and software, writes on a variety of technological and cultural topics for Cult of Mac. They include Apple news, technology buying guides, and features about computer setups and Apple TV shows and movies.
With 30 years of experience covering technology and other subjects, he has written and edited for numerous print and online publications, including CMP Media, TechTV.com, CNET, Wired News, Red Herring magazine, Law.com, The National Law Journal and Law Technology News magazine. Among other roles, he served as executive editor of the Law.com network of websites and editorial director, technology, for ALM Media.
Snow graduated with a B.A. from Syracuse University with majors in magazine journalism and psychology. While there, he worked as a reporter for The Daily Orange newspaper and associate editor of Equal Time magazine.
Founder of the blog At the Waterline, he can be reached on X (formerly Twitter) via @atthewaterline and on Mastodon via @dsnow.
