Edifier S880DB MKII 2.0 Active Hi-Fi Speakers (Dark Wood / Walnut) Review

Edifier’s compact bookshelf speakers have long been a favourite among listeners who want genuine Hi‑Fi performance without the size or cost of traditional systems. The original S880DB earned a reputation for delivering clarity and detail in a small footprint, but it also had limitations that held it back from true audiophile territory. The S880DB MKII addresses those weaknesses directly, introducing a larger titanium tweeter, a redesigned mid‑bass driver, a significantly upgraded DSP chain, and a more refined presentation. The walnut finish adds a premium, furniture‑grade aesthetic, while LDAC support and a rechargeable remote bring modern convenience to a classic form factor. Cubed3 takes a look at the S880DB MKII as a complete package, assessing its near‑field precision, room‑filling capability, lifestyle appeal, and generational improvements over the original model.

Design, Build and Walnut Finish

The S880DB MKII presents itself as a compact, premium bookshelf speaker with a design that blends modern engineering with classic Hi‑Fi styling. The walnut finish is the centrepiece of the aesthetic, giving the speakers a warm, natural presence that suits desks, shelves, and living rooms equally well. The finish varies slightly between units, which is typical of real‑wood veneers, although the overall impression is consistently refined. The black baffle and top plate contrast neatly with the walnut sides, creating a balanced visual identity that feels more expensive than the speaker’s price suggests.

The build quality is solid throughout. The cabinets feel dense and well‑constructed, with minimal resonance when tapped. The drivers are mounted cleanly, and the MKII’s slightly larger tweeter gives the front panel a more confident look. The OLED display is small but functional, providing clear feedback on input selection and volume. It dims automatically to avoid distraction, but can be difficult to read from a distance. The rechargeable remote is a welcome upgrade over the original model, offering convenient control without disposable batteries. It is responsive enough for everyday use, yet sometimes there may be a slight delay when switching inputs or adjusting volume.

The compact footprint makes the MKII suitable for desks and small rooms. At just over 6kg for the pair, the speakers are easy to position, yet the speaker‑to‑speaker cable limits placement flexibility. The cable is high quality, and it’s a shame it isn’t slightly longer as it would have made the speakers more adaptable to wider setups.

Driver Configuration and Acoustic Engineering

The MKII’s most significant upgrades lie in its acoustic architecture. The tweeter has been increased from 1-inch to 1.25-inches, with a larger 25mm voice coil replacing the original 19mm design. This change gives the tweeter greater control over high‑frequency reproduction, allowing it to reach up to 40kHz with improved stability and reduced distortion. The titanium diaphragm delivers a crisp, articulate treble that feels more refined than the original S880DB, with better extension and a more open presentation.

The mid‑bass driver has also been redesigned. The 3.75-inch aluminium cone offers improved stiffness and a longer throw, allowing the MKII to reach down to 50Hz with more authority than its predecessor. The bass is tight and controlled rather than exaggerated, which suits both near‑field listening and small‑room Hi‑Fi setups. The MKII does not attempt to compete with larger bookshelf speakers in low‑end weight, although it delivers impressive punch and clarity for its size. Users who want deeper bass for films or electronic music can take advantage of the subwoofer output, which integrates cleanly with external subs. The overall frequency response of 50Hz to 40kHz gives the MKII genuine Hi‑Res capability, and the drivers work together to produce a balanced, coherent sound. The mid-range is particularly strong, offering clear vocal reproduction and accurate instrument timbre. The MKII’s tuning feels more neutral and more mature than the original S880DB, with less emphasis on warmth and more focus on transparency.

DSP Chain and Digital Processing

The MKII’s internal digital architecture is one of its standout features. The XMOS XU216 processor provides a full 24-bit, 192kHz digital signal path with 2,000 MIPS of processing power. This is a substantial upgrade over the original model and places the MKII among the most advanced compact speakers in its class. The ADC, DSP, DIX, and DAC stages all support high‑resolution audio, with the DAC capable of 32-bit, 384kHz output. This digital chain gives the MKII exceptional clarity and control. The DSP manages crossover behaviour, driver integration, and frequency shaping with precision, resulting in a sound that feels clean and well‑defined. Some listeners may detect a slight digital sheen in the presentation, particularly when compared to pure analogue speakers, yet this is subtle and does not detract from the overall quality. The DSP contributes to the MKII’s sense of detail and separation, making it particularly effective for near‑field listening where precision matters.

The MKII is Hi‑Res Audio certified for both wired and wireless playback. Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC support allows high‑resolution streaming up to 24-bit, 96kHz on compatible Android devices. LDAC performance is strong overall, yet occasional dropouts may occur on older phones or in congested wireless environments. Switching between inputs can take a moment, although the MKII handles transitions smoothly once connected.

Connectivity and Everyday Use

Edifier’s MKII offers a wide range of inputs, making it suitable for multiple devices and listening scenarios. USB‑C provides a clean digital connection for computers, while optical and coaxial inputs support televisions, consoles and media players. Dual RCA and 3.5mm inputs allow analogue sources such as turntables with built‑in preamps. The subwoofer output adds flexibility for users who want deeper bass without replacing the speakers.

The rechargeable remote is convenient, but can be slightly laggy at times. It allows quick switching between inputs, volume adjustment, and playback control. The physical knobs on the active speaker provide direct control over volume, bass and treble, which is useful for fine‑tuning the sound without relying on software. The Edifier ConneX app offers additional control options, yet feels more like a supplementary tool than an essential part of the experience.

In daily use, the MKII behaves like a versatile, modern Hi‑Fi system. It works well as a desktop near‑field monitor, offering precise imaging and clear detail at close range. It also performs strongly as a compact bookshelf speaker, filling small rooms with balanced, articulate sound. The walnut finish and compact size make it suitable for living rooms, bedrooms and offices, while the connectivity options allow seamless integration with a wide range of devices.

Sound Quality and Performance

The MKII’s sound signature is one of clarity, balance, and refinement. The treble is crisp and extended, offering excellent detail without becoming harsh. In very close near‑field setups, the treble can feel slightly forward, although adjusting placement resolves this easily. The mid-range is one of the MKII’s strongest qualities, delivering natural vocals and accurate instrument reproduction. The bass is tight and controlled, with enough weight to give music presence without overwhelming the mids. The soundstage is surprisingly large for such compact speakers. The MKII creates a sense of width and depth that feels more like a traditional bookshelf speaker than a near‑field monitor. Imaging is precise, with instruments and vocals placed clearly within the stereo field. The MKII is revealing enough to expose poor recordings, which may be a consideration for users who prefer a warmer, more forgiving sound.

Overall, the MKII from Edifier delivers a polished, high‑resolution listening experience that suits both critical listening and casual enjoyment. It feels like a genuine upgrade over the original S880DB, offering better clarity, better bass control, better treble extension, and a more refined presentation.

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